Pelham Pathways wrapped up September with two unforgettable events—each led by passionate volunteers who bring joy, purpose, and heart to our mission.

Lynne Hildreth: The Force Behind the Tournament

Once again, Lynne Hildreth, the unstoppable Volunteer Pickleball Director, delivered an exceptional pickleball tournament on Saturday, September 27th. If you’ve ever witnessed one of these events, you know they don’t just “happen”—they’re the result of meticulous planning, many hours of coordination, and Lynne’s deep love for the game and the community that plays it. From organizing brackets to arranging equipment and cheering on every participant, Lynne’s leadership is the glue that holds the vibrant pickleball community together. Her commitment to making pickleball inclusive and welcoming is evident in every match played on our courts.

Congratulations to this year’s champions—and a heartfelt thank you to Lynne for her tireless work!

Beginner/Intermediate category

Ron Dunstan for 1st place

Judy Lustwerk for 2nd place

Chadd Loring for 3rd place

Intermediate/Competitive category

Bob LeBoeuf for 1st place

Craig Dempsey for 2nd place

Stephen Day for 3rd place

Enjoy these beautiful days of fall. They are great weather for outdoor pickleball.

You can read more about Lynne’s background and role at PelhamPathways.org/pickleball-team.

Marc Duquette’s Mushroom Hike: Cultivating Wonder, One Step at a Time

The next morning, on Sunday, September 28th, naturalist and trail guide Marc Duquette led an engaging “Fungi-Filled Adventure” through Kirby-Ivers Town Forest—and what an adventure it was!

The hike focused on the fascinating world of mushrooms, with Marc pointing out hidden forest-floor wonders like hen of the woods and other seasonal fungi. Along the way, he shared fun facts, explained the vital role mushrooms play in forest ecosystems, and even helped participants forage safely and responsibly.

But Marc does more than guide hikes—he opens hearts and minds to the wonders of nature. With every walk, he is introducing new people to Pelham’s trails, cultivating the next generation of stewards of the land. His devotion, deep knowledge of the natural world, and quiet leadership are powerful tools in protecting our planet—one person at a time, one hike at a time.

Together, we can preserve the rural character of our community and teach others what it truly means to coexist with nature. (Marc in photo far right)

Next Up: Explore Costa Conservation Area – October 26th

Fall is in full swing, and so are our guided hikes! Join us on Sunday, October 26th at 10 AM for a family-friendly walk through one of Pelham’s hidden gems—Costa Conservation Area. Led by long-time Conservation and Forestry Committee member Paul Gagnon, this hike is perfect for ages 8 and up. You’ll discover the area’s diverse native plant life, learn about its history, and hear stories of local wildlife, including red foxes and migratory birds that make Costa their home. See attached Trail hike flyer for details.

We are grateful to Lynne, Marc, and Paul—incredible volunteers who embody the spirit of Pelham Pathways. Thank you for helping us explore, connect, and protect the places we love.

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