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Guided Walks: Fall 2003

Each Spring and Fall, the Newton Conservators organizes a series of walks to local open space areas. These walks are led by knowlegeable 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.

If you have questions about a walk or are interested in leading such a walk in an area that you know, please contact the walks coordinator.

Sunday October 5
2:00 PM

Kennard Park

Walk 18 in Conservators Guide

Walk along the trails of the Kennard properties, where a 32-acre post-agricultural forest has grown up on 19th century farmland that became an early 20th century gentleman's estate and finally a Newton park, adjacent to Brookline's Lost Pond properties. Explore South Meadow Brook, the mixed and conifer woodlands with colonial stone walls, a red maple swamp with century-old trees, and a sensitive fern marsh. Meet at the main entrance, 246 Dudley Road.

Trip leader Larry Burdick: 617-584-4633

Sunday October 12
8:OO AM

Nahanton Park - Fall Bird Migration

Walk 22 in Conservators Guide

The mix of woodlands, wetlands and meadows adjacent to the Charles River makes Nahanton a wonderful place to seen the fall bird migration. Enter the park at the Winchester Street entrance in order to reach the upper parking area located a short way down the road on the left opposite an open field. This entrance is off Winchester Street between the Charles River Country Club golf course and the Jewish Community Center. Please gather at the upper parking area at 8:00 a.m. Call Cris Criscitiello, an experienced birder. (phone - 617-244-6397) Bring binoculars if you have them. Beginners as well as established enthusiasts are welcome!

Saturday October 18
2:00 PM

CPA Forte property and Dolan Pond Conservation Area

Walk 4 in Conservators Guide

The Dolan Pond Conservation Area will be improved due to additional CPA funds that have secured the adjacent Forte property. This area has just been renovated under a federally funded Community Development Block Grant with new nature overlooks, steps, information kiosks, handicapped parking, accessible stabilized soil pathways and even a boardwalk through this wetland habitat. While only eight acres in size, it contains four vernal pools and a great diversity of plant, animal, and bird life. Join Ted Kuklinski to see this wonderful area and how the recent CPA funding will be used to improve this conservation area and add needed housing. The walk starts at the Webster Park entrance. The street called Webster Park is off Webster Street, three blocks west of Cherry Street in West Newton. Wheelchairs welcome!

Contact Ted Kuklinski (dolanpond@aol.com, www.dolanpond.org).

Sunday October 26
2:00 PM

Newton Cemetery

Walk 8 in Conservators Guide

Created in the 19th century naturalistic style pioneered by Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Newton Cemetery is beautifully landscaped and is a wonderful open space treasure. Call Peter Kastner (244-6094) for information about the walk to view the variety of specimen trees that have been planted there. Meet by the administrative building just inside the main entrance on Walnut Street.

Sunday November 2
2:00 PM

Kesseler Woods- Impact of new CPA funding

Walk 20 in Conservators Guide

Explore the impact that recent CPA funding to acquire the NSTAR land for open space and housing will have upon the Kesseler trail and Saw Mill Brook area. Explore how this new plan will be integrated into the existing trails, wooded upland and wetland areas. The woods are an excellent area for bird watching, nature studies and have dramatic puddingstone and rock outcropping.

Call John Regosin, 244-0736, for information. He led a similar walk last spring when plans were being developed to save the NSTAR area. This time he will review with you the impact the city's successful bid will have upon this area. Meet at the Saw Mill Brook parking area at the corner of Vine Street and Wayne Road