Dear Friends and Acton Conservation Trust Members,
The following news and events may be of interest:
(If you prefer, you may read “Events of Interest” on our website, ActonConservationTrust.org)
Now – September 5
New Exhibit: Alive with Birds: William Brewster in Concord
Thursday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 PM, Walk ins welcome!
Concord Museum, 53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA
Visit this special exhibition to discover the beauty of birds. William Brewster (1851-1919) was Mass Audubon’s first President He dedicated over thirty years of his life to the study of birds in Concord at his property, which he called October Farm. Drawn to Concord for its natural beauty and abundant bird life, Brewster made October Farm his experimental field laboratory and documented its wildlife for scientific study and public enlightenment. In 2019, Mass Audubon received a 143 acre parcel of land which was once part of October Farm, which has been renamed Brewster’s Woods Wildlife Sanctuary.
For more information visit https://concordmuseum.org/alive-with birds-
Members free; Adults $15, Seniors $12, Children (6 to 17) $8
Friday-Saturday, August 26-28
Middlesex 4-H Agricultural Fair
8 AM to 6 PM Saturday
8-4:30 PM Sunday
55 South Chelmsford Rd., Westford
One-day senior pass – $6.00. If field parking lot is full, you take a shuttle from a remote location. http://4hmiddlesexfair.org/general-fair-information
In addition to food and animal judging:
Chicken Poop Bingo; Barnyard Olympics; Dairy Goat Judging; Poultry Costume Class; Apple Pie Judging; Watermelon Eating Contest; Rabbit Races; Pie & Ice Cream Ten; BBQ Dining Area; Sheep Blocking; K9 Games and Agility. For more information visit http://4hmiddlesexfair.org
Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28
Thoreau Farm is Open for Tours!
11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM
Thoreau Farm, 341 Virginia Road, Concord, MA
Take an inside look at the restored 1730s house listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Wheeler-Minot Farmhouse/Henry David Thoreau Birth House. Locally, it is also known as “Thoreau Farm.” Tour includes the lovingly restored second-floor room where Henry David Thoreau was born in 1817. Visits are by guided tour only. Admission is free. Suggested Donation $5/person.
Saturday, August 27-Friday, September 2
Early Voting Information for the Primary Election
Acton Town Hall the following dates and times:
Saturday August 27th 2022 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Monday August 29th 2022 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday August 30th 2022 8:00 am – 7:30 pm
Wednesday August 31st 2022 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday September 1st 2022 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday September 2nd 2022 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, August 28
Acton-Boxborough Farmer’s Market
Elm Street Playground, West Acton
10 AM – 1 PM
Join us for our 14th season of promoting good food and supporting sustainable agriculture. Visit http://www.abfarmersmarket.org for more information.
Sunday, August 28
Breakfast at Fort Pond, Littleton
8-10:30 AM
8 Kaleva Road
Breakfast at the Pond is sponsored by the Finnish Knights and Ladies of Kaleva. Participants can gaze upon Fort Pond in Littleton, while having a freshly-made breakfast on the second Sunday of the month. Cost: $10.00 for adults: $6.00 for children, plus tax For location information: https://kalevalittletonma.org/fabulous-food-events
September 6, 2022
Primary Election Information
7 AM – 8 PM
RJ Grey Junior High School gymnasium (16 Charter Road, Acton, MA)
Saturday, September 10
Kelley’s Corner Block Party
2-4 PM
At Rts. 27/111. Free parking at the old K-Mart, 252 Main St., Acton
Bubble Party, Local Discounts and Deals, Characters, Raffle, Great Food, Live Band. Visit ACT at our community table to speak with ACT Trustees, see our new handouts brochures and other handouts and to learn about our accomplishments and ongoing projects.
Saturday, September 10
Boxborough Harvest Fair
10:30 AM – 1 PM
22 Middle Road, Boxborough, MA
The 2022 Harvest Fair will be Saturday, September 10 from 10:30AM-1:00PM. We will be joining up with FreeBee Market to share in the celebration of our community. The Fair schedule is as follows:
10:30AM-12:30PM Farm animal petting zoo
11:00AM-Noon Nashoba Valley Concert Band
10:30AM-1:00PM Apple cider press
Unfortunately, due to lack of manpower there will be no produce or craft exhibits, but there will be lots of booths and other activities connected with the FreeBee Market. If anyone is interested in reviving the exhibits and helping to plan and execute next year’s fair, please contact Liz Markiewicz at ainslie78@comcast.net.
Saturday, September 10
17th Annual Ag Day Farmers Market in Concord, MA
10-2 PM
Main Street in downtown Concord (between Walden St. and the Flagpole rotary)
Concord Ag Day is a once a year farmers’ market celebrating local agriculture organized by the Concord Agriculture Committee to showcase Concord farms and local produce. This unique market showcases the bounty of Concord’s many farm businesses at the height of the growing season. For information: www.concordagday.com.
Ag Day 2022 will feature your favorite Concord Farmers selling their bounty, as well as the return of the famous Veggie Race Track this year sponsored by Vanderhoof Hardware! In addition, several Concord nonprofits will be there with information on a variety of environmental and ‘ag’ related topics. Come experience what Concord’s land can produce!
Saturday, September 10
Nature Walk at Gowing’s Swamp
10-12 PM
Gowing’s Swamp, Concord
Join teacher/naturalist Roland “Boot” Boutwell for a leisurely walk around Gowing’s Swamp, named by Henry David Thoreau for the person who owned the land in the mid 1850s. After a poem or two, Boot will then focus on plant ID and natural history.
To register, visit https://svtprograms.force.com/s/event-detail?eventId=a4W5G0000019Pj8UAE.
$10 for Non-Members; $0 for SVT Members
Sunday, September 11
End of Summer Celebration, sponsored by Massachusetts Rivers Alliance
3-6 PM
Hale Reservation, Westwood,
Music, Food, Boating and Community
Revel outdoors with us and celebrate our recent successes with an afternoon of food, music, and fun. Live music, light refreshments, boating, raffle prizes, awards and more! Register today! massriversalliance.org
Saturday, September 17
Eyes on Owls Live Animal Program
11-12:15 PM
Come explore North America’s family of owls. A fast paced slideshow introduces all 19 species of owls that nest on the continent north of Mexico. Then meet six species of owls up close! Space is limited so advance ticket purchase required. 48 seats available. To register, visit https://svtprograms.force.com/s/event-detail?eventId=a4W5G0000019PeXUAU#; $5/SVT Member; $10 for Non-Member
Sunday, September 18
Nature Walk of Grassy Pond
2-4 PM
Meet at Church of the Good Shepherd, 164 Newtown Road Acton
Please join the Acton Conservation Trust for a walk of this beautiful and biodiverse land just off Newtown Road. The walk will be led by Boot Boutwell, a freelance itinerant naturalist who teaches and leads nature walks for Mass. Audubon and the New England Wild Flower Society among others. Grassy Pond is a kettle-hole pond formed by the retreat of the last glacier. It exhibits bog characteristics (very wet/highly acidic) around its perimeter, and is home to a number of wetland loving plants such as leatherleaf, highbush blueberry, pitcher plants, red maple, and tamarack. There are two boardwalks to keep us high and dry – one running through the pond-shore bog and a second going out into the pond. The walk will focus on plant ID as well as fun and interesting natural history. Be sure to come dressed for ticks and sprayed for mosquitos. Refreshments will be provided. Registration is not yet available.
Tuesday, September 20
Household Hazardous Waste Day
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: DPW Garage at 14 Forest Road
The Town of Acton holds a Hazardous Waste Day twice a year and offers residents a safe and legal way of disposing of hazardous materials. For more information on hazardous waste disposal or Hazardous Waste Day, please contact the Health Department at 978-929-6632.2022 from
Note: These collection services are for Acton residents only and proof of residency will be required.
This year there will be extra precautions in place due to COVID-19:
• All residents must stay in their vehicles at all times. Clean Harbors has a policy that anyone who attempts to exit their vehicle will be asked to leave.
• Waste accepted from truck bed, trunk of car, or back hatch of SUV. Materials will not be accepted from seats or when handed from residents.
• Clean Harbors will not be returning any containers (gas containers, storage totes, etc.). Please plan accordingly.
• If possible, make one trip to Household Hazardous Waste Day.
See our Household Hazardous Waste Day Flyer for more information.
Tuesday, September 20
Lincoln Land Conservation Trust Annual Meeting
7:00 PM
Avalon Owens, will speak on “Why do fireflies flash? How to be a firefly steward, neighbors and friend, and keep their lights turned on”. Register for Annual Meeting by visiting https://lincolnconservation.org/events/llcts-2022-annual-meeting-why-do-fireflies-flash/
Saturday, October 1
Faulkner Homestead “Open Air Taproom” fundraiser
4-8 PM
Faulker Homestead, 5 High Street, Acton
Plans are still being finalized, but they include the Music, Minutemen, and Merriment of the past combined with the ease and freedom of an outdoor event. You are cordially invited to join us – tickets are still $30 per adult. Children are free and welcome.
There will be music by Ward Hayden and the Outliers, brews from True West, and cider from Pony Shack Cidery. True West will also be catering the event with dinners to order on site, or guests may bring their own picnics. In case of inclement weather, we will have large tents for shelter, and fire pits for drama and warmth.
Visit our website at ironworkfarm.org for tickets and more information.
Monday, October 3
Great Falls, A Documentary
7:00 PM
Smithsonian filmmaker Ted Timreck will screen a retrospective of his film that tells a dramatic story of environmental and cultural preservation when Turners Falls, Massachusett’s plans to expand its airport runway included removal of a ceremonial stone landscape Native Americans identified as a ritual site. Sponsored by the Sargent Memorial Library in Boxborough. In-person and Zoom. The Friends Pine Hawk 2022 Fall Program is presented with support from the Acton Memorial Library, the Sargent Memorial Library, and Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area. All programs are free but require registration here. Questions? Email friends.of.pinehawk@gmail.com.
Assabet, Sudbury and Concord Rivers in Critical Drought
August 9, 2022: Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Bethany Card declared that the Level 3 – Critical Drought has expanded from our region to include the Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast and Southeast Regions, a Level 2 – Significant Drought in the Cape Cod Region, and a Level 1 – Mild Drought in the Western and Islands Regions
Download Mass Drought Flyer – Water Conservation Tips
VOLUNTEERING:
BOSTON AREA GLEANERS (BAG) NEWS
Saturday, August 27
Cherry Tomato and Green Bean Harvest
Lincoln, MA
Don’t forget: The most up-to-date trip information is always on the website. We may post trips after the weekly email goes out. To stay in the loop about last-minute calls for volunteers, you can join our volunteer emergency text list!
Got Banana Boxes?
We’re looking for banana boxes to pack and transport our gleaned produce! Banana boxes can be collected from grocery stores, corner stores, pantries, or anywhere that sells bananas.
We’ll keep a running total of the boxes you’ve dropped off at Stonefield Farm and we’ll be in touch to give you merch in recognition of your efforts! For more detailed information and instructions, click here.
CPA UPDATE from 8/22/22 www.communitypreservation.org
The CPA Technical Assistance “Top 10” – Our moss Popular CPA Resources.
With the summer winding down and CPC’s across the state gearing up to get back to work, we decided that now would be the perfect time to bring back the CPA Technical Assistance Top 10!
We’ve compiled a list of the Coalition’s most popular CPA technical assistance articles below. Our round-up of articles this year includes resources to help CPC’s navigate the financial aspects of CPA, tricky topics concerning project eligibility, and different ways that your Community Preservation Committee can improve your application materials, public outreach, and more.CPA Financial Issues:
1) Can CPA Funds Be Paid in Advance for CPA Projects?
2) Everything You Need to Know About CPA Budgets & Accounting
3) Earning Interest from Your CPA Accounts
CPA Project Eligibility:
4) Are All of Your CPA Open Space Acquisitions Covered by Conservation Restrictions? It’s the Law!
5) Can CPA Fund Private Projects?
6) CPA Grants for Privately Owned Historic Homes
7) The CPA Housing Guidebook
Materials to Help Your Community Preservation Committee:
8) Building a Better CPA Application Process
9) CPA Public Hearings – Creative Ways to Engage with Your Community
10) CPC Recommendations – One Simple Way to Improve your CPA Program
Visit www.communitypreservation.org to read the articles.
Saving Water – Got a lawn? – From Mass Rivers, www.massriversalliance.org
Most of the increase in summer water demand comes from outdoor watering on – you guessed it – lawns.
That means each lawn represents an opportunity for water savings! Here’s how:
• Abide by your town’s watering restrictions. Find them here
• Consider replanting with drought-tolerant grasses…
• …or better yet, replace part of your lawn with native species that retain water better (and will bring you more birds & butterflies, too!)
Learn more about making your yard drought resilient from Greenscapes
Volunteers Needed by Metrowest Conservation Alliance Regional Planning Working Group!
The MCA Regional Conservation Planning working group is developing a story map to describe the work it’s doing to identify conservation priorities across the SuAsCo watershed. What’s a story map? Here’s an example created by the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) lab at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. Using funding from a grant from the Land Trust Alliance, SVT has hired this lab to help us with the story map, and are looking for volunteers to review a draft and provide feedback, likely in early September.
Please contact Christa Collins if you’re interested: ccollins@svtweb.org
Knotweed Out – Wildflowers In! From MCA-CISMA Newsletter – August 2022
(To subscribe contact SVT’s Kristin O’Brien, kobrien@svt.web.org)
SVT has had great success with restoring a solid block of Japanese knotweed to a thriving and diverse wildflower meadow at the Gowing’s Swamp Conservation Area in Concord.
Read the full story here. Be sure to check out the PDF link for more details.
The Economic Benefits of Open Space From MCA-CISMA Newsletter – August 2022
(To subscribe contact SVT’s Kristin O’Brien, kobrien@svt.web.org)
Have you ever wanted better data to convince your local leaders of the importance of protecting land? Well now you have it!
A working group of the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition partnered with consultant Jessica Sargent from Primrose Research Group LLC to develop a toolkit of materials that anyone can download and use to educate, inform and/or advocate for land conservation in their community.
Resources include a technical white paper that summarizes some of the latest data available for Massachusetts, a PowerPoint presentation that can be customized to address the needs and concerns of individual towns and cities, and a one-page summary that can serve as a leave-behind for your audience.
You can find the resources here. including a recording of how to use explain the benefits to your community.
New Native Seed Mix from New England Wetland Plants
From MCA-CISMA Newsletter – August 2022
New England Wetland Plants, Inc. has developed a new native seed mix that is designed for southeast MA. As of now, they can’t make this a standard, no-minimum mix, there is a 5-lb minimum and a 3-4 day prep time. See the full mix list here.
Mass Audubon Policy & Advocacy <action@massaudubon.org>
A Momentous Week in Climate History
Last week marked the enactment of historic climate laws on both the federal and Massachusetts state levels.
After decades of near misses on major federal proposals to address climate change, the U.S. Senate and House passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which includes $370 billion for climate and clean energy measures.
The IRA has the potential to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 — this comes close to the Biden Administration’s 2030 commitment of a 50% reduction. Critically, this builds much-needed credibility for U.S. climate leadership among the international community, and will also put additional wind behind the sails of Massachusetts’ climate goals for 2030 and beyond.
At the state level, Governor Baker signed into law last week a sweeping package that will advance the offshore wind industry in Massachusetts, and will implement a broad set of strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, buildings, natural gas infrastructure, and other significant sources.
Mass Audubon had its hand in many other legislative priorities as Beacon Hill wound down its legislative session. Read our legislative update to get the scoop on these issues and find out what’s next.
Get the Details – visit https://blogs.massaudubon.org/yourgreatoutdoors/a-momentous-week-in-climate-history/
HELP WANTED:
Town of Acton Sustainability Office – Hiring new Environmental Analyst.
The Town’s Sustainability Office is seeking an individual with a passion for the environment to serve as the new Environmental Analyst. This position is full-time with excellent benefits. For more info, visit our website at http://www.actonma.gov/jobs and email resume and cover letter to jobs@actonma.gov
Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition (MLTC) is Hiring a Part Time Development and Operations Coordinator
Spread the word! We’re growing and we’re looking for a talented part-time Development and Operations Coordinator who’s self-directed, comfortable taking initiative, and excels at handling operational and member relations / development logistics, research and details, as well as is FB and Insta-savvy. Spread the word – or apply now. Details here.
Understand Urban Forests Benefits for Climate and Health – from https://www.vibrantcitieslab.com/guide/identify-benefits-of-your-urban-forests-for-climate-and-health/
Planting and maintaining trees in urban forests can improve climate resilience, carbon mitigation and human health. With more than 8 in 10 people in the United States currently living in urban areas having nature integrated in cities supports the health and well-being of communities. Learn more here.
Climate Resilience for Affordable Housing – from Beacon Hill Weekly Roundup – August 2, 2021
Mass Audubon supports legislation to improve affordable housing planning by preventing its development too close to wetlands or in floodplains – protections that already apply to market-rage development. Improper siting can expose residents to elevated risks of flooding and water quality problems, which are worsened by climate change.
Walden Pond in Concord
7 am-7:30 pm
915 Walden St.
walden.pond@state.ma.us 978-369-3254, bridal paths, and farm roads
One-way trail loop system to promote social distancing; Boat ramp Sunday – Saturday: 5 AM – 7 PM.
Parking: MA resident $8; Non-MA resident: $30 Annual and senior passes NOT sold in park
Use this link to purchase a pass: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/purchase-an-annual-parking-pass-for-massachusetts-state-parks
https://www.mass.gov/how-to/get-a-senior-parking-pass
HIT THE WATER – PICK YOUR PADDLES
The South Bridge Boathouse
Canoe and Kayak Rental service in Concord
496 Main St., Concord, MA
Monday-Friday: 10 AM to one hour before dusk; Weekends and Holidays: 9 AM to one hour before dusk.
Rent a canoe or kayak and explore miles of peaceful waterways on the Assabet, Sudbury and Concord Rivers. A leisurely 1.5 mile paddle to the
Old North Bridge is a favorite.
For more information contact 978-369-9438 or visit https://www.southbridgeboathouse.com/
Camp Acton is Open
Pope Road, Acton
Fee is $25 per site reserved through the Recreation Department.
Limited to 10 people per site. Visit http://trails.actonma.gov/ to learn more about Camp Acton.
Please complete the registration form 48 business hours prior to desired reservation date.
Payments are due upon reservation confirmation
Portable toilet on site.
All users must follow social distancing, regulations and posted guidelines.
Please complete and send camp Acton Permit application via email to recreation@actonma.gov or fax to 978-929-6333
Please allow up to two business days to process.
Support Acton Conservation Trust while you make purchases on AmazonSmile! ACT will receive a small payment, and these add up!From your desktop or laptop computer, AmazonSmile is available at at smile.amazon.com on your Web browser. Bookmark it for easy use!
AmazonSmile is available from your mobile phone as well. To activate AmazonSmile in the Amazon Shopping app, simply tap on “AmazonSmile” within the Programs & Features menu or Settings and follow the on-screen instructionS.
Sincerely,
Susan Mitchell-Hardt
President, Acton Conservation Trust
www.ActonConservationTrust.org
P.S. Welcome new “Events of Interest” subscribers! As a nonprofit organization focused on conserving land in Acton, we rely upon the support of our members. Visit our ACT website, and click on “Join Us”!