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SHEEP PASTURE PROPERTY USE & ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION - 8/24/20
Based on guidance related to minimizing the spread of coronavirus and in the interest of community and staff health,  the NRT continues to operate its Sheep Pasture property with modifications.  The primary goal of  having the Sheep Pasture property open is to allow all visitors daily access for personal health, family recreation,  and emotional wellness.   We appreciate everyone's help in following the guidelines that has made it possible for NRT to remain open. There continues to be no charge to visitors to access the property and trails for personal use. Please continue to use the precautionary measures of staying home if you are feeling ill and limiting exposure to others and groups while you enjoy time outside. Visitors to Sheep Pasture should wear masks at any time they are interacting with others or are unable to maintain distance of at least 6 feet, and use of hand sanitizer is encouraged. Please limit your group size. In order to maintain a comfortable and healthy environment to all visitors at Sheep Pasture, we ask that the property not be used for sports team practices/gatherings, personal parties, or as a gathering meet up space.
Leashed family pets continue to be welcome on trail areas to enjoy the outside, too. 

For the safety of all, we ask that visitors please remember to maintain social distancing space when interacting with staff on site, and please do not allow children to climb on any equipment that may be parked outdoors.  NRT's office and buildings at Sheep Pasture are currently closed to all members the public. Staff members will be available by email at info@nrtofeaston.org to answer any questions that you may have, and information will also be posted to Facebook and our website as any changes are made; messages can also be left on the NRT office phone at 508-238-6049. Receiving answers to your email or call may take some extra time, as most staff are working from home. To help NRT staff who are working to keep the property safe and open every day, please dispose of all waste, including gloves, tissues, masks, food wrappers, dog bags, etc. in the containers provided throughout the property. Everyone's help in maintaining a safe environment helps us continue to be a resource for you. 

Current guidance indicates that we cannot use the property for commercial or large gatherings or events, and there are substantial restrictions on  services that can be offered.  No outside groups are permitted to host classes or events at this time. Due to other restrictions, we are not scheduling or providing rentals for any part of the property or buildings for family parties, gatherings, weddings, or similar at this time. Please note: Sheep Pasture has made times on site available to photographers who wish to bring clients to the property through a scheduling process. NRT member photographers who are seeking to bring clients will be asked to sign up for a spot according to an availability schedule, and the use of props/ locations will be limited. More information on guidelines for photography sessions, member photography scheduling, or any other questions can be obtained by clicking here to email Clare Cunningham at NRT.

Our staff and volunteers are working hard to keep the property safe and open for the benefit of the entire community, as well as creating science-based learning opportunities through social media, nature programs, on site tours as possible, and with virtual programming for those who cannot visit. As with many other organizations and families,  NRT's fundraising opportunities and many on site programs have been suspended,  creating a significant financial hardship for the organization. If you can help to support NRT's continued work through membership or donation, please consider doing so by clicking here to visit the NRT online store. ​We appreciate any support you can give. 
Your donation will help to allow NRT to continue to offer access to Sheep Pasture free and open to individuals in the community who may not otherwise have access to safe, natural spaces. We hope everyone stays well and we will update these guidelines as information changes or becomes more available. 
Thank you to everyone for your understanding and your cooperation!

NRT News & InfO

  • Please be aware that Massachusetts has experienced cases of EEE and West Nile Virus this season. The use of insect repellent is encouraged when outside, and visitors should avoid being outdoors at dawn/dusk hours, when mosquitoes are most active. Learn more about EEE/WNV from the MA Department of Public Health by clicking here.
  • With great sadness, the NRT's Board of Directors has announced the cancellation of the 2020 Harvest and Craft Fair scheduled for October 4th. This was a very difficult decision, but necessary to protect the health and well-being of all members of the NRT community. Please read the full letter to the community on the Harvest Fair page. For the same reasons, the Sheep Pasture SPOOKTACULAR has also been cancelled for 2020.
  • Are you looking for a great learning adventure scheduled at a time that is convenient for your family, school, or group? The NRT is now scheduling custom science-based programs for groups ages pre-K through adult. Both virtual and limited on site programs are currently available. Click here to learn more.
  • More dates added for 2020! NRT naturalists are hosting Outdoor Adventures in Nature,  a series of one hour nature tours at Sheep Pasture for children and adults. Pre-registration is required for each individual attending, and enrollment is extremely limited for each class. Click here for more information on current dates and to register.
  • Looking for new ideas for activities with your pre-k aged child? Click here to learn more about NRT's new pre-k learning on site programs. Each outing is full of fun for your toddler, with age-appropriate activities and hikes designed specifically for kids ages 3-5. Click here for more information or to contact the Education Department.
  • Please remember to keep pets leashed at all times at Sheep Pasture, as well as at other outdoor facilities. Many animals, including deer, rabbits, skunks, coyotes, and others, are currently raising families in their natural habitats. Off leash pets can find and injure young wildlife, or can even get lost or hurt themselves if chasing or fighting with wild animals. We want everyone, both wildlife and  pets, to be safe while they are at Sheep Pasture.
  • Please do not leave children or pets alone in your vehicle while parked at Sheep Pasture for any length of time. Temperatures can rise dramatically inside, even with windows opened, creating a dangerous situation.
  • If you are using the Sheep Pasture property for walking, running, or other health benefits, please be sure to check yourself (and your canine companions!) for ticks after being outdoors. Ticks are out in force this spring and are waiting to hitch a ride whenever possible. Visitors are encouraged to wear light colored clothing and use insect repellent when spending time outside. 




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Did you know? The NRT of Easton is a private non-profit organization that relies on fundraising and the generosity of the public to operate for the good of the  community. From allowing everyone free access to open space at Sheep Pasture to offering educational programs, camps, and family events, your support makes a difference at NRT.

Please consider becoming an NRT member to keep nature and open space in your community. Joining is fast and easy. Click here to become an NRT member today! 
Already a member? Click below to make a one-time or monthly donation to support NRT's essential environmental and educational work!

For the Community

  • Be aware! Mild  temperatures have many animals out and about, including skunks, raccoons, and turtles. Other animals, such as coyotes, are traveling during their breeding seasons, so they may be more active, too. Protect both pets and wildlife by keeping pets leashed at all times and not leaving pets unattended while outdoors. Click here for the Humane Society's resources for living with wildlife in urban settings.
  • ​Remember to check your self and your pets for ticks after being outdoors this summer. Ticks can be found throughout any outdoor areas. Experts recommend wearing light colored clothing, as well as using bug repellent when getting outside. Scroll down for a link to more resources for your family.
  • Click here to access the Town of Easton's new interactive trails and recreation map to learn about amazing outdoor opportunities in our area! 
  • Please be sure to bring water and/or snacks for both humans and pets when visiting Sheep Pasture in the heat. Food and beverages are not available on site, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own, and even an outdoor lunch if they would like. Enjoy your day outside!

Animal Information

  • Do you have an unwanted pet or domestic animal, including farm animals? Do you have injured or abandoned wildlife in your yard?  Click here to visit the NRT's Animal Resources page with links and contact information for a wide variety of rescue and professional organizations related to animal welfare. 
  • NRT cannot accept unwanted domestic animals or injured wildlife at the Sheep Pasture facility. We do not accept roosters at any time for NRT flocks. For the safety of  animals and people, please do not drop off pets or other animals at Sheep Pasture or any organization before making arrangements so they are prepared to accept them. 
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Shop now at Amazon Smile using your same Amazon account and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase price to the NRT of Easton. 

​A reminder from Mass Wildlife... if you find young animals-
If You Care, Leave It There!
​ Click here for animal info  from MA Wildlife
​Click here for Mass Wildlife Bulletins with valuable environmental information for MA ​​
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​Ticks are active in MA
If you spend time outdoors, including at Sheep Pasture, be sure to check yourself and your pets for ticks after any outdoor activities. Ticks can be active all year in New England,  and they often take advantage of warm days. You never know if you have an unwelcome hitchhiker! 
For more information, click this link to Ticks Are Out in Mass 
​or click here for information from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to learn about repelling insects. We encourage all visitors to use insect repellent and to take other precautions against biting insect pests. Don't forget to check your pets after being outdoors, too!
Please note that hunting or trapping of any kind is not allowed on any NRT property, at any time. For more information, ​please visit the NRT's FAQ page by clicking here. 

​Sheep Pasture Eggs
The NRT offie is currently closed for egg sales. If you are interested in buying a few dozen eggs, please call the NRT office and leave a message. A staff member will get back to you to make pick up arrangements if there are eggs available.

Why aren't eggs always available?
Hens' egg productivity is impacted seasonally by temperatures and light, as well as by the age and breed of the hens. In particularly hot weather, production may be slower in reaction to the conditions. 
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Please be sure to use caution when visiting Sheep Pasture in all types of weather. 
We strongly suggest visitors bring water for both pets and people when visiting. Dressing in layers and wearing sturdy walking shoes are recommended. For more information, visit the Sheep Pasture FAQ page.

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* Please note that Sheep Pasture is currently closed to all commercial activity, including use by photographers. We look forward to being able to reopen the property to photographers and other businesses when it is safe to do so.*
​Are you a photographer who loves to use Sheep Pasture as a session location with your clients? Are you a family or individual who is looking for a professional photographer to create lasting memories of  your special life event? Whether you are a photographer or a potential client, visit our new Photographer Info page for information on having your special photos taken at beautiful Sheep Pasture!
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Become A Member
The NRT of Easton relies on the support of its members to continue its work in conservation, programming, and maintenance of Sheep Pasture. Join online today!

NRT of Easton: What We Do

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Education
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Cooperation
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Conservation