Go Camping with Conservation on Saturday

The is inviting area residents to join them on the last of a series of local camping trips that have been taking place on town-owned land since June.

While these parcels of town-owned conservation land are typically not open to the public for camping, the conservation staff wanted to make it available for people to enjoy.

That's why, roughly 3 years ago, volunteers in the community started up the "Conservation Escorted Camping."

The camping is open to the public and only requires a $5 donation to cover the cost of a portable toilet.

The camping site for this trip abuts the Shawsheen River and includes four fire pits, picnic tables, benches and a canoe or kayak launch. Participants are encouraged to bring their kayaks or canoes.

"We’ve tried to keep it as rustic as possible," said program manager Bob Decelle. 

Decelle said the experience is perfect for little ones that haven't gone camping in the past.

"It is a starter camping experience for them," said Decelle.

Conservation director Bob Douglas said that the program was created in order to give residents more opportunity to enjoy town resources.

"We were looking to find new ways to engage the public on conservation land," said Douglas.

Pre-registration is required and those interested in camping should contact Decelle at campconservation@live.com.