By Rachel Neurath
Winter is the perfect time to discover animal tracks, whether preserved in snow or (on one of the many unseasonably warm days this winter) in mud. This winter is only the third season of the year for Will Leona, Lincoln’s Land Steward and Ranger, who joined the Conservation Department in June 2022. Yet, like an animal making tracks in the snow, he’s already leaving his mark.
Leona was animated and approachable as he pointed out different shelf fungi and slime molds on a recent Family Fungi Walk near Pierce Park. Out on the trails, he loves talking with Lincoln’s hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and dog walkers as he shares information on natural history. For example, he finds himself talking regularly about beavers, which are often misunderstood and are actually very beneficial for water quality, biodiversity, and water storage.
Education is at the core of Leona’s work and central to the Conservation Department’s mission. While part of the job of a ranger is enforcement, he emphasizes how important it is to educate people about why the rules are there. Based on public forums and feedback while new trail regulations were debated and enacted last year, the Conservation Department increased the number and size of some of its signs, which may make it seem like there are more restrictions than before, but that’s actually not the case. In fact, Lincoln now has about 30% more trails open to bikes and (other than some changes around Flint’s Pond) the same number of leash and off-leash trails as before.
Will Leona
Leona was working for the Trustees of Reservations in the Charles River Valley region when he saw the opening with Lincoln’s Conservation Department and felt as if the job description was written just for him. During his interview, he was even more impressed by the department’s staff. Conservation Director Michelle Grzenda, Conservation Planner Stacy Carter, and Land Manager Ryan Brown are all passionate, incredibly knowledgeable, and eager to share their enthusiasm for Lincoln’s natural spaces. Leona completes the small but mighty team, spending his time maintaining trails and conservation areas, managing invasive species, and interacting with the public.
Leona has quickly made himself at home in Lincoln’s outdoor spaces and within the community. Inspired by the town’s many birders, he marvels at all the small birds hiding in the woods and celebrates the return of our bald eagle population. He loves photographing mushrooms and watching foxes, coyotes, salamanders, and frogs. He appreciates Lincoln’s decades-long history of innovation in conservation that has left so many unbuilt areas to explore. Despite the coming challenges of climate change, our conservation land provides a buffer of resilience and perhaps even opportunities for nature-based solutions. Leona’s hope is that his work, along with that of the Conservation Department and the town, will enable future generations to keep enjoying Lincoln’s spectacular natural areas.
If you see Will on the trails, say hello and maybe even tell him a joke, like: “Did you hear the one about Allie Algae and Freddie Fungus? They took a lichen to each other.”
Conservation Department’s Winter Carnival events (February 3-4):
- Winter Shrub & Tree ID Walk
10 a.m.–noon, Codman Estate
Join Conservation Department staff for a winter walk through the woods as we talk about how to identify woody plants. Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Each walk is limited to 15 people; please click here to sign up or email conservation@lincolntown.org. - Enviroscape Tabletop Display
Friday, Feb. 3 from 3–4:15 p.m., Conservation Department office, Town Hall
Do you know how pollution affects our drinking water, wetlands, and wildlife? Using the Enviroscape model (a hands-on tabletop display), children and families will discover what happens in Lincoln neighborhoods, construction sites, farms, and roads during and after a rainstorm. - Art on the Trails – Scavenger Hunt
Search Lincoln’s trails for nature-themed student art creations. The scavenger hunt starts on Friday, Feb. 3 and runs until Monday, Feb. 13, with prizes for completion. Sponsored by Lincoln Land Conservation Trust and the Lincoln School. Click here for more information.
Spring 2023 events
- Saturday Nature Walks
Explore Lincoln’s open space with Will Leona, Lincoln’s Conservation Ranger. Visit different trails in Lincoln the first Saturday of each month (March 4, April 1 and May 6) from 9:30–11:30 a.m. Walks are generally two miles long and are appropriate for all ages. Wear sturdy shoes and always dress for the weather. Please leave pets at home since our focus is on nature. Covid-19 precautions: we will occasionally stop and discuss a natural history topic – please bring a mask for when we are gathering close together. Click here to sign up.
More information can be found on the Lincoln Conservation Department website.
Field Notes is an occasional feature highlighting climate and environment work in town and spotlighting Lincoln residents and staff. Rachel Neurath is a soil microbial ecologist, co-leader of Lincoln Common Ground, and a member of Lincoln’s Climate Action Plan Working Group.
