Commonwealth Conversations: The Great Outdoors

Weekly Outdoor Events: WWTD (What Would Thoreau Do?) May 27 – June 2

Shruti Nayar

Press Intern, Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)

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One day doesn’t seem enough for a celebration of the brave men and women who serve and have served in the United States Armed Forces. Frequently filled with burgers, hot dogs, and s’mores, Memorial Day weekend has become, simultaneously, a weekend-long celebration of that service and an indicator that summer is just around the corner.

After the food is finished, what better way to relax and reflect upon the holiday than to take a walk around Walden Pond? On May 27 from 11am – 12pm and 2pm – 3pm, join a park interpreter to learn about Henry David Thoreau’s life and legacy. Perfect for all ages, the program incorporates a half-mile hike around the pond to the original location of Thoreau’s house.

Halfway through the week, on Wednesday May 29, let Mother Nature give you a natural energy boost. Take a stroll through the blooms in Maudslay State Park. Beginning at 6pm, this program lasts an hour; forget your woes of work in the ambiance of these annual blossoms and their spectacular array of colors, scents, and sights.

Grab your worms and work your way to the water - June 1 and 2 is Statewide Free Fishing Weekend!!! For these two days, you won’t need a license to fish in any body of water throughout the state! Parents, this is the perfect time to help your kids learn the merits of patience: Walden Pond is hosting a free fishing clinic for children ages 8-15 from 8am – 10:30am. If you’re a beginner, make your way out to either Family Fishing Day at Turner Falls, or the 22nd Annual Horn Pond Fishing Festival (from 10am-2pm and 9am-1pm respectively), where amateurs can learn about regional fish, safety, ethics, and equipment.

Celebrate Massachusetts Rivers and Wetlands - May 11-12!

Tim Purinton

Director, Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration

View Tim's Bio

The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) recently put out an events calendar marking May and June as “Massachusetts Rivers and Wetlands Months” celebrating river- and wetland-related activities across the state.

The 2013 Massachusetts Rivers and Wetlands Months Calendar contains detailed information and links to more than 275 events in, along or about the rivers and wetlands of Massachusetts taking place from April 27 to July 4. Upcoming events include kayaking trips, riverside picnics, canoe races, birding in salt marshes, fishing derbies, river cleanups, overnight camping trips, and nature hikes.

Here’s a brief sample of events taking place the weekend of May 11-12:

May 11 (Saturday) – IPSWICH RIVER – Birding Paddle Trip through Wenham Swamp, 6:00 AM – 10:30 AM, co-sponsored by the Ipswich River Watershed Association and the Essex County Ornithological
Society. Paddle the Wenham Swamp section of the Ipswich River while birding with the experts at the
height of warbler migration! Put in is at Route 97/High Street in Topsfield, and take out is at Willowdale Meadows, on Topsfield Road near Bradley Palmer State Park. Click here or contact Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call (978) 412-8200 for more info.

May 11 (Saturday) – HOUSATONIC RIVER – River Cleanup Paddle in Pittsfield and Lenox, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, co-sponsored by the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) and the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT). “Bring your own boat or reserve a canoe. We will use boats (canoes and kayaks) to pick up trash that has collected behind downed trees. One group will launch from Fred Garner Park and head south to Decker Landing, while another group will launch from Decker and paddle south and then return to Decker Landing.” Pre-registration required; if you want to start from Decker Landing, please contact Alison Dixon [adixon@hvatoday.org,  (413) 394-9796]; or, if you want to start from Fred Garner Park and paddle to Decker Landing, please contact Jane Winn at jane@thebeatnews.org or (413) 230-7321.  Click here to download a flyer on this event; all participants will be treated to a picnic lunch.

May 11 (Saturday) – ESSEX RIVER (NORTH COASTAL WATERSHED) – Essex River Race, sponsored by the Cape Ann Rowing Club. Registration begins at 8:00 AM; the first race heat sets off at 10:00 AM. The Essex River Race is a 5.5-mile, open water event starting at the Essex River Bridge at Route 133 in Essex, out behind the barrier beaches of Ipswich and back. Participants row or paddle small boats through one of the most scenic tidal areas in New England. Occasionally the water can be very rough, with strong winds and currents. Click here for an overview of the race and here to participate, or contact Suzanne Sweeney for more info.

May 12 (Sunday) – CHARLES RIVER – Nahanton Park Mother’s Day Bird Walk Trip, 8:00 AM start, sponsored by the Newton Conservators.  Nahanton Park offers a mix of woodlands, wetlands, edge habitat and meadows along the Charles River, making it one of the best birding spots in Newton for both migratory and resident songbirds. Likely finds include brightly colored warblers, vireos, and orioles. Also expect bluebirds, scarlet tanagers, swallows and brown thrashers. Enter the park at the Nahanton Street entrance next to the river. Parking is available inside the park. Bring binoculars if you have them. Beginners as well as experienced birders are welcome. Boots are recommended. Walk will be cancelled in steady rain.  Click here or contact co-leaders Alison Leary (617) 821-5619 or Haynes Miller (617) 413-2419 for more info. (Co-sponsored with Friends of Nahanton Park)

May 12 (Sunday) – HERRING RIVER (CAPE AND ISLANDS WATERSHED – Paddle the Herring River in Harwich, 12:00 Noon start, sponsored by the Kayak and Walk Cape Cod Meetup Group. “The Herring River is a scenic waterway, surrounded by over 200 acres of Harwich Conservation Lands.  We always see birds along the river bank and expansive marsh.  We’ll head to the end of the river where the culvert allows water to flow into and out of the reservoir in Bell’s Neck”. Click here for basic info on this group and its paddling trips and here to sign up or for more specific info on this event.

Weekend Outdoor Events - May 3-6: Getting Outdoors and Fishing Fun!

Reginald Zimmerman

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

View Reginald's Bio

 On Saturday, May 4, head over to the Freetown State Forest and strap on your hiking boots and experience the vastness of the unbroken forest on a walk that spans the full length of the 13,600-acre bioreserve. From old mill ponds to abandoned farm sites to vernal pools to cedar swamps - you won't believe the wilderness right in our own backyard. The full hike is 12 miles, but pick-ups will be available every few miles along the way and transportation will provided back your car.

This program is co-sponsored with The Trustees of Reservations, MassWildlife, and the city of Fall River. This hike is suitable for adults. Program is free and open to the public. Rain or shine. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. Meet at the pavilion located near the main parking lot at Freetown State Forest. The Bioreserve Big Walk takes place 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information call (508) 636-4693 x103. For directions, go to http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/free.htm

 

Also happening this weekend is a number of fishing derbies and festivals across the state! Cast a line; learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along. A limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait will be available at each event.

• On Saturday, May 4, the Needham Recreation Family Fishing Derby is taking place at the Needham Reservoir from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. MassWildlife is participating in this festival in cooperation with the Needham Recreation Commission. Contact: Karen Peirce (781) 455-7521.
• The Westborough Spring Fishing Challenge is also happening on Saturday on Sandra Pond at the Minuteman Park in Westborough from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Contact MassWildlife’s Jim Lagacy at (508) 389-6309 or email jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.
• For those in the Charlton area, the Snows Pond Family Fishing Festival is happening on the shores of Snows Pond, located at Fay Mountain Farm off Cemetary Rod from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. MassWildlife is participating in this festival in cooperation with the Charlton Conservation Commission. Contact: Charlton Conservation Commission, Todd P. Girard (508) 248-2247 or email: todd.girard@townofcharlton.net.
• On Sunday, May 5, the Brookline Reservoir Family Fishing Festival is taking place in Brookline! From 9:00 a.m. – noon, MassWildlife is participating in this festival in cooperation with the Brookline Recreation Department. Contact Stephanie Springer by email sspringer@brooklinema.gov for more information.

And don’t forget to check out the Great Outdoors interactive Google calendar for a full calendar of Massachusetts outdoor events.

Celebrate Massachusetts Rivers and Wetlands - May 4-5!

Tim Purinton

Director, Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration

View Tim's Bio

As warmer spring weather draws outdoor enthusiasts to the Commonwealth’s wetlands and waterways, the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) recently put out an events calendar marking May and June as “Massachusetts Rivers and Wetlands Months” celebrating river- and wetland-related activities across the state.

The 2013 Massachusetts Rivers and Wetlands Months Calendar contains detailed information and links to more than 275 events in, along or about the rivers and wetlands of Massachusetts taking place from April 27 to July 4. Upcoming events include kayaking trips, riverside picnics, canoe races, birding in salt marshes, fishing derbies, river cleanups, overnight camping trips, and nature hikes.

Here’s a brief sample of events taking place the weekend of May 4-5:

May 4 (Saturday) – HOUSATONIC RIVER – Beginner bird walk at Housatonic Flats in Great Barrington, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., sponsored by the Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC).  Join BNRC staff at the Housatonic Flats Reserve for a 2-hour stroll at this promising birding site.  Terrain is flat, level ground along the Housatonic River.  Wear long pants and shoes; bring water and a snack.  “This walk will help take you from feeder birds (blue jays, chickadees) to the birds of field and forest.  It’s the perfect forum for a beginner to ask all his/her bird questions.  Can’t tell a robin from a crow?  No shame – we’ll show you how we do it.  After just one walk you’ll amaze your friends with cheap birding tricks!”  Housatonic Flats is on Route 7 in Great Barrington, just north of the WSBS radio tower, right across the street from Bridlewood Home Furnishings (434 Stockbridge Road).  Currently the site has no signage, though a temporary “Event” sign will be posted there that day.  Click here or contact Doug Bruce at (413) 499-0596 or dbruce@bnrc.net for more info. 

May 4 (Saturday) – MILLERS RIVER – Millers River Trail Hike in Athol and Royalston, sponsored by the Worcester Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club. This will be an 8-mile, moderately-paced hike with an 800-foot elevation gain and scenic views of the Millers River. Part of the hike route will be on the new Quabbin to Monadnock (Q&M) Trail and the new Pequiog Community Trail (PCT).  Bring lunch, water, snacks. Severe weather cancels.  There is an option to socialize at the South Royalston Country Store at the end of the hike. Pre-registration required; click here or contact trip leaders Dan Bolton [(978) 895-3979] or Mike Foley [mjfoles@msn.com] to sign up or for more info.

May 4 (Saturday) – MASHPEE RIVER (CAPE AND ISLANDS WATERSHED) – Paddle the Mashpee River in Mashpee, 10:00 a.m. start, sponsored by the Kayak and Walk Cape Cod Meetup Group. “Paddle through the Mashpee Woodlands Conservation Area, perhaps seeing nesting marsh wrens and red winged blackbirds along the shoreline and always osprey overhead.  It is a beautiful paddle, end to end.” Click here for basic info on this group and its paddling trips and here to sign up or for more specific info on this event.

May 5 (Sunday) – WARE RIVER (CHICOPEE WATERSHED) – Canoe the East Branch of the Ware River,  10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., sponsored by Mass. Audubon’s Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary. Discover this spectacular canoeing and hiking area located on the west side of Princeton. Much of the land along the river has been acquired for drinking water protection since the Ware River flows into the Quabbin Reservoir system to the west. Wildlife sightings abound in this area, and May is a wonderful time to be out on the water. If time permits, we will explore some of the walking trails along the river as well. We'll provide canoes, Life jackets and paddles. We'll meet at the Sanctuary and carpool to our destination. Fee: Adults $12.00/members,$18.00/nonmembers. Click here or call (978) 464-2712 to sign up or for more info.

Spring is Get-Your-Fishing-Gear-In-Check Time!

Elaine Brewer
Information and Education Coordinator, Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF)
View Elaines's Bio

The snow has melted for, hopefully, the last time this year. The birds are chirping. The sun is rising a little earlier every day. The temperature is on a steady climb. The fishing shows and outdoor expos are over. It’s about that time to get back on the water!

Although we just want to rush to the water and throw our lines in, there’s actually a process to the mad rush in wetting the lines for the first time of the season. Anglers meticulously check gear in preparation for the warm weather. Because, honestly, why would you waste a good day on the water to fix gear? Do it beforehand, when it’s still just cold enough to keep you off the water.

So how do you get ready for fishing? Follow these steps from some of MarineFisheries most experienced recreational anglers:

-After finding and dusting off your gear, lay it out and take inventory of what you have. Did you lose or break something last year that needs replacing? Put it on the list!

-Break down your reels to clean and lubricate. Make sure there are no broken parts and if there are…fix them! Or bring them to someone who can. When putting the reels back together, be sure that all the parts are included and always test them out to make sure they’re put back together correctly! Almost nothing is worse than a reel blowing up while you’re hooked on a fish.

-Most line manufacturers want you to replace your fishing line every year. We all know that gets tedious and expensive. If you’re not replacing your line every year, inspect the line. Look and feel for any damage (nicks or pulls, anything that feels even a little different than the rest of the line). If you don’t feel any breakage or disturbance in the line, replace at least the first 50 yards or so. This section sees the most action and gets the most damage.

-Check the rod shaft and guides for any tears, splits, or nicks. If there is even a little bit of damage in the guides or shaft, it may mean losing the big one, getting an injury, and most probably a lot of colorful language. 

-Tie rigs. The more rigs that can be made in advance, the better! Nothing is worse than losing or breaking rigs on the water and not having any to replace them.

-Sharpen hooks.  Catching a fish with a dull, rusty hook is like cutting a steak with a spoon it just doesn’t work.

-Get all the bait and tackle you need, and anything you put on the gear list, from your local tackle shop. Be sure to grab a copy of the Massachusetts Saltwater Recreational Fishing Guide (you can view it online here) and familiarize yourself with the regulations for your favorite saltwater species. 

Of course, don’t forget your 2013 Saltwater Recreational Fishing Permit! If you don’t have yours yet, pick one up at one of many vendors (mapped here) or purchase one online here.

Anything else you need can be found on the MarineFisheries website. Have fun when you get out there and tight lines!

Weekly Outdoor Events February 4 – February 10: Nature in Winter

Reginald Zimmerman

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

View Reginald's Bio

With the Superbowl over, it’s time to get off the sofa and back outside!

On Saturday, February 9, head to Nickerson State Park at 9:45 a.m. to take a hike! Join hike leaders Bill and Amy on a 5-mile hike around the park, visiting four ponds along the way. Bring water, a lunch, and bug spray for ticks. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on an 8-foot or shorter leash (no expandable leashes, please). Traction devices are recommended for the few hilly areas if there is snow or ice.

This hike is the first in the Five-Park Hiking Challenge. Preregistration is required to keep a safe group size. Pre-register at (508) 866-2580 x161. The hike will take place rain or shine. If weather conditions are severe, call for cancellation update. 

Want learn about tracking animals in the snow? On Sunday, February 10 at 1 p.m., head to Breakheart Reservation and join expert tracker naturalist David Brown in search of wildlife signs. You may discover the trails of coyotes, otters, deer and other animals! For more details, call 781-233-0834.

And February 8–10, visit MassWildlife at the New England Fishing and Outdoor Expo in Worcester! Check out the MassWildlife exhibit, share your latest fishing or hunting story, or buy your license while enjoying the show. The show is being held at the Worcester DCU Centre.

For more great events happening this and every week, check out our outdoors calendar for events near you.

Weekly Outdoor Events January 28 – February 3: Groundhog Day Events

Reginald Zimmerman

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

View Reginald's Bio

On Saturday, February 2, learn how to fish the “hard water” at the Snows Pond Ice Fishing Festival in Charlton! The Charlton Conservation Commission and MassWildlife's Angler Education Program will be co-hosting this family friendly event from 10am – 2pm. Dress for the weather--warm boots a must! Unsafe ice date will be Saturday February 16. For more information, contact Todd Girard at (508) 248-2257 or email todd.girard@townofcharlton.net.

Also on Saturday, February 2 at 1:30pm, the Friends of Lawrence Heritage State Park are hosting Matinee Movie at the Park. The day’s feature is the classic Marx Brothers film, Horse Feathers, which co-stars Lawrence’s own Thelma Todd! Screening will take place at the Visitor Center. Admission is free.

And remember, February 2 is Groundhog Day! Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? Or will it be an early spring? Here in New England, what some people call groundhogs are actually woodchucks. Here are some facts about woodchucks!

For more great events happening this and every week, check out our outdoors calendar for events near you.

DMF Seafood Recipes: Vincent’s Fried Calamari

Elaine Brewer
Information and Education Coordinator, Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF)
View Elaines's Bio

Sure to make a calamari lover out of anyone who tries it, this recipe comes from Vincent Manfredi, a fisheries biologist with the Resource Assessment Project for MarineFisheries. This dish works wells as a hors d’oeuvre or can be used as the main course. Can be prepared with any seafood, not just calamari!

Ingredients

1 pound squid tubes (and crowns if you’re a tentacle lover)

Canola oil, roughly 10 times the volume for the intended volume of squid (can be substituted with half and half canola and olive oil)

2 eggs

1 ½ cups milk

2 heaping cups flour

1 ½ tablespoon baking powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Herbs and spices to desired taste

Prepare

Clean squid, separating tentacle crowns. If using crowns, ensure they are small (tentacle crowns should be able to fit in a tablespoon).

Slice squid tubes into thin rings, roughly ¼ inch or slightly less if tubes are thick (over an eighth of an inch thick). Divide tentacle crowns if large to avoid spatter and excessive grease retention.

Place prepared raw squid on a single layer of paper towel. Do not over dry. Refrigerate if needed.

Warm oil in extra large pot on medium high heat, do not overheat (smoke will start to rise). This will taint the flavor.

In a large bowl, combine eggs and milk. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.

In a second large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and any other additional seasonings. Mix thoroughly.

Dredge squid rings and tentacle crowns in flour mixture, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Place on baking sheet.

In batches, add rings and tentacles to the egg/milk mixture. Then, dredge in flour again, shaking excess off, and replace on baking sheet. Doing this in batches ensures a good, even coating on each piece.

Ready a large plate lined with at least a double layer of paper towels to drain oil after frying.

Test oil heat with one ring. If hot enough, the ring should ‘float’ in the oil. If the oil is not hot enough, the ring will sink without any vigorous bubbling.

After oil is tested and hot enough, add batch of prepared squid. Do not over-top the pot as this can cause splattering and possibly a fire. Add rings and tentacle crowns one at a time in quick succession to avoid splatter and pieces sticking together.

Remove fried calamari with a basket spoon as they turn light golden brown and steam is released. Drain on paper toweled plate. Lightly salt to taste after drained.

Enjoy while still warm!

DMF Seafood Recipes: Bangin’ Chowda

Elaine Brewer
Information and Education Coordinator, Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF)
View Elaines's Bio

This seafood chowder, from Jill Carr of the MarineFisheries Habitat Project, is a favorite with friends and family. It is a required course at all gatherings, especially the holidays! Any preferred seafood can be used and adventurous eating is encouraged.

Ingredients: 

1 ½ cups milk

1 (8 ounce) container fat free cream cheese

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 (26 ounce) can fat free condensed cream of mushroom soup

1 cup chopped green onions

1 cup sliced carrots

1 (15.25 ounce) can whole kernel corn, undrained

2 cups chopped potatoes

1 tablespoon dried parsley

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

1 (6.5 ounce) can chopped clams, drained

2 pounds of miscellaneous seafood, cut into small bites, Jill’s suggested mix is:

½ pound shrimp

½ pound scallops

½ pound haddock or cod

½ pound calamari tubes

Directions:

Place ½ cup milk, cream cheese, and garlic in a large pot over low heat. Cook and stir until blended.

Mix in soup, green onions, carrots, corn with liquid, potatoes, parsley, and remaining milk. Season with black pepper and cayenne pepper. Add more milk, if necessary, to reach desired thickness. Simmer 25 minutes (do not boil).

Mix in shrimp, scallops, fish, calamari, and clams (or whatever seafood you are using), and continue cooking 10 minutes, or until seafood is opaque.

Enjoy!

DMF Seafood Recipes: Erin’s Linguine with Pink Clam Sauce

Elaine Brewer
Information and Education Coordinator, Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF)
View Elaines's Bio

This week’s tasty meal is the creation of Erin Burke, DMF’s Protected Species Specialist. This dish is addictively delicious and without fail, is always gobbled up during the holidays!

Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds linguine

5 pounds littleneck clams, rinsed and scrubbed

1 yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

15-20 cherry tomatoes, halved

3-4 tablespoons tomato paste

½ cup dry white wine

½ - ¾ cup half-n-half or cream

2-3 tablespoons flour

2 sprigs fresh thyme

3-4 tablespoons minced fresh herbs (parsley, basil, tarragon, etc)

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

Black pepper

CAUTION: DO NOT ADD ANY SALT TO THIS DISH!

Prepare:

Begin heating water to boil for pasta.

In a large sauté pan over medium high heat, add butter and olive oil. When butter is melted, add onion, thyme sprigs, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 2 minutes. Add pepper to taste.

Add clams, garlic, and white wine. Cover with lid, turn heat down, and simmer. Check every few minutes, moving clams that have opened to large bowl. Continue until all clams have opened and been moved to bowl. Discard any clams that do not open.

Discard thyme sprigs. Keep remaining contents in sauté pan and set heat to low to keep warm.

Cook pasta al dente and drain.

While pasta is boiling, remove clam meat from shells and chop.

Add tomato paste to sauté pan and whisk. Mix flour with half-n-half, then add to sauté pan as well. Whisk sauce until smooth and let thicken.

Add chopped clam meat to sauté pan along with any accumulated clam juice and fresh herbs.

Put pasta into a large serving bowl and pour sauce on top. Toss to coat and serve with lemon wedges.

Make sure to have some bread on hand to wipe up any extra sauce.

Enjoy!