The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust announces several events this spring offer educational encounters with local animals and plants.
Peer into a Pool: Vernal Pool Exploration with Matt Burne
Sunday, April 3 at 1 p.m. — meet and park at the far end of the parking lot beyond Donelan’s.
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. Learn about the importance of vernal pools and how to protect them. Listen for the wood frogs’ duck-like calls and the high-pitched chorus of tiny spring peepers, a species of tree frog. Please wear footwear for a one- to two-mile walk. Co-sponsored by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, the Walden Woods Project and the Lincoln Conservation Commission. Free and open to all.
A Storm of Angels: Creating Habitat for Migratory Songbirds
Tuesday, April 5 at 7 p.m. — Bemis Hall
Join us for a visually stunning and engaging evening with fine art photographer and ecologist Brooks Mathewson. Due to loss of natural habitat, backyards have become a last refuge for many migratory songbirds. In this talk, Brooks will share his photography of migratory songbirds that visit our backyards and will discuss ways we can provide better habitat for these critical members of our ecosystem. Co-sponsored by the Lincoln Garden Club and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust. Free and open to all.
Who’s Watching You? Owls of the World
Sunday, April 10 from 4-5:30 p.m. — Bemis Hall
Perhaps you’ve glimpsed the shadowy form of a great horned owl in the headlights as you’ve traveled a back road at night. Ever scanned a frozen salt marsh or farmer’s meadow in winter, hoping to find that Arctic hunter, the Snowy Owl? How about a mob of noisy crows circling a white pine tree—have they found an owl? Join naturalist Marcia Wilson and photographer Mark Wilson in sharing their passion for owls. They will introduce you to the owls of New England and beyond. Each owl presented has a permanent disability which prevents them from surviving on their own in the wild. These non-releasable owls are captivating ambassadors from the world of wildlife. Mark and Marcia will share the field marks, signs, and naturalist’s skills that you can use to find wild owls without disturbing them, while introducing you to six live owls up close. Everyone is treated to a hooting lesson, as well as tips on how to attract and protect owls near you. All who attend are in for some fun with close-up views of these secretive birds of prey. Suggested donation: $5.
Spring Birding in Lincoln: A Spring Walk Series
Spring mornings are glorious! Find out why birders love early mornings in spring as you learn to identify birds by sight and song, and explore some birding “hot spots” in Lincoln. Dress for the weather (e.g., wet grass and cool early morning temperatures) and please bring binoculars. At least two of the following local birding experts will lead each walk: Vinny Durso, Nancy Hammond, Norman Levey, Gwyn Loud and Nancy Soulette. The walks will not take place if it is raining. All walks take place from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Free; all are welcome.
- Sunday, April 24 — Lindentree Farm and fields behind St. Anne’s Church. Park on Old Concord Road.
- Sunday, May 1 — Baker Bridge Fields. Park at the Food Project on Rte. 126.
- Sunday, May 8 — Harrington and Twin Pond trails. Park in the turnout on Rte. 117 on the Weston town line.
- Sunday, May 15 — Browning Fields and Pigeon Hill. Park by the riding ring in Browning Field on Weston Rd.
Annual Meeting of the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust
Thursday, May 12 from 7-9 p.m. — Walden Woods Project (44 Baker Farm Road, Lincoln)
We invite you to join members and friends of the Land Trust at its annual meeting at the handsome estate of the Walden Woods Project. Guest speaker Sara Lewis, a professor of biology at Tufts University and longtime Lincoln resident, will discuss her fascinating new book, Silent Sparks: The Wondrous World of Fireflies. For centuries, the ethereal beauty of fireflies as evoked wonder and delight, yet for most of us, these insects remain shrouded in mystery: How do these creatures make light? What are they saying with all their flashing? Are fireflies disappearing? In this talk, noted biologist and firefly expert Sara Lewis dives into the mysterious world of fireflies and reveals the most up-to-date discoveries about these charismatic insects. Copies of Lewis’s book will be available for sale and signing. Refreshments served beginning at 7 p.m.; meeting convenes at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome, though only members may vote.
Invasive Plant Species Walk
Sunday, June 12 at 1 p.m. — deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
Join Anna Wilkins, stewardship coordinator of the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, on a walk on deCordova grounds. We will explore the common misconceptions and long-term impacts of invasive control, as well as how we negotiate the aesthetic beauty invasive plants lend our landscape in relation to the damage that they pose to our local ecosystem. Sturdy shoes recommended.
Lincoln is fortunate to have so many committed naturalists as guides to our unique town land. Collaboration among town organizations–the Lincoln Land Trust, the Garden Club, the Conservation Commission, the DeCordova–amplifies the experience. Thank you to all the volunteers who make this possible!