05/03/2013

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

 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.

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05/02/2013

Celebrate Massachusetts Rivers and Wetlands - May 4-5!

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:

IMG_4731 housatonicMay 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 Millers riverErving-Castle_recweban 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 MashpeeriverConservation 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.

East branch ware river

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04/26/2013

Weekend Outdoor Events - April 26-28. Celebrate Park Serve Day!

Saturday, April 27, 2013 is Park Serve Day in Massachusetts.

Park Serve Day is an initiative created by Governor Patrick to improve state recreational spaces throughout the Commonwealth by fostering a sense of a shared purpose by communities to maintain public spaces for the greater good. Most events will take place between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., though hours may vary by location and participants are encouraged to reach out to their local Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) park to confirm event times.

DCR will provide work gloves and equipment needed for the various projects, though participants may want to bring their own gloves or hand tools, clearly marked with the owner’s name and phone number. Power tools are not allowed. Wear sturdy shoes and work clothes, and bring sunscreen and insect repellent. All events are rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather. Parking fees will be waived at all DCR facilities where Park Serve projects are taking place. Drinking water and a snack will be supplied, though participants should feel free to bring their own water and food as well.

Last year, nearly 5,000 people volunteered at 53 parks across the state. In addition to collecting more than 19.5 tons of trash, those volunteers had planted over 187 trees, 167 shrubs and 1,742 flowers.

To find a Park Serve Day event near you, check the list below or search the Park Serve Day website. To register for an event, use the online volunteer application.

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04/18/2013

Weekend Outdoor Events: April 19-21

On Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., head over to the Tranquil Lake Nursery in Rehoboth for a day of gardening workshops and demonstrations. Spend Saturday brushing up on your gardening skills to get yourself ready for the gardening season ahead, whether growing plants in containers outside the classroom, in a school garden or in your own backyard. Workshops will cover digging in-ground garden beds, building raised beds, gardening in containers, seeding and seed saving, skills for planting a tree, pruning and more.

Sponsored by Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom in collaboration with Tranquil Lake Nursery, Rehoboth, this event is free and open to educators, school gardeners and the public. Bring your own lunch. For more information visit www.aginclassroom.org or call (508) 336-4426.

Also on Saturday, Noticing Nature: A Guided Nature Program for Families is taking place at Mount Tom State Reservation; 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. See, smell, touch and hear what Mother Nature is up to in the woods and along the edges of fields. Suitable for families and curious adults, the tour will take place over short distances on gentle terrain. Meeting will take place at the Stone House Visitor Center, 77 Christopher Clark Road, at its junction with Reservation Road. Please dress for the outdoors – and possibly wet or muddy conditions. Heavy rain will cancel the event. For more information call (413) 584-6788.

On Sunday, April 21, Find Inspiration Through Nature at Miles Standish State Forest; 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Are you suffering from nature-deficit disorder? Would you like to slow down, observe the world around you, and feel a connection to the natural landscape that surrounds you? Come along on a silent walk through the woods to experience nature in a new way – through thoughtful prose and reflection.

Meet at Headquarters parking lot at 194 Cranberry Road in South Carver. This is best for adults. Dress for the weather. Call (508) 866-2580 x162 for more information and weather cancellation.

For those who live near Breakheart Reservation, one of Ranger Dan’s Nature Walks is also happening on Sunday. From 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. explore the reservation at a family friendly pace. Meet at the Dunne Visitors Center, located off Lynn Fells Parkway near Route 1 at 177 Forest Street in Saugus. CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT. Please call DCR staff at (781) 233-0834 or email lynn.hildenbrand@state.ma.us for additional information.

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04/10/2013

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

Brewer_1Elaine 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!

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04/03/2013

Another Massachusetts Farm Joins the Century Club: Davenport Maple Farm Turns 100!

Founded in 1913, Davenport Maple Farm joins the celebrated ranks of Massachusetts farms that have been in the same family for 100 years or more and which are still being farmed. Massachusetts is home to over 115 farms that have met this criteria, with more than a dozen of them having reached the 300-year milestone. These Century Farms have existed for so very many years thanks to the efforts and determination of the families who own them. Although the business plans may have changed over time, the tenacity and resilience of the families who’ve worked them has not. They’ve managed to adapt as markets and consumer demands have changed; they have thrived despite hardships from war, weather and the economy; and through it all, they have persevered.

Davenport Maple Farm Restaurant
In 2010, the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation chronicled the histories of these farms and published Massachusetts Century Farms 2010, a guide to these historic agricultural treasures.  If you have a farm, or know of one that meets the criteria, please contact Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation at (508) 481-4766 so that it may be considered for inclusion in a future edition (a limited supply of the books are available for purchase; Cost is $10.00, including shipping and handling).   

The Davenport Maple Farm is a 4th generation family-owned farm. During the year, the farm offers maple products, fresh eggs, raw milk, hay, and cordwood. At their seasonal Sugar House Restaurant (March and early April), visitors can watch and learn about the sugaring process, visit the cows and calves, and enjoy the view while waiting to eat a home-style breakfast.

And don’t miss out! April 6 and 7 is the last weekend the Maple Farm Restaurant will be open and will feature a special Yankee pot roast luncheon in celebration of this centennial. Call (413) 625-2866 for more information.

Russell-DavenportTo Note: Russell Davenport was also one of the first Faces of Massachusetts to be featured in honor of MDAR’s 150th anniversary.

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03/25/2013

Weekly Outdoor Events - March 25-31: Easter Weekend Fun!

 

On Saturday, March 30, head over to the Blue Hills Reservation at 1:00 p.m. for Project Bluebird! Build and “adopt” a Blue Bird box for our feathered friends in the reservation. You build it and we will place it in the park. No need to be a master carpenter to enjoy this program! Tools and materials provided. For ages 8 and up. Email Raymond.F.McKinnon@state.ma.us for registration and meeting place.

On Sunday, March 31, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., investigate vernal pools. Come and learn why vernal pools are a vital part of the ecosystem within the Wachusett watershed. These pools dry up later in the year, but are teaming with an interesting array of life in the spring. Participants will learn how to identify a vernal pool in the field and carefully search within the pool for organisms that rely on this habitat for breeding. This is a program suitable for families. Meet at the Stillwater Farm in Sterling.

And next week, check out Agriculture Day at the Massachusetts State House! Each year, Massachusetts Agriculture Day is held to showcase agricultural products and industry achievements!

On Tuesday, April 2, join hundreds of Massachusetts farmers, agricultural officials, legislators and residents at the State House to celebrate the agricultural industry's contribution to the Commonwealth's culture and economy.The event kicks off at 11:30 a.m.

Ag Day

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03/11/2013

Weekly Outdoor Events - March 11-17: Spring Begins!

March signals the beginning of March and there are a couple of events to get you out to enjoy it!

Spring starts at Walden Pond! What better time than days surrounding the Vernal Equinox to celebrate increasing hours of daylight and the promise of spring! On Sunday, March 17, join a park interpreter between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. at the Thoreau house replica near the main parking lot for a walk and talk around Walden Pond about the upcoming season. Please dress for the weather. 

Tell me if you’ve heard this joke before. So a Wetland walks into a Market…never mind. Salt marshes are a crucial piece of coastal ecosystems required to maintain the services that people value at the coast. Head over to the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on Thursday, March 14 at 7:00 p.m. to hear Dr. Kevin D. Kroeger, a coastal bio-geochemist at the USGS Woods Hole Coastal & Marine Science Center, describe a new project aimed at quantifying carbon storage capacity and greenhouse gas movement in coastal wetlands, using Cape Cod as a model.

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

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03/05/2013

Weekend Outdoor Events - March 8-10: Celebrate Maple Month!

March is Massachusetts Maple Month and all this month we’re having events throughout the state to celebrate!

This weekend celebrate Maple Sugar Festival at the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton! Join us Saturday and Sunday, March 9-10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as we make maple syrup in the traditional way at beautiful DCR Brookwood Farm in Milton. There are activities for all ages. Ride the free shuttle ride aboard the Maple Express Trolley. Smell the wood smoke as you watch clouds of steam rise from the bubbling sap. Savor the taste of real maple syrup. Events include Kids games, warming fire and a snack bar too! It’s $6.00 for adults and children over the ages of 2.

The Maple Sugar Festival is run jointly by Department of Conservation and Recreation and Mass. Audubon Trailside Museum. Proceeds benefit the Trailside Museum. For more information, please call (617) 333-0690

Also on Sunday, March 10, 1:30-3:30 p.m., the Fitzpatrick Skating Rink in Holyoke is hosting Adaptive Skating – Games on Ice! Use your wheelchair, an ice sled, or conventional skates on the ice! Spin, slide, race, sla-lom, socialize and play gently competitive games with others! Ice sleds and conventional skate are available. For more info and to sign up, call 413-545-5758 email Marcy.Marchello@state.ma.us, or talk to Mike Mastrototaro, the rink manager.

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

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02/27/2013

Weekend Outdoor Events - March 1-3: Maple Sugar Days and More!

It’s Maple Sugar Days at the Blackstone River & Canal Heritage State Park this weekend! On Saturday & Sunday, March 2 and 3, 11:00am – 2:00pm, park staff and volunteers take you through the art and science of producing maple syrup. See trees being tapped, participate in gathering sap, and visit the steamy sugar house to watch syrup being made.

Tours include both indoor and outdoor elements. Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear for a short walk. The program is free for all ages and open to the public. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request. To check on event status, please call River Bend Farm Visitor Center at 508-278-7604.

On March 2, as part of a series of Winter Talks offered by the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary, MassWildlife's Natural Communities Ecologist Pat Swain will talk about the natural (common and uncommon) communities in the Wales/Monson area. Find out what a natural community is, what types are in the area and some general information on the rare species that live in these community types. The free presentation will be at the Sanctuary at 1:30pm. Reservations are required as seats are limited. Please call 413-267-9654 or email Lduthie@norcrossws.org for reservations and information.

And on Sunday, March 3, 1:00pm - 2:30pm, join a DCR forester and a DCR naturalist for the Winter Greens Walk, a fun and frosty trek exploring our winter trees, shrubs, and groundcover! Take a hike through the forest and near wetlands to learn about Myles Standish State Forest’s winter greens. After the hike, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and a snack!

This event is co-sponsored with the Friends of Myles Standish State Forest. Meet at the state forest’s headquarters parking lot at 194 Cranberry Road in South Carver. This event is best for adults. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy winter footwear. The walk is about 2 ½ miles; weather and ground conditions will determine route. Call (508) 866-2580 x164 for more information and for weather cancellation.

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

For more great events happening this and every week, check out our outdoors calendar for events near you. - See more at: http://environment.blog.state.ma.us/blog/#sthash.tr8PLFpS.dpuf
For more great events happening this and every week, check out our outdoors calendar for events near you. - See more at: http://environment.blog.state.ma.us/blog/#sthash.tr8PLFpS.dpuf

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