Dear Friends and Acton Conservation Trust Members,
9/4 Wednesday Walk, “I Hiked Acton’s Trails!” at Grassy Pond West Conservation Land off of Newtown Road. Grassy Pond is a glacial kettle hole pond with a diverse bog ecosystem and bordering red maple swamp. In addition, this conservation land connects to existing conservation land around Nagog Pond, a public water supply.
The following news and events may be of interest:
Tuesday, September 17
History of the Nashobah Praying Indians
7pm – 8 pm
Church of the Good Shepherd, 164 Newtown Rd, Acton, MA 01720
Tuesday September 17
Full Harvest Moon
10:34 pm
It will be the second supermoon of four in a row.
Why Is It Called the Harvest Moon?
The full Moon names used by The Old Farmer’s Almanac come from a number of places, including Native American, Colonial American, and European sources. Traditionally, each full Moon name was applied to the entire lunar month in which it occurred and through all of the Moon’s phases—not only the full Moon. The Harvest Moon, however, is a bit different!
The full Moon that happens nearest to the fall equinox (September 22 or 23) always takes on the name “Harvest Moon.” Unlike other full Moons, this full Moon rises at nearly the same time—around sunset—for several evenings in a row, giving farmers several extra evenings of moonlight and allowing them to finish their harvests before the frosts of fall arrive. At https://www.farmersalmanac.com/full-moon-dates-and-times.
Wednesdays, September 18- November 20
“I Hiked Acton’s Trails!”
2:30-4:00 pm
Walk the trails in Acton’s conservation areas with the goal of earning a sticker and a sew-on patch! This weekly set of walks (typically 1-2 miles) is a joint effort between Acton Conservation Trust and Acton Conservation Division. We will complete the remainder of 22 conservation land walks which started last spring. Check out the “I Hiked Acton’s Trails” Challenge form HERE for more information about the challenge.
An accessible option is also available for those with devices or mobility issues. Contact us if you are interested in this option. For more information or questions, please contact jharris.actonconservationtrust@gmail.com. REGISTER HERE!
Wednesdays, September 18 and 25
2040: A “Carbon CREW” (Carbon Reduction for Earth Renewal) Project)” Discussion Group
6:30 – 7:30 pm
Acton Memorial Library,Main Meeting Room, 468 Main St.
Pick up a copy of the book “2040” at the library Circulation Desk, or ask a librarian for help reserving this book in advance of the discussion group.
This study group is led by Boxborough resident Marjorie Kemp of the Carbon C.R.E.W. Project! The Carbon CREW (Carbon Reduction for Earth Renewal) Project started in Long Island and is inspired by the documentary 2040. In the film and this accompanying handbook, Australia film maker Damon Gameau looks at inspirational efforts around the world to address climate change and concludes that we have the resources to turn back our heating climate, if only we would implement the needed changes. The Carbon CREW Project takes themes from the book–Transportation, Buildings/Energy, Consumption, Diet, and Drawdown–and looks at how individual households can reduce their carbon footprints.
Please contact Boxborough resident marjoriek@comcast.net with “2040” in the subject line to sign up, or register through the Acton Memorial Library online CALENDAR or Register HERE.
Wednesday, 9/18/24
Boston Area Gleaners Volunteer Opportunities Kale yea!
8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Concord, MA
4 of 10 volunteer spots filled. Leader : Deb (If you have specific questions about this trip, email dhicks@bostonareagleaners.org)
Sign up on our website.
Wednesday, 9/18/24
Boston Area Gleaners Volunteer Opportunities – Come help us sort, top, and pack! Likely apples and turnips
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Acton, MA
6 of 10 volunteer spots filled. Leader : Christopher (If you have specific questions about this trip, email cbischoff@bostonareagleaners.org)
Sign up on our website.
*Please join the waitlist if a trip is full! Not only will this help us gauge interest moving forward, but if someone is unable to attend who had previously committed, and depending on your place on the waitlist, you will be automatically added to the roster.
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!
*Please join the waitlist if a trip is full! Not only will this help us gauge interest moving forward, but if someone is unable to attend who had previously committed, and depending on your place on the waitlist, you will be automatically added to the roster.
Friday, September 20
MLTC (Mass Land Trust Coalition) Conservation Partners Meeting formerly known as “Steering Committee Meeting”)
10:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough MA , and via Zoom.
Register to attend via Zoom. Land trust staff and board members as well as conservation partners are welcome to this quarterly meeting, featuring relevant news from state agencies, a timely update on state and federal policy matters, announcements, and this month’s featured topic: Article 97 and implementation of the Public Lands Protection Act. A detailed agenda will be sent in advance to all registrants.
Sunday, September 22
The Autumnal Equinox
8:44 AM
The autumnal equinox is an astronomical event that marks the start of autumn (or “fall”). In the Northern Hemisphere, the autumnal equinox occurs in September; in the Southern Hemisphere, it occurs in March. During an equinox, the Sun crosses what we call the “celestial equator”—an imaginary extension of Earth’s equator line into space. The equinox occurs precisely when the Sun’s center passes through this line. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, when the Sun crosses the equator going from north to south, this marks the autumnal equinox; when it crosses from south to north, this marks the vernal equinox. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the reverse. After the autumnal equinox, days become shorter than nights as the Sun continues to rise later and nightfall arrives earlier. This ends with the winter solstice, after which days start to grow longer once again.
Sunday September 22
Acton-Boxborough Farmers Market – Community Table: Acton Food Pantry
10-1 pm
19 Elm Street, Acton
Bring your reusable grocery tote every Sunday and stock up on local produce and artisanal goods while you enjoy music, artisan offerings, our community table… and friends and neighbors.
The ABFM Operates on People Power! The ABFM exists because of our terrific vendors; the support of local businesses, organizations, and individuals; help from the Town of Acton and staff; and the hard work of volunteers. We need a few more adult volunteers to help manage our growing market. Want to help? Wonderful! Please email us at volunteers@abfarmersmarket.org, or stop by our booth on Sunday.
Sunday, September 22
13th Stone Soup Dinner. An evening dedicated to supporting Concord agriculture!
4-7 pm
Verrill Farm, 11 Wheeler Road, Concord, MA 01742
Join us for a beautiful evening on the farm, supporting Concord Agriculture and enjoying Concord-grown produce prepared by Concord Chefs. This special event is not just a feast for your palate; it’s a celebration of our local farmers and the hard work they put into maintaining the agricultural spirit of Concord. Brian Donahue from Brandeis University will delve into the concept of “The Stone in Stone Soup” during the evening’s featured presentation. Enjoy delicious tastings from a selection of Concord’s finest restaurants. A cash bar will be available to complement your meal.
Please reach out to the Stone Soup Committee with any questions about the dinner.
Jennifer Verrill (Verrill Farm) – jen@verrillfarm.com
Chris Saia (West Concord Liquors) – chris@westconcordliquors.com
Justin Kopaz (The Concord Cheese Shop) – jandrewcooks@hotmail.com
Stone Soup Dinner Ticket
$60.00
Monday, September 23
Trail Opens in Boxborough
4:30 PM
95 Sargent Road in Boxborough
The Town of Boxborough will hold a celebratory ribbon cutting for the trail at a Sargent Road property that the Town conserved in 2022, with support from SVT, the Commonwealth, and Boxborough Conservation Trust. SVT also holds a conservation restriction (CR) on the land.
This 21-acre forested property that protects local water resources is now known as Perkins Woods, and its new trail links to those on nearby conservation lands.
The public is invited to attend the ribbon cutting, which will feature remarks by several project participants followed by a short hike along the new trail. The event starts at 4:30 p.m., and attendees will gather in the parking lot at 95 Sargent Road in Boxborough. Join us! No registration required.
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Household Hazardous Waste Day
DPW Garage located at 14 Forest Road
4-6:30 pm
If possible, please only make ONE trip to Hazardous Waste Day. Upon entering the site, please drive slow
and stay in your vehicle.
These collection services are for Acton residents only and proof of residency will be required.
See the Town’s Household Hazardous Waste Day Flyer for more information.
Wednesday, September 25
SVT Annual Meeting
Village Hall on the Common, 2 Oak Street, Framingham
Please make plans to attend SVT’s 2024 Annual Meeting! Details and Registration – https://www.svtweb.org/annual-meeting-2024
As a special treat, meeting attendees are invited to tour the Framingham History Center exhibit, “Framingham’s Collective Journeys: Stories of Immigration, 1960 – Present.”
Wednesday to Saturday, Sept. 25-28
Land Trust Alliance Rally
Providence, RI
The Land Trust Alliance is proud to host its 37th year of Rally: The National Land Conservation Conference in Providence, RI. Serving as the premier training and networking conference, Rally offers learning sessions focused on land conservation topics, networking events, exhibits, plenary sessions and an awards presentation celebrating conservation leadership.
Learn more about Rally 2024 here
Saturday, September 28
OARS & Town of Acton’s Community Water Chestnut Removal Event
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Ice House Pond, 120 Concord Road, Acton
120 Concord Road , Acton, MA , 01720
Please join us for our second water chestnut removal event at Ice House Pond in 2024!
Registration is required, so please sign up HERE.
September 29
Acton Conservation Trust Mushroom Forage with Boston Mycological Club
10:30 am-12:30 pm (mushroom ID will go on longer… stay as long as you like!)
NARA Park (register for more information)
Please click here to register.
This fall Acton Conservation Trust will again hold a joint Mushroom Forage event with BMC! We will not be eating any of our foraged finds, just identifying them with the help of BMC’s fungi experts. All ages are welcome but no pets (except service animals) are allowed! More information will be sent a few days before the event. Lightning will cancel the walk. For questions, contact Jody Harris at jharris.actonconservationtrust@gmail.com
Monday, September 30
EV Driver Meet-Up: Share the Excitement
5:00-7:00 pm
Rapscallion, 5 Strawberry Hill Rd, Acton
Personal transportation is a huge source of carbon emissions with the accompanying impacts on the natural world. However, in Acton, electric vehicle ownership has more than doubled in the last 18th months! Come share in the excitement by comparing notes with other EV drivers. Thinking of an EV? Come talk with current EV drivers about range, charging, handling, finances, etc., and see some of the vehicles. Bring the whole family and have a bite to eat. We will have coloring and crafts for the kids. This event celebrates National Drive Electric Week
Saturday, October 5
Beer in the Barn at Wolbach Farm
7:00 to 9:00 pm
The Barn at Wolbach Farm, 18 Wolbach Road, Sudbury
Ticket includes:
Good Local Beer (one drink ticket for a flight, beer, or glass of wine)
Generous Appetizer Pairings by the Hyve – made with local ingredients (gluten-free and dairy-free options)
Folk music by the Red Horse Oldtime Duo
Casual party vibe in an old-fashioned barn on lovely historic farmland
Proceeds benefit Sudbury Valley Trustees. We will present a super short welcome by an SVT staff member – then get straight back to the party!
Additional drink tickets available for purchase.
Tickets https://www.svtweb.org/beer-barn-pop-party
Sunday, October 6
Boston Area Gleaners: Ride for Food
Sign up, join our team, donate, and learn more about the event here.
Join our team!
Wednesday, October 9
Archaeological Discoveries in New England
7-8:30 pm
Acton Memorial Library and via Zoom.
Peabody award winning Smithsonian filmmaker Ted Timreck shares documentary footage from two little known discoveries that show the potential of what might be found anywhere in the New England countryside.
Tuesday, October 15
Ancient Winters at the Flagg Swamp Rockshelter
7-8:30PM
In person and via Zoom
Eric Johnson of UMass-Amherst provides a retrospective on the excavation of this remarkable 4,000-year-old site in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Events are free but require registration at tinyurl.com/pinehawk-2024
Questions? Email friends.of.pinehawk@gmail.com
Sunday, October 20 – 3rd Sunday of every month – through November
Breakfast at Fort Pond Littleton
8 Kaleva Road
8-10:30 am
For directions CLICK HERE.
kalevalittletonma.org
Menu:
Eggs, Homefries, Bacon or Sausage, Toast
-OR-
Pancakes, Bacon or Sausage
Plus Coffee, OJ, Pulla (Finnish sweet bread)
Adult $12 Child $8
For more information CLICK HERE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Town of Acton Open Space Committee (OSC) is seeking one full time member and 2 Associate Members. We are reaching out to you given your interest in land preservation. The OSC is a sub-committee of the Conservation Commission, with seven permanent members and two associate members serving terms of three years each. The Acton Conservation Trust (ACT), your local non-profit land trust) and the OSC have formed a strong collaboration leading to many of the recent land acquisitions using Community Preservation funds and serves as a vital source of informaition about open space within Town Hall. It also forms a key part of Acton’s land protection ecosystem comprising ACT, the OSC, the Natural Resources Division, the Community Preservation Committee and our regional land trust the Sudbury Valley Trustees.
To learn more you can contact ACT at info@actonconservationtrust.org, Susan Mitchell-Hardt at mitchellhardt@gmail.com, 978-369-9264 or the Chair of the OSC, Karen O’Neill at kobbirdbrain@gmail.com, cell 508-517-7227.
Community Preservation Act (CPA) Update. more information available HERE.
CPA Advocacy: A Fluctuating CPA Trust Fund and Plans for the Future
Massachusetts has experienced declining state revenues recently, and this has had a substantial impact on the CPA Trust Fund. Despite our advocacy in 2023, there were no state budget surplus funds available, and our recent communications at the State House indicate that this will very likely be the case again this year. Due to a struggling real estate market and a low probability of state budget surplus funding, CPA communities are bracing for decreased revenue from the Trust Fund for the time being.
Completing the Coalition Transition to a New Fiscal Sponsor
One year ago, the Coalition successfully made its transition to our new fiscal sponsor at Third Sector New England. And while this process was not without its hurdles, we are pleased to report that we have securely settled into TSNE’s infrastructure, and all of our staff, IT, and database systems are now fully operational. Along with many process and reporting improvements, the move to TSNE provides lower overhead rates for the Coalition, allowing us to expand our staff later this year. We would like to especially thank each of our member communities for their patience during this process, and to the municipal accounting staff in these 196 municipalities that worked to update our records in their systems.
Preparing for a CPA Milestone: 200+ CPA Communities on the Horizon
CPA adoption activity has picked up in a big way throughout the last year. With a high-profile election coming up this November, we’ve seen enormous interest from local advocates working to bring CPA to their communities.
During a whirlwind town meeting season this spring, eight different communities succeeded in placing the question of CPA adoption on the November 2024 ballot. Residents in Clarksburg, Halifax, Rutland, Sheffield, Sherborn, Spencer, Swampscott, and Winchester will all now be voting on local CPA adoption proposals at the ballot. In addition, advocates in Colrain, Douglas, and Townsend have all started signature-collection campaigns for a ballot question petition in an attempt to advance CPA to the November ballot. With the potential for 11 different communities voting on CPA adoption this year, it’s very likely that we will see the total number of CPA municipalities finally crest over 200 this fall.
Camp Acton is Open
Pope Road, Acton
Fee is $25 per site reserved through he 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.
https://actonma.gov/623/Camp-Acton
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.
See you on the trails!!
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”