Dear Friends and Acton Conservation Trust Members,
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
Saturday, June 11
Acton Climate Festival
Noon to 3 PM
NARA Park Amphitheater
Celebrate the finalized Climate Action Plan with this free festival including live music, games for kids of all ages, food, and lots of information about sustainability from local organizations and vendors. Contact the Sustainability Office for the Town Acton (sustainability@acton-ma.gov or 978-929-6611) if you need a ride or if your organization/business would like to have a table at the event.
Tuesday, June 14
Full Strawberry Moon
(It will not be visible until later in the evening when it drifts above the horizon)
The moon will be the second supermoon of 2022! The full Moon will appear big and bright this month as long as we enjoy dark and clear night skies. The name, Strawberry Moon has been used by Algonquin, Objibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples, among others to mark the ripening of “June-bearing” strawberries that are ready to be gathered. – from The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Wednesday, June 15
14th Wild and Scenic Film Festival, presenting Currents of Hope
Maynard Fine Arts Theater Place, 19 Summer St., Maynard
The Wild and Scenic Film Festival, inspires environmental activism and a love for nature through film. Join us in Maynard or watch the event live streamed online for an evening filled with inspiration, nature and adventure! Local emcee EJ Labb will be hosting and tighter will be some terrific raffle prizes. Tickets start at $15/person and must be purchased online at www.oars3rivers.org.
Wednesday, June 15
Snakes of New England – Live-Animal Program
2-3 pm
Sponsored by Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department/in-person at Brooks Gymnasium, 6 Ballfield Road, Lincoln
After-school fun for all! This is a free program and all are welcome. Donations will be gratefully accepted from those who are able to contribute. Have you ever caught a glimpse of a snake just as it disappeared and wished you’d gotten a better look? Now’s your chance to see snakes up close!d Rick Roth, local snake expert and Director of Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team, will bring his favorite snakes to Lincoln to talk about the incredible reptiles. No registration required.
Wednesday, June 15
Climate Café: “What Will It Take to Reach Acton’s Climate Goals?”
10-11 AM, (Wednesdays through July except July 6th)
VillageWorks/Twin Seafood Picnic Tables, 541 Massachusetts Ave, Acton
As the Town works toward finalizing a Climate Action Plan, we will discuss the greenhouse gas reduction goals named in the 2020 Climate Emergency Declaration, which called on Town government, civic organizations, businesses, and residents “to commit to a climate mobilization.” What kinds of actions are necessary to reach the 2030 targets? Please bring your beverage and share your thoughts! Fran Cummings, VP of the Peregrine Energy Group, will start the discussion. This event is sponsored by EnergizeActon.
Wednesday, June 15
Solar Power 101
Virtual Event, Register HERE
As we approach the summer solstice, let’s celebrate the power of renewable energy! Join us to get an overview of solar generators and storage, along with the different options to consider naqd update on the state and federal incentives to go solar. Or panel will include an Acton homeowner, a spokesperson for an Acton organization that has installed solar, and a representative of Energy Sage, the solar market place that provides trained advisors who help connect consumers with vetted solar installers. Register HERE or go to EnergizeActon.org/events for more information. This event is sponsored by EnergizeActon.org, dedicated to addressing the climate emergency through education and action to reach net-zero emissions.
Saturday June 18 and Sunday June 19
23rd RiverFest 2022!
Hosted by the Wild and Scenic River Stewardship Council (RSC)
Sundays, June 19 – October 16
Acton-Boxborough Farmer’s Market Season begins
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.
Tuesday, June 21
Summer Solstice
5:14 AM EDT
In 2022, the June solstice occurs on Tuesday, June 21, marking the astronomical first day of summer—and the longest day of the year. Learn fun facts and folklore about the summer solstice at 7 Facts About the June Solstice | The Old Farmer’s Almanac
Tuesday, June 21
Summer Solstice Bike Ride
6 PM
Meet at Pedal Power, 176 Great Road
Bike or walk on the trail and rendezvous back at Pedal Power between 7:30 and 8:00 PM. Parking available across the street – stay for pizza afterward. Contact tmichelman@gmail.com
Thursday, June 23
The Littleton/Chelmsford Native Pollinator Conservation Tour
4-6 PM
Reuben Hoar Library, 35 Shattuck Street AND Cloverdale Conservation Area, a63 Great Road, Littleton Parking is ample on site. Open to the public.
The Native Pollinator Garden is located around the library and was planted in 2021. An adjacent meadow area of approximately ¼ acre was also seeded in the fall 2021. Over 35 species were included, with 25 of them from Dr. Gegear’s list to provide a seasonal availability of pollen and nectar for the at risk bumblebees. Plantings, especially in the adjacent meadow area, will be an ongoing effort that will include the library, schools, garden club, scouts and other volunteers. Information will be available on sources of plants and seed.
6-8 PM
Sunny Meadow Farm Native Pollination Preservation Garden, 168 Robin Hill Rd., Chelmsford
The Pollination Preservation Garden at Sunny Meadow Farm, a town owned property, was planted in May 2021. The area of the original garden was about 1,250 sq. ft. Over the summer of 2021 more land was added, the area has doubled to 2,500 sq. ft. The garden contains over 40 species of plants from Dr. Gegear’s list for pollinators at risk, providing nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Within a year from the first planting, Bombus fervidus, Golden Northern Bumble Bee, has been seen visiting Lupinus perennis, wild lupine. The garden has been the destination for elementary classrooms field trips, Boys Scouts events, and is a learning opportunity for town residents who visit the farm. The Native Pollinator Task Force (NPTF) of the Metrowest Conservation Alliance (MCA) is hosting Native Pollinator Conservation Tours in Lincoln, Chelmsford, Littleton and Sudbury during June. The Littleton/Chelmsford date is 6/23. The tours are designed to demonstrate how MCA members, NPTF Ambassadors and others can design and install their own Pollination Preservation Gardens public displays. The tours are also appropriate for anyone interested in learning about the plant-pollinator connection and why it is so critical. For more information, visit their website https://www.svtweb.org/mca-native-pollinator-task-force or the garden tour details at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R4GjOLmrbTwVEA-LM2Rh7g1Z5i9Y7-Q4ZLz_ARjNaBQ/edit
Saturday June 25
Household Hazardous Waste Day
9-11:30 AM
DPW Garage located at 14 Forest Road
CHECK For more information visit https://www.acton-ma.gov/141/Hazardous-Waste#:~:text=The%20Town%20of%20Acton%20holds,at%20978%2D929%2D6632. Note: These collection services are for Acton residents only and proof of residency will be required.
VIDEO RECORDINGS of Past Webinars which may be of interest:
Russ Cohen is a foraging expert and author of “Wild Plants I have Known and Eaten”. He recently gave an informative webinar on native plants for the Newton Conservators; the video can be watched on Newton Conservators YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/4iqw6fi6okY
Trail Construction Workshop Part I: Building and Maintenance Fundamentals with AMC’s Matt Moore.
Sponsored by Concord Land Conservation Trust.
Matt Moore, professional trail crew manager for the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), provides an instructive lesson about trail building and maintenance using a conservationist approach. Learn the fundamentals of sustainable trail design and construction from understanding sheeting and erosion to making bench cuts and swales. Proven techniques, safety guidelines and tools of the trade will be reviewed.
This talk is part of a workshop experience on trail building and maintenance. Matt’s talk is a precursor to performing actual work in Concord’s Wright Woods where we will be working alongside professional AMC crew members to reroute two sections of trail and rework the junction where they join. The full project will be described as part of the presentation.
Enjoy the Zoom video here: https://youtu.be/JzDEariON7o
If you missed “Creating Pollinator Habitat in Maynard” the recording is on this link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ffbc1glyorgud1i/GMT20220510-230314_Recording_1920x1080.mp4?dl=0
Sponsored by Maynard Community Gardeners. Attached below is Pollinator Habitat Resources document and “Gardening for Native Pollinators” from the Native Pollinator Task Force, (NPTF)
VOLUNTEERING:
Boston Area Gleaners
Friday, June 10
Spinach Harvest!
9am – Noon
Concord, MA
Sign up to volunteer at https://www.bagetc.org/presignup.php?access=public
For specific questions email group leader, Deb: dhicks@bostonareagleaners.org ,
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!
Saturday, June 11
Harvesting Pak Choi!
9 AM-Noon
Stonefield Farm, Acton, MA
For specific questions email group leader, Christopher, cbischoff@bostonareagleaners.org)
Add your name to the Wait List at https://www.bagetc.org/gleanlist.php
Saturday, June 11
Harvesting Mixed Radishes and Mixed Greens
9AM – Noon
Satellite Field, Weston, MA
Details provided after sign up.
East Acton Village Green Plant Care Needed – Now through Summer:
Volunteers are needed to take care of the new plants at the East Acton Village Green this spring and summer as they become established. Contact Bettina Abe: babe@ActonMA.gov for further information.
HELP FIREFLIES, JUST BY OBSERVING THEM! – Mass Audubon
If sitting back watching fireflies on a balmy summer night sounds like heaven to you, you’re going to love this opportunity to contribute to research that could help them.
Fireflies are some of the coolest insects around, lighting up the night with flashes of bioluminescence: a chemical reaction in their lower abdomen that produces their telltale glow. But did you know that only a few species of fireflies glow? Or that these dazzling beetles face several threats including habitat loss, pesticide use, and other environmental factors?
To determine their geographic distribution and what factors impact their abundance, Mass Audubon has teamed up with scientists at Tufts University to track the fate of these brilliant insects—and you can help. The best part: You can do it anywhere! Interested? Join Firefly Watch at https://www.massaudubon.org/get-involved/community-science/firefly-watch
HELP WANTED:
Seasonal Apprentices
Boston Area Gleaners (BAG) are still hiring for seasonal apprentices to work and learn with us from July through November! Please help us spread the word at your favorite local spot!
MISCELLANEOUS:
I found a baby bird!! What should I do?
Give it a boost or leave it alone? When we see a baby songbird outside the nest, it’s not always easy to know how we should respond. And while a baby bird may look like it needs help, most of the time intervening may actually do more harm than good. https://www.massaudubon.org/learn/nature-wildlife/birds/baby-birds-out-of-the-nest/found-a-baby-bird-chart
Check the chart that will show you exactly what you should do based on what you observe about the baby and its surroundings. With it, you can be sure you’re doing only what nature needs and giving the birds you love their very best chance to thrive.Read our primer when to take action for songbirds. When in doubt, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
CHECK THE CHART
Environmental Voter Project (EVP)
EVP’s mission is to identify inactive environmentalists and transform them into consistent voters to build the power of the environmental movement. They estimate that over 8 million environmentalists did not vote in the 2020 presidential election and over 12 million skipped the 2018 midterms. EVP is a nonpartisan nonprofit focused on a simple high leverage solution to the problem: with a 6 year track record of success, they’re accurately identifying these non-voting environmentalists and efficiently converting them into a critical mass of consistent voters that will soon be too big for politicians to ignore. To learn more about them visit https://www.environmentalvoter.org/about and to get involved, visit https://www.environmentalvoter.org/get-involved
Goat Hikes – Good Pickin’ Farm
5 Gould Road, Westford
Goat Hikes. $65/group up to 8 people. Informative nature hike led by an ecologist, focusing on different flora or fauna of the area that is seasonal. Have fun while the goats walk and run along with you and enjoy their silly antics! For more information call 425 306 7203, hello@goodpicikinfarm.comhello@goodpickinfarm.comhello@goodpickinfarm.com
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”!