Commonwealth Conversations: The Great Outdoors

Weekly outdoor events 12/12

Jessica Macfarlane

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

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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)

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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

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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)

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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

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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.

Family fun outdoors at the Big Moe

Marion Larson

Outreach Coordinator, MassWildlife

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This past weekend about 5,000 outdoor enthusiasts gathered in Sturbridge at the Hamilton Rod and Gun Club for the Facts About Wildlife and Nature Society’s (FAWNS) Massachusetts Outdoor Expo. At the expo, known as The Big MOE, participants learned about and tried kayaking, archery, rock climbing, fishing and target shooting. There were live birds of prey and native reptile exhibits and workshops to learn how to identify trees, build a bird box or safely use a tree stand for hunting or photography. MassWildlife’s Peter Mirick, who worked with MassWildlife’s Gary Zima and more than 200 volunteers to put on the event this year, said there was a superb group of reenactments of both eastern and western (tipi) pioneer encampments. There was also mountain biking, geocaching, taxidermy, ice fishing instruction, tomahawk throwing, wild game tasting, and wildlife arts and crafts.

The all-day family celebration of the outdoors and wildlife is in its 14th year and was free, thanks to co-sponsors like the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, Hamilton Rod and Gun Club, The Weatherby Foundation, Whitetails Unlimited and the Worcester County League of Sportsmen's Clubs. It was a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to connect with outdoor and wildlife education programs, sporting clubs, and other community pathways to learn more about outdoor activities.

The photos of the angler were taken last weekend by staff wildlife photographer Bill Byrne. Bill also made a photo of the family at the archery station at the 2008 Big MOE.

Bill Byrne’s photos

Join us next year on September 25, 2011 for outdoor and wildlife-related activities at the Big MOE.

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.

Go wild camping in North Andover

Marion Larson

Outreach Coordinator, MassWildlife

View Marion's Bio

For families who have little or no experience camping in the great outdoors, an opportunity to camp with some experienced guidance is available in early August! A friendly, knowledgeable and excited crew of staff (including myself) from MassWildlife and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are organizing an overnight family camping event at Harold Parker State Forest on August 7-8, 2010.

We’ve designed this program especially for families who may have never camped but want to try it out. We welcome families of all kinds—bring nieces and nephews, grandchildren, cousins or friends. Program participants will sign up sign up for some instructional skill sessions on archery, canoeing, fishing and hiking. A night hike, campfire and other optional activities will also be available for all to participate. It’s a terrific way to spend time in the great outdoors!

 
This event goes on rain or shine—‘cause that’s how it works outdoors! The registration fee covers all instructional sessions, materials, camping gear, and two meals (Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast). No campsite fee or fishing licenses are required. Space is limited so register early. Give this family experience a try. I look forward to seeing some of you around the campfire!

More information and registration details.