The Lincoln Squirrel – News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

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Drumlin Farm’s Ms. G goes for statewide groundhog status

Ms. G

Ms. G

By Alice Waugh

Ms. G, Drumlin Farm’s resident groundhog, will soon be called on to predict the weather for the rest of the winter—something she hopes to do in future years as the official state groundhog.

Ms. G will make her prognostication on Groundhog Day at Drumlin Farm on Sunday, Feb. 2, when local meteorologists from WBZ-TV, NECN, and the Blue Hill Observatory will be on hand from 10 a.m. to noon to talk with families about the weather wonders of the seasons as part of Drumlin’s weather science fair.

At last year’s event, just days before the Blizzard of ’13, Ms. G saw her shadow, indicating six more weeks of winter.

Sometime this spring, the state House and Senate should vote on House Bill H2864, a measure proposed by Rep. Alice Peisch that would designate Ms. G as the official state groundhog to encourage students to study weather. The move should also put Lincoln on the map as the go-to Groundhog Day site for predicting the course of the remaining winter season. Also, Ms. G is easier to spell than “Punxsutawny Phil.”

Legislators got an in-person pitch from lobbyists (most of whom were not of legal voting age) during a public hearing on January 8 in Wellesley, where students from the Hunnewell School and staff from Mass Audubon, which oversees Drumlin Farm, testified in support of the bill. They’ve had help over the past year or two from Wellesley resident Mish Michaels, a former TV meteorologist. State residents of all ages can express their support online at MAStateGroundhog.com/vote.

On Groundhog Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Ms. G spectators can also visit with other resident wildlife and farm animals, explore the trails, attend special nature and farm programs, warm up by the fire with a story and cocoa, and make some winter crafts to take home. The Drumlin Farm event is free with paid admission of $8 for adults and teens or $6 for children 2-12 (free for seniors and Mass Audubon members).

Conservation group announces events

Here are films and other events sponsored by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust in the coming weeks.

Wednesday, January 15

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust will  show The Legend of Pale Male as a part of its winter environmental film series at 7:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust Office (above the post office at the mall). The Legend of Pale Male is the story of a red- tailed hawk that lived overlooking Central Park in New York City and became a celebrity. This heartwarming tale chronicles how this wild creature captured the curiosity of thousands. Come find out if that can save him from harmful intent of others.

Sunday, January 26

Joan Walsh from Mass Audubon will give an illustrated talk about the recently released “State of the Birds 2013” and the Massachusetts Breeding Bird Atlas II. Come learn about which of our bird species are thriving, which are not, and what we can do about it.

Thursday, February 27

Lincoln resident Julie Dobrow and students from her 2013 Tufts University course “Producing Films for Social Change.” will discuss two of their films, Turning the Tide and USDA Incorporated, as part of the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust’s winter environmental film series.

Turning the Tide looks at how climate change threatens East Boston with the risk of severe flooding. This imminent crisis is overlooked due to apathetic and otherwise preoccupied residents. Chris Marchi is an East Boston resident who aims to raise awareness of this issue. Through his own dedication and the help of local volunteers, Chris develops a project that he hopes will spark discussion in the fight against climate change.

USDA Incorporated shows how the miraculous possibilities of genetic engineering are being methodically ignored, as the argument spurred by the organic food movement, under the banner of health concerns, seeks to undermine some of the world’s largest corporations. The corporations remain unperturbed as they continue their greedy practices. The small farmer, who tries to maintain sustainable practices amidst these conflicting opinions, has to keep one foot in each world in order to survive.

Sunday, March 2
Naturalist and author Mary Holland will give an illustrated program, “Naturally Curious,” taking viewers through the most memorable natural history events occurring in each month of the year. Her books will also be for sale and on display will be collected items from her forays into New England habitats such as skulls, scat, feathers, and antlers. Sponsored by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust.

Hot on the trail

Walking on two of Lincoln’s conservation trails just got a little easier, thanks to efforts by local residents and Conservation Department staff.

A group of neighbors recently repaired and improved the trail that leads from the Conrad/Bradshaw driveway opposite Boyce Farm Road off Old Sudbury Road into the Weston Woods. The residents also purchased the materials used in the work.

Meanwhile, Tom Gumbart and Dave McKinnon of the Conservation Department built a bridge over a wet part of a trail from Garland Road to Flints Pond. The trail has existed for many years but was only usable as a dry fall trail. The new bridge (which was designed to accommodate cross-country skiers as well as walkers) should make it usable year round. A trail link is also being completed from the Commons to Garland Road. When the Route 2 overpass and construction is complete, it will connect to trails in Concord.

Before-and-after photos of the bridge and trail repairs off Old Sudbury Road.

Before-and-after photos of the bridge and trail repairs off Old Sudbury Road.

Left to right: Stuart Rose, Steve Kutenplon, Peter Conrad, Libby Bradshaw, Dea Angiolillo and Peter von Mertens.

Left to right: Stuart Rose, Steve Kutenplon, Peter Conrad, Libby Bradshaw, Dea Angiolillo and Peter von Mertens.

 

Left photo: Tom Gumbart and Dave McKinnon carry timbers to the trail from Garland Road to Flints Pond. Right photo: the new bridge.

Left photo: Tom Gumbart and Dave McKinnon carry timbers to the trail from Garland Road to Flints Pond. Right photo: the new bridge.

 

Get closer to the land at Wednesday events

autumnResidents are invited to “Lincoln by the Land,” a talk hosted by the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust about Lincoln’s landscapes with Sue Klem, an LLCT board member and local author of The Nature of Lincoln. Her talk, which begins at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20 in the Lincoln Public Library, will explore Lincoln’s rugged landscape of hills, ponds, streams, fields, swamp, and woods, and consider what forces created them. Copies of The Nature of Lincoln will be for sale.

Also on Wednesday, the town’s Leaf Blower Study Committee invites residents to meet Dan Mabe, president of the Greenstation, a West Coast sustainable landscape equipment and consulting company. Mabe will discuss steps other communities are taking to reduce noise and air pollution from industrialized landscape practices, describe “green zones” and demonstrate innovative equipment.

Mabe will speak in the Donaldson Room in the Town Office Building at two different times—from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and again from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Lincoln Conservation Director Thomas Gumbart (781-259-2612 or gumbartt@lincolntown.org) to indicate which session you’d like to attend.

“Tales of the Night” on Oct. 24 and 25

halloween_sceneMass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary is once again hosting “Tales of the Night,” a special Halloween-themed celebration with tricks and treats appropriate for the whole family. Tales of the Night will take place on October 24 and 25 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.

Tales of the Night activities target everyone from young toddlers to teens. “Parents love our ‘Tales of the Night’ event because it provides something for everyone,” said Drumlin Farm Sanctuary Director Christy Foote-Smith. “We offer fun activities that provide the thrills older kids are looking for and a Nursery Rhyme trail for little ones on the lower end of the “fright-o-meter” as well.”

Visitors can enjoy a special haunted hayride, get up close to insects in the Creepy Critter Mansion, or meet their favorite storybook characters on the Nursery Rhyme Trail. Witches’ brew, spider cider, and tasty treats can be purchased and enjoyed while perusing a display of more than 100 jack-o’-lanterns or learning about nocturnal wildlife from Drumlin Farm teacher naturalists.

Tickets are $11 if purchased on or before October 23. Tickets purchased on the days of the event are $13 and may be bought online at massaudubon.org/drumlin or by calling (781) 259-2218.

Drumlin Farm ribbon-cutting for accessible trails Oct. 5

icepondOn Saturday, October 5 at 10 a.m., Mass Audubon staff and volunteers will celebrate the opening of two universally accessible trails at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the two-year project.

The Ice Pond Trail and Farmyard Loop Trail are designed to allow persons of all abilities to experience nature and learn about sustainable agriculture. The new trails feature an accessible garden bed, tactile exhibits of animal casts, post-and-rope guide system, an interpretive audio tour, and Braille signage.

There will be refreshments and a guided tour of trails and “sensory” features. This project was made possible in part by the Institute for Museum and Library Services. 

Harvest Weekends at Drumlin Farm start tomorrow

scarecrowOn October 5-6 and 12-14, Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary will be bustling with special activities, games, and pick-your-own opportunities. Join us on a hayride and enjoy cider, apples and cider donuts from Shelburne Farms or pizza from Vesta Wood-fired Pizza, and don’t forget to stay for one of our live animal demonstrations.

The farm will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with special activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for children 2-12  and seniors, and free for Mass Audubon members. Pick-your-own (see below), which involves an additional cost, will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or while supplies last. For more details, see the Drumlin Farm website.

Pick your own:

October 5  and 6: Pumpkins and gourds – pick out your favorite from our display in the field!

October 12- 14: We’ll check with our farmer to see what is ready to harvest and post it on the Drumlin Farm website before the weekend!

Hit the woods for two events this weekend

Enjoy the trails of Lincoln on two occasions this weekend.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERALand Stewardship Day

The Lincoln Conservation Commission and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust are having a trail and land improvement day on Saturday, October 5. We know how busy people are at this time of the year and so there will be activities from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. If you can only stop by for an hour or two, that would be a huge help. If you can stay longer or even all day, that would be fabulous.

We will gather at the Codman North Field on Codman Road. Please go into the Codman House entrance (west of Codman Farm) and go to the left to park. This location is adjacent to the alpaca field. Light snacks will be provided.

Work will be along field edges and trails in the woods. Dress accordingly. Please bring gloves, loppers, rakes or shovels. For more information, please contact the Conservation Department at 781-259-2612 or Peter von Mertens at 781-259-8942.

History hike in Adams Woods

hike2Join the Lincoln Historical Society and Jason Felsch of the Lincoln Junior Hikers as he leads a “history hike” through Adams Woods starting from 126 Old Concord Road on Sunday, October 6 at 2 p.m. A map and essay are attached. Free and open to the public.

The hike will be about about 2½ miles round trip with breaks along the way. The walk will probably take about two hours, but families can go at their own pace. Parents are responsible for the supervision of their children.

To get to our trail head, go to the intersection of Route 126 (Concord Road) with Old Concord Road located 0.2 miles northeast of Codman Road. Turn left (northwest) onto Old Concord Road and follow its curve 0.2 miles. Turn left to go northwest onto a private way marked with a roadside sign. Kind private residents have given us permission to park  for today only at their home at 126 Old Concord Road, the site of the former Burnham-Adams mansion. Please be courteous and do not to block the way.

Scarecrow Classic 5K run/walk to benefit LLCT

logo_scarecrow-classic-2The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust is hosting the inaugural Scarecrow Classic, a fund-raising 5K road race or walk through Lincoln on Sunday, October 20 at 9:30 a.m. The race-walk starts at the Mall at Lincoln Station and goes down Codman Road to Rt. 126 to Baker Bridge Road to Woods End and finally through conservation land and back to Lincoln Road.

All ages are welcome to participate. You can run, walk, or do a little of both. There will be  raffle prizes, T-shirts, music, food and refreshments. Registration is $30 ahead of time or $35 on race day, when registration opens at 8 a.m. Those who register by October 6 will get a free Scarecrow Classic T-shirt.

To register and learn more about the race, sponsors, raffle prizes, etc., go to scarecrowclassic5k.com.