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

Developers propose big expansion at Hanscom Field

The development proposal at Hanscom Field is outlined in red (see closer view below). Lincoln’s approximate town border is indicated by the green dotted line.

A proposal to add 27 hangars and make other changes at Hanscom Field is the subject of two events on Monday, Feb. 6: a site walk at 3 p.m. and a virtual “consultation session” at 6:30 p.m.

The proposal for the area between Hartwell Road and Taxiway R in Bedford follows a land swap and access agreement between Massport, which owns a 26-acre North Airfield parcel, and Runway Realty Ventures (RRV), owner of an adjoining 18-acre parcel formerly owned by the U.S. Navy. It calls for adding about 408,000 square feet of new hangar space for aircraft parking and storage and renovating the existing Navy hangar building. Details of the proposal are contained in the Environmental Notification Form filed by the developers with the state’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs as required by the Mass. Environmental Policy Act (MEPA).

Some aircraft now fly in and out empty to pick up and drop off operators who can’t secure aircraft storage space at Hanscom, the proposal says. “This practice results in extra flights (referred to as ‘ferry flights’) that would otherwise not be required with aircraft stored at Hanscom. By providing aircraft parking and storage on-airport, the project will relieve pressure from Logan in accordance with Massport’s long-term planning objective aimed at using regional airports to satisfy the current and future demand for general aviation services.”

A closer view of the development proposal.

The land swap agreement approved by Massport in October (starting on page 12 of the meeting minutes) will allow RRV to reconfigure taxiway R for larger and heavier aircraft, and to build a new taxiway and service road. RRV will be responsible for funding “upgrades and improvements to the Hanscom Field taxiway infrastructure to support design Group III aircraft above 100,000 pounds and/or design Group IV aircraft, as requested by RRV.”

Taxiway R can now accommodate Group III aircraft such as the Boeing 737-700, the Airbus A-320, and the Embraer ERJ 190-100, which have maximum capacities of 108 to 180 passengers and ranges of 2,000 to 3,700 miles, according to SKYbrary.aero. If the expansion proposal is approved, it will be able to accommodate Group IV planes including the Boeing 767 and the Airbus A-310, both of which can carry up to about 250 passengers and have ranges of 6,000 to 7,500 miles.

Save Our Heritage, which works to preserve historically important sites in Concord, Bedford, Lincoln, and Lexington and has fought Hanscom expansion for years, posted an alert to supporters summarizing the proposal. The Bedford Citizen also ran articles on February 1 and February 3.

Massport (the Massachusetts Port Authority) owns and operates Logan Airport, Hanscom Field, Worcester Regional Airport, and public terminals in the Port of Boston. Hanscom Field, New England’s second-busiest airport and the FAA’s designated general aviation reliever for Logan, is used for private corporate aviation, recreational flying, pilot training, and air charter, cargo, commuter service, and air ambulance flights. It has three fixed-base operators (FBOs) that provide fueling, maintenance, and cleaning services for airplanes. Linear Air and Magellan Jets regularly operate out of Hanscom.

The walk-through on Monday at 3 p.m. starts across from Edge Sports Center at 191 Hartwell Rd. in Bedford, and the virtual session at 6:30 p.m. can be accessed here. The public comment period deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 14. Comments may be submitted via the MEPA Public Comments Portal or via email to alexander.strysky@mass.gov.

The three towns that contain parts of Hanscom Field (Bedford, Lincoln and Concord) do not have any permitting authority in the matter, though the land swap must be approved by the FAA and Gov. Maura Healy, and the FAA must also sign off on the revised airport layout plan.

Police log for Jan. 23–Feb. 1, 2023

January 23

North Great Road (3:36 p.m.) — A motor vehicle slid off of the road due to the snowy conditions. A National Park Ranger assisted until a tow truck could remove the vehicle.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (3:46 p.m.) — A passing motorist reported a vehicle had slid off the road due to the snowy conditions. The Lincoln Fire Department and Massachusetts State Police responded.

Hartwell lot, North Great Road (4:03 p.m.) — A motorist had parked to make arrangements to have their damaged vehicle removed from the lot. The motorist was involved in a crash on Route 95.

Red Barn Road, Wayland (7:23 p.m.) — Wayland Police requested assistance from the Lincoln Police for an additional officer at a residence in their town.

Lincoln Road (8:49 p.m.) — The MBTA called to notify police that the railroad gates at Lincoln Road were malfunctioning. An officer responded and awaited a Keolis representative. The gates were functioning normally approximately 15 minutes later.

Minuteman Commons (9:54 p.m. — A motorist called to state that it appeared a snow removal company was depositing snow in the roadway. An officer responded and found the roadway clear.

January 24

Partridge Lane (2:49 a.m.) — A private plow truck became stuck in a driveway while attempting to clear a driveway. A tow truck was called to assist.

January 25

Donelan’s Supermarket lot (12:23 p.m.) — An officer assisted with information exchange after a minor motor vehicle crash.

Tracey’s Corner (1:23 p.m.) — Well-being check; contact was made with the individual in question and relayed to the caller.

Lexington Road (10:26 p.m.) — Officers responded to the residence for the report of a housebreak. The investigation is ongoing.

Bypass Road (10:53 p.m.) — A resident called to report hearing a loud bang outside of the residence. Officers responded and checked the property. Nothing was found out of the ordinary and no noise occurred while they were on scene.

January 26

Tower Road (3:18 pm.) — A caller reported hearing what sounded like several gunshots and a vehicle accelerating. Officers checked the area; no vehicle or signs of discharge of a firearm were found.

Tracey’s Corner (5:00 p.m.) — Well-being check.

North Great Road (5:10 p.m.) — A motorist reported striking a deer, which ran off into the woods. There was no damage to the vehicle.

Bedford Road and Route 2 (10:25 p.m.) — A two-vehicle crash was reported at the intersection. A vehicle had stopped at the light awaiting the signal to change when they were struck by a vehicle that could not properly negotiate the turn from Route 2 onto Bedford Road. The operator of the turning vehicle was cited for a marked lanes violation. No injuries; both vehicles were towed from the scene.

January 27

Lincoln Road (6:50 p.m.) — A caller reported seeing an encounter between two others that was unnerving. Officers responded and spoke with the caller.

Lexington Road (11:25 p.m.) — A caller reported several vehicles honking their horns and travelling at high speed on Lexington Road. Officers checked the area and were unable to locate any vehicles.

January 28

Care Dimensions, Winter Street (7:40 a.m.) — A caller reported parking their vehicle overnight and discovering damage to the vehicle in the morning. An officer responded to assist.

Harvest Circle (1:35 p.m.) — An officer took a report regarding a dispute with a co-worker.

Chennault Street, Hanscom AFB (3:56 p.m.) — DigSafe reported a water main break. Hanscom Security Forces were notified.

January 29

Trapelo Road (9:06 a.m.) — Waltham police requested assistance with an individual seen walking on Trapelo Road. The call was cancelled a short time later; the individual was picked up by staff of a group home.

Mount Misery lot (5:39 p.m.) — A caller reported being lost at Mt. Misery and emerging from the trails in an unfamiliar area. An officer responded and transported them back to their vehicle.

January 30

Lexington Road (7:50 a.m.) — A caller reported seeing smoke in the area. The Fire Department checked; the smoke appeared to be a hotspot from a previous brush burn and the area was extinguished.

Lincoln Road (8:45 a.m.) — Well-being check.

Mount Misery lot (2:04 p.m.) — The Fire Department responded for a dog that was locked in a vehicle. Firefighters were able to unlock the vehicle.

Baker Bridge Road (9:32 p.m.) — A resident reported being the victim of identity fraud.

January 31

South Great Road (12:11 a.m.) — A caller reported hearing what they thought was someone inside their home. An officer responded; the noise was coming from an electronic device.

Lincoln North office building (3:38 a.m.) — An officer checked on an occupied vehicle in the parking lot. The occupant was an employee of the building.

The car accident near Bowles Terrace on the morning of January 31 with the shattered utility pole at right (click for larger version). Photo by Joanna Schmergel

South Great Road (8:04 a.m.) — Several 911 calls were made for a one-car crash near Bowles Terrace. Upon arrival, officers observed a vehicle that was upside down, a severed utility pole, and electrical wires on the roadway. The operator of the vehicle refused medical attention on scene and was issued a motor vehicle citation for negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operating after suspended license, marked lanes violation, and speed greater than reasonable. 

Minuteman Technical High School (10:48 a.m.) — Minor motor vehicle crash in the parking lot of the high school.

Lincoln Road (5:15 p.m.) — A lost wallet was reunited with its owner.

Silver Birch Lane (7:33 p.m.) — A resident called the police regarding a neighbor’s dog barking. An officer checked the area and heard nothing.

February 1

Storey Drive (2:04 a.m.) — An officer responded to the area for a parking complaint.

Aspen Circle (2:53 a.m.) — An officer assisted a resident with a well-being check.

Beaver Pond Road (8:04 a.m.) — A caller reported a strong odor of natural gas in the area. The Fire Department deployed a meter to check the area but did not find a measurable amount of natural gas.

Mayflower Road (10:06 a.m.) — Hanscom AFB requested a mutual-aid engine for a possible house fire.

Lincoln Road (10:14 a.m.) — A caller reported a minor motor vehicle crash. An officer responded and assisted.

Hanscom Drive (11:08 a.m.) — The Fire Department was alerted to a plane having difficulty. The plane landed safely.

Wells Road (11:37 a.m.) — Well-being check.

Ms. H meets Ms. G at Groundhog Day in Lincoln

Gov. Maura Healey tries to determine if Ms. G. has seen her shadow.

Gov. Maura Healey (Ms. H to her friends, perhaps) elicited cheers from an enthusiastic all-ages crowd in Lincoln on February 2 by predicting an early spring after consulting with Drumlin Farm’s famous Ms. G.

Healey headlined a delegation including State Sen. Michael Barrett and Reps. Carmine Gentile and Alice Peisch for the first Groundhog Day celebration in Lincoln since before the Covid-19 pandemic struck. Lincoln’s Ms. G became the official groundhog of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 2014 thanks to a bill shepherded through the legislature by Peisch.

The theme of the day was education about weather and climate change. A number of children including the Chickadee class from the Drumlin Farm Community Preschool got front-row seats, eager to watch Ms. G emerge from hibernation and explore her special outdoor enclosure where she would make her annual prognostication. Barrett — who co-wrote the state’s major climate bill that was signed into law last summer — lauded “young people getting together and saying we can effect change and raise awareness” around those issue while also praising Healey’s commitment to climate action.

In her remarks, Healey noted she had grown up on a farm and that caring for farm animals helped forge her own early connections with nature. She credited Mass Audubon as among those “doing all they can to help young people know and learn and carry on stewardship of land and the environment.

“I’ve always been a huge fan of Mass Audubon, a huge fan of Drumlin Farm, and a huge fan of all those working to preserve our natural habitat and to address the real issues around climate, and those who are looking out for and looking after creatures great and small across this great state,” she said.

Then came the moment of truth — “one of my most important duties as governor,” Healey said. After crouching down to get acquainted with Ms. G, she intoned, “As the governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on February 2 in the year 2023, we observed the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Official Groundhog, Ms. G. And I declare Ms. G does not appear to have observed her shadow, and therefore, Commonwealth, spring is on its way!”

The cheering attendees were also invited enjoy other related programs, such as making groundhog crafts and meeting live animal ambassadors and learning how they adapt to winter as the climate changes.

Click on images below to see larger versions, and scroll down for a short video of Healey at Drumlin Farm.

GH-men
GH-MH3
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News acorns

School superintendent to be selected next week

The School Committee will hold a special meeting to deliberate and vote on the appointment of the next Lincoln Public Schools superintendent on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. Click here to watch it live on Zoom. Final interviews are being conducted this week and recordings should be posted on the new town video website by Friday, Feb 3. Last week, the four finalists visited the schools and took part in forums with administrators, faculty, and community members.

Library opens late on Feb. 8

The Lincoln Public Library will open at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8 rather than 9 a.m. due to staff training.

Sip, talk and learn at story-telling event

Lincoln residents are invited to listen and tell their three-minute story on Sunday, Feb. 12 from 4–5:30 p.m. in the First Parish in Lincoln’s Stearns Room. The church began the series in 2019 and has heard stories of adventures, passions, hobbies, unknown siblings, and more. Telling a story in three minutes is a challenge but it makes for a fun event with about 12-15 speakers. We will have a fire going and if you’d like to bring a beverage to share, we will provide some pre-Super Bowl nibbles. Please email tuckerwsmith@gmail.com to sign up to tell your story or if you have questions.

Events on love songs and Black History Month

All are invited to a program about the history and significance of the most cherished and enduring love songs of the 20th century at “The Greatest Love Songs of All Time” on Friday, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Hear more about classics including Cole Porter’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Some Enchanted Evening,” Tony Bennett’s “The Way You Look Tonight,” and Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable.” Presented by John Clark & the Great American Music Experience and hosted by the Council on Aging & Human Services.

The COA&HS will present “Black History Month in the Era of CRT Book Banning” on Friday, Feb. 17 at 1 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Lincoln resident Ray Anthony Shepard, author of several biographies for young readers, will discuss the current hot-button topic of what in American history should be taught to children and will share how he addresses race in his picture book, Runaway: The Daring Escape of Ona Judge. Questions? Call 781-259-8811.

Intergenerational events feature ice cream, maple tapping

All residents, especially parents and grandparents who are watching children during school vacation week, are invited to an intergenerational ice cream social on Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 1–2:30 p.m. and a session on tree tapping, sap collection, and maple syrup with Conservation Department Ranger Will Leona on Friday, Feb. 24 at 1 p.m. in Bemis Hall. On Tuesday, build your own sundae; on Friday, learn about how indigenous peoples in our area collected and boiled sap, sample some of Will and Abigail’s syrup, and then go outside to tap the sugar maples next to Bemis Hal with Nancy Bergen from Matlock Farm. Dress for outdoor weather.

Eighth-grader named as school’s Project 351 ambassador

Amirah Jeffrey

The Lincoln School is thrilled to announce the appointment of eighth-grader Amirah Jeffrey as its 2023 Ambassador for Project 351.

Amirah was selected by the teachers because she best exemplifies the values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude, and demonstrates the skills of an aspiring leader and also exhibits a strong ethic of service, according to team leader Julie Reynolds.

“I’m excited about being able to meet other kids my age, and for having the opportunity to do something I’ve never done before,” said Amirah, adding the ambassador appointment came as a surprise. “I’m really looking forward to having a new experience.”

On January 14, Amirah met at Faneuil Hall with more than 425 ambassadors and alumni mentors for Project 351’s 13th annual Launch and Service Day in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Launch Day kicks off 12 months of leadership development through unifying service, alumni mentorship, and enrichment through Project 351’s Service Leadership Academy. 

Over their year’s term, ambassadors develop the skills and confidence to mobilize schools and communities in four statewide service campaigns: Spring Service benefiting Cradles and Crayons, Hope & Gratitude Walk benefiting nonprofits selected by Ambassadors; 9.11 Tribute Service with the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund; and Fall Service, which seeks to eradicate hunger through support of hundreds of hometown food pantries. At the close of their service year, ambassadors are invited to continue to hone skills and lead communities as a member of the Alumni Organization.

Amirah, whose favorite subject is English language arts, said she plans to attend L-S for high school and then continue her learning at a university, though she has not yet decided on an undergraduate course of study. She enjoys reading and listening to R&B/soul, especially the superstar SZA. 

Project 351 is an independent nonprofit organization that builds a movement of youth-led service by engaging an unsung hero and quiet leader from each of Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns. 

Corrections

  • In the January 31 News Acorn headlined “Campaign kickoff event for Sudbury L-S School Committee candidate,” Tania Vitvitsky, Josh Troop, and Andrew Blair were misidentified as being former members of the Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee. They are Sudbury residents but have not served in the LSSC.
  • The January 31 story headlined “Updates on Winter Carnival” incorrectly said that the Winter Shrub & Tree ID Walk on Friday, Feb. 3 was canceled. The Saturday walk is canceled but the Friday walk is still on. That piece and two others listing Winter carnival events (“Field Notes: Meet Will Leona, Lincoln’s land steward and ranger” and “Winter Carnival kicks off this Friday“) have been updated.
  • Drumlin Farm has canceled the Lincoln Winter Carnival’s Family Night Hike and Owl Prowl that was to take place on Friday, Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m.
     

Field Notes: Meet Will Leona, Lincoln’s land steward and ranger 

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.

News acorns

Talk on heart disease in women

The Council on Aging & Human Services presents “The Truth About Women and Heart Disease” with moving testimony by Margaret Perras, spokesperson for the American Heart Association, on Friday, Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. in Bemis Hall. Heart disease strikes even the most fit — learn how to watch for the signs. Attendees are invited to wear red and help raise awareness for the #1 killer of women: cardiovascular disease. Questions? Call 781-259-8811 or visit WearRedDay.org.

Campaign kickoff event for Sudbury L-S School Committee candidate 

Lincoln-Sudbury School Committee (LSSC) candidate Ravi Simon of Sudbury (an L-S graduate and legislative aide for State Rep. Carmine Gentile) will host a campaign kick-off event at on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. at the First Parish of Sudbury (327 Concord Rd., Sudbury). The host committee includes Gentile, Sudbury LSSC members Cara Endyke-Doran and Candace Miller, former LSSC member Nancy Marshall of Lincoln, and former Sudbury LSSC members Jack Ryan, Tania Vitvitsky, Josh Troop, and Andrew Blair. RSVPs using this online form are appreciated but not required. For more information, email RaviforLincolnSudbury@gmail.com.

Library offers online events

“The Challenges of Being a Debut Author” featuring Chelsea Banning will take place via Zoom on Monday, Feb. 6 from 7–8 p.m. Debut author (and librarian) was very excited to publish her first book, “Of Crown and Legends”. And then came the book signing where very few people showed up, and then the Twitter storm of support when Chelsea posted about the experience. Now, we speak with Chelsea in conversation with debut authors Laura Gao, Brian D. Kennedy, Jean Louise, and XiXi Tian to chat about the challenges and joys of getting your first book out in the world.

This event is hosted by the Ashland Public Library. Click here to register.

On Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m., join Emily Levine of Longfellow House–Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site for “Freedom’s Cause: Historical Black Communities and George Washington’s Cambridge Camp,” a discussion of how free and enslaved Black members of Washington’s war camp interacted with one another, members of the local community, and the general himself. For example, Washington corresponded with poet Phillis Wheatley; he segregated the Continental Army, then reversed the decision. The family of Tony and Cuba Vassall, formerly enslaved by the first owner of the Cambridge house (which Lincoln’s Pierce House was designed to emulate), lived in freedom next to people enslaved by the Washingtons.

This event is hosted by the Wellesley Free Library. Click here to register.

Panel marks Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Join the Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable on Monday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. for “What is Important to Us: A Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Panel,” an event marking February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. In this program, teen panelists will highlight what they want adults and peers to know about relationships, media consumption, trust, and boundaries, and how adults can support the teens in their lives.

Registration is required for this event and can be completed here. All participants will receive an email with the Zoom information after registering. For more information, visit www.domesticviolenceroundtable.org or email infordvrt@gmail.com.

Gov. Healey coming to Lincoln on Groundhog Day

The incomparable Ms. G.

Gov. Maura Healey will join the crowd when Ms. G, the official groundhog of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, makes her annual prediction at the Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln for Groundhog Day on Thursday, Feb. 2. Families and children attend the popular event each year, eager to watch Ms. G emerge from hibernation and explore her special enclosure, which includes groundhog treats like fresh veggies.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m., attendees can learn how animals, including Drumlin Farm’s sheep, keep themselves warm and healthy in cold weather. Ms. G will make her appearance at 10 a.m., with Mass Audubon President David J. O’Neill and State Sen. Michael Barrett, a leading voice for climate change and renewable energy on Beacon Hill, welcoming the governor and attendees. Participants will then be encouraged to enjoy other event-related programs from making groundhog crafts to meeting live animal ambassadors and learning how they adapt to winter as the climate changes. 

“The impacts of climate change and loss of biodiversity in New England are already clear,” O’Neill said. “They can only strengthen our resolve to find policy- and nature-based solutions to the major environmental challenges of our times.”              

Free with admission. To learn more, visit massaudubon.org/groundhogday.