Dear Friends and Acton Conservation Trust Members,
Growing the ACT Board of Trustees
Are you interested in preserving open space in Acton? While Acton has the benefit of many acres of open space, some prized undeveloped parcels in Acton are not yet protected … Read more
Many thanks to ACT Trustee Jody Harris and the Boston Mycological Club for organizing a tremendous mushroom foraging outing at Will’s Hole on Saturday, Oct 1!!
If you haven’t visited “Mother Nature”, our ACT Scarecrow, at Cucurbit Farm – it’s time!
As you can see, she’s encouraging support of land trusts – ACT and SVT!!!!
Bring your kids/grandkids – they also have a corn maze!!!
She’s a masterpiece, and here she is in all her natural glory – created by our ACT Member Jan Eisenberg!
“Mother Nature” supports MENTAL HEALTH/NAMI and CUCURBIT FARM!!! Please vote for #60; $1.00 donation/vote.
For more pictures and reporting visit ActonConservationTrust.org and ACT’s Instagram page.
The following news and events may be of interest:
Thursday, October 5
From Pine Hawk to Trail through Time
7 PM
Acton Memorial Library and Zoom
Former Acton Health Director, Doug Halley, describes the discovery of the Pine Hawk archaeological site and its significance. He relates how the project activated an increased interest in historical preservation, leading to the restoration of the Acton Stone Chamber and to continuing work on Acton’s Trail Through Time, which brings the interface of two different cultures to light.
Most programs are free but all require registration at https://tinyurl.com/pinehawk-2023
Questions? Email friends.of.pinehawk@gmail.com
Sunday, October 7
Open-Air Tap Room at Jones-Faulkner Homestead, Iron Work Farm’s popular fall fundraiser!
4 PM-8 PM
Jones-Faulkner Homestead, 5 High Street, Acton
Following our brief annual meeting, a musket salute by the Acton Minutemen will open the main event on the Faulkner lawn at 4:00 pm (Gates open for early birds at 3:30).
Featured will be music by Ward Hayden and the Outliers and outdoor games for both kids and adults. Join in a local pizza fest, and have a “colonial” selfie taken! Roast marshmallows the old-fashioned way, and help us raid the popcorn machine! Or you may bring your own picnic. In case of inclement weather, we will have tents for shelter, and fire pits for warmth.
The $40 admission/donation per person includes 3 drink- and food tickets. (Kids under 18 are free). We are required to check IDs, so please bring yours with you. Parking is available in nearby commuter lots. Handicap parking is available on site.
Advance reservations are recommended. Go to ironworkfarm.org; (paste the link in your browser, if necessary), or email us at this address.
Sunday, October 8
Acton-Boxborough Farmer’s Market – October 15
Elm Street Playground, West Acton
10 AM – 1 PM
Join ABFM for our 15th season of promoting good food and supporting sustainable agriculture.
Visit http://www.abfarmersmarket.org for more information.
Tuesday, October 10
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF CONCORD WALK
11 AM – 1 PM
For over 10,000 years the indigenous people of the land knew this area as Musketaquid, the land between the grassy rivers. This tour explores the history of the first people and how they lived in a land of abundance seeking to keep and foster balance with the natural world, their mother, who sustained them always. What happened when cultures collided after European fur traders came and then English settlers in the 17th century will be discussed as we examine how those events shape the world of the indigenous people of Massachusetts today. In Concord, guided by Amy Cole. Cost is $10 per person. Registration limited to 20. Directions will be emailed to registrants. Most programs are free but all require registration at https://tinyurl.com/pinehawk-2023 Questions? Email friends.of.pinehawk@gmail.com
Wednesday, October 11
CONNECTICUT’S INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES: AN INTRODUCTION
7 PM
Zoom
By Lucianne Lavin, director of research emeritus at the Institute of American Indian Studies. Over thousands of years, Native Americans in Eastern North America became experts of their natural environments, managing the plant, animal, and human communities for the benefit and survival of all. Indigenous folklore and sacred stories promoted this ecological balance and spiritual obligation. Remote via Zoom. A link will be sent a few days in advance. Most programs are free but all require registration at https://tinyurl.com/pinehawk-2023
Questions? Email friends.of.pinehawk@gmail.com
Saturday, October 14, 2023 (Rain date: October 15, 2023)
Acton Conservation Trust (ACT) Fall Service Day
1-3 pm
Genevieve Lane, Acton (off Newtown Road)
For ACT’s community service event this fall, we have an opportunity to cut another trail through the woods. We will be connecting the end of Genevieve Lane (off Newtown Road) to the yellow trail in Bulette-Anderson Conservation Land. Most of the work can be done with pruning shears or clippers, with some small tree removal needed. Family groups, scout groups, students and everyone else is welcome. No experience needed – we’ll show you what needs to be done!
Please register here. You’ll be emailed a copy of this registration. Thank you!
For more information or questions, please contact Jody Harris at jharris.actonconservationtrust@gmail.com
Sunday, October 14,
West Acton Oktoberfest has been postponed until October 14
Sunday, October 14
Robbins Museum of Archaeology Field Trip Sponsored by Friends of Pine Hawk
2-5 pm
17 Jackson St, Middleborough, MA
This after-public hours visit will include a viewing of a number of the museum’s special Indigenous artifacts and conversations with museum educators. Car pools leaving from the Acton Library will be arranged a few days before the visit. General admission $10;
Events require registration at https://tinyurl.com/pinehawk-2023 Questions? Email friends.of.pinehawk@gmail.com
Monday, October 16
History of the Nashobah Praying Indians Book Discussion
7 PM
Acton Memorial Library.
Join a book group discussion of the History of the Nashobah Praying Indians, published earlier this year by Littleton historian Dan Boudillion, who will be on hand to sign copies before the discussion. Books will be available for purchase that day. In person only at Acton Memorial Library. Events require registration at https://tinyurl.com/pinehawk-2023 Questions? Email friends.of.pinehawk@gmail.com
Date October 18, 2023 (RE-SCHEDULED) (Program is Full)
ACT Evening of Astronomy 2023
Time: 5:45-8:00 pm
NARA Park, Acton
Please click here to register, so we know how many people to expect. Exact location and parking information will be sent to you a few days before the event.
This event is open to everyone and perfect for families, but no pets please! Dress warmly… bring several layers and perhaps a hat and gloves. We will be outdoors with plenty of hot beverages and other refreshments for you to enjoy.
Wednesday, October 18
SVT 2023 Annual Meeting Lindsey Ketchel, “The Role of Land Conservation in Protecting Water Quality”
Framingham Village Hall, 2 Oak Street, Framingham
6:30 PM Refreshments and Socializing
7:15 PM Meeting Called to Order
We will present our Annual Conservation Awards, elect Board members, and recap the past year:
ACT’S SUSAN MITCHELL-HARDT WILL BE HONORED WITH SVT’S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD!!!
Executive Director Lindsey Ketchel will give the Keynote Address:
Please register to help us plan seating and refreshments! Register Today https://www.svtweb.org/annual-meeting-2023
Saturday, October 21
Adult Archeology Walk
10 AM–Noon
Bettina Abe, a long-time Acton trail volunteer and just retired member of Acton’s Conservation Division, will lead a brisk hike along the Nashoba Brook trail, with stops at the stone chamber and Native American ceremonial sites. Trail conditions can be rocky, uneven, and often wet, and thus participation is limited. Registrants will receive a detailed email several days before the walk. Limited to 20, ages 17 and up.
Sunday, October 29
Run for the Hills with Harvard Conservation Trust
10 am 5k; 10:50 Fun Run
Prospect Hill Community Orchard, Harvard, MA
Great refreshments, prizes, and shirts. Costumes encouraged!
All proceeds support HCT’s mission Get more information at https://harvardconservationtrust.org/run-for-the-hills/
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Acton Photo Competition
We are looking to update the Town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) with photos of Acton’s natural landscape, open spaces, and recreation. Do you have any favorite photos of Acton’s nature, open spaces, and recreation? The Town of Acton is actively collecting photographs to be featured in our updated Open Space and Recreation Plan
Please email your photos to photos@actonma.gov or scan the QR code on the flyer
Please include in the following in your submission:
-Your name
-Location the photo was taken
-Any other notes you would like to add.
Reminder, all photographs of any individuals must be submitted with the individual’s consent. The deadline for submissions to the photo competition will be in December.
“Stand Up to Stigma” Scarecrow Contest
ACTON: Enter the “Stand Up to Stigma” Scarecrow Contest to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Central Middlesex. Bring your $25 donation to Cucurbit Farm at 32 Parker Street in Acton and pick up your scarecrow starter frame. Then drop off your family friendly scarecrow at the farm stand. Individuals, organizations, and businesses are invited to participate. The scarecrows will be on display for the month of October, and the public is invited to cast their vote for the winning entry. The goal is 100 scarecrows along the fence, as well as many conversations about mental health! Additional info can be found at namicentralmiddlesex.org/newsletter/scarecrow-contest2023.
Important News from Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT)
New Role at SVT
Laura Mattei, SVT’s long-time Director of Stewardship, has been promoted to the newly created position of Director of Conservation. Laura will now oversee SVT’s Land Protection projects while also managing our Stewardship efforts. She will play a key role in establishing our conservation priorities, take the lead on collaborative conservation projects with our many partners, and continue to devise strategies for restoring wildlife habitats.
VOLUNTEERS:
Boston Area Gleaners is looking for gleaners!
Sign up to volunteer at BAG, https://www.bagetc.org/gleanlist.php
Saturday, October 7
9:00am – 12:00pm: Apple Glean
Location: Harvard, MA
Gleaning is in full swing! We have volunteer trips happening Wednesdays through Saturdays during the season. Be sure that you are signed up as a volunteer on our website. You will be automatically enrolled to receive weekly email updates when volunteer opportunities pop up. In the meantime, keep an eye on our volunteer opportunity list (or sign up for text message alerts – link below)!
Sign up on our and check out our FAQ to learn more! For more news and information from the Gleaners visit https://www.bostonareagleaners.org/
ne.org/team/499746
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Sincerely yours,
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”!