Growing up, whenever I was stressed out, my parents would preach: “Go outside!” For them, nature helps to refresh the mind and ease the stresses of the world. That’s how I grew up: nature was a reprieve. Luckily, I also grew up in a location that holds an unparalleled sense of beauty. Ipswich is a relatively rural, coastal town that offers a classic New England feel. It’s stunning. Keep reading to learn about all the beauty that Ipswich has to offer!
If you are a resident of Ipswich then you are in luck. The town is home to an abundance of many amazing places that often go under the radar to many people in our town, but we should take a deeper look into all that Ipswich has to offer. You may be surprised but according to mass.gov the Ipswich Trustees owns 16 property trails all with 4-star ratings and above. From the hilly Dunes, to the back fields of Pony Express, to the forests of Willowdale, there are so many gorgeous trails to explore in Ipswich.
Zane Norton, a senior at IHS, has been hesitant to explore our natural setting. “I typically take my dog for a quick walk or go outside and play some soccer, but it never really calms me.” He believes that many times a long walk will increase his nerves and only make him perseverate about an issue. Data shows that spending time outside helps lessen stress and feelings of anger. A Harvard study showed spending 20 to 30 minutes immersed in a natural setting was associated with the biggests drop in cortisol levels, a hormone that helps the body respond to stress.
Teacher at Ipswich High School and avid outdoorsman, Mr. Harvey, has a different story to tell about this dilemma. Amidst the hustle and bustle of his life he finds tranquility in the outdoors. Everyday, he laces up his walking shoes and embarks on a 2-3 mile walk with his dogs. These daily excursions are “hugely important to my mental health,” he states. As he travels many nature walks in his home town of Gloucester his day gets put into perspective allowing for the stress of his work to fade away into the background. “People at work are laser focused and concentrated on specific topics that seem so important during that immediate moment”, he quotes in the interview; however the beauty and fresh air reminds him of what truly matters, promoting a sense of calmness in his life.
When Challenged to convince high school students of the value of outdoor time, Mr. Harvey highlighted the importance of solitude. He suggested that spending at least 45 minutes in nature can benefit your mental health. Through escaping the constant distractions and demands from the world, you can find peace and clarity. Beautiful places in nature offer opportunity for reflection and to Mr. Harvey, “allowing us to rediscover our priorities and purpose.”
So now it’s up to you to see whether or not Mr. Harvey’s claims are true or not.
As a Glouster resident, he has little knowledge of certain trails in Ipswich but he recommends walking the cemetery above High Street where you can get an overview of the town and the great hills that make for great exercise.
Other interviewee and senior Zach M. finds his favorite nature trails at Sagamore Hill. This secluded network of trails is sandwiched between the border of Ipswich and Hamilton off candlewood road. The tail offers breathtaking views of the ocean to the east and rolling pastures to the west.
The 1.9 mile loop at Appleton Farm is a personal favorite of mine. This 685-acre expanse offers a captivating blend of active agriculture and serene natural beauty. From meandering farm roads to the ancient trees, every corner of this property offers stunning views. In the winter, cross-country skiing under the moonlight, with train tracks glistening in the distance, creates a truly magical experience. Another local gem is the Julia Bird Reservation. This picturesque spot overlooks a rich wildlife habitat. The extensive network of trails winding through fields along the Ipswich River provides opportunities to witness and discover how forest and field management affect the landscape.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful walk in willowdale, a challenging hike up the cemetery hill or a simple moment of tranquility at Sagamore Hill, Ipswich has something to offer. So, the next time you need to unwind, be sure to explore these local treasures.
