The Lincoln Squirrel

News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

agriculture and flora

Moo is the fairest of them all? (Lincoln through the lens, 10/19/14)

Here is the cow.

“Mary Belize,” a cow owned by Ken Bassett, admires herself in a truck mirror at Codman Community Farms while snacking on some hay. According to photographer Hannah Stevenson, the cow, who is about 13 years old and “runs the show, alpha cow style,” was named after Bassett’s wife Mary Helen Lorenz and was born while Ken was in Belize.

Readers may submit photos for consideration for Lincoln Through the Lens by emailing it to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. If your photo is published, you’ll receive credit in the Squirrel. Photos must be taken in Lincoln and include the date, location, and names of any people who are identifiable in the photo. Previously published photos can be viewed on the Lincoln Through the Lens page of the Lincoln Squirrel.

Columbus Day foliage (Lincoln through the lens, 10/15/14)

"Columbus Day in Massachusetts" by Harold McAleer.

“Columbus Day in Massachusetts” by Harold McAleer.

Following are some words written in the 1970s by Harold McAleer that he recently submitted to the Lincoln Squirrel along with this photo.

It’s not just the color, actually. After all, the colors are all bunched on one side of the color wheel – greens, and yellows and oranges and reds. And it’s not just the brilliance, mostly pastel – although shafts of occasional sunlight do make the colors glow. What it is is the surprise of it all. The same thing that makes a Fred Allen joke, or a Fats Waller solo, or a Sinatra song – the unexpected twist.

You round a bend or top a rise and there it is, visual overload. A field of weeds backed up by a row of pines and maples, a rather bland vista during most of the year, now shimmers and vibrates, shouting at the senses and tugging at the tear ducts. Even the dull old oak tree assumes a saucy demeanor, as if the washerwoman had suddenly become Kim Novak. And the gnarled and stunted apple tree is transformed into a tapestry. Your entire span of awareness becomes an event, a happening, and this remarkable feeling gets branded into your memory.

It fades, however gradually, until almost forgotten. Then when you find it again in a later season, it returns with that sudden rush and the poignance that accompanies a sweet surprise.

Words come close but pictures don’t. You have to see it.

Readers may submit photos for consideration for Lincoln Through the Lens by emailing them to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. If your photo is published, you’ll receive credit in the Squirrel. Photos must be taken in Lincoln and include the date, location, and names of any people who are identifiable in the photo. Previously published photos can be viewed on the Lincoln Through the Lens page of the Lincoln Squirrel.

Drumlin Farm hosts behind-the scenes wildlife tours

barn

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.

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CDB? (Lincoln through the lens, 9/19/14)

Harold McAleer's caption for his photo is "Sedum bee? Right there!" which calls to mind the classic C D B! by William Steig, author of Shrek.

Harold McAleer’s caption for his photo is “Sedum bee? Right there!” which calls to mind the classic book C D B! by William Steig, author of Shrek.

Readers may submit photos for consideration for Lincoln Through the Lens by emailing them to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com. If your photo is published, you’ll receive credit in the Squirrel. Photos must be taken in Lincoln and include the date, location, and names of any people who are identifiable in the photo. Previously published photos can be viewed on the Lincoln Through the Lens page of the Lincoln Squirrel.

Conservation events scheduled

LLCTThe Lincoln Land Conservation Trust has scheduled the following events in September and October.

Fall Plant Walk
Thursday, September 18 at 10 a.m.
As a follow-up to her spring plant walk, local botany enthusiast Ellen Meadors will lead a walk to observe and talk about the wonderful native flowers that bloom as fall approaches. Dress for the weather. Please park and meet at the horse riding ring off of Weston Road near the intersection of Silver Hill Road and Weston Road. This is a free program.

Early Fall Foliage Ramble: Stonehedge Road to Weston Town Forest
Saturday, October 4 from 10 a.m. to noon (meet near the mailbox at 49 Stonehedge Road)
Join Michele Grzenda, local naturalist and Weston’s Conservation Agent, on an early fall foliage walk through Lincoln and Weston conservation land. Participants should be prepared to walk approximately 3 miles over uneven terrain and dress for the weather. Due to limited parking, group size is limited to 20. RSVP required; please click here to sign up or visit lincolnconservation.org.

Living with Black Bears
Monday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m., Bemis Hall
Presenter: Laura (Hajduk) Conlee, Black Bear Project Leader, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Spend an evening with MassWildife expert Laura Conlee to learn about black bears. Find out where bears are common, get advice on the best actions to take when you see a bear, and take away some valuable tips on how to be a good neigh-bear!

Scarecrow Classic 5K Walk/Run
Sunday, Oct. 19 at 9:30 a.m.
Run, walk or volunteer at the second annual Scarecrow Classic 5K road and trail race starting at the Mall at Lincoln Station. All proceeds go to support the work of the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust. Register at www.scarecrowclassic5k.com or call the LLCT at 781-259-9251 for more information.

Group to host agricultural fair in Lincoln

The Lincoln Agricultural Commission is organizing the first-ever Lincoln Agricultural Day on Saturday, Sept. 20 and invites residents to “show and tell” as well as visit. The event is designed to be a showcase for the diverse range of agricultural endeavors ongoing in Lincoln today, from fruits and vegetables to alpaca wool and herbalism. In addition to local vendors, there will be informative displays on pollinators, soil and other farm-related items.

The event takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. alongside the Farmer’s Market in the parking lot in front of the Lincoln Mall. If you’re interested in selling produce or have a farm-related skill or expertise you’d like to share at the event, please email lynne@stonegategardens.com to secure your space and become part of the celebration. There are no fees for vendors and participants.

Yet more things to learn and do in Lincoln

Attorney general candidate forum

Meet Attorney General candidates Maura Healey and Warren Tolman will appear at a forum on Saturday, May 10 in Bemis Hall sponsored by the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee and the 3rd Middlesex Area Democrats. Note: The portion of the original forum featuring candidates for state treasurer has been rescheduled for June 7). More info…

flowersPlant sale and free gardening workshops

The Food Project hosts its second annual plant sale and free gardening workshops on Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Lincoln farm at the intersection of Concord Road and Baker Bridge Road. In addition to selling dozens of varieties of vegetables, herbs and flowers grown using high-quality organic potting soil at the plant sale, assistant grower Allison Houghton will teach free 30-minute workshops twice each day at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on “Five Tips for Home Gardening Success.” Topics will include maximizing your yield in a small space, pruning tomatoes, growing herbs and other useful tips to make your garden a success. More info…

In conjunction with the plant sale, the Lincoln Garden Club will also host its biennial Perennial Plant Sale on Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Codman barn. There will be a children’s project just in time for Mother’s Day, container gardens and a wide assortment of perennials from club members’ gardens.

[Read more…] about Yet more things to learn and do in Lincoln

Cows try “Escape from Alcatraz”

The escapee cows as photographed by Old Sudbury Road resident Julie Brogan though her window.

The escapee cows as photographed by Old Sudbury Road resident Julie Brogan though her window.

cows2

A Lincoln police cruiser was on hand to keep order until the cows came home.

A group of adventurous bovines apparently took “spring break” to a new level, briefly escaping from their pasture on Old Sudbury Road before being returned to their enclosure with no harm done.

The cows were photographed by alert resident Julie Brogan after they apparently escaped from their enclosure and strolled down the road on a stormy day in late April. Lincoln police were called and responded quickly, though fortunately there was no need for a high-speed chase. Police arrived at about the same time as the cows’ farmer, who herded his charges back home.

“They decided to take a little nature walk in a rainy day,” said Lincoln Police Officer Ian Spencer. “I guess they needed a change of scenery and decided to break out.”

Drumlin announces days for kids with special needs

Drumlin accessibility

Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary announces new Family Farm Days—free, accessible explorations for families with children with special needs throughout the spring and summer. Family Farm Days will offer a fun and engaging way to build community within a setting that welcomes and encourages people of all abilities to participate in a variety of farm and nature activities. Discover life on the farm at your own pace through accessible nature trails, garden and barn chores, hands-on activities with our teacher-naturalists and much more.

Many Family Farm Days take place at times when the farm is not open to the general public (indicated on the schedule with a “Q”), allowing those who need a quieter, less busy atmosphere to enjoy our working farm. An ASL Interpreter will be available on select dates (indicated below with “ASL”).

  • Monday, May 5—9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Q)
  • Sunday, May 11—1-4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 9—5:30-8 p.m. (Q, ASL)
  • Monday, August 11—10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Q)
  • Wednesday August 13—5:30-8 p.m. (Q)
  • Sunday, September 14—1-4 p.m. (ASL)
  • Monday, September 15—10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Q)

Pre-registration is requested. You can register online or by contacting Erin at 781-259-2247 or epitkin@massaudubon.org.

Three chances to get your hands dirty and help the land

Codman garden

The garden at the Codman estate.

It’s garlic mustard pulling season!

Please help eradicate this invasive plant. There are several “group pulls” you can join:

  • Neighborhood pull—April 26 through May 31
  • Conservation pull—Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to noon
  • DeCordova Sculpture Park pull—meet at the far end of the parking lot. To volunteer, contact Jane at 781-259-2612 or laytonj@lincolntown.org.

Get free paper leaf bags on Saturday, May 3 at the transfer station or any time at the Conservation/Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (LLCT) offices over the post office, courtesy of the Lincoln Garden Club. Drop off bags of weeds Monday through Friday (plus Saturday May 3 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. behind the DPW on Lewis Street near the cell tower. Bag pickup is available now through May 31. Call the Conservation Department at 781-259-2612 or email laytonj@lincolntown.org. For more information, see the Lincoln Conservation Department website. This event is sponsored by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, the Lincoln Garden Club and the LLCT.

Garlic mustard weed.

Garlic mustard weed.

Volunteer in the garden and learn about landscaping

Volunteer alongside Historic New England’s staff experts and members to care for and learn about historic gardens and landscapes at the Codman Estate. Work includes seasonally appropriate tasks, such as weeding the gardens and paths, dividing plants, planting new materials, removing invasives, and other cleanup activities. You may choose ongoing participation or just try it out for a day. You’ll also get a $10 discount on membership to Historic New England. The next volunteer opportunity is Wednesday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. Other dates (same time) are May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6, Sept. 3 and Oct. 1. Meet at the estate’s Italian Garden.

Lindentree Farm looking for new members

Lindentree Farm is looking for new members this summer. Buy a share of delicious, certified organically grown vegetables, berries, flowers and fruits for 20-22 weeks starting in June. Pickup is at the farm in Lincoln.  Choose from among  two share sizes and three pickup days (Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday). All adult members do four hours of work each total during the season from April through end of October, and children are encouraged to help as well. All new members must attend a preseason orientation on one of three dates. For more information and an application, call 781-259-1259 or email lindentreecsa@gmail.com. Lindentree is also looking for a full-time or part-time crew member who is experienced in growing, planting, tractors, is willing to work in all weather conditions, and is in good physical condition.

Lindentree Farm has served the Lincoln Farmer’s Market for 25 years and has been offering CSA (community-supported agriculture) shares for 21 years. The farm hosts the Field of Greens (volunteers welcome), which grows fresh food for hunger relief organizations in Cambridge. For the last five years, it has been practicing biological, nutrient dense growing methods which help with soil and vegetable and ultimately human health.