Commonwealth Conversations: The Great Outdoors

Massachusetts Agricultural Fairs

Anna Waclawiczek

Chief of Staff, Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR)

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Each year, 45 agricultural fairs are held all across the Commonwealth, from Cape Cod to the Berkshires. While fair activities differ from event to event, most include live music, farm exhibits, arts and crafts shows, garden demonstrations, 4-H and children’s activities! These family friendly events offer something for everyone. Some of the fairs that happen earlier in the summer are highlighted below.

The Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair takes  place in Cummington on May 26 and 27. It began 38 years ago to offer a statewide sheep show, and has now evolved to include all things sheep and fiber, from fleece shows, sheep shows, woolcrafts, spinning and handspun contests, and even sheep dog trials. Event organizers will offer fiber workshops on everything from Kool Aid dyeing for kids to knitting, along with demonstrations on shearing and lamb cooking. Over 50 local vendors will showcase wools and yarn for sale.

Single Sheep Photo by Sharon Suchecki

The Barnstable County Fair, an annual summer tradition in Cape Cod for the past 167 years, runs fromJuly 21-28 in East Falmouth. Last year more than 85,000 people enjoyed the animal shows, 4H demonstrations, petting zoos, horticulture displays, rides, games, food, live music and more.

The 38^th Annual Adams Agricultural Fair will be held from August 2-5. It’s the quintessential country fair with competitions showcasing the best in agricultural products ranging from herbs and baked goods to canned fruits and poultry. There will also be a quilters design challenge, battle of the bands, and King Arthur Flour baking contest.

Bolton Fair, and old fashioned agricultural fair with 136 years of history, will take place from August 10-12. Animal shows and agricultural exhibits are the heart of the show and food, entertainment, farmers markets, rides and demonstrations also makeup the festivities.

 

If you would like a copy of the 2012 Fairs Brochure please contact Ellen Hart at 617-626-1742 or email Ellen.Hart@state.ma.us. For a complete listing of Massachusetts Agricultural fairs and other agricultural resources, you can visit the MassGrown interactive Google map!

Time for Camping in Massachusetts State Parks

Bob Greco

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

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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 5/7/12

Maia Fitzstevens

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

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Opportunities for family friendly fishing continue this week! This is your chance to enjoy the natural resources and beauty of our Commonwealth and to connect with other anglers. Weekend fishing festivities include a Kids Fishing Event on May 12 in Sunderland at the Cronin National Salmon Station, sponsored by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (email Bryan for more information) as well as the MassWildlife Fishing Derby at Coes Pond in Worcester (see picture below).

Photo credit: By Michaeldavid54 on Flickr

For those in the Boston area, this weekend is the perfect time to head over to Milton for some fun outdoor events! Give back to the community and join the Friends of the Blue Hills Trail Crew on Saturday morning to help spruce up the trails of the beautiful Blue Hills Reservation. If you’d rather just enjoy the gorgeous view of the Blue Hills, Department of Conservation and Recreation staff will host an Open House and Kite Festival at the Blue Hills Observatory (call 617-696-0562 for more information). Also in Milton this Saturday is Creepy Crawly Days at MassAudobon’s Trailside Museum, where kids of all ages can enjoy live animal exhibits, fun bug hunts, crafts and more!

Photo credit: Blue Hills Reservation http://www.flickr.com/photos/pmch/ 

Check out the Great Outdoors interactive calendar for a complete listing of outdoor events in Massachusetts. Bookmark the MassWildlife events page too, for wildlife related talks, events, hikes and more!

Rivers to fish in 2012

Tim Purinton

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

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Each winter, I create a wish list of which Massachusetts rivers and streams I’m itching to fish once the spring flows recede and aquatic insect activity perks up. This kind of thinking, clearly a coping mechanism, helps me through the dark days of winter (especially with today's late season snowfall). 

Here are some of the rivers on my fish list, in no particular order. Note my preferences typically hinge on fishing small, wild trout streams sometimes tucked away in the corners of the state or in the midst of the suburbs and most often include rivers that we are helping to restore.

  Green River (Leyden and Colrain) – As it flows from the Vermont border, this river is picture perfect. I’m curious to see how Tropical Storm Irene has changed the pool riffle structure since my last trip in 2009. The Department of Ecological Restoration (DER) and the City of Greenfield have been closely examining dam removal options on the lower Green. The other notable Green River in Great Barrington is also a great trout stream worthy of a cast or two.

  North Hoosic River (Clarksburg) – Also located near the Vermont border, the river is gorgeous and full of deep pools that hold year-round trout. A plethora of partners, including DER, assisted with the removal of the Briggsville Dam and I’m interested in fishing the restored river reach to see if how it responds to a bead-head nymph.

 Schenob Brook (Sheffield) – The Nature Conservancy has focused on protecting land along this meandering river in the eastern shadow of Mt. Everett. The brook is relatively sluggish and low gradient and may not yield many brook trout, but I’m curious to get my waders wet in this stream and see what lurks below the surface.

  Amethyst Brook (Pelham) – Smack in the middle of the state, you are only one dam away from the ocean once you step over the banks of Amethyst Brook. As a result you may catch sight of a glass eel burrowing into the stream bottom. This year, the Bartlett Rod Company Dam is planned to be removed, but I’m interested in exploring fishing waters below the dam to see what the habitat looks like prior to river restoration.

  Mill River/Ox Pasture Brook (Rowley) – There has been a local effort to revive the sea-run brook trout population here. Reports are that salters, another term for the trout, are utilizing now accessible sections of Ox Pasture Brook since the lower dam was removed in 2010. This spot is close to home so it’s easy to hit after work.

Dozens more streams come to mind including the Weweantic River, Red Brook, Thousand Acre Brook. What rivers are you thinking about this time of year?

 

Fall Pheasant Stocking

Haley Hillesland

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

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Despite unseasonably early snowfall and relentless rains, the fall pheasant stocking season continues through the Saturday following Thanksgiving. 

On average, almost 40,000 pheasants are stocked statewide – with 13,000 being allocated to the Central District.  Most locations stock at least once a week, while others stock two to three times a week. Hunters are allowed to hunt from sunrise to sunset, with the proper permits, on any Wildlife Management Area. Revenue from the sale of hunting licenses pay for the stocking of all 40,000 pheasants.

Please note: Access to several hunting locations was interrupted by damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene and the October snow storm – including Birch Hill, Bolton Flats, Barre Falls, Quaboag, Richardson, and Winimusset. With the exception of Quaboag, all locations have been reopened. Only one pheasant delivery from the vendor was delayed, and is planned to be made up later in the season.

This recreational activity has been enjoyed by residents of Massachusetts since 1906, when open fields dominated the state’s landscape. Each year thousands of hunters enjoy this recreational bird hunting throughout the state.

For safety, a high visibility orange cap is required for hunters on Wildlife Management Area land. Hunting hours on other properties vary, as do the regulations. The daily bag limit is two pheasants, and the season bag limit is six.

For more hunting information, visit the MassWildlife website.

Fishing and crabbing offer multiple rewards

Bob Greco

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

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My annual summer vacation with a large group of friends and our families on Martha’s Vineyard allows time for a number of outdoor activities such as hiking, bicycling, beachcombing, kayaking and two time-honored favorites—fishing and crabbing. Our large group has made it a tradition to take the kids crabbing and fishing for staples such as scup and fluke (summer flounder) at least once during our week away.

This year we had some success fishing in the early evening for scup and fluke at State Beach in Oak Bluffs. Pictured is a five year-old girl catching her first ever fluke. Her father cast out the line but she was able to hook and land the fish without any help; a real thrill for her, her parents, and the entire group of us who were watching.

  
The fishing for scup and fluke was even better on another day at a jetty in Menemsha. Fishing with bait where there is moving water at an inlet to a salt pond, harbor, or river, or from a jetty or pier, usually provides consistent action for scup and sometimes other species such as fluke, sea bass, striped bass, and bluefish. This type of fishing is great to keep children interested.

When crabbing, you can use leftover squid from a fishing trip, other fish, or chicken parts for bait. Tackle shops in coastal areas usually sell simple traps for crabbing or you can rig a hand line with a safety pin on the end to hold your bait. You do not hook the crab; usually you can see or feel the crab pulling at the bait and then you pull it in slowly and use a dip net to catch the crab when pulling it out of the water.

Fishing and crabbing are a lot of fun and also help kids learn wildlife identification skills. My experience fishing and bird watching with kids leads me to believe that a child that views wildlife close up is much more likely to remember the name of the species and take an interest in learning more about it.   

 

Take your Food Shopping Outside!

Anna Waclawiczek

Chief of Staff, Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR)

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With the local harvest season well underway, now is the perfect time to take your shopping to the great outdoors and enjoy the bounty of Massachusetts farmers’ hard work.

A recent trip to Gloucester revealed a large and festive farmers’ market in Stage Fort Park overlooking Gloucester Harbor. 

With lots of room and over two dozen vendors or more setting up each week, the market offers a wide variety of farm and food products, including produce, fresh fish (right off the boat), two wineries, baked goods, honey, maple products, and mushrooms. Market vendors also include a wide variety of locally made specialty foods including pasta, soups, tarts, dips, prepared foods and more. Several artists from the Gloucester art community show their wares as well.

With weekly music, children’s activities, and community booths, one could easily spend an hour or more to take it all in. Bring a blanket and take your goodies down to the beach for an impromptu picnic after you shop. The park even has a small beach! The Cape Ann Farmers’ Market is located in Gloucester’s State Fort Park every Thursday, from 3:00 pm – 6:30 pm through October 13^th.

The Cape Ann Farmers’ Market is one of 245 markets up and running across the state this summer and fall.  Find a local market near you!

Beach Getaway in Boston

Commissioner Rick Sullivan

Commissioner, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)

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With the Fourth of July weekend upon us, what better way to celebrate than to visit the beach. Summer is the time for sandcastles, bikinis, and boogie boards, and while most people are willing to sit in traffic for up to two hours every weekend just to visit the Cape, you can get all of the same luxuries right in Boston.  Sand and sun are just a T ride away. While past stereotypes have deemed Boston beaches as dirty, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) has been working hard to change that. 

For over 20 years, the MWRA has spent around $850 million in sewer overflow projects dedicated to cleaning up Boston’s Harbor. In 1985, Boston was ordered by the federal government to begin construction for a treatment plant for sewage control in the Boston Harbor after being found in violation of the 1972 Clean Water Act. On June 23, I, along with Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Administrator Curtis Spalding attended the ribbon cutting at Carson Beach in South Boston marking the end of the Boston Harbor Cleanup Project dedicated to sewage control, and stopping water overflow due to heavy rain or storm weather.  The EPA also announced that Carson Beach is now one of the cleanest urban beaches in America.    

Owned by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Carson Beach is one of the best beaches in Boston for swimming.  With great views of the South Boston harbor, clean sand, new walkways, benches, and lighting, it’s perfect for a summer outing. Better yet, Carson Beach is easily accessible by MBTA. Take the Red Line to JFK/U Mass Station, and the beach is a 10 minute walk away down William J Day Boulevard.  Once you get there, hook a line at the newly renovated fishing pier, or sit down and enjoy a nice picnic while listening to the waves. But one of the best luxuries of Carson Beach is that it doesn’t require a car or a full gas tank. 

Other ways to use public transportation to get to the beach include the Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail that can take you to Singing Beach in Manchester, Crane Beach in Ipswich, or even The Great Marsh in Ipswich where you can kayak or canoe to nearby Pavillion Beach or take a hike along the Merrimack River Trail. Don’t let traffic and cost of gas stop you from getting outside this summer. The MBTA offers a variety of transportation options to get you on the beach and ready to work on your tan.    

Celebrate Earth Day, buy a license plate

Bill Hinkley

Program Director, Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET)

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April 22 marks Earth Day. Since 1970, this day has been an opportunity for all of us to consider our impact on our planet. Many people rely on their cars to get around, but here is a way to make a vehicle a little greener without buying a new one.

Environmental license plates are a great way to show your support for the natural beauty of Massachusetts and provide financial support for environmental projects statewide. These plates generate nearly $1 million in funds, which the Massachusetts Environmental Trust awards as grants to towns and nonprofit organizations. 

Over 40,000 motorists display a Right Whale, Brook Trout, or Blackstone Mill license plate. At $40 every two years (just $1.67 per month!) in addition to regular registration fees, and tax-deductible, these plates provide a lot of mileage for a low price.

It is easy to order a plate online. Environmental license plates are available through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Just select the plate of your choice and let the website guide you through the transaction.

Learn more about the Massachusetts Environmental Trust and see a sample of recent grants.

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