The Lincoln Squirrel

News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

nature

Resident documents wildlife with stunning videos

link to bird video

A still from Levey’s latest video, “Lincoln Wildlife: The Month in Review.” See more of his videos on his website, The Natural World.

By Alice Waugh

In a town already well known for its love of nature and wildlife, Lincoln resident Norman Levey offers a breathtaking new view of the natural world with the videos on his blog, The Natural World, including his latest effort—an immersion in the sights and sounds of summer called “Lincoln Wildlife: The Month in Review.”

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Surfing the web (Lincoln through the lens, 9/24/14)

A student in Siobhan Rooney's first-grade class at the Lincoln School spotted this garden orb weaver in the school garden while the class was out exploring. —Photo by Siobhan Rooney

A student in Siobhan Rooney’s first-grade class at the Lincoln School spotted this orb-weaver spider in the school garden while the class was out exploring.  —Photo by Siobhan Rooney

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.

Fungus among us (Lincoln through the lens, 9/23/14)

"Chicken of the Woods," an edible tree fungus, displays its candy-corn colors. According to WIkipedia, the fungus grows on tree wounds and causes brown rot in the host.

“Chicken of the Woods” (Laetiporus), an edible tree fungus that reportedly tastes like chicken, displays its candy-corn colors. According to Wikipedia, the fungus grows on tree wounds and causes brown rot in the host. –Photo by Harold McAleer

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.

“Lincoln Through the Lens” debuts

Today the Lincoln Squirrel is pleased to introduce a new feature called “Lincoln Through the Lens.” Readers may submit photos for consideration; if your photo is published, you’ll receive credit. Photos must be taken in Lincoln and include the date, location, and any names of people who are identifiable in the photo. Previously published photos can be viewed on the Lincoln through the Lens page of the Lincoln Squirrel.

Take THAT!
Sally Kindleberger pummels a well-upholstered Lincoln Police Officer Ian Spencer during a workshop on self-defense given by the police at the Council on Aging in late August. The popular classes have been offered periodically since late last year (see The Lincoln Squirrel, Jan. 13, 2014). —Photos by Harold McAleer

Sally Kindleberger pummels a well-upholstered Lincoln Police Officer Ian Spencer during a workshop on self-defense given by the police at the Council on Aging in late August. The popular classes have been offered periodically since late last year (see the Lincoln Squirrel, Jan. 13, 2014), and new classes will begin on October 28.  —Photos by Harold McAleer

 

News acorns

Police warn residents of chimney repair scammers

A number of Lincoln residents have received calls or visits from the Lysco Chimney Maintenance and Repair Co. saying they’re in the area and asking if homeowners would like their chimneys cleaned. The Lincoln Police warn that this company has a long list of complaints against them for being very aggressive on the telephone and then, if the homeowner agrees to have them clean the chimney, wanting to perform other costly repairs that do not need to be done and are not done properly. The workers are using a white van with the word Lysco on it. If you have concerns or have had Lysco come to your home, please call Lincoln Police Officer Surette at 781-259-8113.

Drumlin Farm hosts Strawberry Day

Madeline in field Celebrate the strawberry harvest by heading to Drumlin Farm on Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dig in the dirt with our farm staff, meet some berry-loving animals, and pick your own strawberries to take home. Drumlin’s strawberries, like all of its produce, are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides.

All activities except strawberry picking are free with admission ($8 for adults, $6 for seniors and children 2-12, free for Mass Audubon members). Pick-your-own strawberries will be available for purchase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting and while supplies last, with a limit of one quart per person picking.

Special programs during the day:

  • 10:30 a.m. — Garden Guests: Wonder who may be nibbling in your garden? Meet one of our animals and find out!
  • 11:30 a.m. — Wild Wetlands: Get an up-close look at what’s going on in our local ponds
  • 12:30 p.m. — Fields for Food: Visit with some of the wild birds and mammals that make fields their habitat
  • 2 p.m. — Foxes Love Strawberries: Learn more about our fascinating foxes as our wildlife care staff feed and care for them
  • 2:30 p.m — A Taste of Drumlin: Sample the first fruits (and veggies!) of the season
  • 3:30 p.m. — Seeing Seeds: Explore the magic of how a seed turns into a new plant
  • 3:45 p.m. — Turtles Love Strawberries Too: Meet one of New England’s turtles up close

Below are some of the other programs coming up at Drumlin. See the Drumlin schedule website for details on events, costs and ages.

  • Fairies and Fireflies — Wednesday, June 11 from 7:30-9 p.m.
  • Evening Hayride and Campfire — Friday, June 13 at 4:30 p.m. or 6 p.m.
  • Morning Chores — Saturday, June 14 from 8-10 .a.m
  • The Bird Next Door Field Trip II — Saturday, June 14 from 3-9:30 p.m.
  • Great Blue Heron Rookery — Sunday, June 15 from 8-10:30 a.m.
  • Fungi Field Walk — Sunday, June 15 from 1-3:30 p.m.
Monthly book sale this Saturday

The Friends of the Lincoln Library’s monthly used book sale is on Saturday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to noon in the basement of Bemis Hall. You can fill a paper grocery bag with adult and children’s books for only $10 (tax included). We also have a good selection of individually priced special books, as well as some CDs, DVDs and audio books.

We always need more books, so donations may be left in the wooden boxes in the Bemis Hall entrance on Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No textbooks, no magazines or books that are musty or have been written in, please.

Berryfield Farm offers therapeutic programs

Berryfield Farm in Lincoln is offering Hooves, Paws & Claws (HPC) and Pony Partners. HPC is a  six-week program for young adults age 18-22 years with a focus on teaching adult social skills and accountability to the group and the horses. Appropriate students for this program are able-bodied, have receptive and expressive language, can follow directions, and are able to do simple tasks with minimal support. The six-student  program meets on Friday afternoons from 3:30-5:30 p.m. starting Friday, June 13 and costs $235 (limited scholarship aid is available) Fore more information, contact Director of Programming and Instructor Allie Richardson at friendsfortomorrow@gmail.com or 617-823-5271.

The Pony Partner Program is an experiential empowerment group for able-bodied girls age 8-10 who have a love of animals and are struggling socially, personally and/or academically. PonyPartners is not about learning to ride; it’s a chance to explore and develop knowledge of horses, the herd (both two- and four-legged) and the power of body language. The six-student program will meet on Friday afternoons from 3:30-5:30 p.m. for 10 weeks starting September 5 and costs $550. Limited scholarship aid is available for both programs. Interested parents should contact instructor and program coordinator Lucy Cornish at lucyfcornish@gmail.com or 781-538-6769.

Scholarship application deadline is June 16

Reminder: students who are already attending higher education institutions have until Monday, June 16 to apply for a need-based scholarship. These awards are available only to Lincoln residents who are currently attending a college, university, vocational school or community college. n institution of higher education. Application instructions and forms are available on the Lincoln town website.  Funding for this program has been provided by the Ogden Codman Trust. 

Drumlin Farm honored for science education work

Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm has been honored for its dedication to science education and their commitment to collaborative partnerships at this year’s Museum Institute for Teaching Science (MITS) annual meeting. MITS is an umbrella organization that brings together museums, nature centers, and other science and cultural organizations to provide professional development programs for educators with the goal of improving STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. The event spotlighted the role of informal science organizations like Drumlin Farm in increasing scientific literacy among both students and teachers.

Lincoln vets socialize at COA lunch
Lincoln veterans and their spouses enjoyed a special barbecue lunch at the Council on Aging on May 30. Photo collage by Howard McAleer.

Lincoln veterans and their spouses enjoyed a special barbecue lunch at the Council on Aging on May 30 (click to enlarge). Photo collage by Howard McAleer

Drumlin Farm presents “Wild About Wildlife” day

owl-smGet an up-close look into the life of New England’s native wild animals at the Wild About Wildlife festival on Sunday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary.

Look a raptor in the eye, learn how we enrich the lives of our captive animal ambassadors, and go on a hunt for animals tracks of all kinds. Kids and parents of all ages will enjoy an up-close look at some of our favorite native New England animals, along with family-friendly stories and crafts. For this festival day only, we will also be offering special behind-the-scenes tours of our wildlife care facility normally closed to the public.

All activities are free with paid admission. Admission is free for Mass Audubon members and Lincoln residents. Event takes place rain or shine. Most programs last 45 minutes. For more information, visit this Drumlin Farm web page.

Spotting Spot – 10 a.m.
Take a peek through our high-powered spotting scope at what’s flying by.

Wildlife Care Tours – 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, or 2:30 pm (additional $5 fee applies)
Join our staff for a special behind-the-scenes tour of our wildlife care facility, usually closed to visitors, and see the animals we use for educational programs (potentially including snakes, turtles, owls, hawks, opossum, rabbits, skunk, and woodchucks)

Animals and Their Keepers: Deer – 11 a.m.
Get an up-close look at the care and feeding of our white-tailed deer from our wildlife care staff.

Big Birds – 11:30 a.m.
Meet the top of the food chain with some of New England’s largest owls and hawks.

Wetland Wildlife – noon
Learn about the unique habitat of our vernal pool and see which critters make it their home.

Crafts and Story Corner – 1-4 p.m.
Need a quieter spot for a quick break? Drop by for a story or two and make a small animal friend to take home with you.

Animals and Their Keepers: Fox – 2 p.m.
Get an up-close look at the care and feeding of our fox from our wildlife care staff.

Making Tracks – 2:30 p.m.
Interpret the prints and signs animals leave behind and make a few of your own.

Meet the Moms – 3 p.m.
Meet some of our favorite mammal moms and learn how they care for their babies.

Animals and Their Keepers: Fisher – 3:30 p.m.
Get an up close look at our fisher and experiment with making an enrichment item for her to explore.

Click here for more information on Drumlin Farm programs.

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.

Early May is packed with Lincoln events

calendar4Here are just a few of the events coming up in Lincoln early next month. Click the links for details in the Lincoln Squirrel calendar or on the website of the group that’s running the event.

May Day Merriness — Thursday, May 1
1-2:30 p.m., Drumlin Farm
We’ll make and decorate May baskets, then gather flowers from spring’s bounty to fill them. Plant some flower seeds in the garden and some to take home. This is a great family program for all ages. Registration is required; $12 for Mass Audubon members, $15 for nonmembers. More info…

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