By Setarreh Massihzadegan
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

When June Hevener moved to Linden Ponds three years ago from Connecticut, she found herself on unfamiliar terrain. But she had no trouble exploring and  discovering the beauty in her new backyard.

As leader of the community’s Walking Group, Hevener organizes weekly walks in the Hingham area and its outskirts, bringing along as few as a handful or as many as 30 fellow walkers to explore beachside and forest trails alike.

“This is a learning experience for me,” Hevener says, “about all the wonderful places that we have to walk.”

Local beauty
This summer Hevener plans to find new trails while revisiting some old favorites like Castle Island, a South Boston spot featuring Fort Independence—built in the 1800s—and hot dog-and-hamburger eatery Sullivan’s. The walkers also  plan to  return to World’s End, a hilly conservation area with views of Hingham Harbor and the Boston skyline that Hevener says is “one of the best walks we have.”

“We’re extremely lucky... Hingham has done so much for conservation,” she adds.

Group effort
Hevener’s only rule for the group is that walkers should never take to the trails by themselves. She insists the group is truly run by all of its participants, who suggest new destinations at weekly meetings.

Group members William and Anna Gavin have been dedicated walkers since moving to Linden Ponds three years ago. When they don’t want to brave bad weather, they walk their own two-and-a-half mile route through Linden Ponds’ buildings, which are connected by climate-controlled walkways. But as part of the year-round Walking Group, the Gavins get outside plenty.

“June [Hevener] kind of gets us going,” Mr. Gavin says about the colder months.