Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation
Issue 10, December 2016 News of the Fells
Contents
Stranger in the Woods StoryWalk...... 1 Masthead...... 2 Found in the Fells, December...... 2 Winter Appeal...... 3 The Colors Teach Us...... 4 Fall for the Fells Success...... 7 Save the Date: Volunteer Event...... 7 Fall for the Fells...... 8 Calendar...... 10 Babes in the Woods...... 11 New Board Member Spotlight: Randi Rotjan...... 12
The Friends of the Stranger in the Woods Middlesex Fells Reservation is dedicated StoryWalk® to the protection and We are excited to bring you our lat- on the sheet posted on the Kiosk harmonious use of est StoryWalk® collaboration with at Greenwood Park (across from MA Department of Conservation the Stone Zoo), 176 Pond Street, the Fells; promoting and Recreation, Malden CFCE, Stoneham. There will be a print awareness, policies Mass in Motion, Medford Family out with animal tracks to look for and programs to honor Network and the North Suburban along the way and a handout of and preserve the Child and Family Resource literacy activities to do at home. Network, to offer a self-guided Directions for the self-guided walk ecological, historical and walk through the Fells! Stranger will be posted at Crystal Trail. recreational resources in the Woods, by Carl R. Sams II & This program was adapted from of this urban forest Jean Stoick, is a delightful book The StoryWalk® Project created about the animals and birds’ by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, reservation. reaction to a snowman that sud- VT and developed in collabora- denly appeared in their woods tion with the Vermont Bicycle www.fells.org after a winter storm. Laminated & Pedestrian Coalition and the pages of the book will be displayed Kellogg Hubbard Library. 781-662-2340 along the trail from December [email protected] 24 until January 8. Please sign in
News of the Fells 1 Found in the Fells, December Dear Friends, by Bryan Hamlin foundinthefells.com I’m writing to ask you to con- It has to be admitted that floor. From the Pyrola sider a tax-deductible, year- there isn’t so much to im- family are striped win- end gift to the Friends of the mediately delight the eye tergreen, pipsissewa and Middlesex Fells Reservation in the winter—not if we’re round-leaved pyrola. Other to usher in a new year of used to Technicolor. But ground-cover wintergreens expanded youth programs, there are compensations. in the Fells are teaberry, park maintenance, and vigilant stewardship of our The absence of much fo- bearberry and partridge- woodland preserve. Diana Lomakin liage means that one can berry. These latter all pro- see much further in all duce red berries, but don’t Allow me to share a story directions in the woods expect to see too many News of the Fells about Devin, a local high in the winter, whereas in berries later into winter— Devin (far left) with Mustangs of the Fells’ Saida Osman, Zachary Issue 10 school senior, whose life has Matteo, and Friends of the Fells Board member Charles Saulnier summer our view gets of- they will have most likely been deeply enriched by ten hemmed in to looking been eaten by chipmunks the Friends’ youth program- by Neil O. Anderson Neil O. Anderson along the path ahead of us. and birds. ming. Although he grew up Winter Appeal Publisher, Executive Director If we’re quietly on foot and in a house next to the Fells, in environmental science. and 76 thirteen-gallon bags keep alert, there is a better Then about half of all ferns Devin felt uneasy about His is one of many stories of trash removed. More than Lindsay Cornell Beal chance of seeing animal and all clubmosses are venturing into the forest, about how the Friends are 2,000 children participated Publisher, Vice Chair inhabitants of the Fells. In evergreen, and so the late and never stepped foot into impacting lives and impact- in nature-based learning December ’04 I saw a very fall, and into December, if the Fells for 16 years. His ing nature. programs. Diana Lomakin handsome, healthy-looking we don't have snow yet, is outlook changed this past Creative Director fox in Lawrence Woods. a good time to see these spring when he hiked the As we reflect on the year Our work depends on the attractive plants as they are Fells for the very first time past, the Friends of the Fells generosity of thousands of Katie Aberbach It is also easier to spot the easier to spot now that the through a Friends program. has a great deal to celebrate. supporters like you. Today, Editor several evergreen plants competition has died back. He shared with me that he We have continued to lead more than ever, we need that grow on the forest is no longer apprehensive the charge against incongru- your help. With your gen- Cherylanne Petrunti in the natural environment ous development, created erous assistance, we will Frosted teaberry by Bryan Hamlin Editor but instead wants to cele- an ambitious program of inspire more Devins. We will brate nature every day and volunteer-assisted hiking continue to strengthen our Sheri Qualters join the Friends’ efforts to trail maintenance and resto- substantial stewardship Editor protect and preserve the ration, and provided recre- offerings, and we will have Reservation. Devin has ation and conservation-driv- the resources to continue to become an active program en service programs for bring the community to- participant, volunteer, and local youth. The results have gether to maintain the char- student leader. His first hike been impressive—more than acter and integrity of the in the Fells was amongst a 1,200 volunteers participat- Middlesex Fells Reservation. litany of firsts for him, in- ed in service and steward- cluding climbing his first ship programs to benefit the Warm Regards and Happy tree. Devin is now an every- Fells and its visitors resulting Holidays, day hiker, nature enthusiast, in 36 miles of trails cleared Neil O. Anderson and is considering a career of brush and overgrowth, Executive Director
2 News of the Fells News of the Fells 3 The Colors Teach Us
Spectacular sugar maples The magic has begun. The of yards, particularly the something they have harvest- ator magnet you can send in natural changes in autumn tree- and telephone-climbing ed themselves, it takes on a a Christmas card. Your kids’ provide parents with a bril- individuals. It is bright red and whole new meaning and can knowledge will impress their liant opportunity to teach chil- surrounds the trunk, reach- make them feel more secure teachers and draw them clos- dren – a virtual science project ing sometimes as high as 15 in nature. We have gotten so er to the natural world. surrounding us on all sides, or 20 feet, a spectacular and far from the circle of life in re- And remember to have fun. the sensory delight of color, successful species that also cent history that food appears Exploring nature is enjoyable technical lessons of chemical provides plenty of berries for to originate from a store, as well as educational, and reactions, all contained in a wildlife winter repast. Now rather than from natural food- has the added benefits of spiritually magical setting – is the time to teach children stuffs in the world. If children fresh air and exercise. Find the fall colors emerge. about this noxious plant. see themselves as part of na- your local parks and make The process is complex, Once they can identify it, they ture rather than separate from friends with the trees, now involving terms like anthocy- can avoid it, unlike yours tru- it, the fear of outdoors melts shutting themselves down for anin and carotenoid, chloro- ly, who suffered from horrible away and becomes a stage for the winter and giving us the phyll of every persuasion and episodes every summer of creative exploration. true magic of autumn colors. biological processes that can childhood. Look closely at the Take your time. Pick up a blow the mind, all manifest- leaves and learn them now. couple of field guides and Barbara Buls Boudreau ed in a gorgeous display of Your kids (and you!) will re- page through them. Learn and works for the Department of nature’s best. The best part is member what they look like. then teach one or two basics. Conservation and Recreation The Colors Teach Us you don’t have to know all the Blueberry bushes turn their Feel the texture of the bark, of as a Regional Interpretive Photos and article by Barbara Buls Boudreau scientific details to introduce gorgeous red-purple, Virginia the leaves. Press some col- Coordinator, teaching kids and Richard Louv spoke at tially our “home,” and knowl- your kids to natural species. creeper turns scarlet (both an- orful leaves (but not poison adults about the amazing re- Brookwood School in edge of surroundings increas- And for the nature lover, thocyanins), and invasives be- ivy!) to laminate later. Cut the sources of Massachusetts State Manchester-by-the-Sea es our safety and enhances there is a chance to easily put come show pieces. Just drive stems from the leaves and Parks. She is also the author of the other day. His new our life experience. names to key species. Every on any highway at this time then place them at least a half numerous articles and her first book Vitamin N follows on I have followed Louv’s writ- plant has its own composition of year. The oriental bitter- inch apart in a 5 mm laminat- novel The Frenchman. the heels of his other two ings since Last Child. As an and as a result, its own unique sweet becomes bright yellow ing sheet. Once they’re lami- ground-breaking works Last Interpretive Coordinator for color and window and lays in virtual sheets over nated, stick a magnet on the Child in the Woods and The Massachusetts State Parks, of change. trees on the side of the road. back of the leaf, and voila, you Nature Principle. Last Child I have experienced fear and At this writing, the red ma- This time of year, you can see have a New England refriger- was a wake-up call to our hesitation from parents of ples are at peak, and are how pervasive this introduced nation to recognize the ne- small children about being concentrated in wet envi- plant has become. cessity of outdoor creative outdoors, but more than any- ronments, stream beds, and Following the red maples play for children to develop thing, unfamiliarity. Of course low-lying areas. These are with their brilliant scarlet, the into sound, complete adults. we want to infuse our children the reds that drive the fall sugar maples bloom in orange Nature Principle is targeted with nature, the natural order, leaf peeping schedule. The and yellow combinations that more toward adults and the sunshine, and clean air. But in change of colors continues for will make your heart sing. restorative period we are now order to succeed, we need the weeks, yet as different species They are unique beacons in entering, the most creative parents. of trees attain their hues, we the less brilliant surrounding period in history. Vitamin Anytime is a good time to experience several peaks of palette. N contains 500 suggestions start. Parents sometimes feel color. Identifying the sugars now about how to incorporate na- inadequate about teaching Early in the autumnal will allow you to collect sap in ture and outside time into our their kids about nature, but change, nature spotlights the spring with your kids, pro- kids’ lives. Nature provides lucky for you, there are mate- one of the more ubiquitous viding yet another opportuni- peace, essential microbes, rials everywhere. And the sea- species in New England: ty to teach the amazing les- fresh air, exercise. Though we son for ease of identification poison ivy. Right now, poison sons of nature, and consume live in houses, nature is essen- of plants and trees is upon us. ivy is visible from hundreds its products. When a child eats These red maples really stand out 4 News of the Fells News of the Fells 5 The Colors Teach Us Fall for the Fells Success Green and yellow beech On Sunday, November 6, Whole Foods Market, together with the Friends of the Fells and Medford Family Network, hosted the first annual Fall for the Fells 5K and Festival at Medford High School. The event included a 5K trail run with over 300 registered runners, a kids’ fun run, family activities organized by Knucklebones, and dozens of food vendors and food trucks. All proceeds went to benefit the Friends of the Fells. An estimated 1,000 people attended. Neil Anderson, Executive Director for Friends of the Fells: "What a great inaugural event this was! Our volunteers were terrific! The runners enjoyed the course immensely and the kids had fun all while celebrating the beautiful Middlesex Fells Reservation. We can't wait Diana Lomakin to do it again!" Matthew Robertson, Community Relations for Whole Foods Market: “The goal of this event was to bring our communities together. We 5 wanted to celebrate healthy, active lifestyles amidst the beautiful Save the Date: New England foliage. Huge appreciation goes out to everyone who Volunteer Event Golden basswood attended to help support an amazing community organization and for helping make this year’s event a huge success!” Catherine Pedemonti, ongoing Community Partner at Friends of Did you volunteer for Fresh Pond: “The kids’ race at Fall for the Fells was a joy to behold! Friends of the Fells this Kids excited about nature, about the Fells. Kids moving their bodies. Families together, outside, on the weekend, in the Fells. Yet another year? Mark your calendars great example of Friends of the Fells building the future generation of for the evening of Febru- stewards of our local green spaces.” ary 1, 2017! We'll be hav- The partnership between Whole Foods Market and the Friends of ing our annual volunteer the Fells has been ongoing. This past summer the Arlington, Medford, Melrose and Woburn store locations hosted a 5-Percent Day fund- and donor appreciation raiser and raised a combined $13,000 for the nonprofit. This year’s party at Slumbrew Amer- Fall for the Fells event profited $3,000, which will go towards youth ican Fresh Brewhouse on initiatives and stewardship programs. Assembly Row and we'd love to see you there. Danielle Herrera Food, activities, games, and prizes will be provid- ed, and it will be a great opportunity to have fun with old and new friends and to do some network- ing. Stay tuned for an invite and more details! For details and questions, contact Lindsay Beal at [email protected] or 413-237-4747
New England blueberry Poison ivy
6 News of the Fells News of the Fells 7 Fall for the Fells
Kelli Hansen Danielle Herrera
Fall for the Fells Neil O. Anderson
Danielle Herrera 5
Danielle Herrera 1
Danielle Herrera Ann Frenning Kossuth
Danielle Herrera Danielle Herrera Danielle Herrera
8 News of the Fells News of the Fells 9 December Calendar Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation • December CalendarBabes • inBabes the Woods in the WoodsCalendar
Pavel Tchirkov Babes in the Woods is an adult-paced hike designed for parents who carry their children. These hikes will not be appropriate for young children who walk, and trails will not accommodate strollers.
Please remember to wear appropriate shoes and clothing for the weather, and do not forget to bring water! Check the Facebook page for the latest updates. Email Diana at [email protected] for more information.
Babes in the Woods meets from 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Evergreens and Other Cool Fells (SoF) for their Winter Kick Off Celebrate the Solstice at Plants at Long Pond event on Saturday, December 10th at Bellevue Pond 079:15 - 11:30 AM Flynn Rink in Medford, MA. Student 219:15 - 11:30 AM Long Pond Parking Lot, volunteers from the Tufts Mountain Bellevue Pond Parking Lot December 532 South Border Road, Winchester Club, the SoF staff, and the 5 commu- 68 South Border Road, Medford We will search the Long Pond area nities surrounding the Fells will join The Winter Solstice is here. Today for a variety of evergreens as well as together and “race” through the Fells marks the beginning of winter and Flynn Rink Upper Sheepfold We will meet at the exercise area next to the Flynn other easily recognizable plants of completing an interactive scavenger the shortest day of the year. We’ll take We will meet at the upper Sheepfold parking area, 698 06Rink parking lot, 300 Elm Street, Medford. 20 winter including a few winter weeds. hunt. No experience in navigation a stroll through the Bellevue Pond Fellsway West (Route 28) Stoneham (“Sheepfold Dog Park” As always, we will also focus on some required! Just bring warm clothes, area and take a walk up Pine Hill to on Google Maps). fun and interesting natural history good winter shoes, and an enthusi- Wright’s Tower to get a good look at Gate 16 Wyman Path We will meet at Gate 16, the Wyman Path trailhead. about these plants. Meet at the Long asm for the outdoors. A light lunch the sun. We’ll talk about the winter Greenwood Park 13Closest address is 83 Hillcrest Parkway, Winchester. On-street Pond parking lot, South Border Road will be provided for participants along solstice and what it means using We will meet at Greenwood Park, 176 Pond Street, parking available. 27 in Winchester. Heavy rain or heavy with a chance to find out more about poetry, lore and science. And as usual, Stoneham, across from the Stone Zoo. snow cancels. For more information future SoF adventures. Students from we’ll also focus on plant ID as well as about this walk, call Boot Boutwell at all towns (Medford, Malden, Melrose, fun and interesting natural history 781-729-4712. Stoneham, and Winchester) grade about the plants which we see. Meet 9 and above are welcome! Not a at the Bellevue Pond parking lot on Fells Running Club Sunrise student? You can volunteer. For more South Border Rd in Medford. Steady “Beginner” Trail Run info check us out on Facebook: www. rain or heavy snow cancels. For more 097:00 - 8:30 AM facebook.com/studentsofthefells information about this walk, call Boot Greenwood Park, 176 Pond Street, Boutwell at 781-729-4712. Stoneham (across from the Stone Zoo) Living with Coyotes Let’s go for an early “beginner” trail 137:00 - 9:00 PM Stranger in the Woods Winter run through the Eastern Fells. We’ll Stoneham Police Department StoryWalk® Park Hours cover ≈2.5 miles in the area around 47 Central Street, Stoneham 24December 24 through January 8 Whip Hill, at a pace of around 13 Join regional Project Coyote rep- Greenwood Park, 176 Pond Street, minutes per mile over rocky and resentative John Maguranis as he Stoneham (across from the Stone Zoo) uneven terrain. Meet at 7:00am at offers a special educational pre- Join DCR’s Winter Feature StoryWalk® the Greenwood Park Parking Lot on sentation about coyotes! Topics during school vacation. Walk a trail, Pond Street in Stoneham (across include: Natural Behavior; Habits; read a story, use your senses and con- from Stone Zoo). Rich will be waiting Identification; Myths and Facts; nect with your surroundings. Dress near the bulletin/map kiosk beside Diet; Photography; Pets, Safety, and warmly, tramp in the woods and the parking lot. We'll start running at Hazing. John is the Belmont Animal enjoy the magic of reading togeth- exactly 7:10. Lightning or very heavy Control Officer and this event is er outdoors! This StoryWalk® takes rain/snow cancels. Email rich@ being co-hosted by Stoneham Animal place on the Crystal Springs Trail, an friendsofthefells.org for more infor- Control Officer Brian Johnstone and easy walk, about ¼ mile. Trail accom- mation. Friends of the Fells. This fascinat- modates jogging strollers. For more ing presentation is appropriate for information, call 617-727-1199. Students of the Fells Amazing school-aged children, but is not rec- Fells Race ommended for ages 6 and under. For 1010:00 AM - 2:00 PM details and questions, please contact Flynn Rink, 300 Elm Street, Medford Lindsay Beal at [email protected] Please come join the Students of the or 413-237-4747. Diana Lomakin
10 News of the Fells News of the Fells 11 Amy Murgatryod
New Board Member Spotlight by Randi Rotjan
Name: Randi Rotjan have been critical to my when my husband and Town: Medford personal and profession- I excitedly identified a Occupation: Research al development. I have huge native sycamore Assistant Professor / shared the Fells with my tree (Platanus occidenta- Scientist family and with many lis) in our favorite stretch visitors from around the of woods. Most of my pro- I have been walking the globe over the years be- fessional conservation Fells since I started grad cause I am so proud to efforts are far-flung, and I school at Tufts in 2001. have this special forest wanted to do something Although I am a marine within walking distance. impactful in my own scientist, this urban for- My most precious Fells backyard. So, I joined the est has been an import- moments are personal— Friends of the Fells board ant muse for me, and has when I went walking with because I truly love this inspired marine conser- my baby boy and we saw forest, and I want to do vation, fostered my love a red-tailed hawk bathing whatever I can to foster of wilderness, and creat- in a small stream; when its success. ed the potential for con- my daughter saw her templative moments that first lady slipper orchid;
12 News of the Fells