In celebration of spring, The Trustees of Reservations invite you to the 2nd Annual, FREE Spring Open House at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate to enjoy a day of fun. Plant a seedling and help them recover some of the hundreds of trees lost in the recent nor’easter. Pack a picnic and they’ll provide lawn games such as croquet and bocce ball, a Maypole dance, self-guided tours of the Great House and grounds, refreshments, and more. Please feel free to bring friends and family, but leave furry friends at home.

The Open House thanks the public for its support of The Trustees’ ongoing restoration of the Castle Hill grounds, which in recent years has included historic plantings and restorations of the Italian Garden and the Great House forecourt. This February, The Trustees began the first phase of a 3-year renovation plan of the Grand Allee, the one-half mile long, undulating, grassy lawn framed by classical sculptures, Norway spruce, and pine hedgerows. Phase One of the project includes the removal of approximately 150 trees and the planting of 65 7-foot Norway spruce and White Pines.

The Allee Restoration was disrupted by the late February nor’easter that wreaked havoc on the North Shore. Castle Hill was hit particularly hard, with more than 300 trees coming down in the storm. Crews worked tirelessly to clean up the property and make it safe for the public. Much work, including replanting trees and stabilizing stripped embankments, remains. The Trustees invite the public to help by planting seedlings in celebration of spring at the May 2nd Open House.

Location:
The Crane Estate
290 Argilla Rd.
Ipswich , MA 01938

Sponsor: The Crane Estate
Time(s): Noon – 6 pm Saturday; Noon – 4 pm Sunday
Phone: 978.356.4351 x4015
Fax: 978.356.2143
Email: membership@ttor.org
http://www.craneestate.org