Reviving the Spicket River Groundwork Lawrence The Spicket River Story In addition to our annual Spicket River Spicket River is a valuable natural resource Cleanup, we also hold other events. that flows throughout the city of Lawrence. The Ferrous Site (seen in the photos to the right) is Earth Day Park Cleanups the confluence of the Spicket River and the more Each year on Earth Day well-known Merrimack River. It is also where the As a Green Team, we participate in we work alongside other canal meets the Spicket River at a dam which various park cleanups throughout volunteers to clean the parks, creates a beautiful waterfall and a home for many the City of Lawrence. It is important streets, and alleyways around interesting plant and animal species. The Ferrous to us that our parks stay clean so the city. It helps us get to Site and other spots along the Spicket are great that people can enjoy them. We know others in our community places to get in touch with both the wildlife and all want to provide clean and safe who care enough to help. In history of Lawrence. places for both children and adults the end, we have a cleaner to play. Many mill buildings stand alongside this river. community and a great feeling The river once powered them, but now it quietly of personal accomplishment. flows past these old mill buildings. No longer used to power these mills, the Spicket River now provides a different source of energy to the City How You Can Help of Lawrence. Herons, turtles, fish, and beavers We raise public awareness so more make their home in and along the river. Great views, including a waterfall just above the Ferrous people take care of the river, and the Site, are found along the riverbanks. Community city of Lawrence. volunteers have restored this river, learning and sharing conservation and leadership skills along You can the way. • Volunteer to help at community Restoring Spicket River events which focus on environmental awareness Our river was once filled with wildlife, and its • Learn how to be stewards of our seemingly endless energy was harnessed to power the mills built along its banks. But historically, community and Earth people also used rivers as garbage dumps • Share your knowledge of the and the river eventually overflowed with environment and teach others pollutants and trash. how to make personal choices Groundwork Lawrence’s Green Team, a that are better for themselves group of Lawrence high school students and the environment training to become environmental stewards • Donate to support Green and community leaders, holds an Team and other Groundwork annual Spicket River Cleanup. With Lawrence programs. your help, we can work to restore the Spicket River to its natural beauty once again. A Field Guide to Wildlife of the Spicket River Groundwork Lawrence Great Blue Heron Dragonfly Sp. This magestic bird Various species of OurMission can be found on the dragonflies can be Merrimack River. found along the Spicket River. To bring about the sustained regeneration, It is a 3 1/2 ft tall bird with black stripes on They are between improvement and management of the physical it’s side, a rusty gray 2-3 inches with large neck, long legs, and a eyes, two sets of environment by developing community- long, yellow bill. transparent wings, and a elongated body. based partnerships which empower people, Black-capped Chickadee Short-horned Grasshopper businesses and organizations to promote This is the state bird of A variety of species of environmental, economic and social well-being. Massachusetts. grasshoppers fall under It is a curious, mostly this general name. white bird with a gray This insect is herbivorous. back, a black cap on It ranges in size from 0.2- it’s head and a black 4.3 inches and many are bib under it’s bill. green and straw-colored to help them blend into their environment. Red-tailed Hawk Silver Maple This is the most This tree is native common hawk found to eastern North throughout most of America and parts North America. of southeastern Canada. The coloration varies greatly. Look for a It can grow 50-80 ft. brown band across the tall with leaves that belly and a red tail. are deeply five-lobed.

American Goldfinch Catalpa This social bird is only This tree is recognized 60 Island Street 4-5 inches. It’s color by big, heart-shaped Lawrence, MA ranges from a dull brown leaves and long, to a brilliant lime-yellow slender fruits that look 01840 depending on the like bean pods. maturity of the bird and T: (978) 974-0770 the season. It’s large leaves provide shelter and F: (978) 974-0882 shade for many species of birds. www.groundworklawrence.org Painted Turtle River Birch

This turtle is commonly In New England, the found along slow-moving River Birch is primarily rivers with soft bottoms. found in southern New Hampshire Look for red and yellow and Northeast stripes along the head, Massachusetts. neck, feet, and tail. The adults can grow up to They can grow up to 10 inches. 80 ft tall and have a This brochure is part of the educational materials developed through the dark brown to pinkish brown, scaly bark. alliance between Mass Audubon and Groundwork Lawrence. Spicket River Greenway

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