Fitchburg Trail Stewards Expand Access to Jewell Hill Trail with Community Support

A recent grant from the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts is helping expand public access to one of the region’s most valued natural spaces while advancing a long-term vision for connected outdoor recreation.

With the support of a $9,500 Environmental Preservation and Animal Welfare grant, the Fitchburg Trail Stewards completed construction of a new boardwalk along the Jewell Hill Trail, a key improvement that enhances safety, accessibility, and environmental protection. The project allows walkers to safely cross a wetland area that previously posed challenges for year-round use.

The 88-foot boardwalk spans a sensitive wetland section of the two-mile Jewell Hill Trail, creating a continuous route from Ashby West Road in Fitchburg, through the City of Fitchburg’s Northern Watershed, and onward to Jewell Hill in Ashburnham. This improvement represents the final piece needed for the City of Fitchburg to move closer to its long-standing goal of developing 35 miles of interconnected, non-motorized recreational trails.

Construction was made possible through nearly 300 hours of volunteer labor, with 19 dedicated volunteers contributing their time and expertise. Grant funding from CFNCM enabled the Fitchburg Trail Stewards to purchase the necessary materials, turning years of planning into a completed and lasting asset for the community.

The Jewell Hill Trail boardwalk exemplifies how targeted philanthropic support, combined with strong volunteer commitment, can enhance public access to natural resources, protect sensitive ecosystems, and strengthen connections between people and the places they cherish.