Newton
Conservators Nature NotesSaturday, May 20, 2005
This
email newsletter provides information on upcoming nature and environmental
related events, exhibits, and information in and around the Newton, Massachusetts area. The newsletter is sponsored by the
Newton Conservators, the local open space organization in Newton and it also serves
as the organization’s means of sending out time sensitive information. Please visit our website at http://www.newtonconservators.org.
Welcome to the many new readers of this free email newsletter. If you wish to be removed from this
email list, simply reply with "remove" in the message or subject. (Note: email addresses mentioned in this
newsletter substitute (AT) for @ to foil spammers). In
This Issue Some of the
topics covered in this newsletter are the following:
·
Annual
Meeting of the Newton Conservators – Roger Swain
Speaks· Newton
Conservators Spring Walk Series (Upcoming)
o
Sunday,
May 22, Cutler
Park Bird Walk
o
Sunday,
May 29, Newton/Wellesley/Needham Aqueduct Bike Ride
o
Sunday,
June 5, Lake Area Canoe Trip on the Charles
River o
Sunday,
June 12, Nature and Photo Workshop along the Charles
River o
Saturday,
June 18, 2005, Charles River Pathway Bike Ride
·
The
Newton (not just a) Plant Sale – Saturday May 21 and
Sunday May 22·
23rd
Annual Newton
House Tour – Sunday May 22, Noon – 5 pm·
Newton's
State of the Environment – Monday, May 23, 7 pm at the Library
·
The
June Environmental Show - The Charles River – Newton’s Great
Waterway·
Angino
Farm CPA Update·
76
Webster Park CPA Update·
Environmental
Science Program – Summer 2005·
Free
Fishing Days – June 4-5·
Turkey
Tallies and Goose Locations Needed ·
Young
Wildlife Belongs in the Wild
·
Walking Trails in
Newton’s Parks and Recreation Lands·
About
Newton
Conservators Nature Notes·
About
the Newton
Conservators
Annual Meeting of the
Newton
Conservators
Roger Swain to Speak
on “Community Farming”
Wednesday, June 1, 2005, 6:15
pmRSVP by Tuesday, May
24
The Annual Meeting of the Newton
Conservators will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2005, at American Legion Post
440 at 295 California
Street in Nonantum. A social hour will begin at 6:15
PM and will include a cash bar. Dinner will be served at 7:00 PM and a business
meeting will begin during dinner. In addition to reports from the president and
treasurer, members present will elect a new slate of officers and a board of
directors for the coming year. Awards for Environmentalist of the Year (Doug
Dickson), Charles Maynard Award (Cris Criscitiello) and Directors Award (Bill
Shaevel) will also be given. At about 8:30 PM, Roger Swain will
take the podium as this year’s keynote speaker. As one of the nation’s foremost
authorities on gardening, he will talk about the phenomenon of community farming
and the role it can play in the life of urban areas, and in particular, a city
like Newton. Roger is a compelling and knowledgeable speaker, and if you haven’t
previously had the opportunity to hear him tell stories about his personal
experiences in the garden and on the farm, this is a chance not to be
missed! Including a brief
question-and-answer period, the meeting is anticipated to end at around 9:30 PM,
allowing all to get home at a reasonable hour. Members of the Newton Conservators
should have received by mail a formal invitation to the Annual Dinner. The RSVP date printed on the invitation
was May 18. There was a slight
delay in getting the invitations out, so the RSVP date has been extended to
Tuesday, May 24. Also enclosed in
the mailing to the members was a very important proxy ballot for a change in the
by-laws of the Newton Conservators having to do with the disposal of assets of
the corporation in case of dissolution.
A sufficient number of membership votes are required to make this
change. Whether or not you are
attending the dinner, please return your proxy ballot in the stamped
pre-addressed envelope. The Board
of Directors recommends a vote FOR the change in the language of our Certificate
of Incorporation. Return your
dinner reservations, payment, and proxy vote together by Tuesday if
possible. Attendance at the dinner is $25 per
person and checks may be made to the Newton Conservators, Inc. (this amount is
non tax-deductible). A vegetarian
entrée is available. Replies by May
24 should be sent to Duane Hillis, 499 Winchester Street, Newton
Highlands, MA 02461. Some more background on our
Speaker: Roger Swain, a resident of Newton
Highlands and a member for several years of the Conservators’ Board of Advisors,
will speak about trends in farming and gardening, with particular reference to
community farming and the impending acquisition of Angino Farm by the city.
Roger Swain is best known as the host of “The Victory Garden” on PBS, a position he held for 15
years. Recently, he returned to television as co-host of a new program, shown
locally on Channel 56, called “People, Places and Plants,” created by the
magazine of the same name. Since 1978, Roger has been science editor of
Horticulture Magazine, writing regularly on a variety of topics. He is the
author of several books about gardening and horticulture, including Earthly
Pleasures, The Practical Gardener, Field Days, Saving Graces, and Groundwork,
and contributor to many more. As storyteller and lecturer, he is
in wide demand, speaking at garden shows, garden clubs, and other venues. In addition to their Newton residence, Roger and his wife own a working farm in
southern New
Hampshire. So he brings his own honest, personal
experience to the topic of farming. His observations on the art and science of
farming, along with the trends, benefits, and consequences associated with
community farming, will be a treat for all who attend. And, of course, the
timing couldn’t be better, as we continue on many levels the work needed to
complete the Angino Farm acquisition and plan for operation of the farm. Be sure
not to miss this timely and inspirational talk by our Newton neighbor and America’s most popular gardening
enthusiast.
Newton Conservators Spring
Walk Series
Each Spring and Fall,
the Newton Conservators organizes a series of walks to local open space areas.
These walks are led by knowledgeable leaders and are open to the public. They
normally last for an hour or two. Some events are for bicycle or canoe. These
walks are a great way to get to know open space areas in Newton. Below is the
current walk schedule. As to
weather, when in doubt, check with the group leader. For more information on the Conservators
and schedules of events, please visit our website at www.newtonconservators.org. The remaining walks in this Spring’s
series are the following:
Sunday, May 22, 2005,
7:30 AM - Cutler Park Bird Walk
This
spring bird walk will explore the 600-acre wetland known as Cutler Park. This vast wildlife area, just inside
Route 128, is an exceptional bird habitat. Cutler Park
sits right on Newton's border, and we are excited to
introduce our members and friends to the great wetland trail system of this
regional park. Meet at the Cutler Park
entrance 1/4 mile south of the Charles River, on Kendrick Street in
Needham.
Longtime birder Chris Criscitiello, Newton Conservators Board Member, will lead the group.
This outing includes part of Walk 23 in the Conservators "Walking Trails" guide.
Sunday, May 29, 2005,
2PM to 4PM - Newton/Wellesley/Needham
Aqueduct Bike Ride Join a
1.5 to 2 hour bike ride that explores opportunities to link trails that connect
the aqueduct system in Newton, Wellesley, and Needham. The aqueducts have long served as a
resource for walkers, and this ride will show that it provides a wonderful
biking trail, as well. Of particular interest is how the various towns have
chosen to mark and manage these linear open spaces. This ride is recommended for
ages 12 and up, and an adult must accompany all minors. The trip requires an
off-road or hybrid bike (thin tires will not handle this terrain). Helmets are
required for all riders Meet at Starbucks in Waban Square. Henry Finch, Newton
Conservators Board Member, will lead. This outing includes part of Walk 27 in the Conservators "Walking Trails" guide. See also
our page, A Loop Along the
Aqueducts.
Sunday, June 5,
2005, 2PM, - Lake Area Canoe Trip on the Charles
River This
trip is a leisurely paddle that explores the Charles River Lake District.
Starting at Charles River Canoe Service, off Commonwealth Avenue in Auburndale
(follow the signs to park across the river at the duck feeding area),
you will pass along the MDC duck feeding area and park land and go though the
narrow channel at Norumbega Park. The trip continues to the Lake District,
including Fox Island, views of the Islington Peninsula, Mount Feake
Cemetery, and the Waltham watch factory. This
lake is well-populated with ducks, geese, blue herons, and the occasional hawk
and egret. You will also see small creatures that inhabit the waters, using
portable field microscopes. Bring a lunch or snack and binoculars, if you'd
like. Our leader, Bill Hagar, will bring along some of his graduate students
from the University of Massachusetts and conduct a field study as
part of this trip. If you would
like to join the trip, need a canoe, or could loan a canoe, call Bill or Dottie
Hagar. This outing
includes the water areas of Walk 1 and Walk 2 in the Conservators "Walking Trails"
guide.
Sunday, June 12,
2005, 2PM - Nature and Photo
Workshop along the Charles River
Jim
Schpeiser, nature photographer, will lead a tour along the Watertown section of the new Charles River Pathway and back
along the Newton
section. Jim will provide hands-on instruction in photographing the plants and
wildlife along this 2-mile walk. Examples of Jim’s work can now be viewed at Café Nation in Brighton on Washington Street. Park at the DCR parking lot off Pleasant Street in Watertown, adjacent to the
Sasaki Landscape Office sign and meet at the stone pillars on Galen Street. For
questions, contact group leader Jim Schpeiser. This outing includes part of Walk 3 in the Conservators "Walking Trails"
guide.
Saturday, June 18,
2005, 2PM - Charles
River Pathway Bike Ride
A low energy tour
de force will head downstream toward the Museum of Science along the Charles River Pathway. Peter Kastner will talk
about the development of the Charles River
Basin. No test will be given after the tour. Bring
snacks for a rest at the Hatch Shell. Helmets are required. Park at the DCR parking lot off Pleasant Street in Watertown, adjacent to the
Sasaki Landscape Office sign and meet at the stone pillars on Galen Street. Call
Peter Kastner, Conservators board member. This outing is not included in the Conservators "Walking Trails" guide.
The Newton (not just a) Plant Sale – Saturday May 21 and Sunday May
22Don’t miss
the fabulous plant sale held today and tomorrow at Newton City Hall. Today the sale is on til 6 pm and on
Sunday, May 22 from 10 am to 4 pm on the lawn at Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth
Avenue.
This gardening extravaganza includes shrubs,
annuals, herbs, Sedums, grasses, shade-loving plants and amazing conifers. If
you're not sure how to use these plants in your garden, ask us for help. There
are lectures throughout the day and lots of experts to give advice. The event it put on by the Newton Pride
Committee – visit the event website at http://www.newtonpride.org
for complete details.
23rd Annual Newton House Tour – Sunday
May 22, Noon – 5 pmOn May 22,
from noon to 5 p.m., celebrate Newton's distinctive and diverse architectural
heritage during the 23rd annual Newton House Tour. The self-guided driving tour
features eight homes that range from a 19th-century home listed on the National
Register of Historic Places to housing that was built for Newton veterans returning
from World War II. Tickets may be picked up after 10 a.m. on the day of the tour
at the Newton History Museum, 527 Washington St. Proceeds benefit the
Newton Historical Society and the Newton History Museum. $25 day of tour. WGBH member
discount available. For more information, visit www.newtonhistorymuseum.org or
call 617-796-1450.
Newton's State of the Environment – Monday,
May 23, 7 pm at the Library
On May 23, at
7 p.m., in the Newton Free Library, 330 Homer St., Mayor David Cohen will join a
panel of local environmental groups during "Newton's State of the Environment,"
a discussion of local environmental efforts, actions and forecasts. Water and
air quality, solid waste, transportation, pesticides, open space and energy will
all be on the agenda. This event
was rescheduled from January snow to this spring night! Invited participants include: Charles River Watershed Association,
Composting Committee, Comprehensive Planning Advisory Committee, Energy
Commission, Green
Decade Coalition/Newton, High
Performance Building Coalition, Household Hazardous Wastes Committee, IPM Committee (Integrated
Pest Management), League of Women
Voters Environmental Issues Committee, Newton Conservators, Newton Department of Public Works, Recycling Committee, Renewable Resources (formerly SUNERGY),
Sustainable Newton Committee. A
Newton Environmental Resources Booklet will be presented to all attendees. For more information, call
617-965-1995 or e-mail info(AT)greendecade.org.
The June Environmental
Show on NewTVThe Charles River –
Newton’s Great Waterway Don’t miss the latest
Environmental Show produced by the Newton Conservators for NewTV. The latest production will focus on the
Charles River in Newton and is scheduled to debut on NewTV’s
Blue Channel on Saturday, May 28.
Current scheduled times for the Environnmental Show are as follows:
Saturday (10 am), Monday (3 pm), Tuesday (1:30 am, 11:30 pm), Wednesday (11:30
am), Thursday (Noon, 4 pm, 7:30 pm).
Check www.newtv.org for the latest
schedule. The Environmental
Show, produced by the Newton Conservators in conjunction with the Green Decade
Coalition, was begun in September 2004 with alternating programs by both
organizations. Expected future
programs include one on Dolan Pond Conservation Area in August and Kesseler
Woods in October of 2005. This past
December’s program, “Recreational Opportunities at Cold Spring Park”, recently
received an Honorable Mention at the NewTV Red Carpet Awards in the field
production category and the series was mentioned as an “Up and Comer” show to
watch in 2005. Volunteers are
welcome to join the production team.
Contact Duane Hillis. Copies of previous shows on DVD will be
provided shortly to the Newton Free Library.
Angino Farm CPA
Update
Steps to complete the
acquisition of this 2.25-acre historic property are continuing, with good
progress made on some fronts. Among the good news is preliminary acceptance by
the State Department of Environmental Protection of the conservation restriction
that will be held by the Newton Conservators, as required for all purchases
using CPA funds. The Conservators recently reviewed and signed the CR and it
next goes before the Board of Aldermen to be formally considered and accepted by
the city. This is a critical step
since the city has determined that the transaction cannot be brought to a close
without this preliminary approval. With this acceptance by the state, the actual
purchase of the farm from the Angino family should be completed in the near
future. Another issue involves re-zoning of the property. This step requires
Board of Aldermen approval, but is not on the critical path. Some work on the
buildings and other preparatory work on the land itself may be possible this
year, but the reality is that the farm will not be up and running until the
spring of 2006. However you can
invest NOW in the success of Newton’s new community farm. Funds are needed to cover startup
costs. Help meet a generous
matching $15,000 Challenge Grant.
Make checks payable to Newton Conservators, Inc. and mail to PO Box 59001, Newton Center, MA 02459.
The City of Newton is in the process of
setting up a Farm Commission to oversee the Angino Farm, including the choice of
a farm operator. The Conservators want to provide the City with
suggestions for nominees to the nine-person Farm Committee. There are
requirements for certain expertise and residency within certain locations.
One requirement that is not in the text of the ordinance for the farm but that
will certainly apply is that whoever serves on the Farm Committee should not be
a part of the organization that operates the farm. So, all the farmers in
the current farm group are out. We need to find people who will not be in
the farm group who can serve on this committee. We need suggestions as to
who might serve. You could reply to this email with any suggestions and
they will be passed on. Some of the
relevant text from the Farm Ordinance is reproduced
below.
Farm Commission;
establishment; duties; composition
(a) The Newton Farm Commission (“the Commission”) is
hereby established. The Commission shall implement the purposes set forth in
this section and manage the operation of the Farm, as herein
described.
(b) The Commission’s authority and duties shall include but
not be limited to: (1) Developing a business plan for the operation of
the Farm that is designed to achieve the purposes set forth in this section
without placing an additional burden on the operating budget of the city; (2) In the event that the decision is
made to contract the Farm’s to an outside entity, the Commission shall establish
a procedure for the selection of said entity, which procedure shall be provided
in writing to the board of aldermen. The Commission shall conduct the
selection process, at the
conclusion of which the Commission shall execute a written agreement between the
city and said entity, subject to the approval of the mayor; (3) Any such contract, as
described in paragraph 2, shall require that the contractor at its expense
provide the Commission with the following financial reports: (I)
detailed quarterly revenue and expenditure reports, in a format approved by the
City Comptroller, not later than 30 days after the end of each calendar
quarter; (ii) independently audited
annual financial statements within 90 days after the conclusion of each fiscal
year.
(4) The Commission shall meet with the Commissioner of Public Buildings
at least semi-annually to review with him the condition and needs of the
existing buildings on the Site and to discuss the construction of any
contemplated future buildings for the Site. (5) The Commission shall oversee
the operating expenses and revenue associated with the operation of the Farm and
provide annual written reports to
the mayor and board of aldermen pertaining to the Farm’s operation and
performance with regard to the Farm’s purposes, as set forth in this
section. (6) The Commission shall
develop policies and procedures for the
operation of the Farm. The Commission shall hold a public hearing
on the initial set of policies and
procedures prior to their adoption. This public hearing requirement shall
be applicable to subsequent amendments to substantive matters of policy but
shall not be applicable to amendments to matters of procedure. The
Commission shall also provide in writing to the mayor, board of aldermen, and city clerk the
final version of the policies and
procedures upon their adoption. (7) The Commission shall make all
reasonable efforts to comply with the standards for organic processes outlined
by the Baystate Organic
Certifiers. (8) The
Commission shall afford the public the opportunity to purchase produce at the
Site.
(c) The Commission shall consist of nine (9) members as follows: (1)
One at-large citizen appointee of the board of aldermen. (2) One (1) member of the
Conservation Commission, one (1) member of the Historic Commission, and one (1)
member of the Parks & Recreation Commission, each of whom shall be selected
by the members of the body they
represent. (3) The remaining
five members shall be appointed in accordance with section 2-8 of the city ordinances. The
appointed members shall include at least one citizen with expertise in
farming or agriculture, at least one citizen with expertise in finance or accounting,
at least one citizen with expertise in operating a retail or wholesale business,
and at least one member with expertise in sustainable environmental practices.
(d) Appointed
members shall serve for terms of three (3) years or until their successors shall take
office. However, in order to provide staggered terms for appointed members, the
initial ppointments shall be as follows: One member shall be
appointed for a one year term; two members shall be appointed for a two year
term; and two members shall be appointed for a three year term.
76 Webster Park CPA
Update
Plans have been
progressing well for the Forte property at 76 Webster Park adjacent to the Dolan
Pond Conservation Area which was acquired with CPA funds. The subdivision plan has been making its
way through Land
Court.
Bids are being solicited soon on the renovation aspect of the original
Forte house. Habitat for Humanity
has been tuning the architectural plans for the two Habit units to be
built. A kickoff event for Habitat
project will be held on Wednesday, June 1st, 5:30 pm to 9 pm at the
Sheraton (Newton Corner).
Unfortunately this fundraising event coincides with the Conservators
annual dinner but the two events are geographically close. We will keep you informed as to how to
contribute in various ways to this important first Habitat effort in Newton.
Environmental Science
Program – Summer 2005
The Environmental
Science Program began as a Ford Foundation Project in 1967 headed by Dick
Staley, a Newton
science teacher, and continued for many years under the direction of Cole
Stanton. For over 35 years, "Envi Sci" has been an alternative to traditional
summer camps. The program centers
around the idea that students learn best about their surroundings when taught by
other students in the specific environment. Leaders are trained to educate
students while daily hiking or biking to many diverse sites in Newton and surrounding
areas. The highlights of the
program include a 12-mile canoe trip on the Charles River, and expedition
through the salt marshes of Kittery, Maine, hiking the Blue Hills and Mount Monadnock. The program ends with an
exhilarating three-day backpacking trip up the highest peak in the Northeast,
Mount Washington.
The Envi Sci program
combines fun outdoor activities with learning about the environment. Each year
it builds on the "peer education" principle by having the student leaders
design, develop, and deliver the materials that the students use. New students
are encouraged to return and become leaders in subsequent years, continuing the
thread of responsibility for care and teaching about the environment. A typical activity would be a hike to an
area of interest, often in Newton but sometimes elsewhere, such as the
Arnold Arboretum. Other activities range from bicycle trips to night walks for
learning about nocturnal wildlife. We go on a 12-mile canoe trip on the
Charles River, and we take water samples to
report on the water quality. The learning materials for each day may cover
ecology, geology, botany, pollution issues, or other areas that the student
leaders select. Each year there is
a cleanup project in which participants get hands-on involvement with improving
an environmental site. Some examples from recent years are Dolan Pond in
Auburndale and the Sawmill Brook in newly acquired land formerly owned by the
Boston Edison Company.
In 2005, the program
will operate from July 1st to July 29th. The program takes up to 30 girls and
boys who will be entering grades 7, 8, 9, or 10 by September 2005. The Environmental Science Program has
been licensed for operation as a camp program by the City of Newton Health
Department. If you would like more information about the Environmental Science
Program, please contact them at 617-969-0288 between 9:00am and 5:00 pm or by
email at contact(AT)newtonenvisci.org or mail at Environmental Science Program,
c/o David Backer, Executive Director, 47 Page Road, Newton,
MA 02460. Visit their website at www.newtonenvisci.org
Free Fishing Days – June
4-5
(Courtesy of Mass
Wildlife)
Saturday and Sunday,
June 4 and 5, are Free Fishing Days in Massachusetts, the only days of the year
that residents and non-residents may fish any freshwater streams, rivers, lakes
and ponds in the Bay State without a license. All other fishing regulations must
be observed. Take advantage of the day to dust off your fishing gear and head
for the lake or pond - or if you're already a fishing fanatic, bring your
friends or family and get them hooked on the fun! Free Fishing Days
offer a prime opportunity to introduce children and other novices to the sport,
especially if you angle for easy-to-catch panfish like sunfish, bluegills or
yellow perch. For information on pond maps, boat ramps, stocked waters and other
related angling information visit the “Fishing” area in the MassWildlife website
at www.mass.gov/masswildlife. Fishing festivals and
events are found in the “Calendar of Events”. Young people under 15
may fish without a license in Massachusetts year round. For Massachusetts residents
ages 15 -18 who want to fish the
rest of the year, licenses cost only $11.50 annually. An adult license costs
just $27.50. Licenses can be purchased on line at http://www.sport.state.ma.us/ or at over 400 license
agents statewide. Fishing license fees support fisheries research, angler
education, fish stocking programs, habitat protection and many other wildlife
related services provided by MassWildlife. For fishing rules,
seasons and license vendor locations, check the “Fishing” area of the
MassWildlife website at www.mass.gov/masswildlife. Free Fishing Days also
kicks off National Fishing and Boating Week, June 4 - 12, 2005. A new “Boat Massachusetts” booklet is available on line from the
Environmental Police and is designed to give Massachusetts boaters the
information needed to be safe and responsible. Boating laws and safety equipment
are included. The link is http://boat-ed.com/ma/handbook. Copies are available at state Boat
Registration offices in Boston, Hyannis, Fall River,
Worcester and Springfield as well as through the Coast Guard
Auxiliary and Power Squadron. The Massachusetts Environmental Police encourage
people to Boat Smart From the
Start by wearing a life jacket, taking a boating safety course,
riding in safe boats, and boating sober.
Boaters should also know that Massachusetts law requires that children under
12 years old, all personal water craft riders and all water-skiers must wear an
approved life jacket when underway. Drowning continues to be the primary cause
of deaths in boating accidents. Over 80% of drowning victims were not wearing life
jackets. Fish and boat Massachusetts, where there is more to explore!
Turkey Tallies and Goose
Locations Needed
(Courtesy
of Mass Wildlife)
Sportsmen and
women, birders, landowners and other wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to
assist MassWildlife by counting turkey families and reporting goose family
locations this summer. MassWildlife conducts an annual wild turkey brood survey
from June through August. "The brood survey serves as a long term index on
reproduction," explains Jim Cardoza, MassWildlife's Turkey Project Leader. "It
helps us determine overall productivity and allows us to compare rates of
reproduction over a long period of time." Cardoza also points out that citizen
involvement in this survey is a cost-effective means of gathering useful data,
and he encourages all interested people to participate. A turkey brood survey
form has been posted in the “Wildlife” area of MassWildlife's website (www.masswildlife.org). Information needed
includes date, town, number of hens seen, and number of poults (young turkeys)
and their relative size compared to the hens. Multiple sightings of the same
brood should also be noted. The survey period runs from June 1 - August 31.
Completed forms should to be mailed to the MassWildlife Westborough Field
Headquarters.
Between the dates of
June 6 – 20 be on the lookout
for families of Canada geese (adults and young) that
number 12 or more birds. MassWildlife staff will be banding Canada
geese beginning in late June and they need location reports of goose families
for banding. Goose banding can take place in many locations: beaches, golf
courses, cemetaries, condominium developments, back yards, and municipal parks.
If you know where a flock is located, contact Mass.Wildlife(AT)state.ma.us or call your local
District Wildlife office to provide the following information: Best
address of flock location (or directions), or body of water where the birds are
located; approximate number of goslings (young geese); total number of birds;
and property owner (if known). Later on in mid-July you can help MassWildlife
estimate goose populations by contacting MassWildlife District offices with
information from the yellow neck band numbers and symbols seen on collared
Canada geese. Sightings will be
accepted until Labor Day.
Young Wildlife Belongs in
the Wild
(Courtesy of Mass
Wildlife) The arrival of spring
and summer means the arrival of newborn and just-hatched wildlife. These
youngsters soon venture into the world on shaky legs or fragile wings and are
discovered by people living and working nearby. Every year, the lives of many
young wild creatures are upset by people who take baby wildlife from the wild in
a mistaken attempt to “save” them. These well-meant acts
of kindness tend to have the opposite result. Instead of being left to learn
their place in the world, young wildlife removed from the wild are denied
important natural learning experiences which help them survive on their own.
Most people quickly find that they can't really care for young wildlife, and
many of the animals soon die in the hands of well-meaning people. Young wildlife
that does survive human care have missed experiences that teach them to fend for
themselves. If these animals are released back into the wild, their chances of
survival are reduced. Often, the care given to young wildlife results in some
attachment to humans and the animals may return to places where people live,
only to be attacked by domestic animals or hit by cars. Some animals become
nuisances and people have even been injured by once-tamed
wildlife. These problems can be
avoided if everyone follows one simple rule when coming upon young wildlife: If
You Care, Leave Them There! It may be difficult to do, but this is a real act of
kindness. "In spring, we receive many calls about young wildlife with no adult
in sight," says MassWildlife Biologist Marion Larson. "The young are quite safe
when left alone because their color patterns and lack of scent help them remain
undetected. Generally the parent will visit their young a few times a day to
avoid leaving traces that attract predators. Baby birds found on the ground may
be safely picked up and placed in a nearby bush or tree. Parent birds are not
disturbed by human scent." Larson recommends people avoid nest and den areas of
young wildlife and restrain all pets. It is illegal to
possess most wildlife in Massachusetts. Only when young wildlife are
found injured or with their dead mother may the young be assisted, but must then
must be delivered immediately to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Due to the
difficulty in care there are no rehabilitators licensed to care for fawns.
Information on young wildlife has been posted at www.masswildlife.org and is
also provided at MassWildlife offices. For more information, contact your local
MassWildlife District office or Westborough Field
Headquarters
Walking Trails in Newton’s
Parks and Recreation Lands
The
map guide put out by the Newton Conservators is a great resource for those who
would like to explore Newton’s open space. It would make a great stocking stuffer –
it fits nicely in a stocking or in a back pocket. Many folks have been observed out in our
conservation areas, trail guide in hand.
It is available by web, mail and also at Newtonville Books and New
England Mobile Book Fair. Walking
Trails in Newton's Parks and Conservation Lands may be purchased for $7.95 online at
www.NewtonConservators.org or by mailing a check payable to The Newton
Conservators, Inc. to The Newton Conservators, P.O. Box 590011, Newton Center, MA
02459. Sales benefit The Newton Conservators, a
nonprofit citizen advocacy organization which actively promotes the acquisition,
creation, and preservation of natural open spaces for the people of Newton. Since its formation
in the late 1950's, The Newton Conservators has been instrumental in
safeguarding more than 200 acres of open space in Newton, creating several major public parks,
and enacting ground-breaking environmental ordinances with respect to the
protection and preservation of trees, wetlands and clean air, and the
conservation of energy.
About the Newton Conservators
This
email newsletter is sponsored by the Newton Conservators, a local organization
that promotes the protection and preservation of natural areas, including parks,
park lands, playgrounds, forests and streams, which are open or may be converted
to open spaces for the enjoyment and benefit of the people of the City of
Newton, Massachusetts for scientific study, education, and recreation. It
further aims to disseminate information about these and other environmental
matters. A primary goal is to foster the acquisition of land and other
facilities to be used for the encouragement of scientific, recreational,
educational, literary, and the other public pursuits that will promote good
citizenship and the general welfare in the City of Newton. Please visit
our website at http://www.newtonconservators.org or
contact us at the address below.
If you would
like to join the Newton Conservators, please send your name, address, phone and
email address (if you wish email alerts) to The Newton Conservators, Inc.,
P.O. Box 590011,
Newton Centre, MA 02459. Membership Options are the
following: Individual $25, Family Member $35, Sustaining Member $50, Donor
$75, Patron $100. Membership is tax deductible. Your membership
includes the Newton Conservators Newsletter and emails and invitations to
participate in guided tours of local conservation areas, lectures, and other
programs and activities. You will also receive by mail a copy of the new
Newton Conservators open space map book, "Walking Trails in Newton's Park and Conservation Lands".
The
Board of Directors of the Newton Conservators meets monthly usually on the third
Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm (usually at City Hall). Members are welcome to attend. If you wish to attend you can contact us
to confirm the date, time, location, and agenda.
About
Newton
Conservators Nature Notes If
you would like to be more directly kept apprised of future nature related
events, walks, lectures, and exhibits, you are invited to join the Newton
Conservators sponsored "Newton Conservators Nature Notes" email list by sending
an email request to dolanpond(AT)aol.com or contacting Ted Kuklinski. Newton Conservators Nature Notes is automatically sent to
members of the Newton Conservators who provide their email addresses as one of
their membership benefits. Newton Conservators Nature Notes may be found
online at http://www.newtonconservators.org/naturenotes.htm. You are welcome to submit any items for
this sporadical newsletter via email to the same address. Please feel free
to forward our newsletter to others you feel might be interested in the
information contained herein.