Educational Kiosk Installed in Reading Town Forest

The Reading Town Forest Committee and Trails Committee recently partnered with the Ipswich River Watershed Association to create an educational kiosk in the Town Forest.

The kiosk is designed to draw attention to recreational opportunities and to the natural history of the Ipswich River. The information on the kiosk also highlights the town’s role in protecting the river from over-withdrawals of drinking water. It is located at a popular spot in the Town Forest where visitors can view the Ipswich River, which forms much of the northern border of Reading.

The cooperative project was spearheaded by the Town of Reading. The kiosk was donated by the Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA), approved by the Town Forest Committee, and installed by the Trails Committee late last year.

The text and recreational map were installed this September by members of the Ipswich River Stream team, an IRWA affiliate. The opposite side of the kiosk highlights the natural history of the Town Forest and is maintained by the Town Forest Committee. This kiosk is one of eight interpretive kiosks at primary public access locations along the Ipswich River (such as boat launches and trail heads) that have been installed and updated this year by the Ipswich River Watershed Association.

The overall project was funded by the Essex National Heritage Commission with the goal of creating a network of kiosks at every public access point along the river so that visitors and residents can learn about the river and its resources. Thousands of people paddle the river during the paddling season, coming from communities inside and outside of the watershed. The river is one of the most heavily used recreational resources in the region and the kiosks will engage river users and increase understanding of this important local resource. There is a public access canoe landing in Reading is at the Lobs Pound Mill Site off Mill Street.

Find out more about the Ipswich River and the Stream Team at www.ipswichriver.org. Find out more about the Reading Town Forest Committee at www.readingma.gov/town-forest-committee and the Trails Committee at www.readingma.gov/trails-committee.