December
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December 10, Wednesday, 7pm
Regular Club Meeting:
Neighbors Night
Join us at the Center for a Pot Luck Dinner and speakers bringing us their nature slide show.
Please call the Center (978-248-9491) to volunteer your short presentation before December 1.
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December 11, Thursday, 5-7pm
Inclusive Adventures Orientation for Leaders and Volunteers
at the Holyoke Heritage State Park
Website: (www.alloutadventures.org)
All Out Adventures invites you and members of your community to
participate in an introductory orientation for new and returning
volunteers with local interpretive naturalist and photographer, John
Green. Becoming a fully trained AOA volunteer provides you will skills
in numerous forms of inclusive outdoor recreation. Leaders and
volunteers learn about equipment and techniques that make outdoor
adventures a possibility for people with various handicaps. AOA is
collaborating with the Athol Bird and Nature Club to offer inclusive
activities this year in the North Quabbin and AOA offers year round
programs win western Mass for people of all abilities in hiking, biking,
skiing, skating, kayaking, and more!
Whether you are interested in volunteering for any of the upcoming
hiking, skiing, skating, or snowshoeing programs, we would like all
volunteers to attend the orientation on December 11, and then one of our
upcoming skill clinics in the first two weeks of January. Your
participation in one or more of these skill clinics creates and sustains
community within our volunteer network and increases your abilities as
an outdoor leader. It will also be a lot of fun!
Volunteer skill clinics:
These trainings precede scheduled OAO winter recreation programs from
11-3 PM on all dates. Each clinic provides you with the skills necessary
to participate and assist in the programs that follow the clinics.
· - January 3, 2004: 9-11 AM
Wendell State Forest, Wendell, MA
· - January 4, 2004: 9-11 AM
Mt. Tom State Park, Holyoke, MA
· - January 10, 2004: 9-11 AM
Wendell State Forest, Wendell, MA
· - January 11, 2004: 9-11 AM
Mt. Tom State Park, Holyoke, MA
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December 14, Sunday, 4pm
Save Tully Lake!
A subdivision of 44 homes and an expanded gravel
operation is proposed for 250 acres next to Tully Lake. Please
participate in a discussion of conservation alternatives. Hosted by John
& Joyce O'Hara (978) 249-9439 2381 Old Keene Road, Athol
AND LIGHT (SNACK) POTLUCK
Email:
Website: friendsoftullylake.org
Sponsored by the Millers River Watershed Council
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December 15, Monday, 9:30 to noon
Conservation Restriction Monitoring Workshop
Foye Property, Orange
Learn the basics of map reading & compass use with Mount Grace &
Department of Environmental Management staff guiding the group on a
monitoring visit to a local property protected by a conservation
restriction. Bring compass if you have one & dress appropriately. Meet
at the intersection of Creamery Hill Road & Warwick/Tully Road in
Orange.
Pre-registration preferred. Contact Mount Grace office for more details
and to register. 978-248-2043
Email:
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December 20, Saturday, all day
Christmas Bird Count
For information, contact Dave Small, , or call the Center 978-248-9491.
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November 12, Wednesday, 6pm
Annual ABNC Meeting:
Birds of the Blackstone Valley
Join us for dinner at 6 p.m. at the Community Church of North Orange. The presentation by Mark Lynch and Sheila Carroll begins at 7 p.m. and is followed by a silent auction - a Club fundraiser.
Please contribute an interesting natural history item for the auction.
Call 978-248-9491 before Friday, November 7 to reserve for dinner.
Directions:
The church where the November Club meeting is held is in North Orange. Traveling from Route 2 take exit 15 for Route 122 north, right into downtown Orange. Continue straight through the lights onto North Main Street. Continue north until you come to the T intersection with North Orange Road, turn east (right) on that road. The church is on the left. If you have a Tully Map, you can find the cemetary marked there in North Orange by the church. There is only one church in North Orange, so you can't miss it.
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November 6, Thursday 6:30-8:30pm
Guide Training Program Informational Open House
Become a North Quabbin Guide! Learn about the North Quabbin Guide
Training Program's 2004 session.
Discuss the program with instructors and former students, and pick up an
application.
Held at the Millers River Environmental Center.
Refreshments provided.
Please register by calling Scott Maslansky at
(978) 544-1527.
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November 5, Wednesday 8am - noon
Business Topics for the Forest Products Industry
Cost $25
Held at the Millers River Environmental Center, Athol.
For information
call Joe Smith 978 630-9554
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November 1, 2003 - All Weekend
Snow Geese in Northern Vermont.
See this spectacle of thousands of Snow Geese! Jeff Johnstone & Jacob Morris Segal will lead this trip to Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area in northern Vermont. We will make stops along Lake Champlain and look for a Ross' Goose among the Snow Geese.
Overnight accommodations in the Champlain region.
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October 30, Thursday 7-9pm
Conservation Stories
Hear examples of working forest conservation in the North Quabbin Region
and the ways landowners and the community benefits. New England Forestry
Foundation's Cynthia Wood presents examples of conservation with
accounts from the landowner's perspective.
Held at the Millers River Environmental Center.
For information or to preregister,
call 978-544-1527 by Oct. 27th
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October 29, Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm
Guide Training Program Informational Open House
Become a North Quabbin Guide! Learn about the North Quabbin Guide
Training Program's 2004 session.
Discuss the program with instructors and former students, and pick up an
application.
Held at the Millers River Environmental Center.
Refreshments provided.
Please register by calling Scott Maslansky at
(978) 544-1527.
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October 25, Saturday 9am - noon
The Value of Quality Timber Program
Viewed boards sawn from two different red maple logs. Examine the details
that make the difference between palletwood and fine furniture, and the
potential effect on the North Quabbin economy.
Held at the Millers River Environmental Center.
For information or to preregister,
call 978-544-1527 by Oct. 20th
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October 19, Sunday 9am - 1pm
Nature Journaling for Young Naturalists
Young people were invited to join artist Annie Chappell for this popular drawing workshop.
Fee $10 for non-members, $5.00 for members.
Limited to 10 participants ages 10 to 14.
The Center 978-248-9491 to register.
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October 19, Sunday 8am
Quabbin Biodiversity Trip
Joined Dave Small for this exploration of the "accidental wilderness."
Pre-register by calling the Center (978-248-9491)
Met at the Center.
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October 18, Saturday 9am - 3pm
Conte Discovery Center Grand Opening
Celebrated the opening of the USFWS Discovery Center in Turners Falls.
www.fws.gov/r5soc
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October 18, Saturday 9am
Geology Field Trip
Explored rocks and minerals in the Bolton Lancaster region of Massachusetts with Bob Coyle.
Met at the Center.
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October 16, Thursday 8am - 4pm
Basic Logger Rescue
Held at the Millers River Environmental Center, Athol.
Cost $90
For information, call Joe Smith 978 630-9554
or email
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October 15, Wednesday 7pm
EOEA State Forest Plan Hearing for the Women's Federated
Forest in Petersham
The Department of Conservation & Recreation held a public hearing
on the draft forest management plan for the Federation of Women's Clubs
State Forest in Athol on October 15th. DCR plans to use the process and
final forest plan developed for the Federation of Women's Clubs State
Forest as a model for forest management planning for all other state
forests.
The hearing was held at the Millers River Environmental Center.
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October 8, Wednesday, 7pm
Regular Club Meeting:
Storm Chaser!
The United States is in one of the most active weather regions on the planet. Severe weather is a relatively frequent occurrence in much of the eastern two-thirds of the United States, with conditions that include hail, high winds, cloud-to-ground lightning, torrential rain, and tornadoes. The science of meteorology has improved, but forecasting severe weather remains a challenge. Storm Chasers assist in our understanding and appreciation of storms. Learned about Severe Storms and Storm Chasers through the experience of presentor Ed Henry of the US Fish and Wildlife Service at the Athol Bird and Nature Club's October meeting, at 7 pm Wednesday, at the Millers River Environmental Center, 100 Main Street, Athol.
This event was free and open to the public.
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October 3, Friday 7am
Friday Morning Walk, Fall Migrant Birds
Jeff Johnstone has led a series of Friday morning walks this Fall
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September 28, Sunday 9am
Sparrows and Other Fall Migrants
Jacob Morris-Siegel led this birding trip to Northampton and vicinity. Experts and beginners were welcome to join in on this day of exploring the Valley for migrants.
Met Jacob at the Staples intersection of Route 116 and Route 9 in Hadley, 9 AM.
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September 26, Friday 7am
Friday Morning Walk, Fall Migrant Birds
Jeff Johnstone
Met at the Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol at 7 A.M.
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September 24, Wednesday 7pm
EOEA Ecoregion Public Meeting
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Department of Fish and Game, and the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) invite the public to this meeting to solicit comments on a draft document titled: "An Ecological Assessment and Management Framework for the Lower Worcester Plateau Ecoregion in Massachusetts".
The land management agencies within EOEA have collaborated in the production of this document, which is intended to describe the physical, biological and sociological characteristics of this ecological region ("ecoregion"), and then develop broad goals, objectives and guidelines that will guide development of future land management plans for individual agency properties. Ecoregions are increasingly used for landscape-level planning, and this document represents the first effort to apply this approach in Massachusetts.
Following a short presentation summarizing the main sections of the document, representatives of EOEA and the DCR agencies will answer questions and solicit input on its content, approach and general conclusions. Your comments will assist us in developing the final version of this guidance document. Copies of the draft report will be available at the meeting.
At the Millers River Environmental Center
100 Main Street, Athol.
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September 21, Sunday 9am - 1pm
Nature Journaling
Artist Annie Chappell conducted this popular drawing workshop.
Fee $10 for non-members, $5.00 for members.
Limited to 10 participants.
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September 20, Saturday 10am - 3pm
Annual Garlic and Arts Festival
Annual event in Orange.
Please call the Center for more information
Garlic Festival Website
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September 19, Friday 7am
Friday Morning Walk, Fall Migrant Birds
Jeff Johnstone
Met at the Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol at 7 A.M.
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September 17, Wednesday 7pm
Millers River Chapter Trout Unlimited
This was the first meeting of the Fall season,
Met at the Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol, 10am
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September 13, Saturday 10am
Mushroom Walk with Noah Siegel
Carpooled to explore mushrooms at Bearsden on an easy hike of two hours; small collecting basket, paper bags, guide books, and a hand lens.
Met at the Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol, 10am
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September 12, Friday 7am
Friday Morning Walk, Fall Migrant Birds
Jeff Johnstone
Met at the Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol at 7 A.M.
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September 10, Wednesday, 7pm
Regular Club Meeting:
Wild Wetlands
Bill Fournier, hunter turned photographer, has been taking pictures in
the wild for many years. Taken from a floating platform, Bill’s
photographs bring us into local wetlands to see from a perspective we
would otherwise miss.
Meet at the Center
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September 6, Saturday 9am
An Introduction to the Lichens of Tully Mountain
With Douglas Greene and the Friends of the Farlow. Hand lens and lunch. Searched for lichens on rocks, trees and soil. The pace was be slow and easy.
Met at the Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol at 9 A.M.
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September 6, Saturday 9am - 1pm
Millers River Dragonflies
Explored the Millers River to search out dragonflies with Dave Small. Watched for late season specialties such as Arrow Clubtail (Stylurus spiniceps), Ocellated Darner (Boyeria grafiana), and American Rubyspot (Hetaerina americana). Field guides, binoculars, dragonfly net. Shallow water
Met at the Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol at 9 A.M.
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September 5, Friday 7am
Friday Morning Walk, Fall Migrant Birds
Jeff Johnstone Friday morning walks this Fall
Met at the Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol at 7 A.M.
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August 30, Saturday 7am
Fall Migrating Birds
Jeff Johnstone led us on a search for migrants in this region.
Met at the Millers River Environmental Center,
7 A.M.
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August 30, Saturday 7:30 pm
Mars Meeting Earth
John Kocur introduced us to this close pass of Mars and Earth with an indoor program and a look at Mars through telescopes. Met at the Center.
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August 23, Saturday 10 am
Mushrooms after the Rains
A Mushroom Walk during the "best mushroom season in years" with
Club expert, Noah Siegel.
Explored the vast diversity of mushrooms at Bearsden Conservation Area in Athol.
Easy hike and two hours of
discovery;
Met at the Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol at 10 A.M.
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August 23rd & 24th, Saturday and Sunday starting at 8 am
Trekking the Tully Trail
Trustee's staff will led a two-day, moderate to strenuous, backpacking outing on the Tully Trail. Began at the Tully Lake Campground on Saturday morning and ended back there on Sunday evening. Interpretive talks along the way by naturalists.
Met at the Tully Campground on August 23.
Supper: $10/person,
Breakfast: $10/person,
Call 978-840-4446 to reserve.
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August 20 at 7 pm
Capturing Nature: Creating Images
Nature photographers shared their special expertise with cameras. Short slide presentations and discussions of various topics by the experts.
Cost: $10/person.
Met at the Tully Campground off Doane Hill Road in Royalston.
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August 16, Saturday at 9:45 am
Special Event: Farlow Lichen Walk at Tully
Met with British Lichenologist Mark Seaward and Douglas Greene at Tully Mountain in Orange Massachusetts for a casual Friends of the Farlow lichen walk. Met in Cambridge, MA 8:30 am at the Farlow Herbarium and the drive out Route 2 west, stop at the....
Millers River Environmental Center,
Athol to meet other local people at around 9:45 - 10:00am.
A very pleasant day lichening.
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August 16, Saturday at 9 am
Trail Development with The Trustees
Hiked the Tully Trail, learned about the multiple issues of developing trails in this region.
Met at the Tully Campground off Doane Hill Road in Royalston.
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August 16, Saturday, 9:00 am - All Day.
Birds, Butterflies and Dragonflies of the North Quabbin
Sought out biodiversity on Massachusetts back roads. Lunch, camera and a sense of fun and adventure. This trip was
co-sponsored by the Brookline Bird Club and the Athol Bird and Nature
Club.
Meeting Place: Millers River Environmental Center 100 Main Street,
Athol.
Dave Small, Athol (978)249-2094 ()
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August 9, Saturday at 9 am
Essential Outdoor Skills
Hiked with a USACE Park Ranger and learn outdoor skills such as basic navigation, nutrition, pack weight, and outdoor do's and don'ts.
Met at the Tully Campground off Doane Hill Road in Royalston.
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August 2, Saturday from 10 am - 1 pm
Reading Animal Track and Sign
Joined local tracker Nick Wisniewski to search the shores of Tully Lake for signs of mammals and other elusive and fascinating animals in their natural habitats.
Met at the Tully Campground off Doane Hill Road in Royalston.
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July 30, Wednesday at 8 pm
Night Sky Lights
Explored the sights of the summer night sky with amateur astronomers Bob Coyle and John Kocur. Telescopes were available.
Met at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol.
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July 29, Tuesday at 6 pm
Our Water Resources: Quabbin Reservoir
Dave Small led this exploration into the rich water resources of the region.
Limited to 25.
Please call 978-248-9491 further information and for reservations.
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July 28, Monday at 6 pm
New England Forest History
Joined John O'Keefe at the Harvard Forest for an overview of our forests through time.
Limited to 25.
Information and reservations.
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July 26, Saturday at 10 am
Exploring Codding's Meadow (Canoe Trip)
Sequel to Dave Small presentation; the ABNC will led a canoe trip up Lawrence Brook to search for dragonflies and butterflies.
Met at the front parking lot at Tully Campground off Doane Hill Road in Royalston.
Program: $10/person,
Canoe rental: $20,
Barbecue: $7.50/child, $10/adult.
Call 978-248-9491 to reserve.
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July 25, Friday at 7 pm
Monarchs, Royals & Other Nobility
Dave Small presented a slide program and talk on Butterflies and Dragonflies of the Tully Valley.
Met at the Tully Campground off Doane Hill Road in Royalston.
Fee is $5/person.
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July 20, Sunday
ABNC's Garden Tour and More
There are fifteen gardens of Orange, North Orange, and Warwick. Butterfly and bird walks, dragonfly identification, and pond exploration. There are meadows, water gardens, butterfly gardens, a labyrinth, plant sale, and much more. Lunch purchased at the North Orange Community Church. Sponsored by Athol Bird and Nature Club. Garden
Tour tickets were $7.00 per person and purchased that day at the Maple Valley Farm Stand in North Orange. Proceeds to benefit the Millers River Environmental Center.
For more info, please call the center at 978-248-9491 or Susan Heinricher at 978-544-6372 .
Schedules and tickets will be available locally (and at the Center) after July 1st.
Update 7/15
Garden Tour Tickets are now available at
Agway/Athol,
Noel's Nursery,
MREC.
That morning, Sun. July 20. they will be available at the Orange Library from 10:00 to 11:00 AM or all day at the Maple Valley Farm Stand, North Orange or Clare Green's home in Warwick. There are 20 gardens. Carl Kamp will be leading two butterfly walks. Bob Coyle will be leading two bird walks, Sue Cloutier will be exploring pond life, and Earle Baldwin will be out and about in the various gardens identifying wildlife.
Lunch will be available at the North Orange Community Church.
There will be a plant sale and more.
For more info. 978-544-6372 or 978-248-9491(MREC)
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July 19, Saturday at 9 am
Land Protection Overview with The Trustees
Meet at the Tully Campground off Doane Hill Road in Royalston.
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July 13, Sunday from 10-noon
Butterflies around Tully Lake
Join Carl Kamp, Vice-President of the Massachusetts Butterfly Club on a search for winged beauties in the areas surrounding Tully Lake. Bring binoculars and field guides.
Meet at the Campground in fields by the Ranger station.
The Tully Campground is off Doane Hill Road in Royalston.
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July 13, Sunday from 1 pm- 5pm
Making Plaster Casts of Tracks
Join Nick Wisniewski to have fun finding and recording the tracks of animals in plaster!
Fee is $10/person.
Limit 12 participants.
Call the Center to register 978-248-9491.
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July 11, Friday at 8 am
Geology to the East of Athol
Bob Coyle will lead this geology field trip from the Center.
Meet in the parking lot off Canal Street.
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July 9, Wednesday 6 pm
Canoe Tully Lake
Join Rick Magee to explore Tully Lake. This adventure is a favorite annual event.
Meet at the canoe ramp at the Tully Campground.
For canoe rental information call campground 978-249-4957.
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July 6, Sunday
North Worcester County NABA Butterfly Count
Meet at the Wachusett Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary Princeton.
Contact Carl Kamp (978) 249-9675
for details.
A Mass Butterfly event.
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July 5, Saturday at 7 pm
3 Years in the Wilderness (1804-1806), Lewis and Clark
Private Silas Goodrich returned to Massachusetts to reminisce about his journey with Captains Lewis and Clark across the Louisiana Territory and Oregon Country to the Pacific. Held under the big tent at Tully Campground off Doane Hill Road in Royalston.
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July 5, Saturday, AM
NABA Butterfly Count
Central Franklin County (Greenfield)
Met at Fish Ladder Park, Turners Falls.
Contact Mark Fairbrother (413) 367-2695 for details.
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June 29, Sunday, All day
Breeding Birds & Biodiversity on the Millers River, Athol to Orange
All day leisurely 6-mile canoe/kayak trip down the main stem of the Millers River exploring the nooks and wild spots as we seek out resident breeding birds, butterflies, dragonflies, wildflowers, and wildlife. This is a flat-water section of the river and good for all skill levels. This trip is co-sponsored with the Athol Bird and Nature Club and the Brookline Bird Club. Participants must arrange for their own boats, personal safety equipment and lunch. Local boat rental information available from the Center when you register.
Meet at the Center at 8 AM to begin shuttling some vehicles to the State boat ramp on East River Street in Orange, we hope to be on the water by 9:00 AM.
Limited space,
To register Please E-mail
For additional information
contact: Dave Small ()
or Eddie Giles (508)378-3370
()
Or call MREC: 978-248-9491
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June 28 , Saturday at 9 am
Fly Fishing FUNdamentals
Co-hosted by Millers River Trout Unlimited.
Participants learn to tie flies, cast, and to learn about the watershed and its protection.
Fish Fry and Barbecue: $10/adult, $7.50 child.
Meet at the Tully Campground off Doane Hill Road in Royalston.
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June 28, Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm
Dragonfly Field Trip
Join Dave Small for the fourth in a series of trips in search of local dragonflies. This is a chance to help add to the known information about flight periods and distribution of dragonflies in the North Quabbin Region. Information from these trips will become part of the permanent record of the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species.
Bring field guides, binoculars, dragonfly net and be prepared to wade in shallow water.
Meet at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol at 9 A.M
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June 25, Wednesday at 7 pm
Enraptured by Raptors
Tom Ricardi, Federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator, presents a program featuring live birds of prey.
Fee: $5/ person.
Meet at the Tully Campground off Doane Hill Road in Royalston.
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June 23 - 27, Monday to Thursday, 9 am. to 12 noon
Nature Camp
Calling all Stewards of the Earth in grades 1-6, for a week of Nature Camp at Millers River Environmental Center. Come explore, investigate, learn and play in the natural world.
Fill out and send in this Regisration Form
For more information about fees and to register:
Contact Camp Director: Clare Green, 978-544-7421
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June 21, Saturday at 9 am
Cultural History with The Trustees
Tully Campground off Doane Hill Road in Royalston.
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June 21, Saturday 9:30 am
Trees Do It in the Woods
Don't worry, this one's OK for the whole family. UMass professor of forest management Matthew Kelty described the various ways that trees make more of themselves. Don't forget binoculars (really!).
9:30am-12pm.
20 Dana Rd.,
Petersham, MA.
Please register by June 16th with Scott Maslansky (978) 544-1527.
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June 21, Saturday 5pm
Installation of the "Windows on Main"
This is a Celebration for our Artist in Residence, M. E. Kane who designed this community art project for the Club and the Center. Come help us thank M. E. for her creative management of this project and also to thank the many members of the community who assisted her. The art will be installed and a brochure describing the works will be available.
This event will be outside at the Center, 100 Main Street, and is open to the public.
Refreshments will be available.
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June 21, Saturday 7:30am - Late afternoon
Biodiversity at Mount Tom
Naturalists Dave Small and Lynn Harper investigation and documentation of the biodiversity of this unique area. Featured Lake Bray and the old Mount Tom Ski area.
Meet at 7:30 am at the Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol or
Meet, 8:30 Mount Tom, Lake Bray parking area.
Directions
From I-91 southbound, take exit 18 in Northampton and head south on Rt. 5
about 2 miles. Turn right onto Reservation Road, where there is a sign for
the Reservation.
From I-91 northbound, take exit 17 in Holyoke, going east towards Holyoke,
and take a left at the next light onto Rt. 5 going north. Drive about 3
miles and turn right onto Reservation Road.
Once on Reservation Road, drive past the houses, under I-91, and into the
park proper. Go over the dam of Lake Bray, turn onto the next left, go past
the remarkable ugly Warming Hut building, over a small bridge, and into the
parking lot. Turning left after the small bridge will get you closest to
Bray Lake. Look for the nets and the gleam of ecstatic odonauts!
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June 15, Sunday, 9am
6th Annual Royalston Butterfly Ramble
Met at 9:00 AM for breakfast and slides of species we might see or 10:00 a.m. for the field trip.
Breakfast host: butterfly gardening expert and librarian Kathy Morris, slides and walk leader Carl Kamp.
Co-sponsored by the Mass Butterfly Club and the Friends of the Phineas T. Newton Library.
Meet at the Library on Royalston Common 9 AM
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June 14, Saturday at 9 am
Family Nature Walk
Joined a USACE Ranger for a trail walk along Tully Lake to a beaver lodge. Find some clues and identify plant life on this family adventure. Proper trail shoes and bring water.
Meet at the Tully Campground off Doane Hill Road in Royalston.
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June 14, Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm
Dragonfly Adventure
Join Dave Small for the third in a series of trips in search of local dragonflies. This is a chance to help add to the known information about flight periods and distribution of dragonflies in the North Quabbin Region. Information from these trips will become part of the permanent record of the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species.
Bring field guides, binoculars, dragonfly net and be prepared to wade in shallow water.
Meet at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol at 9 A.M
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June 13, Friday, 7 pm
Stream Crossing Survey
This survey training will be run by Marie-Françoise Walk of the Mass. Water Watch Partnership from UMass, Amherst. She is working with Scott Jackson of UMass Extension, looking at barriers to fish and aquatic wildlife in streams. Culverts often present a barrier to fish because they are too big, too small, or are perched. This project has designed standards or technical guidelines for building/retrofitting culverts to make them passable to fish and wildlife. We have also designed a survey to inventory all road crossings in a sub-watershed and rate the culverts and bridges. The goal of the survey is to prioritize stream crossings in a watershed, to guide towns/highway departments in their culvert work. The idea is that ecologically important streams with the most severe barriers should get first priority in being replaced or retrofitted.
Meet at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol.
Co-sponsored with the Millers River Watershed Council
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Ashburnham - Biodiversity Day Event
June 8, Sunday, Time TBA
Biodiversity in Ashburnham
Join Dave Small, Paul Somers and a variety of other naturalists in
documenting the biodiversity of a private 400 acre tract of potential
conservation land.
Contact Dave Small for details.
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June 7, Saturday from 8-10 am
Birds & Natural History
Explore the varied habitats of the Tully region with Dave Small and Clare Green, expert naturalists. Discover the many dragonflies, butterflies, and birds that make there homes here.
Meet at the Tully Campground off Doane Hill Road in Royalston.
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Biodiversity Day Event
June 7, Saturday, 4pm
Otter River Bioblitz
Scientists will be working in the field all day. At the debriefing at 5 pm participants will learn about highlights. Public walk to see biodiversity of the Conservation Area followed by a picnic celebration.
Meet at the end of the access road by the airport. Park along the side of the road and walk in to the end.
Call Sue Cloutier 978-248-9491 to reserve food for picnic and for other details.
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June 7, Saturday, 10am - noon
Preserving Petersham's Natural Heritage
The Trustees and MGLCT are working to conserve 200 acres of forest and wetlands that will add to Brooks Woodland Preserve, provide access to Babbit Wildlife Sanctuary, and preserve a natural corridor through Petersham, (currently owned by the Ganson family.
Guided walks with local naturalists
Complimentary snacks and refreshments.
Information on how your can help.
Meet at 97 South Street in Petersham (Home of roger and Barbara corey)
Infomation contact Chris Rodtrom
9785374458 ex309
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Biodiversity Day Event
June 7, Saturday, 8am - (10am)
Birds and Biodiversity
Tom Pirro, expert birder from the Athol Bird and Nature Club, will lead a biodiversity walk at High Ridge Wildlife Management Area.
Meet at the end of Smith Street (off Rte 140 in Gardner, about 1/2 mile SOUTH of the junction of Rte's 101 and 140) at 8am (until 10am). Approximately 2 miles of walking will be involved.
Dress for the weather and bring binoculars, field guides, and a sense of adventure!
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NEBC
ACT
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June 6 - 8
Ashburnham Natural History Outing
Purpose To discover more about the flora and fauna inhabiting three of Ashburnham's natural areas Mt. Watatic and Lincoln Pond where recent acquisitions have helped protect the biota, and a privately-owned tract of forested land (ca. 450 acres) in need of a bio-survey to support conservation efforts there.
Who is Organizing and Sponsoring the Weekend Outings The New England Botanical Club is organizing the event with the help of three cosponsors the Athol Bird and Nature Club, the Ashburnham Conservation Trust and the Campaign for Watatic. Members of these four groups will be conducting species inventories that will be identified in the field or at a camp/field station during the weekend.
Where Camp Split Rock, located on scenic Lake Winnekeag about 1 mi. N of Ashburnham Center, Worcester County, Massachusetts. The Dining Hall at the Camp will serve as meeting place, field lab and dining area.
Schedule of Events
Friday, June 6
- 1:30 PM Lincoln Pond outing
- 7:00 PM NEBC Evening Program
Dr. Matthew Hickler speaking on"Plant Diversity of Floodplain Ponds of the
Nashua River" A FREE lecture
Saturday, June 7
- 9:30 AM Mt. Watatic outings (mainly botanical in order to document
flowering plants, ferns, fern allies, mosses, lichens and fungi)
- 1:30 PM More Mt. Watatic outings or processing of specimens and data at
Camp Split Rock
- Evening TBA (maybe some music around the dining hall fireplace, bring
your instruments)
Sunday, June 8
- 930 AM-5 PM All day surveys of the 450 acre mystery tract in northwestern
Ashburnham for Birds, Butterflies Dragonflies, Herps etc. Trips will be led
by members of NEBC and the Athol Bird and Nature Club. Most leaders will
depart about 930 AM for the site, but some may leave earlier (e.g.,
birders).
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Camp meals prepared by Ernie Schori will be served as follows Breakfast
730-830 AM; Lunch 1200-100 PM or a bag lunch for the field; Dinner
530-630 PM
More details (e.g., directions, hike leaders, and what to bring, etc.) will be provided
on the NEBC web site (www.herbaria.harvard.edu/nebc ) or upon request by
Paul and Lois Somers who will be handling the registration.
Please register by the May 28th deadline.
For a printable PDF copy of the schedule (requires Adobe Acrobat reader)-
June-schedule.pdf
For a printable PDF copy of the registration form (requires Adobe Acrobat reader)-
June-Registration.pdf
Camp Split Rock Directions From East Take Rt. 2 to the Rt. 31 exit and
travel about 1.5 mi. north on route 31 to the junction with Rt. 2A at the
west edge of Fitchburg. Turn R on 2A and go about 1.5 mi. to the Rt. 12
junction; turn left onto Rt. 12 and go about 5.5 miles west to the junction
of Route 101N near the center of Ashburnham. Turn R on 101N and go about 1
mi. to Stowell Rd. on the left. Turn LEFT on Stowell Rd. and travel a short
distance. The Camp Split Rock Dining Hall and cabins will be on the right.
Park in a large parking lot just beyond the Dining Hall on the left.
If you have any questions please contact Paul and Lois Somers
lpsomers@NET1Plus.com or Dave Small dhsmall@gis.net
Hope to see you all in the field and socializing at Camp Split Rock June 6th through 8th.
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Biodiversity Day Event
June 2, Monday, 4pm
Tully Mountain Bioblitz
Completed inventories over the weekend of May 31 and June 1 were shared with participants and additional listings made during the hike up Tully. Picnic on the ledges.
Others went with Dave small toexplore wetlands.
Met at the Tully Resaurant parking lot in Tully Village.
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May 31, Saturday, Leaving at 6 AM sharp!
Search for Southern Birds
Jacob Morris-Siegel and Jeff Johnstone led this birding trip to the Hartford/Windsor Locks area of Connecticut. Some target species for the trip were Hooded, Kentucky, Cerulean, Worm-eating Warblers and the Least Bittern.
Met at the Center , 100 Main Street, Athol, at 6 A.M.
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May 30, Friday, 7 am
The last 2003 Spring Bird Walk with Jeff Johnstone
Wlaked with Jeff to find the hot spots in our region for spring migrants.
Met at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol at 7 A.M.
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Orange - Biodiversity Day Event
May 24, Saturday 10am - Noon
Woods and Wetlands
Alec MacLeod invited interested people to join him in a walk through the woods and wetlands in North Orange to observe woods and the organisms there. He discussed wetland identification and function. Boots and clothing suitable for walking through brush and field guides.
Met at the North Orange Library at 9:45 am.
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Royalston - Biodiversity Day Event
May 24, Saturday 9 am
Spring Wildflowers
Noah Siegel explored the local area with participants, seeking out those special places where there are diverse wildflowers to be found. Used field guides and hand lenses.
Met at the Center at 9 AM for a three to four hour trip.
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Report
Available
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Spring Bird Walks, Fridays with Jeff Johnstone
Walked with Jeff on these bird walks to find the hot spots in our region for spring migrants.
Met at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol at 7 A.M.
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New Salem - Biodiversity Day Event
May 19, Monday 3pm
Nature Walk at the Swift River School
Joined Sue Cloutier to walk the nature trail and identify wild things at the Swift River School.
Met in the school lot on Wendell Road in New Salem.
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Athol - Biodiversity Day Event
May 18, Sunday, 9 am to 1 pm
Dragonfly Field Trip
Joined Dave Small for the second in a series of trips in search of local dragonflies. This was a chance to help add to the known information about flight periods and distribution of dragonflies in the North Quabbin Region. Information from these trips will become part of the permanent record of the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species.
Field guides, binoculars, dragonfly net and wading in shallow water
Met at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol at 9 A.M
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May 17, Saturday, 6:30 am
Northfield Birding Trip
Joined Club founder Bob Coyle for this annual event. Club members have traveled this route since 1963. Listened as Bob explained the changes in the landscape and bird sightings over 40 years of observation.
Met at the Center at 6:30 A.M.
or at the Northfield Golf Course at 8:30 A.M.
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New Salem - Biodiversity Day Event
May 17, Saturday, 11am
Explore New Salem's Biodiversity
Joined Sue Cloutier on a nature hike from the Common to the Outlook. As part of New Salem's 250th anniversary, this day included a Nature Fair from 10-2, a road race at 10, and a live show of birds of prey at 1 pm. All were invited to participate and learn more about the region.
Met at the New Salem Common,
- Turn east off Rt 202 across from the New Salem General Store.
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May 16, (Also May 23, and 30) Fridays, 7 am
Spring Bird Walks, Fridays with Jeff Johnstone
Joined Jeff on these bird walks to find the hot spots in our region for spring migrants.
Met at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol at 7 A.M.
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May 14, Wednesday, 7 pm
May Club Meeting
Native Wildflowers in Bloom
Well known for his skills guiding us on mushroom forays into the North Quabbin region, Noah Siegel, naturalist and photographer, shared slides of wildflowers as well as his adventures capturing those images.
Met at MREC 7:00 pm. at the Center
100 Main Street, Athol
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May 10, Saturday 9 am
Integrating Timber and Wildlife Managment
MDC Chief Forester Bruce Spencer and Consulting Forester Glenn Freden discussed Forest Stewardship Plans and forestry management practices to benefit timber and wildlife on your land.
9-12
Skyfields, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust's Headquarters.
Contact Pam Kimball-Smith at (978) 248-2043.
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Petersham - Bidiversity Day Event
May 10, Saturday, 7 am to 3 pm
Quabbin Trip
Joined Dave Small on this annual trip into Quabbin Reservation. This was a naturalist's trip looking for birds, butterflies, dragonflies and whatever nature has to offer. This was an all day event inside the Quabbin Reservation. Lunch, snacks, water, field guides, dragonfly net and binoculars.
Pre-registration was required:
Met at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol at 7 A.M. to carpool for the day.
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May 9, (Also May 16, 23, and 30) Fridays, 7 am
Spring Bird Walks, Fridays with Jeff Johnstone
Joined Jeff on any or all of these bird walks to find the hot spots in our region for spring migrants.
Met at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol at 7 A.M.
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May 8, Thursday 4 pm
Wildlife in the Managed Forest
Dick Degraaf, US Forest Service biologist and author of "New England Wildlife", walked us through the changing wildlife habitat of forest succession after logging.
4 - 6:30 pm.
Registration by May 2nd with Scott Maslansky (978) 544-1527.
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Phillipston - Biodiversity Day Event
May 5, Monday 5 pm
Ellenwood Nature Walk
Met Sue Cloutier and Bonnie House at the Phillipston Town Common and explored the biodiversity of the nearby Ellenwood Conservation Area.
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Warwick - Biodiversity Day Event
May 3, Saturday 1 pm
Warwick Biodiversity Days Event
Vernal Pools and More
Joined Karo Frost and Mary Williamson to explore Warwick's vernal pools and see how they are certified. This walk is part of a series orgainzed by the Warwick Open Space Committee and co-sponsored by the Club.
Met at the Warwick Town Hall at 1PM.
Dress for the weather
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Templeton - Biodiversity Day Event
May 3, 9 am. to 1 pm. (Also held on May 18, June 14 & 28)
Dragonfly Field Trip
Joined Dave Small for the first in a series of trips in search of local dragonflies. This was a chance to help add to the known information about flight periods and distribution of dragonflies in the North Quabbin Region. Information from these trips will become part of the permanent record of the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species.
Field guides, binoculars, dragonfly net and wading in shallow water.
Met at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol at 9 A.M.
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May 2, Friday, 7 - 9pm
Changes in the Spring Forest
This program featured a slide presentation by forest ecologist and wildlife biologist Bill Danielson, the Greenfield Recorder's Saturday nature columnist
The program cost $5 for MFA members, $10 for non-members but was free to North Quabbin residents.
The program was sponsored by the Massachusetts Forestry Association with funding from the North Quabbin Woods Project.
(Bill Danielson is the author of a new book, Speaking of Nature)
Held at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol
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May 2, Friday, 7:30pm
Astronomy Program
Explored the spring sky - stars and planets. John Kocur will give a short indoor program on the eventing sky, then we went outside observing with with telescope. Open to the public.
Met at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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Report
Available
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May 2, (Also May 9, 16, 23, and 30) Fridays, 7 am
Spring Bird Walk with Jeff Johnstone
Joined Jeff these bird walks to find the hot spots in our region for spring migrants.
Met at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol at 7 A.M.
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April 29, Tuesday, 7pm
Explore the River on Mid-Stream Surveys
The public was invited to attend a kick-off event for the "Mid-Stream Survey Project," The project is a joint effort between the partners of the Center and has continuing support and assistance from the Riverways Program of the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. Participants used canoes and photographic equipment, provided by the Millers River Environmental Center, in a series of short trips on the Millers River and Otter River during the summer. Training on river survey and monitoring techniques, invasive species identification, and more, will take place at the April 29th meeting, and a presentation on canoe safety will also be offered.
The meeting was free and refreshments will be provided.
To be held at:
The Millers River Environmental Center
100 Main Street, Athol.
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April 27, Sunday, 9 am to 1 pm
Butterfly Field Trip and Lecture
Joined ABNC President Dave Small at 9 am for an indoor lecture "Introduction to Spring Butterflies" followed by a trip in search of these winged jewels in local habitats.
Met at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol at 9 AM
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April 25, Friday, 6 pm
Woodcock Walk
Explored Tom Swamp, Morgan Memorial or similar sites in the region with Bruce
Scherer to look and listen for the spring breeding rituals of woodcock.
Met at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol at 6 P.M.
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April 23, Wednesday 4 pm
What Does Your Forest Want to Yeild?
US Forest Service's Bill Leak discusses how site characteristics such as soil and slope help determine tree species and growth.
4 - 6:30 pm.
Met at the Fittz Family Memorial Forest. Take Chestnut Hill Rd. west from Lake Mattawa about 1.5 miles. Parking on left.
Registration by April 15th with Scott Maslansky (978) 544-1527.
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April 19, Saturday, 8 am (Rain date Sunday, April 20th)
Rocks and Minerals of Western Mass
Joined Bob Coyle on this collecting trip and learned how the rocks and minerals we find give us clues to the earth's past. Brown bag lunch for a break in the field.
Met at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol at 8 A.M.
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April 12, Saturday 10 am
Session II - Create Drawings for a Nature Journal
Joined artist Annie Chappell for the second session workshop on
sketching in a nature journal. We explored forms and landscapes and
use drawing to enhance our ability to see and record. We worked outside. Inside we sketched what we chose to study form the Club’s extensive natural history collection.
Journals or note pads, pencils and a sharpener (and a container for
shavings), eraser, and a couple of black pens.
Session limited to 10 participants.
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River Celebration at the Millers River Environmental Center April 12, Saturday, 10 am-2 pm pm
The Second Annual Environmental Fair at 100 Main Street. River Rat Race, Parade, and special events at the Center. Many area organizations had live exhibits, displays, and representatives to answer your questions. The Nature Store was open as well as the Club's updated natural history collection.
Puppet Parade
Saturday, April 12, time and place TBA
Led by Mark Dannenhauer, 413-259-1096
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April 11, Friday, 1 pm
Vernal Pool Exploration
Explored pools with Ruth Ladd, vernal pool expert from the USA Corps of Engineers. Ruth helped us learn more about the unique characteristics of these ephemeral ponds. We got to see some of their unusual animal inhabitants.
Met at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol at 1 P.M. for an afternoon exploration.
Getting wet and muddy is optional, but more fun. BYO waders, if you have them.
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April 9, Wednesday, 7 pm
April Club Meeting: The Bald Eagle
Dale Monnett, Interpreter for the Quabbin Visitors' Center, presented a slide show on this magnificant bird. Dale will gave us an update on current status of eagles as well as historical infromation on eagles of Massachusetts.
Held at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol
Open to the public.
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March 29 Saturday 10 am
Create Drawings for a Nature Journal
Artist Annie Chappell led the first of a two session workshop on
sketching in a nature journal. Explored forms and landscapes and
used drawing to enhance our ability to see and record. Worked outside. Inside we sketched what we chose to
study form the Club’s extensive natural history collection.
Journals or note pads, pencils and a sharpener (and a container for
shavings), eraser, and a couple of black pens.
Met at the Center, 100 Main
Street, Athol at 10 A. M. for a three hour session.
Session II is on Saturday, April 5 from 10 A.M. -1 P.M.
You do not have to attend both sessions.
Sessions are limited to 10
participants.
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March 28 Friday, 7 pm
Visit to Deerfield Academy and the Andrews Planetarium
Looked at the Andrews Planetarium before it is dismantled to make way for the new one that will open in a few years. The Planetarium visit starts at 7 P.M. with David Howell presenting an hour long program. If the weather cooperates, we will get outside to use telescopes for views of the late winter-early spring stars and planets. Dress for the weather. Refreshments will be available.
For those who would like to caravan to this event, bird along the way, and have dinner at a Chinese restaurant, meet at the Center at 4 P.M.
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March 23 Sunday, 1 pm
Gardening for Wildlife
Susan Heinricher, wildlife gardener, discussed how to enhance your gardens to attract birds and butterflies. Discussion and slide show will include suggestions on including certain types of plants, water, shelter, and places for wildlife to raise their young.
Met at 1 P.M. at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol
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March 15 and 22 Saturdays, 1-4 pm
Giant Puppet Workshops
Made a giant puppet of your favorite local creature. Planning to parade with your puppet during the River Rat time. We will provide the necessary tools and techniques. You supply your experience in the local landscape. Giant puppets have long been a bridge connecting people and their local handscape. How? Come to the workshop and find out.
Led by Mark Dannenhauer, director of Ninots, an arts and landscape group in Shutesbury.
For more info, call Mark, 413-259-1096.
Meet at 2 P.M. at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol
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Starting March 13 Thursday, 7-8:30 pm
2003 TRACKING INSTITUTE
This eight week course began on Thursday, March 13th, 2003 at the Millers River Environmental Center in Athol. The course is designed for adults interested in learning about animal tracking as a path to reconnecting with the environment and understanding our place in the natural world. It will feature a variety of presentations Thursday evenings from 7-8:30 P.M., followed by Saturday or Sunday field trips in North Central Massachusetts. Attendance will be limited to 12 participants with serious interest.
Details for presentations and field trips will be available shortly.
Hosted by Nick Wisniewski, naturalist and tracker, long-term apprentice to master
tracker Paul Rezendes.
Registration
Cost of Course:
- $80.00 for members of Athol Bird and Nature Club
- $100.00 for non-members
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March 12 Wednesday, 7 pm
Community Landscape Inventory planning session
Do you like to read the landscape? Do you have a favorite spot which has evidence of both its social and ecological history? Have you documented a site like this-through poetry, prose, photograph, drawing, song, dance or other form? We're looking to create a collection of landscape investigators and their sites and documents. We hope to create a public database of investigators, sites, and documents. This database can later be linked to computer-based maps. The resulting maps will have a bunch of clickable dots, each with a story to tell about the local landscape and a person to tell it. The ongoing Inventory is a way for investigators to find each other, to introduce interesting sites to the general public, and to give a voice in the planning process to people's personal experiences in the landscape.
Led by Mark Dannenhauer, 413-259-1096.
Meet at 7 P.M. at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol
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March 10 Monday, 6:30pm
Managment Plan Workshop
What are other North Quabbin Landowners are doing with their forestland? Consulting forester Derek Beard and forester Charlie Thompson discuss the management plan process. Listen to landowner experiences working with foresters to create and implement a plan.
6:30-8:30 pm.
Millers River Environmental Center.
100 Main St. Athol.
Please register by March 3rd with Scott Maslansky (978) 544-1527.
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Report
Available
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March 9 Sunday, 8:00am
Local Birding Trip
Dave Small led us on this trip.
Met at 8 A.M. at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol
Members of Athol Bird and Nature Club search for signs of spring in Turners Falls
(left to right) David Boeri, Mark Balcom-wolf, Shelley Hight,Sue Cloutier, Larry Duprey, Lynn Harper, Joan Duprey, Ron Cloutier and Earl Baldwin. Rick Magee not in photo
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March 6 Thursday, 7 pm
March Club Meeting- Note Change of Day! (Thursday)
This meeting will give us a chance to meet Dr. Robert Askins, author and avian researcher, and learn about his recent fieldwork on "Bird Conservation".
http://www.conncoll.edu/academics/web_profiles/Askins.html
Meet at 7 P.M. at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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March 1 Saturday, 9:30am
Sawmill Tour
Keith Hubbard of Hubbard Forest Industries leads a tour of this 30-year old sawmill in Royalston.
9:30 am -12 pm.
35 Athol-Richmond Rd.
From Athol take Rte 32 North past Tully Dam, left on Tully Rd. 1st driveway on the right.
Please register by February 27th with Scott Maslansky (978) 544-1527.
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February 27 Thursday 1-3pm
COMMONWEALTH CONNECTIONS:
A GREENWAY VISION FOR MASSACHUSETTS
This past July DEM, in partnership with the Appalachian Mountain Club and the National Park Service completed Commonwealth Connections: A Greenway Vision for Massachusetts. This plan calls for a coordinated network of greenways and trails that will help conserve our natural heritage, connect communities, and create recreation and alternative transportation opportunities close to where people live.
Please join us on February 27th from 1:00-3:00 at the Worcester Public Library for the first meeting of the Massachusetts Greenway and Trail Partnership.
The Partnership is envisioned as a broad coalition committed to furthering greenway and trail efforts in Massachusetts and to implementing Commonwealth Connections.
To date about 40 organizations and individuals have signed on.
To RSVP and for directions contact
Jennifer B. Howard,
Director, DEM Greenways Program
URL www.state.ma.us/dem/programs/greenway
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February 22 Saturday, 1pm
Bearsden Scramble
An animal tracking adventure until sunset at Bearsden Reservation.
Dress warmly (in layers) and met at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol at 1 P.M. with your snow shoes. Terrain will be off-trail and may be rugged, so participants must be in excellent physical condition and be prepared for inclement conditions. Snowshoes are required. Crampons (or the equivalent), a ski pole or hiking staff, and extra socks and dry clothing are recommended. Adults only (not for the faint of heart).
Led by Nick Wisniewski, naturalist and apprentice tracker to Paul Rezendes.
Met at the Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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February 22 Saturday, 7am
Annual February South Shore Birding Trek
Headed for the Banana Belt of the Bay State to view winter residents. Looked for parakeets, waterfowl, and owls. Met at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol at 7:00 A.M. or met trip leader Rick Magee at Friendly's at the Middleborough Rotary
(routes 18, 28, & 44 just east of 495) at 9:00 A.M.
An all day trip, we will stop somewhere for lunch.
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February 16 Sunday, 6pm
Moonlight Mustelid Madness
A snow-shoeing walk under the light of the full (Snow or Hunger) moon, looking for signs of the local resident Weasel population. Our members of the Mustelid family include ermine, long-tailed weasel, fisher, and otter, and are active all winter. The excursion was followed by hot drinks, a presentation on these fascinating carnivores, and discussion on what we saw in the field. Led by Nick Wisniewski, naturalist and tracker. Dress warmly, bring your snowshoes,
Met at the Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol at 6 P.M.
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February 12 Wednesday, 7pm
Club Meeting: Lewis and Clark 200 Year Anniversary
Rick Magee told us of the plants and animals discovered by Lewis and Clark as they explored new territory of the Louisiana Purchase in the early 1800's.
At the Center
100 main Street Athol
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February 9 Sunday, 1pm
"Windows on Main", a public art project presentation
The Athol Bird and Nature Club and local artist, M.E. Kane, of Herald Hill Studios' kickoff event for the "Windows on Main" project. Presented the design plan and learned how to participate in the creation of 14 panels for the basement windows, of the 100 year old Main Street School, that will protect and beautify the façade of our Environmental Center. Kane has designed the murals to look like stained glass window openings, and each panel will illustrate natural and urban scenes unique to the Athol community.
This introductory presentation was open to the public,
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February 5 Wednesday, 6:30pm
Timber Sale Tax Issues
Accountant David Koester explores the tax implications of the timber sale described in the Jan. 29th class. Come prepared to do some work!
6:30-9:00 pm.
Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main St. Athol.
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February 2, Sunday 8am
Raptor Rehabilitation Center
Observed and learned about more that 60 birds of prey under the care of Tom
Ricardi in Conway, MA
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January 29, Wednesday 6:30pm
Timber Sales from A to Z - part I
Part 1 of this 2-part series introduces the people and process involved in a timber sale. Examine information from actual timber sales and hear from forester Charlie Thompson and North Quabbin Landowners.
6:30-8:30 pm.
Millers River Environmental Center.
100 Main St. Athol.
Please register by January 22nd with Scott Maslansky (978) 544-1527.
leader.
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January 26, Sunday 12:30pm
Cross Country Skis and Trees
Rick Magee led a Cross Country Ski trip to check out our winter
forests. Met at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol at 12:30 P.M. with
your skis, water, snacks for an adventure in the New England Snow.
Dress in layers, wool or poly fleece is best, no cotton. Location
depends upon the conditions that morning, and the whim of the trip
leader.
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January 25, Saturday 9:00 AM - Noon
Animal Tracking in our Winter Wonderland
Toke a leisurely snow-shoeing trip through the forests of Quabbin for an
introduction to signs of our myriad local mammals. Dress warmly (in
layers) and met at the Center,100 Main Street, Athol at 9:00 AM with your
snow shoes. Terrain,moderate and no tracking expertise required. Children welcome. Led by Nick Wisniewski, naturalist and
tracker.
Dress warmly (in layers), bring your snowshoes, and meet at the
Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street,
Athol, at 9:00 AM.
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January 17, Friday 6:30pm
Astronomy Session
John Kocur presented a digital collection of Hubble photos, sky charts, and
digital astronomy photos and tell us about constellations. Also a 30 minute Hyperspace DVD about the origin of the Universe. John will brought his 3.5" ETX scope to view the night sky, The moon was full that night. Informative, interesting and a lot of fun.
Met at the Center at 6:30pm
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January 12, Sunday 7am
Local Birds
With Dave Small to look for winter birds in the region. Met at the
Center, 100 Main Street, Athol
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January 11, Saturday 7am
Cape Ann: Gloucester and Rockport Birding Trip
Joined Mark Taylor on this expedition to find winter birds along the
shores of Cape Ann.
Met:
.... at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol at 7 A.M.
.... or at 9 A.M. at Friendly’s at the 128 Rotary, Gloucester.
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January 8 Wednesday 7pm
Club Meeting: Where do our American Redstarts spend the winter?
Learned the answer to this and other questions we had about
this beauty of a warbler from James Baird. Met at 7 P.M. at the
Center, 100 Main Street, Athol.
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Trip Reports and Index
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