Lincoln residents are invited to learn more about Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary‘s planned New England Wildlife Explorations (NEWE) exhibit at one of two behind-the-scenes tours (adults only, please) of Drumlin’s wildlife exhibits and wildlife care facility on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 8 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 2 at 1 p.m.
Drumlin is in the design stages of NEWE, which will feature a fox exhibit and show the interrelationships of wildlife in a New England forest/field-edge habitat to help people understand the intricate web of life that exists there. It will be built on the site of Drumlin Underground, a burrow-style exhibit for native wildlife that has long been a favorite spot for families but which cannot be made handicapped-accessible.
“At Mass Audubon, we have a strong commitment to being as accessible as possible for visitors of all abilities. Updates to Bird Hill and the Deer Pen, as well as the New England Wildlife Explorations exhibit, will include new accessible trails to accommodate all our visitors,” said Christy Foote-Smith, Drumlin Farm Sanctuary Director.
The NEWE exhibit will include a video kiosk showing burrow behavior without intruding on the fox’s need for quiet space, a covered gathering area for visitors and groups, jewel box displays to depict nature scenes and artifacts, and a play fox den where children can act out stories of life underground in a world of their own, as well as interpretive signs showing how these habitats are affected by climate change and other human influences. “This will be a much richer experience for parents and kids,” Foote-Smith said.
These updates are made possible in part by a generous award approved by the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund for $80,000, and The Ogden Codman Trust in Lincoln, which graciously donated $50,000 to this project. Drumlin Farm recently sent an appeal asking Lincoln residents to help raise another $100,000 toward the NEWE project.
The NEWE is part of a $1.43 million package of upgrades to Drumlin’s wildlife facilities and exhibits. That package in turn is part of Drumlin Farm’s Landscapes for Learning campaign, which also includes goals of $2.73 million for a new education center to improve farm-nature education, $100,000 for a diversity initiative, and $368,000 for renovations to the service barn to provide more classroom space and an expanded root cellar for the Winter CSA program. The service barn project has been fully funded, and construction is expected to begin this fall, Foote-Smith said.
For more information or to make a contribution, see the Campaign for Drumlin Farm web page, or contact Development Director Henrietta Yelle at 781-259-2239 or hyelle@massaudubon.org or Foote-Smith at 781-259-2201 or cfsmith@massaudubon.org.
Check Drumlin Farm’s website for news and special events as well as upcoming programs and classes.
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