I commend Andy Castillo for his August 7 article on good places to walk in the Valley (“Paths to Good Health.”) I was disappointed, however, that he left out something really important: the five trails he mentioned are all on conserved land, and would likely not be available to the public had that land not been purchased and cared for by land trusts and friends’ groups such as Kestrel Land Trust, the Broadbrook Coalition, the Massachusetts Audubon Society, and with the help of town CPA funds, and assistance of the Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Division. If you enjoy these trails, and all the wonderful conserved meadows, mountain ranges, farms, rivers and brooks in the Valley, please, consider making a donation to your local or regional conservation group. If you love the Valley, love your land trust!
Ann Hallstein
Easthampton