12/23/2011

When your green tree turns brown…recycle it!

The decorations are up, the tree is lit…but after the festivities, what do you do with your newly browned tree?  Don’t just simply add it to the garbage – take a few minutes to find out where and when you can recycle it. With more and more towns providing curbside recycling and pick-up programs, it has never been easier to recycle your tree.

Check to your town’s recycling procedures, as most areas will collect during their regular pickup schedules on the two weeks following Christmas. If your town does not offer curbside pick-up, here are a few options:

  • Call a non-profit organization in your area. Some local Boy Scout troops are offering pickup service for a small donation.
  • Drop off your tree at the nearest recycling center.
  • Cut the tree to fit loosely into your yard waste container for pick up.

When you prepare your tree for pick up, please remove its contents and return it to its natural state – with no tinsel, no ornaments, no lights and no stand.

There are other uses for your used Christmas tree. Municipal mulching programs are a growing trend. If you would like to reuse your tree as mulch for your garden (or other areas), contact your local waste hauler, such as Waste Management Inc. or Allied Waste for their guidelines.

Some communities use recycled Christmas trees to create effective sand and soil erosion barriers, especially for lake and river shoreline stabilization as well as river delta sedimentation management.  Other communities use the shredded trees as a free, natural, and renewable path material that is both beneficial to the environment and to hikers. You can find out if your town participates in any of these options by contacting your town or city hall. Also, if you own land with a stocked fish pond, sunken trees can create an excellent refuge and feeding area for your fish. 

One last very important note: never burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace, as pines, firs, and evergreens have a high content of flammable turpentine oil that may contribute to creosote buildup and risk chimney fire.

Happy Holidays!

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12/21/2011

Accessible Winter Activities

Marcy Marchello

Marcy Marchello

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

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SnowshoeThe 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.

Snowmobile

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12/16/2011

Right Whales: Which Way the Wind Blows

Erin Burke

Erin Burke

Protected Species Specialist, Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF)

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Clip_image002Since 1998, the Division Marine Fisheries and our partners at the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies have been monitoring right whales in Cape Cod Bay. Starting in 2007, the number of whales sighted each season took a big leap – with annual averages double what was seen in previous years. However nothing could prepare us for the bonanza of 2011. 

The aerial team documented 312 individual right whales in Cape Cod Bay and adjacent areas – that’s 65 percent of the known population!  It’s also astounding that 77 of those whales were “new” to the Bay, having never been seen there in all our years of study.  Massachusetts was the place to be in 2011.

Why? Well, the easy answer is…food.  But what influences the food supply?  There’s a lot of variability in the distribution and abundance of right whales and their food in Cape Cod Bay.  Some years the food supply is strong and the Bay is filled with whales, while other times, food supplies are low and we have few whale sightings.  The main star in this feeding frenzy is a small crustacean called Calanus finmarchicus, an oily delight much loved by right whales.  (I’ve tasted it and it’s pretty good).

However, the abundant supply of Calanus isn’t created in the Bay.  It’s renewed every year from sources in the Gulf of Maine via the Western Maine Coastal Current, a counterclockwise gyre of water that funnels right whale food into the Bay each season. This chain reaction – current, food, whales - is highly influenced by the direction of the wind. 

In Massachusetts during the spring, the prevailing surface winds are usually out of the northwest, which helps the coastal current surge food into Cape Cod Bay.  However, in some years a southwestern wind will dominate and that dampens the ability of the current to bring abundant Calanus supplies to the right whales’ door.  A southwest wind pushes the current away from the Bay, diminishing the food supply, and thus making it less attractive to right whales. Researchers have found a significant correlation between the coastal current, wind direction, Calanus supplies and the presence of right whales in Cape Cod Bay.

This year was one for the record books, with the most individual right whales sighted in a single day off the Massachusetts coast, 123, and 312 over the course of the whole season.  But will the winds of change blow in 2012, dampening the allure of the Bay?  Or will we continue to see extraordinary numbers of right whales flocking to our waters to gorge on their favorite prey?  Our partners at the Center for Coastal Studies will begin their aerial surveys again in mid-January.  Stay tuned for updates about the 2012 season!  

 

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12/13/2011

Ringing up the 12 Days of Christmas

The holiday season is upon us with just 12 days to go before Christmas Day! It’s the perfect time to  to reflect on the classic Twelve Days of Christmas carol. In the spirit of the season, each year we calculate how much it would cost to make those purchases today in Massachusetts. 

Thanks to DAR staff and our friends at the Department of Fish and Game we had some fun estimating the prices of the agricultural and wildlife products and services mentioned in the song. 

MA Dairy FarmEight maids a-milking? At $8 to $10 an hour, eight maids (or lads) a’ milking would cost around $50. It takes less than half an hour to milk a cow. But of course that doesn't account for the total cost of producing the milk. 

Seven swans a-swimming could cost you in fines up to $375 to $20 to $50 per bird plus an additional $25 for illegal possession of mute swans. Illegal possession of the birds also carries the possible penalty of 30 days in jail. If you hold a grandfathered permit for mute swans, it will cost you $30 for the lot, no new permits are issued.

Six geese a-laying? Goslings cost about $8 a piece, but, if you sought the instant gratification of laying geese, you'd need a mating pair at $40 to $100 each or $240 to $600 for the lot. 

As to five golden rings, this does not actually refer to jewelry but rather golden-ringed pheasants at a cost of $60 for five. Or, you could hunt the birds at a cost of $325 plus $10 for a hunting license. 

Grackle

Buyer beware on the four calling birds part (a.k.a. Colly birds or blackbirds). There are 65 species of blackbirds and most, like the red-winged blackbird or the common grackle, are protected by both federal and state laws. Any romantic ideas of procuring these birds will carry stiff fines and possible jail time (up to six months). It is illegal to hunt blackbirds in Massachusetts – taking these birds would cost between $50 and $300 in state fines – at $10 to $50 per bird plus an additional fine up to $100, with up to 30 days in jail and a revoked hunting license for three years. 

Door-to-door delivery of three hens from France could cost as much as $2,800 in airfare and paperwork. The cost rises to $4,000 for the additional cost of quarantining the birds for 30 days (a state requirement for livestock imported to Massachusetts) and incidental veterinary fees. Don't forget to check if your intended recipient lives in a community that allows back-yard poultry!

Two turtle doves cost about $40 a piece from a pet store licensed by DAR. A partridge (a.k.a. a ruffed grouse) is a native game bird which can be hunted in Massachusetts only in October and November.

A Massachusetts resident adult hunting license is $27.50 –other costs include shotgun ammunition, shotgun, and a ($100) Massachusetts gun license.Finally, a 9-foot, fruit-bearing pear tree costs about $100 (not including installation)!

Sound too expensive and complicated? May we suggest a Massachusetts Grown & Fresher and MassWildlife holiday buying season guides with lots of affordable, scrumptious and fun ideas. 

Happy holidays!

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12/12/2011

Weekly outdoor events 12/12

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!

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12/09/2011

Cold weather safety tips

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.

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12/05/2011

Weekly outdoor events 12/5

On Friday, December 9, come listen to some live holiday tunes at DCR’s Mount Greylock State Reservation from 6:30 to 8 p.m.   A free, fun and interactive holiday performance will be given by Richard Fabozzi, a Berkshire-based entertainer, who features impressions of Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, Jimmy Durante, Bing Crosby and others.  This show is entertaining for all ages and generations, and participation is optional.  Refreshments will be available for purchase. 

On Saturday, December 10 from 2 to 3 p.m., join a DCR park ranger for a tour of the Charles River Dam, the facility that protects the neighborhoods of Cambridge and Boston’s Back Bay from flooding by the Charles River. The tour will be meeting at Paul Revere Park, at the flagpoles, just below the Charlestown Bridge and City Square.

On Sunday, December 12, head down to Massasoit State Park at 4 p.m. for the Full Moon Hike.  This full moon is known by many names, such as: Oak Moon, Cold Moon, Frost Moon, Winter Moon and Long Night’s Moon.  This full moon is special, as is the only night of the month in which the moon remains in the sky from sunset to sunrise.  While you enjoy the changes in landscape that night brings, don’t forget to take in the inspiring views of Lake Rico, as the sun sets over the white pine trees. Absorb the peace, tranquility and beauty of the forested trails after sunset.

Bring water and flashlight, wear good hiking shoes, and dress for the weather. Hike is about 3 miles long and appropriate for adults and children 10+. Meet at the main parking lot at 1361 Middleboro Avenue, East Taunton. Rain, snow, or icy trails will cancel. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please call (508) 866-2580 x162 to pre-register or for more information.

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11/28/2011

Weekly outdoor events 11/28

Now that Thanksgiving is over and Christmas shopping and preparations begin, let us not forget about those in need.  On Sunday, December 4, join some of DCR’s Blue Hills. Park Rangers and volunteers from the New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) at Houghton’s Pond for their annual Holiday Toy Drive.  Please donate a new unwrapped toy, then enjoy a Ranger-guided, or a self-guided, ride or hike. The toy drop and refreshments begin at 10 a.m.  If you choose to take the guided mountain bike ride instead, the ride will also begin at 10am.  The guided hike will begin at 1pm.   All toys will be donated to Interfaith Social Services, who help deserving families during the holidays.  Gifts for children ages 11 to 16 are most needed, and very much appreciated.  If you have some free time and a gift, please stop by and donate it to someone less fortunate.  And while you are out, strap on those hiking (or biking) shoes and enjoy the Great Outdoors!

Happy Holidays!

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11/25/2011

Green is the new black this Friday

On Friday, November 25, 2011, the Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) Commissioner Scott J. Soares celebrated the kick-off of the annual Christmas tree cutting and harvesting season at Ioka Valley Farm in Hancock.  It’s an annual outdoor tradition that is fun for families and friends who want to support the more than 200 local Christmas tree farmers and our local economy.

Commissioner Soares told me that going out to a local Christmas tree farm to harvest his own tree is one of his favorite traditions and that he’d like to rename Black Friday to Green Friday in honor of the annual tree cutting ceremony.

Check out the photos from the tree cutting ceremony Commissioner Soares participated in on Friday!

 Christmas tree farm trees are an environmentally friendly and sustainable option, especially if they are recycled after their use. Tree farm trees are a crop, and are continually replenished. For every Christmas tree that is harvested, one to three seedlings are planted. Nearly 98 percent of all Christmas trees are grown on farms, thus limiting negative impacts on forests. Varieties of trees sold in Massachusetts include Balsam, Concolor, Fraser, Noble Fir and Scotch and White Pine trees.

“Buying a real Christmas tree from your local grower keeps open space and money local, as well as reducing our carbon footprint. It also provides animal habitat, prevents soil erosion and beautifies the landscape. Christmas trees are recyclable, bio-degradable and make ‘scents’,” said Melissa Leab of Ioka Valley Farm.

Tree recycling information:

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11/24/2011

Supporting our troops: an outdoorswoman at home and abroad

In early June 2011, soldiers from Unit 1173 DDSB (Deployment and Distribution Batallion), deployed from Brockton and arrived in Kuwait. Greeted with high temperatures, strong winds, and a sandstorm – which hindered the process of unloading their gear – the 187 men and women encountered a landscape as different as could be from their homes in New England.

Among them was DCR Island District Manager Susan M. Kane. For Kane the sand was nothing new. Back home, she spends her days outdoors along the New England coast, caring for rocky, often frigid, Boston harbor beaches, islands and coastal camping sites. This sand was hot, dry, and without a nearby coastline. The transition from the waterfront of Boston Harbor to the sandy desert of Kuwait challenged Kane and her unit.

Serving in the Army Reserves as a Major in Troop 1173 DDSB, Kane is responsible not only for the 187 other soldiers serving in her unit, but for shipment of military vessels, equipment and supplies back to the United States.

If you ask anyone at DCR, they will tell you Susan leads by example. At home, she is dedicated, strong-willed and a natural leader. I have no doubt that she currently exemplifies all of these characteristics in her new role abroad.

Admiration and support for Kane’s innate ability to provide leadership in both of these roles has garnered support from her co-workers at DCR visitors to the Boston Harbor Islands, and students at Hull High School. In an effort to support our troops overseas, particularly Troop #1173, the DCR partnered with local community groups this fall to gather needed supplies and funds to send care packages abroad.

Molly Kane, president of the student body at Hull High School, shares the same last name as Major Susan Kane, but they are strangers. However, it was the desire to help provide our soldiers with items that would remind them of home that inspired Molly to rally the entire high school into hosting a drive that ran from October early this fall until Veteran’s Day, November 11.

DCR was thrilled to support our troops and Molly Kane’s effort at Hull High School. DCR staff donated over 56 care packages in just under four weeks. As those of us at home prepare for the Thanksgiving Holiday, many of us at DCR will be thinking of Susan, her battalion, and our deployed neighbors, colleagues and family members. It is my hope that DCR’s efforts can help to provide at least a few of those serving with a thoughtful care package in time for Thanksgiving.

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