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December 14, Tuesday, 1-3 pm
Millers River Watershed Team Meeting- all are welcome
This meeting is open to the public. Representatives from State, Federal and Local organizations as well as concerned citizens are welcome to attend and participate in Team discussions.
This month the main presentation by Cynthia Boettner, Coordinator of the New England Invasive Plant Group (NIPGro) and the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge is on A Growing Network: Regional Invasive Plant Initiatives in New England.
Please join us to get up to date information on this important work.
This is part of the ongoing 2nd Tuesday monthly meeting alternate day time slot, to discuss issues and developments related to the health of the watershed, as well as ongoing volunteer monitoring efforts.
At the Center
100 Main Street, Athol.
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December 8, Wednesday 7 pm
ABNC Meeting
John O’Keefe, director of the Fisher Museum and forest scientist, will present an update on the long-term research and programs of Harvard Forest.
At the Center
100 Main Street, Athol.
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December 7, Tuesday 5:30 pm
(Also on Jan 4, Feb 1, March 1, April 5, May 3)
Teachers and Coaches Gathering
Join us for a pot luck supper and discussion of community based studies.
Teachers and Coaches are asked to bring student work, projects, and issues to
discuss.
For further information, call 978-248-9491
Meet at the Center
100 Main Street, Athol.
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December 1, Wednesday 7 pm
Vernal Pools in Fall and Winter
Join us at Harvard Forest, Petersham, to celebrate the publication of Betsy Colburn's new vernal pool book, see her vernal pool slide show and have her sign your copy of the book.
(Read
more about this meeting)
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November 25, Friday 6 am
Birding on Cape Ann
Travel to Cape Ann with Jeff Johnstone, Bob Mallet, and Jacob Morris-Segal.
Meet 6:00 AM at the Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
or
8:00 AM at Friendlies off Route 128 rotary in Gloucester
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November 23, Tuesday 1 pm
Accessible Birding
Accessible birding for everyone, beginners and experts alike, will gather for these short field trips taking
time to pay attention to details of bird behavior. Join Joe Superchi and Sue Cloutier, Dave Small or other
ABNC trip leaders on these events for new and expert birders. Please call ahead, 978-248-9491, if you
need transportation.
Meet at the Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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November 15, Monday, 5 - 9 pm
Economic Development Task Force
You are cordially invited to attend an upcoming discussion of the
Economic Development Task Force of the North Quabbin Community
Coalition. The event is to be held at the Millers River Environmental
Center at 100 Main Street, Athol on November 15, 2004 from 6 to 8 p.m. A
light dinner will be provided. The Task Force seeks to provide forum for
the coordination of current efforts across all nine North Quabbin towns
in the area of community and economic development.
Michael Kane of Mt.Auburn Associates will be in attendance to present
the recommendations of the recently completed Northern Tier Economic
Initiative. This study looked at six specific areas of potential
development for the northwestern tier of Massachusetts. This forum will
allow an opportunity to discuss how these recommendations can be
incorporated into existing and potential projects here in the North
Quabbin region. The evening will also offer a chance to share
information across all nine towns and across the different regional
planning areas.
Please call Rebecca Bialecki at (978) 249-3703 or email Rebecca Bialecki,
for more information, and we look forward to seeing
you there!
Please RSVP by November 12, 2003.
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November 10, Wednesday 6 pm
ABNC Members’ Dinner and Silent Auction in North Orange
Join or renew your membership in the Club and enjoy the meal with other ABNC members, staff, and
board at the Community Church in North Orange. Dinner tickets are available to members for $12.
Members can also contribute a natural history item for the auction.
Call Bob Coyle at 978-249-6083 for further information and to reserve.
The following multi-media program follows the meal.
7 pm, Public Program, Birding: A Multi-media Visual Experience
Shawn Carey will share his views on some of this country’s most beautiful birds through this slide/video
production. Shawn combines his expertise as a birder and photographer in this engaging and
informative program. The silent auction follows the presentation.
This event will be held at the Community Church in North Orange.
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November 9, Tuesday, 6pm
Millers River Watershed Team meeting
Regular 2nd Tuesday monthly meeting to discuss issues and developments related to the health of the watershed, as well as ongoing volunteer monitoring efforts.
next: Dec 14 at 1 pm alternating, day time slot,
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November 7, Sunday
Quabbin Trip
Dave Small will take Club members on this day-long exploration of the Quabbin. Reservations are
required.
Call the Center 978-248-9491 to leave your contact info and we will confirm trip details.
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November 6, Saturday, 12:30 pm
Massachusetts Bird of Prey Rehabilitation Facility Visit
Bob Coyle has arranged this trip to visit Tom Ricardi’s in Conway, Mass.
The trip is for members only and space is limited.
To register, please call Bob at 978-249-6083.
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October 30, Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm
Chess Workshop
The Kingsmen Chess Club will be cosponsoring FIDE Master James Rizzitano
in a one day workshop training event to be held at the Millers River
Environmental Center here in Athol. For those who may not recognize the
name, Jim was arguably the strongest player in the New England area
during the 1980s. This year he authored an excellent book, published by
Gambit Press, entitled "Understanding Your Chess". Jim will be
presenting cutting edge information regarding: opening repertoire
development, the power of the initiative, accumulating small advantages
and endgame adventures.
The cost for this workshop will be $25 in advance, or $35 at the door.
To sign up for the event, simply contact
the club by phoning either Frank Kolasinski
(978-249-8907) or the cosponsor of this event,
Randi Malcuit of Stateline Chess Books and Equipment, at 603-679-8164.
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October 17, Sunday, 8 am
Fall Migrants with Dave Small
Deb Carey and Massachusetts Audubon members from Broadmeadow Brook will join us as we guide
them, exploring our favorite places in the North Quabbin region.
Please register for this event before Thursday, October 14 by calling 978-248-9491;
leave your contact info and we will confirm trip details.
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October 13, Wednesday, 7 pm
First ABNC Club Meeting of the Fall Season
Featuring Dr. David Lee, "Phenomenon of Autumn Foliage Coloration."
Join us at ABNC’s meeting with guest speaker, Dr. David Lee, a professor at Florida International
University in Miami. Dr. Lee will share with us the inside story of fall color. He worked at the Harvard
Forest as a Bullard Fellow in 1998 and is continuing his research this autumn.
The public is invited to join Club members for this meeting.
Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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October 10, Sunday, 1 pm
Field Study of Bird Behavior
Accessible birding for everyone. Beginners and experts alike will gather for these short field trips taking time to pay attention to detail of bird behavior. Join Joe Superchi and Sue Cloutier, Dave Small or other ABNC trip leaders on these events for new and experienced birders.
Please call ahead, (978) 248-9491, if you need transportation.
Meet at the Millers River Environmental CEnter
100 Main Street, Athol MA
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October 9, Saturday, 10 am - Noon
Fall Foliage and Nature Walk
Join Susan Heinricher and Dianne Salcedo to explore the history and natural features of North Orange.
Meet and the Moore-Leland Library.
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October 1, Friday, 6:30 am - 9 am
Jeff Johnstone - Friday morning Bird Migration
Join us on this last Friday morning bird walk.
Meet at the Millers River Environmental Center
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September 28, Tuesday, 6-8 pm
Watershed Monitoring Celebration
The public is invited to this presentation to hear about the volunter
monitoring activities conducted by volunteers this year. See the
pre-publication copies of the handbook for the Millers River Action Plan
and order your copy.
Held at the Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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September 24, Friday, 6:30 am - 9 am
Jeff Johnstone - Friday morning Bird Migration
Join us on these Friday morning bird walks.
Meet at the Millers River Environmental Center
Also:
September 24 and October 1st
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September 21, Tuesday, 2-4 pm
Accessible Birding
Join Sue Cloutier and Joe Superchi on a birding trip in Athol. We will
explore one or two sites looking for fall migrants as well as becoming
more familiar with our permenant resident birds.
Please call Sue and leave a message at 978-248-9491 before Friday, September 17 if you need
transportation or special arrangements.
Meet at the Millers River
Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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September 17, Friday, 6:30 am - 9 am
Jeff Johnstone - Friday morning Bird Migration
Join us on these Friday morning bird walks.
Meet at the Millers River Environmental Center
Also:
September 24 and October 1st
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September 12, Sunday, 8:30 am
Odes on the Green River
Search for Ocellated Darner with Dave Small and Lynn Harper. bring, nets, lunch, drinking water and be prepared to wade in shallow water.
8:30 am Meet at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol
or
9:30 am at the Tourist Information Center on the Rte 2 rotary in Greenfield.
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September 10, Friday, 6:30 am - 9 am
Jeff Johnstone - Friday morning Bird Migration
Join us on these Friday morning bird walks.
Meet at the Millers River Environmental Center
Also:
September 17, 24 and October 1st
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September 4, Saturday, 9 am
Odes on the Millers River with Dave Small.
This will be a trip to look at late season dragonflies and damselflies found locally along the Millers River and tributaries. Bring nets, lunch, drinking water and be prepared to wade in shallow water.
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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September 3, Friday, 6:30 am - 9 am
Jeff Johnstone - Friday morning Bird Migration
Join us on these Friday morning bird walks.
Meet at the Millers River Environmental Center
Also:
September 10, 17, 24 and October 1st
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August 27, Friday, 6:30 am - 9 am
Jeff Johnstone - Friday morning Bird Migration
Join us on these Friday morning bird walks.
Meet at the Millers River Environmental Center
Also:
September 3, 10, 17, 24 and October 1st
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August 21, Saturday, 3 pm
Tully Lake Mt. Bike Trail Ride
This ride through the Tully region with Army Corps Ranger James West will take an estimate of 2.5 hours and be moderate to difficult riding.
Meet at the Tully Lake Campground Ranger Station at 3pm.
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August 21, Saturday, 9 am -All Day
Birds, Butterflies, and Biodiversity of the North Quabbin.
Join Eddie Giles and Massachusetts Butterfly Association President
Carl Kamp as they seek out biodiversity on Massachusetts’ back roads.
Bring lunch, camera, and a sense of fun and adventure.
This trip is co-sponsored by the Athol Bird and Nature Club.
Meeting Place:
Millers River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
Eddie Giles, East Bridgewater (508)378-3370
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August 15, Sunday 11:00 am
Dragonflies and Damselflies with ABNC and Nuttall Ornithological Club
This trip is Hosted by David Small and the Athol Bird & Nature Club.
We will be looking for Stylurus species, Darners, American Rubyspot and other damselflies.
Bring lunch, net, binoculars, and be prepared to wade in shallow water.
Meet at Miller’s River Environmental Center,
100 Main St, Athol.
11:00 am Miller’s River, Athol, Mass. (1 ½ hours west of Concord).
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August 14 & 15, Saturday & Sunday
Hike the Tully Trail with the Pioneer Valley Hiking Club
Hike the Tully Trail with the Pioneer Valley Hiking Club
The Pioneer Valley Hiking club will lead a two-day, moderate to strenuous, backpacking outing on the Tully Trail. It will begin at the parking area for Tully Mountain promptly at 8am Saturday morning and end there sometime Sunday evening. The group will overnight at the new Adirondack shelter built by The Trustees with the help of many volunteers and the PVHC last fall.
Registration Required!
Please call Ann Marie Visconti 413-547-2729 or John Klebes 413-513-1859
Backpackers must provide their own gear, food and water. For more information call 978-248-9455.
NOTE: This is a strenuous hike and not suited for beginners.
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August 7, Saturday,6-8 pm
Russ Cohen, Edible Plants Walk
Russ Cohen, professional environmentalist and wild foods enthusiast, will lead a walk in search of wild edible plants. Plan on encountering at least two dozen of the 150 different species of edible wild plants and mushrooms that New England has to offer, many which are more flavorful than their cultivated counterparts.
Meet at the ranger station at the Tully Campground entrance.
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July 31, Saturday, 10 am -noon
Mid-summer Mushrooms
Join Noah Siegel on this hunt for the mushrooms of mid-summer. In particular, we will search for early Boletes and the much sought after Chanterelles. Noah will help participants identify key characteristics of each of the mushrooms found on this walk.
Meet at the ranger station at the Tully Campground entrance.
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July 24, Saturday,10 am -2 pm
Paddle Tully Lake with Dave Small
Explore Tully Lake, its inlets and island edges. We will be looking for dragonflies, damselflies, and other wildlife. Bring your lunch and water to drink, sunscreen, canoe/kayak and PFD.
Canoes are available at the Campground, to arrange rental beforehand, call 978-248-9455.
Meet at the Campground at 10 am.
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July 23, Friday,7:00 pm
Monarchs, Royals, and Other Nobility with Dave Small
Discover through Dave's photographs the beauty of the small creatures that wiz around you as you hike the trails or boat on lakes, ponds and streams. This will be a preview of the explorations on Tully Lake the next morning.
Meeting Place: TTOR Tully Lake Camp Ground off route 32 in Royalston, Ma.
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July 23, Friday, 9-11 am
Friday Walk-a-bout - Riceville Pond
Join Earle Baldwin on these comfortable walks with rewarding sights.
See July 2 for information
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July 18, Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm
North Quabbin Garden Tour
Visit Gardens in Orange and Warwick.
Fifteen beautiful gardens will be open for your enjoyment.
This is a fundraiser for the Center.
See Details
Special Package $20
Garden Tour by Bus, includes Lunch
Sign up by June 20th for a prepaid package deal of transportation, lunch and gardens.
The bus will pick up participants at the Millers River Environmental Center parking lot at 10:00 am and will be back at 3:00 pm.
Cost is $20 per person, all inclusive.
Sign up by calling
Environmental Center at 978 248 9491
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July 17, Saturday
Ode Institute Field Trip
See June 16th
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June 16, July 7, July 21, Wednesdays
Ode Institute
Dave Small, Club President, will run this series of classes and field trips to discover the diversity of Dragonflies and Damselflies found in Massachusetts.
Field trips will be the Saturdays following the class (June 19th, July 10th, *July 17th).
Fee: $40 for members of ABNC and $50 for non-members.
Sorry, Institute is Full
*The July 17th field trip is not an error
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July 16, Friday, 9-11 am
Friday Walk-a-bout - Long Pond
Join Earle Baldwin on these comfortable walks with rewarding sights.
See July 2 for information
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July 10, Saturday, 1:30-6 pm
Hiking the Tully Trial with TTOR
Royalston Falls to the Campground Staff from The Trustees will lead a hike beginning at the Newton Cemetery parking area of Royalston Falls and end at the Campground. Carpool to Newton Cemetery after meeting at the Campground at 1:30pm.
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July 10, Saturday
Ode Institute Field Trip
See June 16th
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July 9, Friday, 9-11 am
Friday Walk-a-bout - Harvard Pond
Join Earle Baldwin on these comfortable walks with rewarding sights.
See July 2 for information
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July 3, Saturday, 9-11 am
Nature Journaling with Annie Chappell
Discover a special way to sharpen you observations. We will provide pencils and paper. Most importantly, bring a sense of adventure and a willingness to try your hand at illustration. Annie is a gifted teacher and you will be given a sense of accomplishment with her as a guide.
Meet at the Tully Lake Campground Ranger Station.
Fee: ABNC and TTOR Members $5
Non-members $8.
Limited to ten participants.
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July2 ,9, 16, 23, Fridays, 9-11 am
Friday Walk-a-bouts
July 2 Newton Reservoir,
July 9 Harvard Pond,
July 16 Long Pond,
July 23 Riceville Pond
Join Earle Baldwin on these comfortable walks with rewarding sights. Emphasis will be to provide support to those wishing to know more about this beautiful region we call home, without the burden of competitive nature watching. We hope that participants will find new places to walk, picnic, fish and explore in the future with friends and family. Opportunity for additional exploration will be available.
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July |
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July 1, Thursday, 5 pm
Evening Dragonfly Trip
Fred SaintOurs will lead an evening adventure to look for the crepuscular and elusive Neurocordulia (Shadow Dragons) in North Quabbin. Bring net food and drinking water and be prepared to wade in shallow water.
Meet at the Millers River Environmental Center
100 Main Street Athol.
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June 27 Sunday, 12:30 pm
Survey the Millers River
Join watershed volunteers to survey the Millers River between Athol and Orange. Learn water safety, monitoring procedures, and have fun exploring the river with Carrie Banks of Mass Riverways program and Greg McGuane, a volunteer at MREC who helped with last year's surveys. Email Greg or Sue Cloutier if you have questions.
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June 26, Saturday, 2-6 pm
Tully Trail Hike
Hiking the Tully Trail with USACE from Bliss Hill to the Campground
Starting Location to be announced
co-sponsored by USACE, TTOR, and ABNC
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June 23 Wednesday, 6 pm
Stream Continuity Survey Training
Outreach Coordinator of the Mass. Water Watch Partnership at UMass will run a culvert/stream continuity training session on the Tully River Wed June 23 meeting at 6 pm at the Millers River Environmental Center at 100 Main Street in Athol. The protocol has been updated and volunteers from last year, as well as new volunteers are welcome to attend. Bring boots and insect repellant if you use it. We will have a short session at the Center and then move to nearby field sites. Email Sue if you have questions.
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June 21 Monday, 6:30-8:30 pm
Millers River Action Plan Public Meeting
Learn more about the strategies to protect, improve and restore the
Millers River watershed's natural resources and recreational
opportunities! Join the Millers River Watershed Advisory Committee to
review and provide feedback on the recently completed Draft 5-Year
Action Plan for the Millers River Watershed.
Meet at the Millers River
Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol, MA.
Email Sue Cloutier if you have questions. if you have questions.
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June 20, Sunday
2nd Annual Stephen A. Vaughan Memorial chess tournament
This is a 4 round Swiss System event; Game/60 minutes
Registration 8:00 - 9:40 AM
Rounds 10 AM 12:30 PM 3 PM 5:30 PM
Entry fee: $25 in advance; $30 at the door. USCF membership is required.
Sponsored by the Kingsmen Chess Club
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PRIZES:
1st - $200; 2nd - $100; 3rd - $50
4 sections:
Open;
Under 2000 - 1700;
Under 1700 - 1400;
Under 1400/
Unrated
ALL: 1st - $75; 2nd - $50; 3rd - $25
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June 19, Saturday, 10 am
Mountain Bike Trip
James West, USACE, leads a 7.5 mile Tully Lake Mountain Bike ride from the Tully Lake Canoe Launch.
Tully Lake near the Campground
co-sponsored by USACE, TTOR, and ABNC
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June 18, Friday, 7 pm
Raptors: Up Close with Birds of Prey
Tom Ricardi, a federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator, presents a program on raptors featuring live birds of prey.
Fee $5/person.
Tully Lake Campground
co-sponsored by USACE, TTOR, and ABNC
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June 19, Saturday
Ode Institute Field Trip
See June 16th
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Suggested Tully Weekend
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June 11, Friday, 6 pm
Canoe with Rick Magee
June 12, Saturday
ABNC Day at Tully
10 am - A day at the Tully picnic area with ABNC. BBQ, bird, butterfly, and Dragonfly walks, a canoe exploration of the lake and maybe even some Frisbee and disc golf. Bring your Picnic to the Pavilion for nature watching with ABNC. By land and by lake, we will explore the birds, bugs, and plants of varied habitats.
Tully Lake Picnic area by the dam
7:30 pm - Astronomy: Explore the Summer Sky with John Kocur. John will have an 8 inch reflector telescope and a laser pointer to present a tour of the Summer sky and talk about constellations, planets, and deepsky objects
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June 13, Sunday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Breeding Birds & Biodiversity on the Tully River, Royalston.
All Day.
Join us for a leisurely canoe trip up the Tully River and onto Long Pond
as we seek out the resident birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. This trip
is co-sponsored with the Brookline Bird Club, Athol Bird and Nature Club and
Trustees of Reservations.
To reserve a tent camping site, kayak or canoe
rental contact TTOR at 978-840-4446 (HQ) or 978-249-4957
(campground) and mention ABNC for boat discount.
Participants are required to make their own arrangements for boats, personal safety equipment and lunch.
Meeting Place: 9:00 am, TTOR Tully Lake Camp Ground off route 32 in Royalston, Ma.
Dave Small, Athol (978)413-1772
Eddie Giles (508)378-3370
Keep the weekend open
Tully Lake Campground
co-sponsored by USACE, TTOR, and ABNC
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June 6, Sunday, 8 am - 3 pm
Quabbin Trip
Join Dave Small on this annual trip into Quabbin Reservation. This will be a naturalist's trip looking for birds, butterflies, dragonflies and whatever nature has to offer.
Bring a lunch, snacks, water, field guides, dragonfly net and binoculars.
No Charge but Pre-registration is required:
Sorry, Event is now Full
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June 5, Saturday, 7 pm
Lewis and Clark celebration
A historic recreation and story telling by Rick Magee, USACE
Tully Lake Campground
co-sponsored by USACE, TTOR, and ABNC
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June 5, Saturday, 8 am
Swanzey Heron Rookery
Earl Baldwin will lead us on this trip to Craig Lougee's property in Southern New Hampshire to view nesting Great Blue Herons and other wetland wildlife.
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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June 4, Friday, 6:30 pm
Nightjars
Join Dave Small on an accessible outdoor adventure. Learn about Nighthawks and Whip-poor-wills and listen and look for these secretive birds in local habitats.
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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May 27, June 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, Thursdays, 7 - 9 pm
MBC/ABNC Lep Insititute
Carl Kamp, President of Mass. Butterfly Club, will run these classes and field trips to discover the diversity of Butterflies found in Massachusetts. Field trips will generally be the weekend following the class.
The first field trip is Saturday, May 29th from 9am - 12noon.
Fee: $50 for members of MBC or ABNC and $60 for non-members.
Sorry, Institute is Full
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May 22, Saturday, 9 am
Wildflower Walk
Spring wildflowers hide in special North Quabbin habitats. Join Noah Siegel to discover where they grow.
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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May 21, Friday, 7 am
The last Spring Bird Walk with Jeff Johnstone
Join Jeff to find another hot spot in our region for spring migrants.
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol
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May 15, Saturday, 6:30 am
Northfield Trip
Join Bob Coyle on this annual birding trip to Northfield.
Meet at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol, at 6:30am
or
the Northfield Country Club and Golf Course at 8:15am.
Please bring a lunch.
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May 14, 21, Fridays, 7 am
Spring Bird Walks with Jeff Johnstone
Join Jeff on these bird walks to find the hot spots in our region for spring migrants.
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol
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May 12, Wednesday, 7 pm
Everglades - Club Meeting
Join us at ABNC's meeting with guest speaker, John Green, expert photographer and tour leader.
John's slide presentation will take us on an Everglades adventure. Highlights include wading bird
behavior, the role of the alligator in this complex ecosystem and the many habitats of the "Glades".
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol
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May 8, Saturday, 7-9 am
Accessible Birding for Everyone
Fee $5
Join Dave Small and Megan Briggs to visit a few local areas for spring
migrants.
For further information call 978-248-9491.
Meet at the Millers
River Environmental Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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May 7, 14, 21, Fridays, 7 am
Spring Bird Walks with Jeff Johnstone
Join Jeff on any or all of these bird walks to find the hot spots in our region for spring migrants.
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol
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May 6, Thursday, 7 pm
Athol Historical Society Meeting
Birds, Butterflies and Beyond
Introducing the jewels of our backyards and gardens. Presented by Dave Small president of the Athol Bird and
Nature Club and Millers River Environmental Center. The program will focus on the many colorful birds, butterflies, and dragonflies found in
and around Athol and discuss creating or improving your own backyard wildlife habitat.
Athol Historical Society
1307 Main Street Athol.
Free and open to all
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May 5 Wednesday, 7 pm
Volunteer Watershed Monitoring Public Meeting
Interested in exploring the Millers River and its tributaries? Find out more about what you can do at this meeting
Millers River Environmental Center
100 Main Street, Athol.
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May 1 Saturday, 7 am
Herkimer Mines, NY
Travel to the Ace of Diamonds Mine near Herkimer, NY searching for the famous quartz crystals known as Herkimer Diamonds. This is an active mine. You search through their tailings for as long as you like and can take home buckets of material to search later. It is relatively easy to find some great specimens if you're willing to swing a sledgehammer. Bring a lunch, sledgehammers (14 lb. or less is the maximum allowed), rock hammers, gloves, safety glasses, collection bags, and buckets.
Fee: $10 per person required at the mine. Tools are available to rent.
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol, at 7:00 a.m. to car pool.
For more information call Joshua Morris-Siegel at 978-249-4260.
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Fridays, 7 am
May 7, 14, 21
Spring Bird Walks with Jeff Johnstone
Join Jeff on any or all of these bird walks to find the hot spots in our region for spring migrants.
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol
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April 26, Monday, 9:30 am - noon
Conservation Restriction Monitoring Workshop
Foye Property, Orange, MA
Learn the basics of good conservation restriction monitoring, and map and compass use. Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust and MA Department of Conservation and Resources staff will guide the group. Dress appropriately for wet areas and bring a compass if you have one. Meet at the intersection of Creamery Hill Road and Warwick/Tully Road in Orange.
Pre-registration is preferred by calling (978) 248-2043.
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April 24, Saturday 1-3 pm
Radio Club "SkyWarn"
Mark Kimmel of the Mohawk Amature Radio Club will hold a SkyWarn
training class,which will be open to the public. The purpose of this
class is to train people to be observers for hazardous weather
conditions, damage assesment. The class also will have some education of
the basics of meterology. This class is sponored by the National Weather
Service as is put on by their personnel.
Admission is free.
For further information, contact the Center at 978-248-9491
or Mark by email
Held at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol
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Ode
News
NHESP |
To commemorate this event
this enameled cloisonne pin
will be available for $5.00
at the conference.
Design, Moss Brook Arts
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April 17, Saturday
New England Odonate Conference
At the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol.
Depending on interest, we may extend the conference into Sunday with workshops on Ode identification. We are excited and looking forward to this first annual New England Odonate Conference!
There is a registration fee of $20.00 which will include coffee and catered lunch.
Registrations are now closed
See also Ode Conference Informational Site
Conference sponsored by ABNC, Ode News, National Heritage Endangered Species Program
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April 15, Thursday 7 pm
Turtle Talk
David Carroll, author of SELF-PORTRAIT WITH TURTLES, will discuss his book and experiences with turtles at the Odyssey Bookshop on the Village Commons, 9 College Street, South Hadley.
Please call (413) 534-7307
or visit Odysseybks.com for more information.
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April 14, Wednesday 7 pm
Club Meeting: Saving Special Habitats
Join us at ABNC's meeting with guest speaker, Tim Simmons, the Restoration Ecologist from the Mass Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Tim will update us on efforts to understand the role of crickets, grasshoppers and beetles in early successional habitats.
Meet at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol.
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April 13, Tuesday 1 - 3 pm
The public is invited to join us at our monthly watershed team meeting to learn about plans for creating a North Central Regional Solid Waste Cooperative. A working group made up of reps from area towns will present their plans and be looking for feedback from us at this meeting. Individuals and organizations interested in landfills, trash, recycling, landuse and health should participate in this meeting.
Held at Millers River Environmental Center
100 Main Street, Athol.
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April 10, Saturday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
River Celebration
Visit the Millers River Environmental Center for our third year of river celebrations. Environmental organizations, outdoor recreation groups, and businesses will have materials available and will be there to answer your questions. Refreshments will also be available. As well as visiting the Center, you can view the parade down Main Street that includes more giant puppets and get a view of the start of the canoe race!
Millers River Environmental Center
100 Main Street, Athol.
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April 8, Thursday, 7 pm to 8 pm
Birds of Prey Program
Naturalist/Artist Zack Zdinak from Flagstaff, AZ will share his knowledge and stories related to these powerful birds of the skies. Zack's hands-on and interactive style will make this presentation an enjoyable event for the whole family.
(Learn more about Zack www.lifedraw.com)
Millers River Environmental Center
100 Main Street, Athol.
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April 4, Sunday, 4 pm
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
Web Site
friendsoftullylake.org
Sponsored by the Millers River Watershed Council
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April 3, Saturday, 1 - 5 pm
Last Puppet Making Workshop before the parade
Center's puppet making workshop from 1-5 pm. There's still time to make big puppets of local creatures and headdress puppets of salmon and eel. We'll use the puppets in the River Rat parade on April 10. Workshop is held at the Center. Hope to see you there, Mark Dannenhauer
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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Children's
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March 27, Saturday, 2 pm
Who Lives in a Pond?
By Jim Terruso
Discover and explore a pond habitat and find out who lives their! Hands on
activities.
Appropriate for ages 5-7.
Great Falls Discovery Center
#2 Ave A
Turners Falls, MA 01376
413 863 3676
The program is free and open to the public.
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March 27th, Saturday, 9:30 am - noon
When land Changes Hands:
Tax Aspects of Land Conservation Strategies
Todd Mayo, Northfield Mount Hermon School, Estate Planning and Tax
Attorney, Leigh Youngblood, Executive Director of the Mount Grace Land Conservation
Trust, and Gerrit Stover, Valley land Fund.
This workshop will provide landowners
with the opportunity to listen to and discuss the issues to consider in
making plans for estate planning. Ask questions of one of the top estate
planning/tax attorneys in this field and participate in a panel discussion
on conservation options.
Cost: $5 per person.
Pre-registration is preferred by calling (978) 248-2043.
Great Falls Discovery Center
#2 Ave A
Turners Falls, MA 01376
413 863 3676
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March 27, Saturday, 1 - 5 pm
Puppet Making Workshop
Center's puppet making workshops are now scheduled for Saturday, March 27, and Saturday, April 3, from 1-5 pm. There's still time to make big puppets of local creatures and headdress puppets of salmon and eel. We'll use the puppets in the River Rat parade on April 10. Workshops will be held at the Center. Hope to see you there, Mark Dannenhauer
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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March 25, Thursday, 7 pm
"Someday" - Reading and Discussion
Join in a discussion of the book "Someday", led by Anne Cutler-Russo, Athol Librarian. We will consider this region's history made clear in this book and our sense of place and home. This program is funded through a LFTA grant from the Board of Library Commission.
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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March 24, Wednesday, 7 - 9 pm
Millers River Watershed Advisory Committee Meeting
Join us as we develop an Action Plan for the Millers River Watershed.
Your first step can be to participate in a simple and fun picture-taking assignment to document the watershed's pros & cons. The pictures should reflect the general themes of the Watershed Action Plan, which are: water quality/quantity; open space & growth; habitat; recreation; and public education/outreach.
For more information, contact Kimberly Noake MacPhee at the Franklin Regional Council of Governments 413.774.1194 x103
or
Sue Cloutier at the Center 978-248-9491.
Meeting at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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March 21, Sunday, 1 - 3pm
Birding for Everybody!
One of America’s favorite pastimes is truly for everybody. Have you ever thought about trying birding but wondered if it was an activity that was too demanding? People with a variety of disabilities use many techniques and adaptations to participate in this wonderful hobby. If you have a disability and think you might be interested in birding, then this workshop is definitely for you.
Birders use sight, sound, and knowledge together and separately. We can go to the birds or let the birds come to us. Fortunately, birds can be found just about anywhere. That means we can experience and enjoy birds in various ways.
Do you want to identify birds by their sounds and song? Do you need help learning how to follow birds as they flit through the bushes and trees? Or have you thought how nice it would be to get more information on attracting these feathered friends closer to home? Then this is the meeting for you!
We will explore tools and techniques that can make birding accessible to anyone who is willing to learn. Please bring along like-minded friends. Share your experiences with beginners and experts alike. We will be setting up times in the field to practice our skills. This meeting is free and open to the public. Co-sponsored by Athol Bird and Nature Club,
Meet at the Center, West Room
100 Main Street, Athol.
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March 20, Saturday, 6 pm
Neighbors Night: Pot Luck & Show
Join us at the Center for a Pot Luck Dinner and presentations by members and friends who will be
bringing us their nature slide shows.
Please call the Center at (978) 248-9491 to volunteer your short presentation before March 10.
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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Children's
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March 20, Saturday, 1 pm
Soggy Feet: Why Some Plants Like it Wet
Debra Reynolds, Conte Refuge
Meet some of the plants that live in wetlands and discover how they can
survive in this environment.
Appropriate for ages 6-8
Great Falls Discovery Center
#2 Ave A
Turners Falls, MA 01376
413 863 3676
The program is free and open to the public.
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March 20, Saturday, 1 - 5pm
River Rat Parade Puppets
Come make puppets of local creatures for the Annual River Rat Parade. Mark Dannenhauer of Ninots will provide the tools and techniques. You supply the personal experience with local creatures and the imagination. Together we will make giant parade puppets celebrating the Millers River watershed!
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol. (3rd meeting to be announced.)
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March 13, Saturday, 1 pm
(Moved from 2/7/04)
Life and travels of the monarch butterfly
The Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center invite you to attend a
slide show program on the life and travels of the monarch butterfly presented
by Laurie Sanders at the Great Falls Discovery Center.
Great Falls Discovery Center
#2 Ave A
Turners Falls, MA 01376
413 863 3676
The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
Friends Group Membership Drive
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March 10, Wednesday, 7 pm
Club Meeting: 10,000 Yrs in 60 Minutes
ABNC's meeting with guest speaker, Kathleen "Betty" Anderson, founding Director of
Manomet Bird Observation, describing change in birds and their populations in New England. Condensing this time period into sixty minutes is a challenge but, aided by slides, Betty put what we see about us into a new perspective.
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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March 6, Saturday, 1-5 pm
River Rat Parade Puppets
Puppets of local creatures for the Annual River Rat Parade. Mark Dannenhauer of Ninots provided the tools and techniques. Personal experience with local creatures and the imagination. Together we will make giant parade puppets celebrating the Millers River watershed!
Met at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
(2nd meeting on March 20th, 3rd meeting to be announced)
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March 6, Saturday, 7 am or 9 am (as indicated below)
Banana Belt/ SE Mass Trip
An adventure to south eastern Mass on a birding trip with Rick Magee. Perhaps we will find parakeets, waterfowl, and owls.
Met at 7am at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol, to carpool,
or
9am at Friendly's at the Middleborough Rotary (routes 18, 28, & 44 just east of 495).
An all day trip, we will stop somewhere for lunch.
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Canceled
March 4, 11, 18, 25,
April 1, 8,
Thursdays, 3:30-4:30 pm
Nature Movement Class
Clare Green, Special Education Educator and North Quabbin Guide, will lead students in Grade 1-6 in yoga, creative nature movement and improvisation. Students will exercise and move their bodies to nature's rhythms and inspirations. Let's create a movement piece that we can include in the River Parade on April 10 (optional)!
Fee: $12.00
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March 2, Tuesday, 1-4 pm,
"Someday", community reading program
"Someday" is available to read at the Center or take out on loan during open hours. Read in a comfortable corner at the Center and enjoy coffee and treats. During your visit, you can view the Club's Natural History Collection or purchase items from the Center's Nature Store.
Book discussion will be held at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol, on Thursday, March 25th.
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February 28, Saturday, 2-3:15 pm
Fire on the Plains of Montague
by Anne Marie Kittredge, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
The Montague plains is a unique habitat in this area dependent on fire
for regeneration. Joined the experts to learn about the rare
species of plants and animals that are dependent on a fire adapted
community and how humans have impacted them over the past 15 thousand
years.
Free to all
Great Falls Discovery Center
2 Avenue A
Turners Falls, Ma 01376
For More Information: Contact Debra Reynolds 863-0209 x3
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February 28, 29, Saturday and Sunday, 8 am - 5 pm
Wilderness First Aid and CPR Course
Join the North Quabbin Guide Training Program and get certified or re-certified. Includes topics ranging from preparation and prevention to assessment and treatment.
Call Kemper Carlsen at (978)544-3223 for details and registration.
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February 25, Wednesday, 7 pm
Mid-stream Survey wrap-up and appreciation night.
Nick Wisniewski and Stream Team volunteers will present their final report on the Mid-stream Survey pilot program. Come celebrate a successful survey season, learn about the Millers River, and we can warm up with hot chocolate and snacks.
At the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol,
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February 24, Tuesday, 7-9 pm
Recreational Land Users Unite! A Panel Discussion
Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center, Northfield, MA
Join Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust’s executive director Leigh Youngblood, Franklin Regional Council of Governments planner Bill Labich, and AMC officer Chris Ryan, to discuss the current status of access to recreational land in the Connecticut River Valley.
Pre-registration is required by calling 1(800) 859-2960.
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February 21, Saturday, 2 pm
Native Americans and the River
by by Jim Terruso, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
The area right here in Turners Falls is a historically important site
for salmon fishing. See where many tribes converged to fish.
Learn about local Native Americans and their use of the Connecticut
River.
Free to all
Great Falls Discovery Center
2 Avenue A
Turners Falls, Ma 01376
For More Information: Contact Debra Reynolds 863-0209 x3
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February 21, Saturday, 9 am - 4 pm,
Dragonfly Nymph Fest
Hosted by Michael Veit. For beginners, the morning could be spent going over collecting techniques, where/how to find nymphs and exuvia, terminology and general morphology, and identifying to family and genus. In the afternoon, for those interested, we will introduce the characters that are used in species identification in the different families/genera. Then we will use the keys to i.d. your own specimens, or ones that we bring.
Please bring scopes and light sources if you have them. Also bring nymphs and exuvia to share, i.d., even trade so that folks can begin developing reference collections.
There is a $5.00 fee payable at the door.
Sorry, Event is Full
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February 20, Friday, 7 pm
Let's Go Owling!
Bill Fregeau adventured into the night.
Limited to 12 participants
There is no charge but registration is required.
Sorry, Event is Full
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February 19, Thursday, 7 pm
New England Forests Through Time, a Historical Perspective
by John O'Keefe of the Fisher Museum at Harvard Forest
From the seemingly limitless forest tracts of colonial time, to the
largely agricultural landscape of the nineteenth century, and back to
the predominantly forested region of today, the Massachusetts landscape
has gone through major historical transformations. John O'Keefe, forest
ecologist, discusses the legacy of these transformations, reflecting how
a sequence of human and natural disturbance has shaped the character
of our modern landscape and influences virtually all aspects of our
lives.
* $2 dollar fee
Great Falls Discovery Center
2 Avenue A
Turners Falls, Ma 01376
For More Information: Contact Debra Reynolds 863-0209 x3
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February 15, Sunday, 2-3:30 pm
Wildflowers of the Yellowstone Region
Join Noah Siegel for a tour of wildflowers at neighbors night. Last fall, we had a glimpse of his
outstanding slides of flowers. This will give us an afternoon of delightful travel to Yellowston
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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February 14, Saturday, 9 am - Noon
Second Annual Wildlife Tracking Workshop with Paul Wanta
Skyfields Arboretum, 1461 Old Keene Road, Athol, MA
Hike the fields and forests of Skyfields Arboretum to track and document wildlife that remain active throughout the winter. Tracks documented during last year’s hike include deer, coyote, fox, fisher, weasel and mice. This program is suitable for adults, as well as adults with children. Wear waterproof footwear and warm clothing. Hiking will be light to moderate.
Workshop is limited to 20 participants.
Please call (978) 248-2043 to reserve a space.
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February 11, Wednesday, 7 pm
Club Meeting: Exploring Moths
ABNC's meeting with guest speaker, Dr. Ted Sargent, Professor Emeritus of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and author of Legions of Night: The Underwing Moths. Dr. Sargent is the former president of the International Lepidopterists' Society. His lifelong study has been the behavioral adaptations of New England moths, many of which were conducted in his own backyard. Meet at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol.
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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February 8, Sunday, 2-4 pm,
Wildlife Rehab.
Judy Hilton will talk about her experiences in wildlife rescue. Judy will be bringing along a Great-horned and Sawhet Owl.
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol.
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Report |
February 8, Saturday, 7 am,
Birding - Alcids and Owls
Note 2/6/04
Postponed do to weather to tomorrow, February 8, Sunday, 7 am
Join Mark Taylor on this expedition to Cape Ann and Plum Island in search of target birds like Barrow's Goldeneye, King Eider, and Eared Grebe and ending the day with the evening flight of Short-eared Owls.
Meet at the Center,
100 Main Street, Athol at 7am
or
at 9am at Friendly's at the 128 Rotary in Gloucester.
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February 4, Wednesday, 6:30-9:00 pm
Kick-off Meeting for the Millers River Watershed 5-Year Action Plan
Please join us as we work to identify priority issues in the watershed and develop strategies to protect, improve and restore our watershed's natural resources and recreational opportunities. Funded by the Mass. Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. Food and Refreshments will be provided!
For more information, contact: Kimberly Noake MacPhee, P.G., the Franklin Regional Council of Governments - 413.774.1194x103
or Nick Wizniewski at the Millers River Environmental Center - 978.248.9491
Meeting will be at the Millers River Environmental Center 100 Main Street, Athol
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January 31, Saturday, 3-6 pm +
Getting started in Astronomy
John Kocur assisted those who were new and had an interest in astronomy. John ed explain how telescopes work, selecting a telescope; maintaining scopes, and what to expect when looking through a telescope.
Star Party
At 6 pm we will had a break for a Pot Luck and Pizza supper with slides from past Star Parties. Afterwards we had our own star party.
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January 30, Friday, 6:30 pm
Movies and Popcorn: Nature's Migrations
Second in a series of nature films at the at the Center.
We shared this DVD of amazing video of migrating birds over different parts of the globe.
The imagery was astounding.
Early arrivers also got a short preview of a dragonfly video. Excellent identification tool.
100 Main Street, Athol.
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January 25th, Sunday, 2-4pm -
Recipes for the Birds (and other wildlife)
Join Susan Heinricher and other Club members at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol. Please bring donations of supplies so that we can make up recipes and feeders. Also bring photographs of feeders in action, helpful hints concerning attracting wildlife in any season, and recipes. We plan to publish a Club Cookbook for Wildlife as a fundraiser and welcome your contributions.
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January 24th, Saturday, 9 -11am -
Snowshoeing at Wendell State Forest
Sue Cloutier and Hollie Merin of All Out Adventures will lead this trip.
Meet at Park Headquarters in Wendell.
Limit 20. Please call Hollie to reserve at 413-527-8980.
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January 23rd, Friday, 6:30pm -
Movies and Popcorn: Millers River Adventures
See the new Trout Unlimited film on the Millers River and slides of local Dragonflies with Jim Foley and Dave Small
at the Center, 100 Main Street, Athol.
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January 18th, Sunday, 6am -
Coastal Birding Trip
Jeff Johnstone will lead this whole day adventure.
Meet at 6 am at Center to carpool.
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Co-sponsor |
January 10th, Saturday, 10am - 4pm
AMC Outdoor Sports Expo
Get the best information and prices on outdoor adventures from many vendors and outdoor leaders.
Held at the Center from10 am- 4 pm. Co-sponsored by ABNC.
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Trip Reports and Index
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