Hikers and Bikers of All Ages are Encouraged to Join the Fun!

 Silver City-- This year marks the 20th anniversary of the town's purchase of Boston Hill, and town staff and members of the town's Trails and Open Space Committee invite trail and open space enthusiasts to join them in celebrating this recreational gem on Saturday, October 5.

"We invite hikers, bikers and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to come out and explore the 300-plus acres of open recreational space," said Jaime Embick, community development director. "Dotted with the remains of our early mining history, Boston Hill is also historically and economically significant."

The festivities begin at 9:45 am with a guided, intermediate-level bike ride from the Cooper Street Trailhead. The ride is sponsored by the Silver City Cycling Club, and will be led by Tonya Sotelo. At 10:00 am, students from Aldo Leopold High School will lead hikers from the Spring Street Trailhead on a new trail they constructed earlier this year.

At 11:30, everyone is invited to enjoy music and snacks in the large lot at the west end of Spring Street, followed at noon by welcoming remarks from Mayor Ken Ladner, which will feature an important announcement regarding Boston Hill.

Mike Ferris, chair of the town's Trails and Open Space Committee, will discuss current trail improvement projects, including those developed by Aldo Leopold High School students in conjunction with the Youth Conservation Corp, as well as new signage and upcoming trail improvement work days.

"Silver City is blessed to have such a large greenspace within walking distance of downtown," said Ferris, a hiking enthusiast and retired urban planner. "Boston Hill is a natural open space with an important history of contributing to our economy and local development. It's a real treasure, and I'm happy to acknowledge all of the forward-thinking volunteers and town staff who 've worked so hard over the years to make it happen."

Joseph Gendron, a former town employee who helped implement grants for various environmental, cultural, property survey and trail system projects, will offer reflections on the factors that came together to reclaim Boston Hill as an integral part of the town.

Boston Hill is really a series of three hills, where silver mining began in the early 1870s, but silver was never found in sufficient quantities, particularly compared to other claims such as Chloride Flats and Fleming Camp. The area's namesake is one of the earlier owners of the mining claim, known as the Boston Company, which quickly ran into financial trouble and sold the claim in 1883, but not before the name stuck.

The land was purchased in 1999 by the Town of Silver City, thanks to a generous gift from the estate of Lennie Merle Forward. In 2001, the town began developing the non-motorized Boston Hill Trail System, which is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike for hiking, cycling, rock and mineral hounding, outstanding views, and general appreciation of the area’s history and natural beauty.

During the program, light refreshments, including an anniversary cake, will be served. The celebration is expected to conclude by 1 pm. Participants are asked to park at the Grant County Courthouse and follow the signs to the celebration area. Limited ADA parking with be available at the Spring Street Trailhead.

For more information about the anniversary celebration, please contact Jaime Embick, community development director, at (575) 534-6349. For more information about Boston Hill and the Town of Silver City, please visit the town's website at www.townofsilvercity.org.