Commonwealth Conversations: The Great Outdoors

Family camping is excellent in late summer and early fall

Bob Greco

Chief of Staff, Department of Fish & Game (DFG)

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Looking for a fun outdoor family activity in late summer or early fall? Massachusetts offers fantastic opportunities for family camping throughout all regions of the Commonwealth. While you are camping, you can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, wildlife viewing, biking and many other activities.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation offers camping at 26 state parks and forests in all regions of the state. The parks provide easy access to all kinds of outdoor activities in forested settings and a few coastal locations.

Find out more about what each DCR campground has to offer, the dates they are open, and how to reserve your site.

My favorite state campgrounds include Erving State Forest (nice lake for swimming and fishing, good hiking); Otter River State Forest (very good stream fishing and mountain bike trails); and Horseneck Beach State Reservation (salt water fishing, bird watching and body surfing).

Here are some pictures from a recent camping trip with my seven year-old son, his friend and father at another one of my favorite camping spots, The Trustees of Reservations’ Tully Lake Campground. We had a great time kayaking, fishing, hiking, and enjoying time around the campfire.

MassWildlife’s Massachusetts Outdoor Recreation Map.

Inspiration on the Appalachian Trail

Gary Briere

Recreation Bureau Chief, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)

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For many people, recreation includes testing their personal limits. Spend a little time in any Massachusetts state park, forest or reservation, and you will find people of all ages, sizes and abilities walking, running, swimming, cycling or otherwise transporting themselves across the landscape, strengthening their bodies and their spirit as they connect with the natural world, their companions, and themselves. Some take on a bigger challenge than others.

On July 24th, while hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT) over Mount Race in the Mt. Everett State Reservation, I met Mike Hanson of Minnesota. You often encounter “through hikers” along the trail in Massachusetts. Through hikers are attempting to walk the entire Appalachian Trail, more than 2,000 miles, between Georgia and Maine. Mike is not your typical hiker though – he is blind.

Using two hiking poles to feel his way along the steep and rocky trail and a special Geographic Positioning System (GPS) designed to keep him on course, Mike and his videographer companion have negotiated more than 1,000 miles so far. But the magnitude of that accomplishment is hard to imagine until you watch Mike travel 100 feet. When I met him, he was making his way down a steep and rocky section of trail that requires full attention for even the strongest hiker. Carrying a pack that weighed over 30 pounds, he was probing for handholds and footholds with his white hiking poles and testing every foot placement to make sure that a stray rock, root, or crevice wouldn’t be the last step of his incredible journey. In this slow and deliberate way, he was walking over mountains to Maine. It’s fitting that his adopted trail name is Bulldog.

Mike hopes to make a point with his incredible journey. He’d like the public to recognize that people who are blind are capable and adaptive technologies like GPS can foster their independence. He notes that more than 70 percent of the visually impaired are unemployed and he’d like to demonstrate that the disability does not preclude independence and accomplishment. He made his point with me.

Follow Mike’s amazing journey on his Facebook page at the Hanson Appalachian Trail Campaign or visit his website.

And you can be like Mike. Whatever your abilities or limitations, stretch them today.

Hilltopping with dragonflies

Marion Larson

Outreach Coordinator, MassWildlife

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In early August, my husband and I were on our weekly hike up Mt. Wachusett in Princeton. It was a partly cloudy afternoon and when we reached the summit usual summit breeze was absent. As I looked around, I realized that there were hundreds, no… thousands of large dragonflies darting all around us. Some were skimming along at the level of shrubs and trees, others were easily much higher than the summit fire tower. I had never seen such a sight and tried without luck to photograph them—all I got were black blurs, or gray clouds against the blue sky. The following week, I spoke with one of our Division ecologists about this amazing sight. He told me this activity was called hilltopping and that this is the time of year when large dragonflies such as big darners and emeralds, gather together to make a migratory trip south. I had no idea that dragonflies swarmed and migrated! He said that based on some tagging studies, dragonflies can get as far south as the Carolinas. He also pointed out that the smaller hawks will also follow the swarms to feed on these insects.

I checked in the ever-handy Field Guide to Dragonflies and Damselflies published by our agency to get some more information. I learned that some types of dragonflies are categorized as “spring”, “summer” or “fall” fliers. If you are interested in learning more about dragonflies, particularly identifying them, consider picking up a copy of this guide from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. It is the first guide to cover all 166 species found in the Commonwealth, and as the range of many Massachusetts species extends well beyond our borders, will be useful to those interested in dragonflies and damselflies throughout the northeast.

Order a Field Guide from the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program.

Field Guide’s co-author, Blair Nikula, kindly permitted us to use this photo of a male Canada Darner, one of the likely dragonfly species we saw swarming on the summit. He recommended the following websites for beginning dragonfly enthusiasts:

Dragonfly information for beginners.

Ecology of dragonflies.

A beginners guide to dragonflies.

Late summer accessible canoeing, kayaking and horse backriding

Wendy Fox

Press Secretary, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)

View Wendy's Bio

Whatever you do, do not let summer end without trying some of DCR’s accessible recreation opportunities.

Tomorrow, for instance, August 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., DCR’s Universal Access Program (UAP) is offering adaptive horseback riding for individuals with disabilities, as well as their families and friends. The free program at Bradley Palmer State Park on Asbury Street in Topsfield is being administered by Windrush Farm. Call ahead to sign up and for waivers requiring a doctor’s signature: 617-626-1294.      

Four days later, on August 31, the UAP is offering accessible canoeing at Hampton Ponds State Park, 1048 North Road, in Westfield. That program, from 9:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., is being co-sponsored with All-Out Adventures. It costs $5 a person, and preregistration is required: 413-527-8980.

Then, on Sept. 2 (squeeze this one in before Labor Day), UAP is offering accessible kayaking at Regatta Point in Quinsigamond State Park, 10 North Lake Avenue in Worcester. The program, which also is cosponsored with All-Out Adventures, is $5 per person and will run 9:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Please call ahead to pre-register: 413-527-8980.

UAP provides all the equipment needed to enjoy each activity safely and comfortably.

Schedule of DCR’s accessible recreation activities.

Tour a farm, orchard or winery this summer

Commissioner Scott Soares

Commissioner, Department of Agriculture Resources (DAR)

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This summer I visited a number of farms that offer tours for the public. It is a fun and tasty way to spend a day with friends and family. We’ve launched a website that includes an interactive Google map and a downloadable map of wineries, dairies, farm stands, pick-your-own farms and more found in Massachusetts. You can find the locations of farmers’ markets, vineyards, apple picking farms, agricultural fairs, cheese makers, and other culinary and farm adventures like the ones shown here.

Massachusetts Culinary and Agritourism spots. 

In the first photo, I’m standing with John Lowell of East Dennis Oyster Farm. At low tide, we rolled up our pants and waded out through the tidal flats of Quivett Neck, in and out of hundreds of trays filled with oysters, while John and his wife Stephanie explained their aquaculture operation, equipment, and the pristine growing conditions of the area that creates an outstanding oyster. Delicious samples followed. John is an enthusiastic aquaculturalist and loves to show visitors around his oyster farm. Due to the nature of the location and the tide schedule, it’s necessary to make an appointment first at (508) 398-3123 . And if you love oysters, I highly recommend you do so!

In the second photo, I’m standing with Jim Ward of Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon. Since 1982, Ward’s has been a family-run farm and market offering pick-your-own strawberries, blueberries, peaches, potatoes, raspberries and pumpkins in season. They offer hayrides in strawberry and pumpkin seasons. They also feature fresh produce, home-baked goods, gourmet cheeses, artisan breads, sandwiches, smoothies, ice cream, farm animals, picnic and children's play areas, a corn maze and hay pyramid in the fall.

Volunteer event to curb aquatic invasives threat to recreational waterways

Bill Hinkley

Program Director, Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET)

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Aquatic invasive species are an increasingly important topic for people who enjoy the waters of Massachusetts. These invaders include the Asian carp threatening Lake Michigan and zebra mussels and didymo (rock snot) in the Northeast, or snakehead fish in Florida. Earlier this month scientists reported the new discovery of European shrimp in Salem.

Invasive species often disrupt native ecosystems and can cause problems for people who want to use the water. Species such as zebra mussels can cover beaches with their sharp shells and damage docks and piers. Milfoil and water chestnut can grow so thick in lakes and waterways that boating and swimming are impossible.

Water chestnut infestation is a major problem in the Mystic River in Somerville and Medford. These infestations get tangled in boat propellers, make paddling almost impossible, and leave sharp, spiny seeds on the bottom. A recent grant from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust to Groundwork Somerville aims to substantially reduce the occurrence of water chestnut in the Mystic and help open the river for recreation. Removing these invasive plants will have tremendous benefits for the Mystic River ecosystem as native flora and fauna pushed out by the shade and density of water chestnut can return.

Part of this project involves removing the plants with a mechanical harvester. Other areas of the river need to be pulled by hand by people in canoes. The Groundwork Somerville Green Team – made up of local youth – has removed hundreds of bushels of water chestnut so far this summer.

This weekend you can participate in this effort too! A volunteer water chestnut pulling event will take place on Saturday, August 28 in Medford. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Brad at Groundwork Somerville at 617.455.1127 or brad@groundworksomerville.org.

Event information.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife / U.S. Coast Guard aquatic invasives information.

Department of Conservation and Recreation water chestnut fact sheet.

Video of water chestnut removal on the Mystic River.

Time for scup!

Bob Greco

Chief of Staff, Department of Fish & Game (DFG)

View Bob's Bio

Fishing in the dog days of summer can be slow, particularly during daylight hours. But the waters of Cape Cod, the Islands, and southeastern Massachusetts offer an abundance of scup, which are easy and fun to catch all summer long.

Recently, I was on vacation on Martha’s Vineyard with my family and friends. One tradition of the week is a fishing trip with the kids, who this year ranged in age from four to 13. The target species for this group is the not-so-elusive scup.

All you need is tackle that even fresh water anglers will likely own. We use spinning gear with light or medium action rods and 8 pound or 10 pound test line. Tie on bait rigs with hooks size six to 10 and sinkers of a ½ to 1 ounce. After a trip to the local tackle shop to get squid, clams, or sea worms (and bait rigs if you need them), you are ready to go. I prefer squid for bait since it stays on the hook very well. Just cut off a small piece, attach it to the hook a couple of times, cast out, and wait until you feel the fish.

This light and simple gear makes it easy and fun for kids to cast and catch the fish by themselves. Try to find a spot with moving water at an inlet to a salt pond, harbor, or river, or a jetty or pier, and you should have good luck. We have also done well from the beach early in the morning or in the evening.

The photo is of my friend and his daughter proudly displaying their catch of that day.

If you have no experience fishing and would like to try it with kids, or want more of an adventure, try fishing from a party or charter boat. They provide all the gear and bait and you will catch scup, and likely many other types of fish.

Division of Marine Fisheries scup fishing info.

Division of Marine Fisheries’ Saltwater Recreational Fishing Guide.

Massachusetts Marine Recreational Fishing Regulations.

Remember that people age 16 and over now need to register before fishing in marine waters.

Get ready for Farmers’ Market Week

Anna Waclawiczek

Chief of Staff, Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR)

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Next week is Massachusetts Farmers’ Market Week. It’s the height of the local growing season and markets are overflowing with a wide variety of vegetables and fruits.

Nothing says local more than vine-ripened tomatoes! To find the best of this season, go to Boston’s City Hall Plaza Farmers’ Market on Monday, August 23rd when Massachusetts farmers will go stem-to-stem at the 26th Annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest. Starting at 10:30 am, over 20 judges, including Chefs Chris Douglass of the Ashmont Grill and Tavalo in Dorchester, Jason Bond of the Beacon Hill Bistro and Tim Wiechmann of TW Food in Cambridge will join Boston area food writers, produce buyers, and cookbook authors to award a coveted tomato trophy to some of the area’s best tomato growers.

But the festivities don’t end there. Over 20 farmers’ markets from across the state will hold special events in celebration. Cooking demonstrations with local chefs, music, and kids activities are just some of the events being held to celebrate the contributions farmers’ markets make to local agriculture and communities.

Complete list of market events across Massachusetts next week. 

Massachusetts Farmers’ Market week is sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Federation of Massachusetts Farmers’ Markets with support from Massachusetts Edible Magazines.

Bloggers: Take part by participating in the first Farmers’ Market Week Blogathon Loving Local: Celebrating the Flavors of Massachusetts. Hosted by In Our Grandmothers’ Kitchens with support from DAR and Mass Farmers’ Markets, the Blogathon will promote locally grown foods and raise funds for Mass Farmers’ Markets, a non-profit organization that supports local farmers’ markets. To get involved, link to the Blogathon Facebook page or publish a post during the week of August 22-28 focused on Massachusetts locally grown food on topics from herb or vegetable gardening and summer recipes to agricultural policy or food critiques. The post should mention the Blogathon, include a link to In Our Grandmothers’ Kitchens and encourage readers to donate to Mass Farmers Markets.

Scoop the poop – and don’t pollute

Bill Hinkley

Program Director, Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET)

View Bill's Bio

Many posts on this blog focus on hiking, fishing, birding, and other great activities but I would guess that the most popular outdoor activity in Massachusetts is dog walking.

One of the most significant sources of water pollution in our rivers and bays is furry and has four legs. But the bigger problem may be the companion with two legs and a leash. Un-scooped dog waste contributes huge amounts of pollution – especially disease-causing bacteria – to our waters. In some water bodies, pet waste is the number one source of water pollution.

Hold your nose and consider this: In 2007, over 37 percent of households in the United States owned a dog. Let’s say there is one dog for each 10 people in a given watershed. Then assume an average half a pound of waste is generated per dog per day. The Charles River watershed, with some 900,000 residents, then likely has 90,000 dogs. At half a pound of waste per dog per day that is 45,000 pounds, or 22.5 tons of dog waste generated every day or over 16 million pounds per year!

Dog waste can carry many bacteria and other pathogens. Studies have shown that a typical dog dropping can have as many as 3 billion fecal coliform bacteria. Pets frequently carry giardia and salmonella as well. There are plenty of other compounds in that stuff that encourage the blooms of algae and weeds that clog up rivers and lakes. Some of that growth – called cyanobacteria – also presents a danger to human health.

Waste left on the sidewalk or on the grass doesn’t simply go away. It makes its way, untreated, to storm drains or directly into water bodies where we swim, boat, or fish. When rainstorms wash pet waste and other pollutants into storm drains, we get beach postings due to bacteria or cyanobacteria, warning against swimming just when we most want to go into the water.

So, pick up after your pets – in your yard, in the park, or on the street.

Star gazing at Mt. Greylock August 13

Wendy Fox

Press Secretary, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)

View Wendy's Bio

Ever been to the top of Mount Greylock? Well, avoid the crowds and consider going tomorrow night, from 9 p.m. to midnight. DCR and the Amherst Area Amateur Astronomers Association (5As) are sponsoring a free, all-ages, star-gazing night at the summit of the highest point in Massachusetts.

Looking at the night sky from 3,491 feet up, with no city lights to get in the way, is perfect for viewing the planets, stars, the Milky Way, and whatever else is up there. Members of the 5As will provide telescopes as well as a wealth of information and celestial facts geared to all ages. This could be your next new hobby!

Bring a flashlight, wear appropriate clothing for a cool evening, and meet at the summit near the War Memorial Tower. The program is wheelchair-accessible.

The Mount Greylock State Reservation summit is accessible by car from Reservoir or Notch Road off Routes 8 and 2 in North Adams, and Rockwell Road off Route 7 in Lanesborough. For more information, call the Visitors Center at 413-499-4262. 

More information on Mount Greylock's Star Party.