Dear Friends and Acton Conservation Trust Members,
From https://www.fws.gov/story/eight-points-about-antlers#
Animals in the deer family grow antlers. Antlers are branched bones that are shed every year. Many nutrients are needed to make bone, such as calcium, phosphorus and protein. These nutrients are important for all types of animal growth, not just big strong antlers. Rodents in particular love shed antlers – mice, squirrels and porcupines will gnaw on antlers for their nutrients and to wear down their ever growing teeth. Even bears, foxes, opossums and otters have been known to eat antlers.
The following events may be of interest:
JUST OUT!!! Acton Conservation Trust LAND TRUST NEWSLETTER
Thursday, March 7
Call for Community Planning Process Volunteers – Paid Role
MVP 2.0 Call for Community Members Post. 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 in three installments. Read on
Sunday, March 10
Blight: Author Emily Monosson in Conversation with Brent Ranalli
2 PM
$10 to attend at Thoreau Farm Register
$5 to attend online Register
A prescient warning about the mysterious and deadly world of fungi—and how to avert further loss across species, including our own. Presented by The Write Connection at Thoreau Farm. On-site book sales support The Shop at Walden Pond.
Learn more about our Programs
Sunday, March 10 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS STARTS AT 2 AM
On Saturday night, set your clock forward one hour (i.e., losing one hour) to “Spring forward.”
March 13
Darkness at Night—Essential for Life!
6-7:30pm
This is a very timely discussion from Kestrel Land Trust
https://www.kestreltrust.org/calendar/conservation-action-for-biodiversity-darkness-at-night/
Saturday, March 16
Solar Eclipses
2:00—3:00 PM
Maynard Library
On Monday, April 8, 2024, 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. In this talk, Dr. Bradford Snios will discuss the scientific background of eclipses, what to expect, and preparations to make the most of this rare event. Learn More
Saturday, March 16
PlugIN Tour: March Clean Energy Home of the Month – Solar Panels and Batteries
Two sessions: 10:30am and 2:30pm
West Acton address sent with registration
In March, EnergizeActon.org’s PlugIN campaign focuses on the theory and the practice of solar energy. Home solar panels are a great way to decrease fossil fuel use and save money on electricity. The hosts of this tour go above and beyond with a fascinating solar battery storage system that complements their ground mount solar panels, meaning that they barely draw electricity from the grid. This home is both unique and inspiring. Other homeowners at the tour will share their experiences with more traditional solar systems. The hosts—and their colleagues—are eager to answer your questions. For information and to register, click HERE.
Saturday, March 16
PlugIN Talk: – Home Solar: The Time is NOW!
7:00-8:00pm, zoom
As part of Energize Acton’s six month “PlugIN ” series on how our energy use matters for the health of our planet, in March we will look at the promise of solar energy. Sam Kooharian, Energy Advisor for EnergySage will give a quick overview of solar power and discuss why now is a great time for home solar installation, including helpful aspects of the solar market, great financial incentives, and potential future changes that make the present an optimal moment for solar. Also, for renters and condo owners, as well as those with homes not suitable for solar, Sam will touch on community solar efforts and why these developments are essential. Finally, three Acton residents will give brief testimonials about their experiences with solar. Questions welcome! Sponsored by EnergizeActon.org. For information and registration, click HERE.
Sunday, March 17
Acton Conservation Trust Annual Meeting: Snakes of New England and the World – Live Animal Presentation
1:00-3:00 pm
Acton Town Hall, Faulkner Room 204, 472 Main St., Acton
1:00 PM Business Meeting
1:20 PM Presentation of Carol Holley Conservation Award to John Watlington, Land Steward Committee member
1:30-2:30 pm Guest Speaker: Rick Roth, Rick the Snakeman of Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team
Do you wonder what kind of snakes might be living in the woods near your house? Have you ever caught a glimpse of a snake just as it disappeared into some shrubs and wished for a closer look? Here is your chance to see native and exotic snakes close up. Rick Roth, local snake expert and Director of Cape Ann. Vernal Pond Team, will share some of his favorite snakes and talk about their lives and habits in this live animal presentation. (From CAVPT website) Fourteen species of snake are native to New England, and Rick will speak to preserving habitat and land and the important role snakes play in our ecosystem.
John Watlington has been the land steward for the 180 acre Great Hill Conservation Land since 2014. He kept the several miles of trails there maintained and clean. Currently, he is Steward at Large, working where needed in all Acton conservation lands. As a member of the Land Steward Committee, he gives monthly talks about invasive plant species, sharing his experiences with keeping invasive plant growth under control. He is also a sawyer, keeping the trails cleared of downed trees following storms. That’s been a lot of work this year!
This program is free for all and perfect for families with children aged 5 and older. Please register here.
Thursday, March 21
Movie Nights Return – Screening Bat Man of Mexico, sponsored by Lincoln Land Conservation Trust
7pm
In-person at LLCT’s Offices (145 Lincoln Rd, Suite 102A, above the post office)
LLCT is pleased to host a movie night to welcome spring and to continue our focus on both pollinator health and the importance of dark skies for wildlife.
In this 50-minute PBS episode, ecologist Rodrigo Medellin tracks the lesser long-nosed bat’s migration across Mexico. These bats are crucial pollinators of agave plants, which are a critical crop in the tequila industry.
Free, all are welcome. LLCT will provide light refreshments.
Saturday, March 23
Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference
8:15-4:30 PM
UMass Amherst, Campus Center, 1 Campus Center
Featuring a keynote address by Dr. Darren Ranco, citizen of the Penobscot Nation, Professor of Anthropology, Chair of Native American Programs, and Faculty Fellow at the Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions at the University of Maine. His talk will reflect perspectives from his work with the Wabanaki Commission on Land and Stewardship, which you can learn more about here.
Register | Schedule | Descriptions | Conference Portal
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
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.
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!
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CPA UPDATE:
It’s FY25 Budget Season: So How is the CPA Trust Fund Looking? From Stuart Saginor, Executive Director of the CPA Coalition, March 3, 2024
This time of year, there’s usually one question on everyone’s mind: is there any guidance on the upcoming CPA Trust Fund distribution?
In prior years, the Department of Revenue has provided an official CPA Trust Fund estimate to municipalities in the spring. In 2023, all eligible CPA cities and towns received a base match of 21%, but based on recent collection trends at the state’s Registries of Deeds, the distribution in November 2024 is almost assuredly going to be lower than last year. In addition, several new CPA communities will be eligible for their first distribution this year. Because of these two factors, the Coalition expects that revenue from the CPA Trust Fund will result in a match below 20% in November.
We’ve reached out to DOR about the timing of this year’s budget memo, and we will update CPA communities as soon as more information is available. As we await further guidance, it’s clear that communities should remain conservative with their CPA budget estimates this year.
The latest policy & advocacy news from Mass Audubon March 2024
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!
Join Central Mass Goat Rental for a Walk with Goats
Year Round, Week Days and Weekends
48 West Acres Drive, Lunenberg
Take to the trails with friendly farm animals at your side. Anywhere from 6 to 16 goats will go on the hikes. Goats have a natural instinct to follow the leader, which makes them perfect hiking companions. The hike is relatively easy, lasting about an hour. Each hike costs $35 per adult, $10 per child (under the age of 15 years old), and children ages 5 years and under are free. To book a hike, visit:
HIKE WITH THE GOATS and choose the date of your hike.
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.
Walden Pond:
StoryWalk® Adventures – Enjoy a Story, Fresh Air and Exercise! Just follow the trail and visit the laminated pages of the book posted along the route. A wonderful story is just ahead waiting for you
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Sincerely,
Susan Mitchell-Hardt
President, Acton Conservation Trust
www.ActonConservationTrust.org