Commonwealth Conversations: The Great Outdoors

Video of the week: Explore our community parks

Hannah Brunelle

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

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Just in time for summer, Massachusetts EEA Secretary Richard Sullivan talks about Massachusetts' community parks and shares some recent images from across the state of recently built or upgraded parks. Over the past four years, the Patrick-Murray Administration has upgraded or built 153 parks in urban communities, which support an array of recreational activities to locals and bring one million visitors each year. These investments have been made through EEA's Gateway City Parks and Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant programs. The PARC program was established to provide assistance to cities and towns to acquire land for parks and recreational purposes. Secretary Sullivan encourages all of us to get outside and enjoy the recently renovated community parks across the state this summer.

 

 

Celebrate June as Great Outdoors Month

Mary Griffin
Commissioner, Department of Fish and Game (DFG)
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Edward M. Lambert Jr.
Commissioner, Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR)
View Commissioner Lambert's Bio

With the summer season approaching, Governor Patrick proclaimed June as Great Outdoors Month! It is a great opportunity to celebrate all that nature has to offer in the Commonwealth. Boasting over 450,000 acres of state parklands and wildlife management areas, Massachusetts offers many outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming.

Not only does June signal the beginning of the summer vacation season, it also marks the start of many outdoor recreational activities.

The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are hosting a variety of outdoor activities perfect for celebrating the great outdoors! Here's a sampling of this month's activities.

• Learn to Fish: Interested in fishing but don’t know how? You can learn by participating in the DCR “Learn to Fish” event on Sunday, June 3, from 9-11 a.m. Through this program, you will learn fishing techniques and how to be environmentally responsible when fishing. You will even discover what species live in the reservoir! The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game will be providing a group fishing license as well as fishing poles and tackle. The group will meet at the Old Stone Church in West Boylston.
• Free Fishing Weekend: On June 2 and 3, take a friend or family member fishing for free--you won't need a fishing license to fish any waterway statewide for these two days! It is time well spent with family and friends. Your purchase of a fishing license directly supports fishing, stocking, education and fish habitat management programs. Contact Jim Lagacy, DFG’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Program Coordinator for scheduling a fishing festival or clinic in your area during the year at (508) 389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.
• Accessible Recreation Fair: Join us at Artesani Park in Brighton on Saturday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a fun-filled event provided by the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Universal Access Program (UAP). Individuals, families, and friends of people with disabilities can come together to enjoy a cycling fair (with an assortment of cycles available for use) and adaptive recreational activities including hiking, letterboxing, face painting, and interpretive programs. Take this opportunity to learn about DCR’s inclusive, accessible programs and resources available to people of all abilities around the state so that everyone can enjoy the outdoors this summer!
• A Sense of Place Festival: On Saturday, June 9, visit the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in Upton and join singer/songwriter and educator Erica Wheeler in discovering your sense of place through music, writing, and reflection. Bring a picnic lunch and a blanket or chair and enjoy Erica’s inspirational, entertaining, and educational program with friends and family. We invite you to come for the day or any part of the program.
• Identifying Animal Tracks: If you’ve ever come across an animal track and wondered what it was, then this is the event for you! On Saturday, June 9, from 1-3 p.m., Stillwater Farm in Sterling will be hosting a program all about animal tracks and habits. Find out what animals might inhabit your back yard, and learn to interpret signs that they were there. It’s a great activity for both curious kids and adults!
• Summer Discovery Hike: Spend this Father’s Day hiking! On Sunday, June 17, a DCR ranger will be leading a three mile summer discover hike to the Blue Hills reservoir in Quincy. We will meet at the Shea Rink parking lot, and the hike will begin at 1 p.m. This is a great way for families to spend time together enjoying the outdoors.

These and other activities can be found on the at Massachusetts Outdoor Events or DCR’s event page and DFG lists hundreds of outdoor events and activities for June and the rest of the summer on its website in the following links: MassWildlife Calendar of Events and Rivers and Wetlands Month Calendar.

Time for Camping in Massachusetts State Parks

Bob Greco

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

View Bob's Bio

With spring upon us, many people are looking to get out and enjoy the outdoors. One of the best ways to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Massachusetts and enjoy hiking, swimming, biking, fishing, and other activities is to reserve a campsite at one of the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s campgrounds  that are located all around the state. For a very reasonable fee, you can find an area close to home or travel a bit if you want to try something different. Western and central Massachusetts offer more remote sites, while eastern Massachusetts offers several campgrounds that provide coastal beach access and forested sites.

At the end of August last year, I took my 12 year-old daughter and eight year-old son to Erving State Forest for four nights of tent camping. We arrived on a Sunday and had the campground to ourselves on the first night, but more people came as the week went on. We enjoyed swimming at Laurel Lake’s beach, fishing in the lake, biking on the lightly traveled park roads, hiking a short loop trail, and time around the campfire and stargazing at night.

The kids made friends with other campers from the Chicago area and we enjoyed s’mores with them at the campfire one evening. After dark on more than one night, we heard a couple of owls, including a very loud great horned owl, roosting nearby. The staff at the state forest was very helpful and friendly, giving the kids coloring books and Smokey the Bear hats that the kids enjoyed wearing (see picture).

Many of the state campgrounds are very popular, particularly on weekends, holiday weeks, and much of July and August, so it makes sense to reserve your campsite. Some state campgrounds open for the spring season on May 4 and most of the rest open by May 24. The DCR campgrounds are open either through Labor Day or Columbus Day, and a few offer off-season camping opportunities.   See this chart for the full schedule and enjoy your camping adventure!

Weekly outdoor events 12/12

Jessica Macfarlane

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

View Jessica's Bio

On Wednesday, December 14, Mad Science will be taking over DCR’s Fall River Heritage State Park for Mad Science Presents: Lab Night! Come join the fun – there will be exciting experiments and activities for all ages, including a live stage show.  The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. and admission is free!

On Saturday evening, December 17, drop everything and head to DCR’s Borderland State Park for a Movie at the Mansion.  The ornate, two-story library of the Ames Mansion transforms into a classic movie theater, complete with refreshments and snacks.  Just in time for the holiday season, the feature movie will be “It’s a Wonderful Life” (one of my favorite personal favorites).  Admission is free, however, a small donation is requested for refreshments and snacks.  RSVP is required, so call early to reserve your seats!

Cold weather safety tips

Reginald Zimmerman

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

View Reginald's Bio

Soon, winter jackets and snow boots will begin to reappear and it’s important to remember that your clothing is not the only thing that needs to be adjusted with a change of season.  Here are a few cold weather safety tips to keep you safe, warm, and healthy heading into the New Year.

Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, ice fishing, or bird watching, always tell someone where you are going and what you are doing. Everyone needs a little alone time, but don’t forget to mention the details of your planned excursion  so that your friends and family know when to expect you back or where to look for you in the event of an accident.

As always, be prepared with plenty of water and first aid items to prevent any small incidents from becoming an emergency. Flashlights, maps, and snacks are also good additions to the safety pack. As with any activity outdoors, know what you are and are not capable of before heading out.

If operating recreational vehicles, such as snow mobiles or dirt bikes (Note: DCR trails are closed for the season to dirt bikes and other off-highway vehicles, other than snow mobiles), remember to wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet. Also, take caution during bad weather and at night, making sure to stay aware of your speed and surroundings. For ice fishers, check that ponds and rivers are completely frozen before venturing out onto the ice.  Exercise more caution when the temperatures are reaching 32 degrees F.

Be prepared for anything. Don’t let New England’s unpredictable weather patterns leave you cold and wet in the middle of the woods. Get updated weather information before you set off and plan accordingly. Be ready to respond to unexpected weather with extra clothing, gloves, and hats. If planning to be outside for a long period of time, bring extra layers to add as the temperature drops. It’s all about layers: rather than wearing one heavy coat, use thermal underwear and undershirts to layer light-weight, warm clothing, and always wear a waterproof outer layer.

For hunters and hikers and everyone in between, wear bright clothing to maintain visibility past 5 pm. The fall and winter seasons bring a lot of activity into the great outdoors, so always be aware and respectful of others. 

As always, officers from the Massachusetts Environmental Police are prepared for the upcoming cold weather months. They'll be patrolling off-road areas, as well as coastal and inland waters, and doing everything they can to protect the state’s residents and visitors. Enjoy all that Massachusetts has to offer with these cold weather safety tips and always use your best judgment.

Biking the Central Mass Rail Trail in Rutland

Marion Larson

Outreach Coordinator, MassWildlife

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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.

Trailblazing for outdoorswomen

Tracey Workman

Multimedia Intern, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

View Tracey Workman's Bio

The Trailblazing Workshop for Outdoorswomen on July 16 and 17 at the Savoy State Forest - jointly sposored by the Department of Fish and Game's (DFG) Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) - teaches women 18 years of age and older tricks to surviving the great outdoors. Hoping to conquer your fears of becoming stranded or lost once and for all, the workshop will not only teach participants safety and survival tips for trudging through the woods, but will also give participants a chance to learn valuable camping and hiking skills.

Part of the Becoming and Outdoors Woman (BOW) program means confronting all the trials and tribulations nature places in your path, which is why the Trailblazing workshop will take place off-trail and lead participants on an overnight journey through rough terrain and true wilderness. Participants will also learn how to navigate using only a map and compass, how to light a fire quickly and easily, and what materials to carry with them in case of an emergency.

Previous workshops have provided women with the knowledge of basic fishing, beginning shotgun, kayaking, map and compass, reading the woods, archery, pond and stream adventures, nature photography, martial arts, outdoor and game cooking, edible plants and much more.

While no experience is necessary, the trip may be a bit challenging even for the more experienced hiker. Because the workshop intends to lead you away from man-made trails and into a world where the footing, weather, and terrain will be unpredictable, but exciting, you will need to be in good physical condition. Don’t get discouraged though. The purpose of the workshop is to teach you how to deal with these factors as a true part of true Mother Nature and will give you the confidence in returning to the unknown after the workshop is over.

If you're ready for a challenge, register now and get ready for an adventure.

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

Great outdoor gifts for the holidays

Marion Larson

Outreach Coordinator, MassWildlife

View Marion's Bio

Here are some ideas for a wildlife-related gift for the outdoor or wildlife enthusiasts of all ages on your holiday gift list! For more information on these items or to order publications call our MassWildlife Field Office Headquarters at 508-389-6300 or stopping by the office in Westborough.

• A two-year subscription to Massachusetts Wildlife magazine ($10) delivers eight full-color issues of the Commonwealth's best wildlife publication.
• For the budding conservationist, try a copy of Critters of Massachusetts book ($5). Critters is a great gift for the curious youngster or the beginning adult naturalist with an interest in backyard wildlife and beyond.
• For the more advanced naturalist, the Field Guide to Dragonflies and Damselflies ($20) or A Field Guide to the Animals of Vernal Pools ($12) might be just the ticket. In-depth descriptions and detailed photographs help the reader identify and learn more about these creatures.
• For the budding herpetologist, there are a couple of options: The Field Guide to the Reptiles of Massachusetts features information on breeding, feeding habits, range, habitat, and conservation issues.
• The turtle enthusiast in your life may enjoy an Introduction to the Threatened Turtles of Massachusetts, a video available from DFW’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program for $5. Threatened turtle information. 
• For the sportsman and woman, the 2011 hunting/fishing licenses make great gifts. Licenses are available for sale online or through license vendors throughout the state by mid-December. License purchases support wildlife conservation, management and restoration of wildlife and wildlife habitat protection in Massachusetts and licenses. Licensing information.
• For women, purchase a gift certificate for one of the 2011 Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshops. Workshops on skills such as animal tracking, shooting, fishing, kayaking and photography are designed for women new to that particular skill. The 2011 schedule of one-day and the weekend workshops will be posted in January. Becoming an Outdoors Woman information.
• A wonderful outdoor experience for teen girls and boys, ages 13 - 17 years old is the Junior Conservation Camp, a two-week overnight camp session packed with outdoor skills learning such as shooting, fishing, canoeing and camping and taking field trips with biologists. The camp is located in Chesterfield and will be held in August. Camp information. 
• For the person who has everything, make a donation in his or her name to support a wildlife or habitat conservation fund.

The Wildlands Fund is dedicated to acquiring important wildlife habitat open to wildlife-related recreation. Send a check made out to Comm. of MA – DFW Wildlands Fund and send it to DFW Wildlands Fund, DFW Field HQ, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.

The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Fund supports efforts to protect rare and endangered wildlife. Donations in the form of a check made out to Comm. of MA - NHESP should be sent to the DFW Field HQ, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.

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.