Dear Friends and Acton Conservation Trust Members,
Saturday, September 23: Many thanks to the 42 volunteers, organized by OARS and the Acton Conservation Department, who removed invasive water chestnuts which have been clogging the north end of the pond and shading out native vegetation. The Ecological Restoration Coordinator estimated that 16,400 plants had been pulled from the pond by the end of the morning. Stop by Ice House Pond to see the outcome of volunteers heroic efforts and marvel at the shear amount of these plants. To read more and see a great “before” picture, visit Action Unlimited Acton/Maynard Edition.
The following news and events may be of interest:
Friday, September 29
Harvest Moon: Full Moon in September (Information from The Old Farmer’s Almanac)
The full Moon rises the morning of September 29, 2023. Strange things happen around this Moon, which always follows the autumnal equinox. The intervals between moonrises get really short.
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!
One thing that sets the Harvest Moon apart from other full Moon names is that it’s not associated with a specific month, as the others are. Instead, the Harvest Moon relates to the timing of the autumnal equinox (September 23, 2023), with the full Moon that occurs nearest to the equinox being the one to take on the name “Harvest Moon.” This means that the Harvest Moon can occur in either September or October, depending on how the lunar cycle lines up with the Gregorian calendar.
Sunday, October 1
Mushroom Forage with Boston Mycological Club (BMC)
10:30am (approximately 2 hours)
Location: Trailhead to Nara Park at the end of Nagog Park Rd. There is a good sized parking lot on the right just before the dead end circle.The Boston Mycological Club is the oldest amateur mycology club in the USA, founded in 1895. Our walk will will take us through the Will’s Hole and Town Forest conservation area in North Acton. We will not be eating any of our foraged finds, just identifying them with the help of several fungi experts from BMC. Please click here to register, so we know how many people to expect.
All ages are welcome but no pets (except service animals) are allowed! No experience is necessary, just a keen set of eyes and your curiosity. Bring a basket or paper bag with handles for collecting mushrooms. Refreshments will be provided after our walk.
More information will be sent a few days before the event. This event will be held rain or shine as rain is great for mushrooms! Lightning will cancel the walk.
If you have questions, please contact Jody Harris at jharris.actonconservationtrust@gmail.com
Sunday, October 1
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.
Sunday, October 1
Codman Community Farm Harvest Fair
Noon to 4 p.m.
Codman Community Farm
Join in the fun of all of our favorite old-fashioned family and children’s games at Codman’s Harvest Fair!
Bingo in the Sugar Shack! Pie eating contest! The Rooster Run! Plus games, games and more games, tasty (mostly) Codman-grown food, music and more.
$20 children’s admission bracelet (includes ice cream!) / Kids under 3 free / Skip the line and reserve your bracelet(s) in advance!
Visit Codmanfarm.org
Monday, October 2
A-B United Way’s Community Resource and Volunteer Fair
4-7 pm
Acton-Boxborough Resource Center, located at the AB School’s administration building at 15 Charter Road in Acton.
For those of us who have been around a while, it is the old Merriam School, across from the Jr High.
We’ll be bringing in food trucks and doing face-painting to give this event an inviting festival appeal.
COME VISIT ACTON CONSERVATION TRUST (ACT) TRUSTEES AT OUR TABLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ACT, OUR PROJECTS, AND HOW YOU CAN HELP.
Tuesday, October 3
“Our Changing Climate & Horticultural Impacts with Dave Epstein, Meteorologist and Horticulturist”
10:30am
Acton Town Hall Room 204
The Acton Garden Club presents Dave Epstein, as he looks at climates and the impact to plants both close to home and further afield. Dave Epstein has been one of New England’s most trusted meteorologists for decades and a life long gardener. A biology major who now lives in Natick, Mass, Dave has been explaining the weather to TV viewers, radio listeners, and newspaper readers across New England for a long time. Along the way, he has become one of the region’s favorite and most trusted forecasters because of his straightforward, uncomplicated approach to informing people what is happening in the skies and why—and how it will impact their day.
Dave’s work can be found with Boston.com, BostonGlobe.com, WBUR.com, and Growingwisdom.com, his videoblog for home gardeners. He provides daily weather updates and weekly higher-level conversations, talking all things weather and plants.
For more information about the Acton Garden Club go to actongardenclub.org.
Tuesday, October 3
Lincoln Land Conservation Trust’s (LLCT’s) Annual Meeting Featuring Gwyn Loud
6:30 PM
St. Annes in the Fields, 147 Concord Rd, Lincoln, MA,
Light refreshments will be served starting at 6:30 P.M. The meeting will begin at 7:15 P.M.
LLCT Members will hear updates on the organization’s recent activities and will have an opportunity to vote in the new slate of Trustees. Immediately after the business meeting, Gwyn Loud, LLCT Trustee, will give the keynote address.
Weaving together anecdotes from her own observations and from her network of naturalists, Gwyn will tell the story of Lincoln’s changing landscapes, flora, and fauna. Come be delighted with Lincoln’s biodiversity as we collectively remind ourselves why conservation matters.
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
Friday, October 6
20th Annual Land Trust / State Agency Retreat
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
In-person at Harvard Forest and via Zoom
Advance registration is required Registration closes on Tuesday, October 3 at noon.
Hosted by MLTC and the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs, the Retreat is an opportunity for colleagues of Massachusetts land trusts and state agencies involved in land conservation to build relations and learn together. This year features a conversation with Nipmuc Leaders, and topics on conservation work with Environmental Justice populations, forests as climate solutions, and increasing the pace of conservation.Attend one day or both. Cost: Retreat only = $20 (includes coffee/tea throughout the day). Lunch is BYO. Additional cost for overnight accommodation = $90. Overnight dinner and breakfast are potluck. A detailed agenda will be emailed to all registrants.
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.
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
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
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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, Sept. 30
9:00am – 12:00pm: Carrot Glean
Location: Lunenburg, MA
Saturday, Sept. 30
1:00pm – 4:00pm: Carrot Glean
Location: Lunenburg, MA
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!
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/
Ride For Food 2023
The Ride For Food is an annual fall bike-riding fundraiser, hosted by Three Squares New England. Every year, the Gleaners’ team of dedicated riders come together to raise money for our food access programs. You can support our efforts by joining our team or making a donation toward our fundraising goal at the link below.
https://ride.threesquaresne.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”!