MASSACHUSETTS BUTTERFLY CLUB CHAPTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN BUTTERFLY ASSOCIATION
2015 SCHEDULE OF FIELD TRIPS, EVENTS, AND MEETINGS
Please call ahead to confirm date, get directions to meeting place and rain date plans, and to let the coordinator know to expect you.
In case of inclement weather, check “MassLep” Google Group the night before for postponement or rain date.
All levels welcome.
Apr 11, Sat Spring Mass Butterfly Club Meeting and potluck supper 5:30 to Broad Meadow Brook Massachusetts Audubon Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Road, Worcester, MA 9:30PM Contact Howard Hoople at [email protected] or 978-604-0454 if you wish to donate to the auction. Apr 15, Wed Mt. Tom State Reservation Field Trip. Mt. Tom boasts an unparalleled view of the Connecticut Valley 10:30AM north and south, the Berkshire mountains to the west and the Pelham hills to the east. Target species: Mourning Cloaks, Eastern Commas, and Compton Tortoiseshells. Meet at the Bray Lake parking lot. Use the Route 5 entrance north of Holyoke, opposite the SKI Rain Date OUTLET. Apr 16 Thur Contact Tom Gagnon at [email protected] or 413-584-6353 Apr 18, Sat Arlington’s Great Meadows Field Trip. This 183-acre wet meadow is the largest piece of undeveloped 10:00AM land in the Arlington/Lexington area. Target species: Henry’s and Brown Elfins. Meet in parking lot at Golden Living Center, 840 Emerson Gardens Road, East Lexington (off Maple St) . Please park at far end of lot. Contact Tom Whelan at [email protected] or 781-863-1880
Version 5/22/2015 Page 1 of 9 May 9, Sat Weir Hill and Boston Hill at the Charles W. Ward Reservation Field Trip. Join Russ Hopping of The 10:00AM Trustees of Reservations searching for Frosted Elfins and other early species. Weir Hill has both a 305- ft double drumlin and more than a mile of lake shoreline. The reservation is named for fish weirs (woven fences with stakes) that were once submerged by Native Americans in Cochichewick Brook to catch alewives before the reached the lake to spawn. Optional lunch break at local restaurant. Walk at Ward Reservation follows lunch. Ward Reservation offers a combination of fields, forests and uplands. Meet at the parking area between American Legion beach and the electrical substation on Pleasant Street in North Andover. Detailed directions provided upon request. Rain Date: May 10, Sun Contact Howard Hoople at [email protected] or 978-604-0454. Co-leader Russ Hopping May 16, Sat World’s End Field Trip. Have you ever seen a green butterfly? We will search for one of our most 10:00AM beautiful species, the Juniper Hairstreak, recently seen in good numbers on the reservation. A few other butterfly species can be expected such as American Coppers, Swallowtails, Duskywings, and a few Blues. World’s End is a The Trustees of Reservations property of 251 acres of “coastscape” which includes rocky shores, broad hillsides, and open fields bracketed by pockets of woodlands. Note: A non-TTOR member entrance fee is $6.00. Bring your TTOR card if you are a member. Family members are allowed a guest. We will walk about 2 miles. Bring snacks or lunch and water. Meet at furthest parking lot from entry booth, Martin’s Lane, Hingham, MA. Bathroom facilities are available near entrance. Contact Greg Dysart at [email protected] or 508-572-0018 May 17 Sun Myles Standish State Forest. We will walk the gas pipeline cut through pine and scrub oak woods. 9:30 AM The walking is fairly easy, but expect some minor inclines. Target species: Eastern Pine, Hoary, Frosted and Brown Elfins and Dreamy, Sleepy and Juvenal’s Duskywings. Trip includes possible extension to Ponkapoag Bog for Hessel’s Hairstreak. Meet at Forest Headquarters, 194 Cranberry Road, Carver, MA. Contact Steve Moore at [email protected] or 508-393-9251 May 22 Fri Dinosaur Footprints and Little Mt. Tom Field Trip. Join Julie Richburg of The Trustees of 10:30AM Reservations in exploring the Dinosaur Footprints property. We will enjoy a close-up view of the footprints, preserved in sandstone, as well as look for target butterfly species: Juniper Hairstreak. Walking distance 1 - 1 1/2 miles. Bring lunch and water.
Version 5/22/2015 Page 2 of 9 Meet on Route 5 NORTH of Holyoke at Dinosaur Footprints parking lot. Then we’ll drive about 2 miles to parking area at Little Mt. Tom. Contact Tom Gagnon at [email protected] or 413-584-6353. Co-leader Julie Richburg May 30, Sat Barney’s Joy Grassland Field Trip. Join us on this joint walk between the Paskamansett BIrd Club 9:00AM and the Mass Butterfly Club as we search for grassland birds and butterflies. Please register in advance with the leader. Meet at the Demarest Lloyd State Park entrance, Barney’s Joy Road, Dartmouth, MA. Contact Lauren Miller-Donnelly at [email protected] or 508-636-2437 May 30, Sat Mt Greylock State Reservation Field Trip. Target species: Early Hairstreak. Be prepared to walk 3 to 9:30AM 4 miles ROUND TRIP, mostly level. Bring lunch and water. Afterwards, if time permits, we will try for Arctic Skippers in Windsor, MA. Meet at Mt. Greylock Visitor Center, 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA parking lot at 9:30AM. Directions provided upon request. Rain Date May 31, Sun Contact Tom Gagnon at [email protected] or 413-584-6353 Jun 6, Sat Mt Greylock State Reservation Field Trip. Please refer to May 30 trip for additional details. 9:30 AM
Rain Date Jun 7, Sun Jun 7, Sun Karner Blue Butterfly Conservation Easement (New Hampshire) Field Trip. Join us as we search 10:00 AM for this gorgeous but federally and state endangered butterfly species among the wild blue lupine in its protected habitat of pine barrens. Meet at end of Chenell Drive, East Concord, NH or contact leaders for carpooling options.
Contact Marj Watson at [email protected]. Co leader Dawn Puliafico at [email protected] or 508-881-0936
Version 5/22/2015 Page 3 of 9 Jun 13, Sat Appleton Farm. Target species: Silver-bordered Fritillaries and many other species as well (on 10:00AM 6/8/2010 I found a Bronze Copper at Appleton, so this is a possibility!). This Trustees of Reservations property includes more than 500 acres of grassland habitat. Bring water and lunch. Waterproof footwear is encouraged but not necessary since you can avoid wet areas if you wish. Rain Date: Please register in advance with the leader. Jun 14, Sun Go in the main entrance, and continue straight (don’t turn right!) and meet at the parking area for Jimmy’s Barn (Appleton's retail store). Contact Howard Hoople at [email protected] or 978-604-0454. Co-leader Russ Hopping Jun 14, Sun Rehoboth/Dighton Power Lines Field Trip. We will walk the power line break behind the high school. 10:00AM Past trips have yielded such species as Spicebush Swallowtail, Northern Cloudywing, Frosted Elfin, and Silver-Bordered Fritillary. Meet at the Dunkin Donuts at the intersection of Routes 44 and 118 in Rehoboth. Contact Lauren Miller-Donnelly at [email protected] or 508-636-2437 Jun 20, Sat Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area Field Trip. Target species: Baltimore Checkerspot, 10:00AM Northern and Southern Cloudywing
Stay on Rte 495 south to Rte. 25 and straight over the Bourne Bridge onto Rte. 28 toward Falmouth. Take the exit for Rte. 151 east. Approx. 1 1/2 miles on the left at the ball field is the main entrance to Crane. Parking is approximately 1/4 mile from the main entrance.
Contact Joe Dwelly at [email protected] Jun 20, Sat 6th Annual Moth Ball. Join ABNC president Dave Small and naturalist Lula Field to search for Lunas, 9:00PM - late underwings, silkmoths and other night flying insects. Participants are invited to bring their tents, snacks to share and favorite moth baits. (Don’t know what those are? You’ll find out!) Meet at 1542 Pleasant St., Athol, MA (Dave and Shelley’s house) Contact Dave Small at [email protected] or 978-413-1772. Jun 27, Sat Horn Pond Mountain Field Trip. Target species: Hairstreaks (6 different varieties are possible) 10:00AM Meet in the parking lot behind New England Rehabilitation Hospital (near employee parking lot “B”) at 2 Rehabilitation Way, Woburn, MA.
Version 5/22/2015 Page 4 of 9 Rain Date: Contact Howard Hoople at [email protected] or 978-604-0454 Jun 28, Sun Jun 27, Sat Blue Hills Reservation Field Trip. Blue Hills Reservation boasts over 7,000 acres and provides a 3:00PM green oasis in an urban environment. Great Blue Hill rises 365 feet, the highest hill in the chain. From the summit, you will have great views of the entire metropolitan area. Target species: Oak Hairstreak and other hairstreaks. Expect to walk 1 to 1 1/2 miles, and it will be quite steep at the beginning. Meet at parking lot for Blue Hills Trailside Museum, 1904 Canton Avenue (Rte 138), Milton, MA. Contact Ben Galliardi at 860-518-4461 (cell) Jun 30, Tue Willow Farm Field Trip. This property has been actively managed for ecological biodiversity and native 10:30AM habitat enhancement for many years, and it really pays off! The owner has recorded 72 species of butterflies on his property. A walk here any time of the season is interesting. Meet at Willow Farm, property of Brian & Martha Klassanos, 25 Hardwick Pond Rd, Ware. Parking is limited. Please try to carpool. Contact co-leader Wendy Howes about meeting in Hardwick to carpool or with weather questions at [email protected] or 978-928-4737 (landline). Jul 8, Wed Hubbardston Pot-Luck Field Trip. We’ll check some areas that have held surprises in the past and 10:30AM hope to see Bog Copper and Silver-Borderedd Fritillary. There is access to rest rooms. Meet at large parking lot in front of Hubbardston’s recreation area on Route 68, about 1.2 miles north of the village center. Contact Wendy Howes at [email protected] or 978-928-4737 (landline). Jul 11, Sat Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary Sampler Field Trip. We’ll visit this Mass Audubon property, which 10:00AM includes both a working farm and a wildlife sanctuary, to see what butterflies we can find. Expect to walk 1-2 miles or more, as you wish. Possible species could include Giant Swallowtail, Northern Pearly-eye, Great Spangled Fritillary. Meet at Visitor Center, 208 S. Great Road, Lincoln, MA. Contact Rosemary Mosco at [email protected] Jul 12, Sun Westborough Wildlife Management Area Field Trip. This property, managed by the Mass Division of 9:00AM Fisheries and Wildlife, offers a combination of open fields, wooded sections and wet swampy areas. Target species: Northern Pearly-eye, Appalachian Brown, Eyed Brown, and Mulberry Wing. Insect repellant is recommended.
Version 5/22/2015 Page 5 of 9 Meet at Tatnuck Booksellers parking lot, Route 9 & Lyman St, Westborough, MA Contact Barbara Volkle at [email protected] or 508-393-9251 Jul 12, Sun Wendemuth Meadow Preserve Field Trip. ** LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS** This preserve is 10:30AM comprised of 30 acres of fields and wet meadow. The East Quabbin Land Trust is working in partnership with the Town of North Brookfield to permanently protect this property. Baltimore Checkerspots have occurred in large numbers here. The fields are still harvested for hay later in the month, so participants will be restricted from meandering off-trail in certain areas. There are mowed path and edges that afford good access to the fields, however. No rest rooms on premises. Meet at Wendemuth Meadow Preserve, Bates Street, North Brookfield, MA. Contact Wendy Howes at [email protected] or 978-928-4737 (landline). Jul 18, Sat Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Sampler Field Trip. 85% of this refuge’s 3,800 acres is 10:00AM comprised of valuable freshwater wetlands stretching along the Concord and Sudbury Rivers. Diversity of plant and animal life visible from the trails provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature study. With no specific target species, we’ll simply check out what butterflies we can find. Note: There is a new visitor fee of $2/individual or $4/car with up to four passengers, OR $12/year per individual. Current federal duck stamps or interagency passes also qualify for admission. Expect to walk 2-3 miles. Meet at admission kiosk in parking lot. GPS 177 Monsen Road, Concord, refuge driveway is to the right of this house. Take Rte. 62 to the intersection of Bedford St. and Monsen Road. Take Monsen Road and follow to where road turns sharply right and take left there into the refuge driveway. Main parking lot is at the end of the drive. Contact Cherrie Corey at [email protected] or 978-760-1933 (cell) Jul 19, Sun Leicester Birds and Butterflies Field Trip. Join us on this joint walk between the Forbush BIrd Club 9:00 AM and the Mass Butterfly Club as we search for birds and butterflies. Past trips have yielded such species as Spicebush Swallowtail, Northern Pearly-Eye and Red-Spotted Purple. Meet in Leicester on the north side of Route 56 overlooking the back side of Worcester Municipal Airport. Contact Dolores Price at 508-839-2299
Version 5/22/2015 Page 6 of 9 Jul 22, Wed Lake Wampanoag Wildlife Sanctuary Field Trip. This Mass Audubon sanctuary holds a variety of 10:30AM habitats, much of it upland meadow which is mowed annually each fall. A variety of nectaring plants are available, and forest edges and a small pond contribute to additional invertebrate interest. This is an under-butterflyed spot that deserves more exploration. Meet at the sanctuary on Raymond Street in Gardner, MA. Please refer to Mass Audubon web site for driving directions at www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/lake- wampanoag/directions Contact Wendy Howes at [email protected] or 978-928-4737 (landline). Jul 25, Sat Willow Farm Field Trip. Please refer to June 30 trip for additional details. 10:00AM NOTE: RESCHEDULED (was scheduled for Jul 26, Sun)
Aug 8, Sat 8th Annual Barbara J. Walker Butterfly Festival. Enjoy educational fun for all ages ($5/person (ages 10:00AM to 3+); $20/maximum per family; $4 for MA Audubon and MA Butterfly Club members). The day’s activities 4:00PM include naturalist-led walks, live caterpillars, butterfly art, face painting, children’s activities, butterfly garden tours and observation stations, butterfly plant sales, vendors, food and much more. Come in costume and get a prize! Broad Meadow Brook Massachusetts Audubon Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Road, Worcester, MA Rain Date: Contact Martha Gach at [email protected] or 508-753-6087 Aug 9, Sun Aug 9, Sun Nasketucket Bay State Reservation Field Trip. This state property includes 209 acres of wooded 10:00 AM trails, open field and rocky shoreline to enjoy. Target species: Little Yellow From the west: from Interstate Route I-195, take Fairhaven exit #18 and Route 240. Take 240 South a short distance to traffic lights at Route 6. Turn left on Route 6, travel east for 5-10 minutes across the Fairhaven-Mattapoisett border. Turn right onto Brandt Island Road (just after Tokyo restaurant on left). Meet in the DCR parking lot at the split to Brandt Beach Road. Contact Lauren Miller-Donnelly at [email protected] or 508-636-2437
Aug 15, Sat Willow Farm Field Trip. Please refer to June 30 trip for additional details. 10:00AM
Version 5/22/2015 Page 7 of 9 Aug 16, Sun Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge and Forest Park Field Trip. This wildlife refuge, which is designated 10:00 AM a National Natural Landmark by the US Dept of the Interior and an Important Bird Area by Mass Audubon, contains approx. 330 acres of wet meadows, forested and shrub wetlands and adjacent agricultural fields. Target species: Hackberry, and Tawny Emperors and Zabulon Skippers. Later, we will go for ice cream and then on to Forest Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the US. Last year, the group had both Tawny and Hackberry Emperors land on some of us. Meet at Fannie Stebbins at the end of Bark Haul Road off Route 5 in Longmeadow, MA. Contact Tom Gagnon at [email protected] or 413-584-6353. Co-leader Karen Parker Aug 23, Sun Lake Wampanoag Wildlife Sanctuary Field Trip. Please refer to July 22 trip for additional details. 10:30AM
Aug 30, Sun Sherborn Power Lines Field Trip. Target species: Leonard’s Skipper. There is one short hilly 10:00AM segment through the woods with a few uneven areas, but most of the way down to the fields and power line is easy walking. We will cover 2-3 miles total. Long pants and waterproof footwear are helpful on this walk. Bring water and lunch. Meet at Fessenden Field (playing fields) on Western Avenue at Pleasant St., Sherborn, MA. Contact Ron Hamburger at [email protected] or 617-640-2270 Sep 5, Sat Allen’s Pond Wildlife Sanctuary Butterfly Census. In conjunction with Mass Audubon Society, help 10:00AM count butterflies for the 12th season across multiple habitats on this 593 acre sanctuary. This Buzzards Bay location is a hotspot for late-season emigrants and caterpillars. Who knows what will turn up this year? Bring lunch or snack. Please register in advance with the leader. Meet at Allen’s Pond Wildlife Sanctuary field station, 1280 Horseneck Rd., Westport, MA. Rain Date: Sep 6, Sun Contact lauren Miller-Donnelly at [email protected] or 508-636-2437 Sep 5, Sat Northampton Community Gardens Field Trip. 420 individual plots on over 7 acres filled with potential 10:30AM host and nectar plants. Target species: late and rare migrants such as Arctic Skipper, Giant Swallowtail. Later we will go to the Northampton West Meadows area. Rain Date: Sep 6, Sun Meet at Northampton Community Gardens, 51 Prince St, Northampton, MA
Version 5/22/2015 Page 8 of 9 Contact Tom Gagnon at [email protected] or 413-584-6353 Sep 12, Sat Allen’s Pond Wildlife Sanctuary Butterfly Census. Please refer to Sep 5th trip for additional details. 10:00AM
Rain Date: Sep 13, Sun Sep 13, Sun Breakneck Hill Conservation Land Field Trip. Join us as we explore this Town of Southborough 10:00AM grassland property to see what late season butterflies we can find. Past visits at this time of year have yielded such species as Viceroy, Eastern Tailed Blue, American Copper, Pearl Crescent and Monarch. Meet at the parking lot across from 75 Breakneck Hill Road, Southborough. Overflow parking available nearby at Community Garden parking lot. Contact Dawn Puliafico at [email protected] or 508-881-0936. Sep 19, Sat Appleton Farms Field Trip. This Trustees of Reservations property includes more than 500 acres of 10:00 AM grassland habitat. Target species: Silver-bordered Fritillary, Bronze Copper and other wet meadow species. Be prepared to walk 3-4 miles round trip. Bring water and lunch. Waterproof footwear is encouraged but not necessary since you can avoid wet areas if you wish. Club photographers will be on hand and will offer tips on how to take good photographs of butterflies. Bring your camera! 219 County Road, Ipswich, MA. Meet at parking lot near barn inside main entrance. Rain Date: Sep 20, Sun Contact Howard Hoople at [email protected] or 978-604-0454. Co-leader Russ Hopping TBD Fall Mass Butterfly Club Meeting and potluck supper Broad Meadow Brook Massachusetts Audubon Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Road, Worcester, MA Contact Howard Hoople at [email protected] or 978-604-0454.
Tips: Bring binoculars, hand lens, field guide(s), sunscreen, water, hat, insect repellant, allergy medicines, snacks and/or lunch, pen/pencil & small pad for recording, camera. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes. Please do not bring nets or other equipment which might be used to harm butterflies. Be prepared to have a really good time!
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