Learn about protecting Lincoln’s water supply
The next Virtual Lincoln Conservation Coffee on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 8–9 a.m. will look at “The Ins and Outs of Lincoln’s Water Supply Protection.” Darin LaFalam, Lincoln’s Water Superintendent, will talk about Lincoln’s drinking water infrastructure, challenges surrounding water quality and distribution, and what emerging contaminants Lincoln is looking out for. He’ll also discuss some regulatory issues such as DEP’s water withdrawal permit and unaccounted water loss. Finally, he’ll offer some tips and tricks for how you can help conserve water. After the presentation you’ll hear updates from our Conservation Department and Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (LLCT). Click here for the Zoom link.
Survey on trail use and new rules
In July 2022, the Lincoln Conservation Commission and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust jointly approved an updated set of Conservation Land & Trail Use Regulations (click here for a summary). Feedback on trails and their use is welcome — please take two minutes to share your comments here. A link to this survey is also posted at trailheads throughout Lincoln, and we encourage you to fill out this survey after your next visit to one of Lincoln’s trails.
Fall “noticing” walks
These free walks are for people of all ages who want to enjoy a gently paced, observation focused exploration of nature on Tuesdays from 1–2:30 p.m. on September 6, October 4, November 1, and December 6. Locations posted online at www.lincolnconservation.org.
LLCT annual meeting on Sept. 20
All are welcome to celebrate another year of conservation with LLCT on Tuesday, Sept. 20. The business meeting will start online at 7 p.m., and LLCT members in attendance will be invited to vote in the new slate of trustees. Immediately following the short business meeting, Avalon Owens will give a keynote address. Owens, a local firefly researcher who is studying why fireflies flash, will also share her recent research into the impacts of light pollution in firefly communication (some of her data was even collected in Lincoln). Registration is required to receive the meeting link. Visit www.lincolnconservation.org to learn more.
10th Annual Scarecrow Classic 5K
Registration is now open for the 10th annual Scarecrow Classic 5K, a road and trail race through Lincoln’s beautiful conservation land that raises funds for the LLCT, on Sunday, Oct. 16 starting at 9:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to register by October 3 to guarantee their Scarecrow Classic tech shirt and (new this year) a Scarecrow Classic mesh running cap. A virtual participation option is also available through the registration form. Visit scarecrowclassic5k.com to learn more and register.
New trail blazes being installed
Have you noticed the new yellow blazes on Lincoln’s Trails? The LLCT and the Conservation Department is now converting trail blazes (red and yellow circles on trees) to yellow diamond blazes on all trails. This change is being implemented to provide better wayfinding assistance to those with color vision deficiency. If you’re on a trail that still has red blazes, there’s no need to alert the Conservation Department. They’re systematically replacing all the blazes and it’ll take a while to do all 80 miles of trails in Lincoln.