Dear Friends and Acton Conservation Trust Members,
TOWN ELECTIONS ARE ON APRIL 30, NOT MARCH 29, as stated last week in ACT’S Events of Interest. I apologize for the misinformation.
The road is open and better than ever!! Repaired culvert and road leading to Camp Acton – thank you Town Conservation Division Staff!
The following events may be of interest:
Wednesday, March 27
BCTrust’s Annual Meeting: “Beaver Management in the 21st Century: A New Ecological and Economic Paradigm”
7 PM
Sargent Memorial Library, 427 Mass Ave., Boxborough
Keynote speaker, Skip Lisle, President and Founder of Beaver Deceivers, LLC, speaking on “Beaver Management in the 21st Century: A New Ecological and Economic Paradigm”
Skip is traveling from Beaver Deceivers, LLC headquarters in Grafton, Vermont for this very timely and important presentation. Learn more about Skip’s work at Beaverdeceivers.com.
Join us for light refreshments – socializing will start at 7:00pm. BCTrust will conduct its Annual Meeting at 7:30pm, and the keynote speaker will start at 7:45pm. Free and open to the public!
Wednesday, March 27
On Belonging Outdoors Speaker Series: Doug Sutherland will present
7 PM
Zoom www.onbelongingoutdoors.org.
Doug is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Consultant who brings his experience as a Summer Camp professional to his work. Since his first camping trip in 1987, he has introduced countless students to the outdoors. Doug will share his experiences as a Black person in rural New Hampshire, where “belonging” is an assumption for some and unattainable for others. Learn more about the series and watch recordings of past presentations at www.onbelongingoutdoors.org.
Wednesday, March 27
Found Baby Wildlife Presentation
7:00-8:00pm
Online Presentation
“I found baby wildlife….now what?!”
This educational presentation by Massachusetts state wildlife rehabilitator Ashley Makridakis offers comprehensive guidance on what to do when finding baby wildlife. Topics such as a species’ natural history, true orphan red flags and effective reuniting strategies will be discussed. The focus will be to help the general public to know if, when and how to help…and to avoid accidentally kidnapping.
https://svtprograms.funraise.org
Wednesday, March 27
Middlesex Conservation District Bumblebee Project Presentation
3:00 – 4:30 PM
J. V. Fletcher Library
50 Main St, Westford, MA 01886
Join Giancarla Kalpas, MCA’s Bumblebee Project Steering Committee Member, to hear about conserving native pollination systems by providing the specific habitats required by at-risk pollinators–and to reduce the threats to those pollinators. You will learn about Giancarla’s success stories and leave knowing that what we plant makes a difference in fighting extinction. This work is based on the research and recommendations of Dr. Robert Gegear, Professor at UMass Dartmouth and founder of The Beecology Project. You can find more information about his research on his website: https://gegearlab.weebly.com https://gegearlab.weebly.com and at the Bumblebee Project webpage. Bumblebee Project webpage.
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Diversity Underground: Ecological Gardening with Groundcovers for Soil Health and Climate Resilience
7:30 PM
A free zoom lecture
Soil is alive. Just a teaspoon of soil has a billion bacteria, a million fungi, and thousands of other soil organisms like protozoa and nematodes. The diversity of these soil organisms matters. Soil biodiversity is key to healthy soil that promotes plant growth, stores and filters water, and captures carbon from the atmosphere.
Planting ground covers in Spring is the perfect complement to ecological gardening practices like No Mow May that promote above and belowground biodiversity. Lincoln resident and soil microbial ecologist Rachel Neurath, PhD, will uncover the importance of groundcover plants to enhance soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Her talk will help lay the foundation for the upcoming Garden Club talk on Native Lawn Alternatives with Alexis Doshas of the Native Plant Trust, on April 2nd at 7pm.
Saturday March 30
Vernal Pool Storytime with Linda Booth Sweeney
10:30-11:30 AM
Co-hosted by the Lincoln Public Library, Lincoln Conservation Department, and LLCT. Join author Linda Booth Sweeney for a reading of “The Noisy Puddle” and some kid-friendly activities at the library.
More details coming soon!
Thursday, April 1, 2024 (sunset 7:12 pm) Rain Date: April 2, 2024 (sunset 7:13 pm)
Woodcock Watch
6:45-8:00 pm
Acton or Boxborough
Al Sgroi, Acton Conservation Trust member and local birder, with pictures and other information will guide us through the courtship ritual of the American Woodcock. Please register here and the meeting location will be sent to you a few days before the event. The location will be in Acton or Boxborough, dependent upon woodcock activity. Bring a flashlight or headlamp, a chair for sitting and your binoculars, if you have them. Dress for ticks and spray for mosquitos. Warm layers with sturdy shoes are advised. We will be walking a short distance, then sitting while the sun sets and dusk falls. For questions, contact Jody Harris at jharris.actonconservationtrust@gmail.com.
Sunday, April 7
Community Solar Forum
9 AM
Breakfast starts Congregation Beth Elohim, 133 Prospect Street, Acton
Speakers include State Senator Jamie Eldridge and more. For more information visit the Congregation Beth Elohim website, https://www.bethelohim.org/event/breakfast-solar-forum
Monday, April 8
Solar Eclipse
Shortly after 2 – about 4:30 PM EDT
The Moon will pass directly between Earth and the Sun, creating a total solar eclipse. The Moon’s shadow, about 115 miles wide, will sweep a narrow path through North America, blocking the Sun in its entirety and turning day into night. If you want to know about Safety, How to Prepare, Science, the Eclipse and NASA, visit https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/safety/
From cbsnews.com/boston/news/total-solar-eclipse-april-8-2024-best-places-to-view-massachusetts-new-hampshire-vermont-maine/ In Boston, the partial eclipse will begin at 2:16 p.m. and end at 4:39 p.m. with maximum (about 93%) occurring at 3:29 p.m.
Sunday, April 14
Patriots’ Day Spirit
1-3:30 and 5-6:30 PM
Faulkner Homestead, High Street Travel back in time to learn why we celebrate Patriots’ Day in Acton as the start of both the Revolution and Civil Wars. What better place to do it than at the Jones-Faulkner Homestead, the home of home of Col. Francis F. Faulkner in 1775 and Col. Winthrop E. Faulkner in 1861?
Monday, April 15, 2024
Isaac Davis March to Concord
6:00 am
Isaac Davis Homestead, 37 Hayward Road, Acton.
The Acton Minutemen will make their annual march to the North Bridge in Concord, arriving at 9:00 am, where they will lead the fight against the British regulars across the Old North Bridge. Contact: The Acton Minutemen
Wednesday, April 17
OARS Wild & Scenic Film Festival
7-9:30 pm
Maynard Fine Arts Theaters
https://www.oars3rivers.org/event/2024/apr/16th-annual-wild-scenic%C2%AE-film-festival
Wednesday, April 17-Friday, April 26
Birding at Mt. Auburn Cemetery w Brookline Bird Club
6:30 AM
Mt. Auburn Cemetery, 536 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA https://ebird.org/hotspot/L207391
Special Note for Mount Auburn Cemetery Visits: Trip leaders at MAC must be able to park. Trip participants are kindly asked to leave the first parking space in front of the medical office building free for the leader. Just west of the cemetery is free on-street parking on side streets (e.g. Francis Street) in Watertown, a short walk or ride on the bus 71 or 73 to the cemetery gate. The BBC does not endorse use of the nearby Star Market parking lot; towing is possible. Other options worth checking include Fresh Pond Lane off Brattle Street. Check daily listings for starting times. Very large groups may be split.
BBC field trips are open to all participants. Unless otherwise stated, all trips are free to attend and do not need preregistration. You do not need to be a club member to attend, though we hope you will join. See the Field Trip FAQ for answers to general questions. Contact leaders for more details about specific trips.
We follow all policies of field trip location property owners and co-sponsoring organizations. These may include ongoing public health measures. Some participants may choose to wear a face mask for health purposes. We support their right to do so.
Wednesday, April 24
Gardening for Climate Resilience
7-8:30pm
Acton Town Hall, Room 204, and virtually
From drought to extreme rain and high winds, the last two years have been tough on our basements, backyards, and roadways, not to mention less visible impacts on the web of life in gardens and woodlands. Can we tend the soil and landscape for more resilience? Join Trevor Smith, Weston Nurseries Design and Education Manager, as he addresses issues from stormwater runoff to soil health. With deep experience in regenerative land care, Trevor will also help us understand native plant resilience and gardening for biodiversity. Sponsored by EnergizeActon.org, the Acton Conservation Trust, and the Acton Garden Club Shirley Towle Fund. Register HERE.
Tuesday, April 30
Acton Town Elections
RJ Grey Jr. High School Gymnasium, 16 Charter Road
Polls open 7 AM to 8 PM
Additional election information can be found on the Elections & Voting Page
Thursday, May 9
Acton: 4000 to 7000 Years Ago by local archaeologist Kimberley Connors
7-8:30 PM
Acton Memorial Library
Extending a popular talk Ms. Connors gave last year, 4000 to 7000 Years Ago focuses specifically on Acton’s archeological sites from the Middle Archaic period (4000-7000 years before present). The most well-known of these is the Pine Hawk site in South Acton, but there are several other sites along the Assabet River and its tributaries.
This program brings our local landscape alive by looking at why indigenous people were so attracted to this region. Through the artifacts and excavations of local archaeological sites, people can look beyond the glare of the modern to the contours of the land and understand more about Indigenous people and how they thrived here for millennia. Ms. Connors will lead a walk through the Trail through Time a short time later on May 18, so people can see firsthand some of the landscape and sites described in this lecture.
Register HERE to attend in person or via Zoom.
Saturday, May 18
Spring Archaeology Walk
Noon-2 PM in North Acton
Local archaeologist Kimberley Connors will lead a two-mile hike focusing on Native American features along the Trail Though Time in North Acton. Registrants will receive an email with details a few days before the walk. Limited to the first 20 people to sign up, ages 15 and up. (Rain Date, Sunday, May 19, noon-2PM).
Register HERE to walk.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mass Audubon Policy and Advocacy, 3/25/24 – Horseshoe Crabs Get New Protections in Massachusetts
“This year, we convinced state officials to propose a ban on all horseshoe crab harvesting between April 15 and June 7. This proposal had to be approved by a commission that votes on fishing regulations, and unfortunately, that same group rejected similar protections for horseshoe crabs in 2023. It was clear that the commission needed to hear from our supporters that it was time to step up and protect these creatures.”
Call for Community Planning Process Volunteers – Paid Role
The Town of Acton is looking for up to 5 community members to join a climate resilience planning process! Volunteers will receive a stipend of $2,400 during the 9-month process. For more information, visit Official Website | Acton MA
Senator Eldridge, Representative Cataldo, and Representative Sena announce MDAR grants to food and insecurity non-profit at historic Stonefield Farm in Acton. Boston Area Gleaners are thrilled to be awarded two grants totaling $850,000 which will be used to purchase a refrigerated trailer to expand their storage and distribution capacity. The other $750,000 grant will be used to further support their efforts to support our farm and food access partners.
Acton Water District’s 2024 Rain Barrel Program Order Deadline: April 29th by 5:00 PM
How to Purchase Your Rain Barrel: Rain barrels are available for purchase by residents at the discounted price of $89. The first 40 barrels sold are offered at $50 (an additional $39 discount) with coupon code AWD24.
How to Order: Go to https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/
Select ‘Massachusetts’ then ’Acton’
Pick-Up: Thursday, May 9th 2:00-6:00 pm at the Acton Water District, 693 Massachusetts Avenue, Acton
Concord Land Conservation Trust (CLCT) is Hiring!
Attention nature enthusiasts and conservationists! We’re excited to announce that we are hiring for a new permanent, full-time Stewardship Coordinator and a seasonal, part-time Stewardship Intern. If you are passionate about caring for our natural resources and the sustainable management of our protected lands, this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for!
Stewardship Coordinator
Come be a part of our wonderful Land Trust community as we embark on an exciting time of growth during our 65th year! With more than 1,300 acres of land under our care, we are looking for a passionate individual who shares our commitment to stewarding and managing our land and natural areas for the benefit of current and future generations.For the job description and instructions on how to apply, click here.
Priority applications should be received by April 22, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after then.
Seasonal Stewardship Intern
Join us for an unforgettable summer as the CLCT Seasonal Stewardship Intern!
From June to August, you’ll be immersed in nature while assisting in the management of Land Trust properties and engaging with our awesome community of volunteers.
For the job description and instructions on how to apply, click here.
Priority applications should be received by April 8, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis following then.
From Mass Audubon last week:
Speak Up in Support of Responsible Solar Siting
The Clean Energy Infrastructure Siting & Permitting Commission is seeking public input as it works to eliminate barriers to siting solar and other renewable energy projects. We’re pushing for rapid clean energy deployment that will minimize impacts to natural and working lands. Want to help us push for responsible clean energy siting? Submit a public comment through March 15 to make your voice heard! Mass Audubon submitted comments as part of the state’s review of its Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program. With the goal of increasing solar energy without sacrificing forests and other natural and working lands, our recommendations include stronger incentives for canopy systems and low-impact ground-mount systems, along with eliminating eligibility for ground-mount projects on lands with high carbon and biodiversity value.
Strengthening Federal Protections Against Rodenticides
We’ve joined 75 other organizations in supporting stronger federal measures to reduce the environmental and public health threats posed by rodenticides. We urged the EPA to avoid impacts to endangered and threatened species, and encouraged them to take steps to reduce unintended poisonings through changes to pesticide labels. Join Climate and Nature Champions to get involved in local campaigns to reduce the use of rodenticides in your town or city!
Watch for amphibians on the road
This spring, be mindful of amphibians as they emerge from their winter retreats and travel to breeding sites. Use caution while driving on rainy spring nights. For more information visit https://www.mass.gov/news/watch-for-amphibians-on-the-road
Amphibian Crossing Brigade Handbook – February 2023
To learn more, including “How to organize your own crossing brigade” – click here.
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Sincerely,
Susan Mitchell-Hardt
President, Acton Conservation Trust
www.ActonConservationTrust.org
P.S. Welcome new “Events of Interest” subscribers! As a non-profit organization focused on conserving land in Acton, we rely upon the support of our members. Visit our ACT website, and click on “Join Us”