Commonwealth Conversations: The Great Outdoors

A healthy 2012: practicing what we preach

Edward M. Lambert Jr.

Commissioner, Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR)

View Edwards's Bio

Commissioner Scott Soares

Commissioner, Department of Agriculture Resources (DAR)

View Commissioner Soares' Bio

 

On January 1st, 2012, the Departments of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Public Health (DPH), and Agricultural Resources (DAR) signed a joint resolution with the mutual goal of encouraging people to maintain a healthy lifestyle through year-round outdoor recreation and quiet enjoyment in our state parks and eating locally grown and produced agricultural products. The event was celebrated statewide at over nine locations from the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton to western Massachusetts' Mount Greylock State Reservation, where more than 1,700 visitors came out to enjoy nature and get some exercise on a beautiful winter day.

In 2012, our agencies will be promoting the physical, emotional, and nutritional health of our residents, visitors, and of course our own employees!  And one of those employees is DAR Commissioner Scott Soares. Commissioner Soares has committed to losing two pounds per month via a friendly inter-agency “Choose Two for You” challenge that will culminate with a celebration of our collective achievements at a 2K-thon challenge at a featured farm location and/or DCR state park in the fall of 2012. We look forward to seeing many of our colleagues -- including DPH Commissioner John Auerbach -- at the event!

In the meantime, we thought we’d share some of the great “Two for You” challenges we’ve sent out across the agencies:

• Visit at least two Massachusetts state parks each season and engage in a recreational activity such as hiking, biking or walking.

• Eat fruits and vegetables (preferably locally-grown) at least two times a day to reach the five or more daily recommended servings and include 2-3 servings of whole-grains (any food made from wheat, rice, barley, oats, or another cereal grain) each day. Go to www.choosemyplate.gov for more information.

• For those who exceed their healthy weight (Body Mass Index [BMI] greater than 25), lose at least two pounds a month until your healthy ideal weight is reached (Please consult your physician first). Calculate your BMI at www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator at least two times a week or check out other tips offered at www.mass.gov/massinmotion

• Integrate movement into your workday at least twice every two hours e.g. a walk to the water cooler, take a lap around the office, do some stretches at your work area.  Take a longer walk in a park, along a greenway or a sidewalk during lunch.

• Include muscle-strengthening activities two times per week.

• Exercise for at least two days a week for 30 minutes (e.g. a brisk two-mile walk) towards achieving the recommended 2 hours and 20 minutes per week. Check out DCR’s Healthy Heart Trails in over 70 state parks across the state!

• Add at least two new exercise routines to your current workout.

• Try two new recreational activities this year such as canoeing, kayaking, snowshoeing, mountain biking or camping.

Accessible Winter Activities

Marcy Marchello

Universal Access Program Coordinator, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)

View Marcy's Bio

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is kicking off its Universal Access Program winter activities season!

Running through March, this program was created to make outdoor recreation in Massachusetts more accessible to everyone. Designed for people with disabilities, their families and friends, these free programs will sponsor a wide variety of adaptive cold-weather recreation opportunities at locations across the Commonwealth.

Come join in on the fun, and partake in these accessible activities including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, kick sledding, snowmobiling, and ice skating. Staff assistance and use of accessible equipment, such as sit skis and kick sleds, will be available for use at no additional cost. For additional information on the Universal Access Program, a schedule of activities, and to preregister, visit DCR's Universal Access page or call 617-626-1294 or 413-545-5353. 

If you would like to volunteer to assist in the adaptive winter programs, please call Heidi Marie-Peterson at 413-577-3840. There are two trainings scheduled for January – January 7 at Wendell State Forest and January 22 at the Weston Ski Track.

Biking the Central Mass Rail Trail in Rutland

Marion Larson

Outreach Coordinator, MassWildlife

View Marion's Bio

A gorgeous, warm autumn day inspired my husband and me to take our hybrid bikes to the Rutland portion of the Central Mass. Rail Trail. The stone dust rail trail in this area crosses part of the Midstate Trail, DCR’s Rutland State Park (near Whitehall and Long Ponds), and a portion of the DCR Ware River Watershed. The parking lot on Route 122 was our entry to the trail. A few stone benches can be found along the trail and there is a granite stone marker describing a major train accident that occurred in 1932 as well as a rail marker indicates 49 miles to Northampton.

Fall colors graced the trail and reflected in the ponds and cold water streams that crossed the trail. I smelled cooking fires from the state park and spotted a couple of mountain bikers on some adjoining trails. Though we encountered other cyclists, couples, teens, and young families walking, and even a group of horseback riders, the trail didn’t feel a bit crowded. 

We especially appreciated the recent cut-through tunnel near Rte 56 and Moulton Pond. It saved us from hauling our bikes up a steep embankment and riding up a good-sized hill to get to the next section of trail. Three cheers to Wachusett Greenways, the organization responsible for this most recent milestone! This group’s determined efforts have kept expanding the rail trail’s length and accessibility to all.

If you have the chance, take a hike or bike this lovely section trail in central Massachusetts. Go fishing in the stream or nearby Long and Whitehall Ponds, picnic at the state park or contemplate the lily pads and fall colors on the small ponds. Adventurous folks can explore a network of roads in the Ware River Watershed property, popularly referred to as the Prison Camps area. Hunting, hiking, fishing, biking and other passive recreation is permitted in this area.  With the onset of hunting seasons, wearing a blaze orange vest or cap is a good visibility idea. 

Enjoy the area!

Wachusett Greenways: Programs, projects, updates, and a rail trail map of the current and proposed route for the Central Mass Rail Trail.

Ware River Watershed Lands:  A variety of recreation opportunities are available on this 23,000 acre property. Maps of designated biking and horseback riding trails, wildlife management areas, and other information can be found here.

Midstate Trail Website: This jewel of a trail covers 95 miles in Worcester County from RI to NH. It is not as well known and is less travelled compared to the popular Metacomet-Mondanock and Appalachian Trails further west.

7th Annual Hub On Wheels 2011

Tracey Workman

Multimedia Intern, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

View Tracey Workman's Bio

Once again, it’s time to check your gears, tune up your brakes and get ready to ride for this year’s 7th Annual Hub On Wheels. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is a sponsor of the day-long event community and charity event, which includes three different routes.

Taking place on Sunday, September 25, the Hub On Wheels offers three routes (10, 30, and 50 miles) that’ll take you through a car-free Storrow Drive, hidden pathways, river greenways, and some of Boston’s historic neighborhoods including: Downtown, Back Bay, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Dorchester, and South Boston. Whatever route you decide to take, the ride will start and finish at City Hall Plaza in downtown Boston.

Also taking place on the same day is the third annual TD Bank Mayor’s Cup where more than two hundred professional cyclists will race for a grand prize of $40,000. National champions and Olympic cyclists will race at high speed around sharp corners as they sprint through the course.

If you plan on staying a spectator throughout the day, don’t miss the Boloco Block Party, a festival at City Hall Plaza filled with food, music, and a bike expo. And if you’re daring enough to try the race, the registration fee is $45 and you can register online. Children are also welcome and must be at least 10 years-old to ride the 10 mile loop and at least 12 years old to ride the longer routes. Children under the age of 10 are free, but can only participate if they ride with an adult on a tandem, trail-a-bike, bike seat or trailer. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

We hope you take this exciting opportunity to get outside and bike. Visit Hub On Wheels for more information.

Weekly outdoor events

Tracey Workman

Multimedia Intern, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

View Tracey Workman's Bio

Have a bike and must travel? This Saturday, August 20, follow a DCR ranger on a 10-mile bike trail from 2 to 4 p.m. on the Upper Charles River Greenway and ride through Dedham, Needham, Waltham and Newton. Pass through the Cutler Park Reservation and witness the largest remaining fresh water marsh with over 100 species of birds--great for a quick nature study.

To take part, meet at the Galen Street Bridge in Watertown Center and prepare for a short journey through the Commonwealth.

Check out more Massachusetts Outdoor Events on The Great Outdoors interactive Google Calendar.

Weekly outdoor events

Tracey Workman

Multimedia Intern, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

View Tracey Workman's Bio

This Sunday, July 31 from 10 to 1 p.m. visit DCR’s Cutler Park for a unique wheeled exploration of forest and marsh. Not only will you pedal along winding dirt trails, but will also ride through a sea of cattails.

The trail is at a moderate skill level and recommended for ages 12 and up. Bring your own mountain bike, helmet and water bottle, as well as gloves and eyewear for extra protection.

Check out more Massachusetts Outdoor Events on The Great Outdoors interactive Google Calendar.

5th annual Great Park Pursuit

Edward M. Lambert Jr.

Commissioner, Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR)

View Edwards's Bio

This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Great Park Pursuit. As part of DCR’s No Child Left Inside initiative, The Great Park Pursuit 2011 encourages families to join together and travel across Massachusetts to visit state parks, forests, and reservations to discover how fun and exciting the outdoors can be.

The program starts on July 1and runs until September 10, ending with an afternoon celebration of outdoor fun and festivities, with chances to win prizes such as t-shirts and outdoor recreation packages.

During the ten-week program, families and teams will design their own “Personalized Park Pursuit.” To help teams determine where to go, and which state parks to visit, teams visit the DCR Calendar of Events homepage and select at least six Great Park Pursuit designated programs. These programs will be determined by an icon placed next to the description of the event or activity. At each event they attend, teams receive stickers for their Great Park Pursuit team game card, which organizes activities into categories (see below).

Activities include mountain biking through Cutler Park, which completes a “Nature Sport” category, or taking a wildlife safari through the Blue Hills Reservation, which completes a “Walk on the Wild Side” category. Other categories are “Wild about Water” and “Arts in the Parks.”

We encourage teams to chronicle their adventures on their own personalized homepage that they will receive after registering with the program. On this homepage, teams or families can upload photo albums from specific activities completed, write a blog entry on what they saw, experienced or felt on one of their adventures, and keep track of which categories of activities they have completed.

The Great Park Pursuit 2011 Registration

Sign up today. It’s the first step in getting outside to hike to magnificent views, learn to fish or canoe, discover the secrets of the coast, and view the wonders of the night sky!

    

 

Earth Day 2011

Reginald Zimmerman

Assistant Press Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)

View Reginald's Bio

Tomorrow commemorates the 41^st anniversary of the first Earth Day and Massachusetts residents can take part in a myriad of activities that celebrate the environment! Join in a community-wide cleanup, party at a zoo, run a 5K race or just get outside and enjoy the outdoors with neighbors, friends and family. Events may differ in size and scope, but a common theme remains: environmental awareness and education.

Earth Day events start tomorrow and run through May. For more information go to http://www.mass.gov/dep/public/earthday.htm

Winter walk at the Charles River Reservation

Rachel Offerdahl

Multimedia intern, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)

View Rachel's Bio

The Charles River Reservation has a little something for everyone. You can walk, run, or bike the Esplanade; look for wildlife; tour the Charles River Dam; go kayaking, canoeing, rowing, or sailing; or hear a concert at the Hatch Shell. There are also athletic fields and tennis courts, exercise stations, picnic areas, playgrounds, swimming pools, and a skating rink. The park starts in Boston and stretches 20 miles through Cambridge, Watertown, Waltham, Newton, Weston, Needham, Wellesley, and Dover. The reservation offers scenic views – both urban and natural. When you visit, be courteous – keep your dog on a leash and clean up your waste.

Click on the photo to see images from my visit.

Information on park event schedules and seasonal activities.

Autumn outdoor safety

Marion Larson

Outreach Coordinator, MassWildlife

View Marion's Bio

Fall is a wonderful time to be outdoors with its dazzling colors, crisp air, and wildlife activity galore. Whether your passion is hiking, hunting, fishing, birding, or just taking in the scenery, a few common sense safety reminders will add to your enjoyment during a day in the field.

Know your limits. Don't take off on a long hike, hunt, or bike ride if you're not physically ready.

Always tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return.

Watch the weather. New England weather is notoriously unpredictable. Be ready with extra clothing.

Expect the unexpected. Carrying a pack with a few first aid items, matches, water, pocket knife, cell phone, map, compass, whistle, extra food, and flashlight can help prevent small problems from becoming big ones.

Wear blaze orange for visibility. Whether you're a hunter, hiker, birder or dog walker in rural areas, it's a good idea to wear a cap or vest of highly visible blaze orange clothing while you're enjoying the great outdoors.

Respect the water. Canoeists and kayakers are required to wear life jackets from September 15 to May 15, but all water enthusiasts, especially anglers who wade in larger rivers, would be wise to wear floatation devices now that water and air temperatures are cooling.

Respect other outdoor users. Mountain biking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, hunting, and hiking need not be and are not mutually exclusive activities. Know the hunting seasons and who is likely to be sharing the woods and waters with you. Keep dogs under direct control and respect other outdoor users' rights to enjoy our open spaces.

Finally, licensed hunters are reminded to take the basics of hunter safety to heart. Treat every firearm as it were loaded, keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times. Positively identify your target and what lies beyond it.

More wildlife and outdoor safety information and tips.

Hunting Season information.