Now that spring has sprung, there are lots of nature-related activities coming up in Lincoln.
Arbor Day at the deCordova
The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum celebrates Arbor Day on Friday, April 24 with programming that includes tree identification tours, a lecture with the arborists, birch bark painting, and informational tables featuring preservation groups such as the American Chestnut Foundation. The deCordova is highlighting its commitment to and stewardship of the landscape by partnering with the Massachusetts Arborist Association for a Arbor Day of outdoor upkeep focused on maintaining the health of the Sculpture Park’s trees. Over a dozen arborists, led by Certified Consulting Arborist and MAA’s former president Carl Cathcart, will donate their services pruning, planting, cultivating and more.
Since Arbor Day also falls during April vacation week, there are programs for families focused on art and nature—including nature journaling, a “sock walk” and birch bark painting—from Wednesday, April 22 through Saturday, April 25. For more information, see this deCordova calendar page.
Drumlin Farm activities
To register for any of the following programs, call 781-259-2206 or visit massaudubon.org/drumlinprograms.
Birding by Ear Workshop
Tuesday, April 21 – 7-9 p.m.
This three-part workshop at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary will include two indoor sessions and a field trip to learn birding by ear techniques and hone your auditory skills. Spring migrants and returning breeders establishing territories offer wonderful opportunities for a tremendous variety of sounds to learn and practice. The workshop will address all birders from beginners to experienced individuals looking for a tuneup. Register for each day separately. Registration is required: $20 for Mass Audubon members, $24 for nonmembers.
Home Tweet Home
Saturday, April 25 — 3:30-5 p.m.
Now that spring is here, migratory birds have returned to Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary and are settling in to raise their families. We’ll examine nests, listen to songs, and meet some feathered friends. Be a birdwatcher and discover what’s happening up in the trees. All ages are welcome; up to three children per adult. Registration is required: $12 Mass Audubon members, $15 nonmembers, per person.
Sunday Morning Birds at Drumlin
Sunday, April 26 — 8-9:30 a.m.
Join birders from Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary for some Sunday morning birding at the sanctuary. Drumlin Farm has a great variety of habitats and gets a nice mix of migrants and residents in the spring. These walks will be enjoyable and productive for birders of all levels. Preregistration is not available, but fees apply: $10 for Mass Audubon members, $12 for nonmembers.
Forest Walking: Discover Shin-rin yoku
Sundays, April 26, May 17 and June 7 — 1-3 p.m.
Deepen your connection with the more-than-human world and discover shin-rin yoku (literally “forest bathing”) at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary. Medical studies in Japan and elsewhere have measured healthful impacts of walking mindfully through a forested area, ranging from reduced blood pressure and lower stress to enhanced cognitive function. For our shin-ro yoku sessions, we will take gentle hikes on Drumlin Farm’s trails, stopping periodically for sensory activities attuned to the sounds, aromas, colors, textures, movements, and living presence of the surrounding landscape. At the end, we will gather to share tea made from ingredients harvested during our walk, and to briefly reflect on our experiences. Register for each day separately. Registration is required: $20 for Mass Audubon members, $24 for nonmembers.
Small-scale Agriculture: Spring is Here
Sunday, April 26 — 1-3:30 p.m.
Winter planning is over and now it’s time to get to work. This is an opportunity to experience a very successful home gardening set-up with a master gardener. We will cover all the basics of getting started. Learn about creating a working compost system, preparing a garden bed, planting seeds, transplanting seedlings, dividing herbs, pruning blueberries, raspberries and fruit trees, and choosing cover crops. Robin has also integrated chickens into her small scale farm. Open to adults and anyone age 16-17 with an adult. Directions will be sent to registrants. Registration is required: $30 for Mass Audubon members, $40 for nonmembers.
Birding, walks with the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust events
Vernal Pool Walk with Matt Burne
Sunday, April 26 — 1 p.m.
Matt Burne, a herpetologist and Conservation Director for the Walden Woods Project, will lead a walk to explore vernal pools in Lincoln. Participants will visit some local wetlands for signs of spotted salamanders, wood frogs and fairy shrimp, and learn about the importance of vernal pools and how to protect them. No doubt many people have heard the wood frogs’ duck-like calls and the high-pitched chorus of tiny spring peepers, a species of tree frog. Participants should wear footwear for a one- to two-mile walk.
Please park and meet at the far end of the Donelan’s parking lot at 145 Lincoln Rd. This free program is sponsored by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, the Walden Woods Project, and the Lincoln Conservation Commission. 857-234-2476 for more information.
Spring Birding
Learn to identify spring birds by sight and song and explore some birding “hot spots” in Lincoln on SUnday mornings from 7:30-9 a.m. Dress for the weather (e.g., wet grass and cool early morning temperatures) and please bring binoculars. The walks will not take place if it is raining. At least two of the following local birding experts will lead each walk: Vinny Durso, Norman Levey, Gwyn Loud, Neil O’Hara and Nancy Soulette.
- April 26 — Lindentree Farm and fields behind St. Anne’s Church. Park on Old Concord Road.
- May 3 — Baker Bridge Fields. Park at the Food Project on Rte. 126.
- May 10 — Harrington and Twin Pond trails. Park in the turnout on Rt. 117 on the Weston town line.
- May 17 — Browning Fields and Pigeon Hill. Park by the riding ring in Browning Field on Weston Rd.
Digital Naturalist
Wednesday, May 6 and 13 — 1-3 p.m.
This program, facilitated by Mass Audubon staff, is for kids who love their smartphones. Tech adventures in outdoor exploration for Lincoln children in grades 5-8. Explore the trails of Lincoln in a brand-new way. This two-part program takes technology outside while keeping the focus on nature observation and discovery. On May 6, we’ll follow a digital treasure hunt along the trails between Lincoln Station and the Lincoln schools. On May 13, we’ll design and program our own nature-based smartphone adventure games. Sign up for one or both dates.
- May 6, 1-3 p.m. — Digital Treasure Hunt
- May 13, 1-3 p.m. — Game Design (requires participation in May 6 session)
No prior programming experience required. Equipment available for loan if needed on a limited basis. Meet at the Lincoln Land Conservation Offices, above the post office at Lincoln Station. Free pizza lunch at 12:30. Pre-registration required. Register by contacting Anna Wilkins, Outreach Coordinator for the LLCT at llct@lincolnconservation.org, at (781) 259-9251 or online at www.lincolnconservation.org. This program is limited to 15 participants, so register early.