FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) has broken ground on an innovative trail that will make its Wolbach Farm property in Sudbury more accessible to people who rely on wheelchairs, strollers, walkers, and crutches. The trail and all amenities will be free and open to the public year-round.
On April 28, the nonprofit conservation organization began installing its first-ever All Persons’ Trail at Wolbach Farm, which also serves as SVT headquarters. When the trail is completed, mobility-impaired visitors and young explorers in strollers will be able to enjoy the meadow and woodland and all the native plants and animals who call this area home.
The All Persons’ Trail will include an ADA-Accessible Farm House Path that leads visitors to a pollinator meadow and an observation terrace with excellent views of the historic barn and meadow along Route 27. A new community picnic grove will feature picnic tables that accommodate those in wheelchairs. Eventually, the trail will expand to an All Persons’ portion that runs 1,000 feet into the woodland landscape so more people can enjoy the serenity of nature.
Davnet Conway, Executive Director of SVT said, “The installation of the All Persons’ Trail means that more people will be able to accept SVT’s invitation to explore, gather, and find their belonging in nature. We are thrilled to break ground on this innovative and welcoming project.”
The trail route and surface were carefully planned to provide a firm, natural-looking surface that is friendly to wheelchairs and strollers and to people using walkers, yet is eco-friendly and porous enough to allow water to permeate into the ground.
A Trail Laying ceremony will be held on May 21 at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate the launch of the project. Local officials and leaders are anticipated to attend. In July, SVT will also host a public Ribbon Cutting celebration for the ADA-Accessible Farm House Path.
SVT anticipates breaking ground on the woodland section of the All Persons’ Trail in Spring 2026. The grades of this trail will exceed ADA-acceptable limits, but they will comply with standards set by U.S. Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines. The trail will also have the same stabilized surface that is friendly to wheelchairs and strollers.
“The All Persons’ Trail kicks off an exciting future for SVT,” said Director of Conservation Laura Mattei. “This is the first time we have created an accessible path, and we hope the lessons we learn will enable us to install similar trails at other properties in the future. We want to welcome everyone to explore and enjoy our wonderful natural areas.”
SVT is seeking funding for the project through government and foundation grants and through private donations. Naming and dedication opportunities along the trail are available to individuals and businesses. More information is available at svtweb.org/APtrail.
