New Horizons Woolly Bears See Page 2

S e p t e m b e r – D e c e m b e r 2010 A N e w s l e t t e r f o r t h e M e m b e r s o f M a s s A u d u b o n

Inside This Issue

2 A Vision for the Future 4 New Land Opportunities 6 Creating Conservation Communities 8 Bird Conservation in Action 9 Stay Connected 13 Young Environmental Leaders

Inside Every Issue

10 ready, set, Go Outside! Seeds 11 Exploring the Nature of Massachusetts: Fruits 14 Volunteer Spotlight: Dick and Sally Avery 15 The Natural Inquirer: New Horizons Woolly Bears see page 2

Connections online · Regional news · Exclusive online content

www.massaudubon.org/connections A Vision for the Future A Newsletter for the Members of Mass Audubon Volume 8, Number 3 Editorial Team: Hilary Koeller, Jan Kruse, Susannah Lund, Ann Prince, and Hillary G. Truslow We invite your comments, photographs, and suggestions. Please send correspondence to: Mass Audubon Connections, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773, tel: 781-259-9500, or e-mail: [email protected]. For information about becoming a member, or for questions regarding your membership, contact: Member Services, Mass Audubon, 208 South Great Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 tel: 781-259-9500 or 800-AUDUBON, or e-mail: [email protected]. Connections is published three times each year in January, May, and September. Please recycle this newsletter by giving it to a friend by Laura Johnson, President or t donating i to a school, library, or business. Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together hen I first came to Mass Audubon nearly 12 years ago, there were huge withe mor than 100,000 members, we care for 34,000 acres of conservation land, provide Wpiles of rubble where the Boston Nature Center (pictured) now stands and educational programs for 225,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound envi- the site of the Joppa Flats Education Center was an empty parking lot. We had ronmental policies at local, state, and federal not begun our efforts to “green” Mass Audubon infrastructure, and we had no levels. Mass Audubon’s mission and actions have expanded since our beginning in 1896 when our photovoltaic (solar) installations on any of our facilities. Now, by year’s end, we founders set out to stop the slaughter of birds for use on women’s fashions. Today we are the will have 21 sites with solar energy systems, and we built a LEED-certified platinum largest conservation organization in New England. nature center—the highest level of green building—at Wellfleet Bay in 2008. Our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries, in 90 Massachusetts communities, welcomes Over the last decade, our summer camps have also grown—the number of visitors of all ages and serves as the base for our o work. T support these important efforts, children attending camps has doubled. Now, nearly all of our nature centers call 800-AUDUBON (283-8266) or are ADA accessible, and in October we will open our tenth all-persons’ trail at visit www.massaudubon.org. our newest sanctuary in Attleboro (see page 5). The Coastal Waterbird Program Photography: is also more effective as a result of an expanded volunteer base and additional Cover Diamondback terrapin hatchlings— Courtesy of TurtleJournal.com© community outreach and education programs, and the acres of ecologically p. 2 Boston Nature Center grand opening— important land we’ve protected has increased substantially to 34,000 acres. Mass Audubon© p. 3 Children in garden—Shawn P. Carey©; bird- Of utmost importance: our sound science and advocacy expertise is respected watchers & solar panels—Richard Johnson© internationally, not only for our steadfast innovative work to engage citizens and p. 4 Salt marsh—Robert Buchsbaum; map of Great Marsh & McHugh property—Jeff Collins legislators to protect threatened turtles, birds, and other wildlife, but also for & Dinah Rowbotham addressing more recent threats, including encroaching invasive species and how p. 6 Canoeing on Housatonic River—Gayle Tardif- Raser clean energy technologies may affect wildlife. p. 7 Broadmoor illustration—Robert Comazzi© We remain committed—as we have been for more than 114 years—to protecting p. 8 Bluebirds—George Mclean; banding osprey important wildlife and habitat. The core of our success is the dedicated members, on the Westport River—David Cole©; IBA sign—Kristin Foresto volunteers, staff, board and council members, and partners who are Mass Audubon. p. 9 Family installing bird nesting box—Henrietta Yelle Ultimately, Mass Audubon is part of, and a builder of, community, as demonstrated p. 12 Cuttyhunk—Ian Ives; children at day camp— Mia Kheyfetz through our recent Connecting People and Nature Campaign. p.A 13 SC youth at Pleasant Valley—Janice Cullen p. 14 Sally & Dick Avery—Ann Prince Laying the Foundation p. 15 Birders in Belize—David Larson In the summer of 2005, Mass Audubon launched the $55 million campaign,

Printedn o 50% recycled paper with soy-based ink. focusing on: Building Conservation Communities, Protecting Land and Habitat, By using Rolland Opaque 50% post-consumer Preserving a Common Wealth of Birds, and establishing a Fund for Nature. As is paper, Mass Audubon annually saves 128 trees, 72,264 true of most things at Mass Audubon, our success is the result of superb teamwork gallonsf o water, and avoids 18,750 pounds of air emissions, including CO2. throughout the organization as well as with the Mass Audubon Board, the Campaign © Mass Audubon 2010 Steering Committee, and Campaign Cochairs Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld and Anne Brooke—and most of all our generous donors. Looking back over what has been

2 a spectacularly successful campaign, will mobilize and focus our science the picture is bright. We have: and land protection resources and, • Forged new conservation bonds together with our members and partners, throughout the Commonwealth, with accelerate our work to protect our additions to programs including in state’s diminishing natural heritage. underserved urban communities; Responding to Climate Change. Mass • Preserved more than 5,000 acres of Audubon recognizes that the disruptive biologically significant and aesthetically effects of rapid climate warming are a magnificent land; major threat to people and wildlife in the Commonwealth and on the planet. • Enhanced the visitor experience Current scientifically based expectations throughout our sanctuary system for the coming changes in the earth’s by improving facilities as well as climate patterns predict severe challenges “greening” them; for our economy, security, and health. • Created one of the most aggressive, Therefore: Through energy conservation, multifaceted bird conservation public outreach, policy initiatives, and programs in our history; scientific research, Mass Audubon will erosion of the bond between people • Supported the passage of important be a leader in helping people learn to and nature. Increasingly, people are legislation, including the first-in-the- live sustainably and respond to the disconnected from the natural world nation Ocean Management Act; threats posed by the changing climate. that sustains them. This is especially Our goals are ambitious and urgent. • Continued comprehensive inventories true for our children. We must heal this We know we will need to attract ever of plant and animal species at our breach not only because nature enriches more volunteers, members, and financial sanctuaries; and our lives aesthetically and spiritually, resources to achieve them. And, to • Developed a meaningful, yet practical but because our mental, emotional, and protect the nature of Massachusetts, we response to climate change. physical health depend on it. Therefore: need to continue widening our circle to Using our remarkable statewide network The accomplishments of the campaign be even more welcoming to all people. of wildlife sanctuaries and nature centers, have advanced our conservation Please read the next six pages for more we will redouble our efforts to engage and mission significantly (read about other details of some of our (and that includes motivate people to learn about and enjoy successes at www.massaudubon.org/ you!) accomplishments of the recently the natural world and to act to preserve it. connecting). Yet, there’s more to do. completed campaign and of specific goals Protecting and Stewarding we’ve set for the next five years. May it Building a Flourishing Future Massachusetts Habitats. Massachusetts inspire you to roll up your sleeves and It is perhaps even more inspiring is losing unprotected open space at help Mass Audubon continue to lead by to realize that the experience of the last an alarming rate. Critical wildlife example as one of the top conservation five years has created a foundation for habitat such as salt marshes, coastal organizations in the United States. In still greater achievement and crystallized heathlands, and vernal pools continue short, may it inspire you to take action! a vision that will form the basis of our to be destroyed and fragmented as a conservation strategy over the next result of poorly planned development. five years. Protecting and managing habitat is the Read the Strategic Plan at Connecting People and Nature. One most effective strategy for reversing www.massaudubon.org/strategicplan of the greatest challenges we face is the the loss of biodiversity. Therefore: We

3 Protecting Land and Habitat The essential element in Mass Audubon’s land conservation vision is people. We understand and celebrate the deep connections between people and special properties—linking each of us to nature and to past, present, and future generations. Mass Audubon’s efforts to preserve and care for land across the Commonwealth through the Connecting People and Nature Campaign was made possible through the generosity of our members, donors, and landowners.

What We Did network is completed, the property Why It Matters will open to the public later this year Since 2005, we have made great Strategic conservation of land, and be managed by Mass Audubon. strides in caring for the wild lands of combined with good stewardship, is one • Guided a community effort to Massachusetts. With your help, we: of the most effective ways to protect permanently protect 21 acres of • Preserved more than 5,000 acres of the Commonwealth’s important natural pastureland, woods, and wetlands magnificent land, from the Berkshires areas for people and wildlife. We need adjacent to our Drumlin Farm Wildlife to the Outer Cape, and in 40 communities to increase the rate of protection now Sanctuary. Through an innovative in between. And we got a lot for your because habitat loss continues to be partnership among the town of Lincoln, investment, spending $5,791,750 to the number one factor causing loss of the Rural Land Foundation, Mass acquire lands cumulatively valued at plants and animals in the Bay State. Audubon, and the Commonwealth’s $51,992,910. Or, for every $100 spent Land preservation is not something Agricultural Preservation Restriction we protected nearly $900 worth of land. done in one step; it requires a continuing Program, this spectacular property, • Opened more than 15 new miles long-term commitment. Thoughtful valued at $2.98 million, will remain of public trails for birding, hiking, stewardship can reduce stressors such as a key link in an open space corridor snowshoeing, and other passive invasive species, making ecosystems more stretching from Weston through recreational uses for your enjoyment. resilient as the impacts of climate change Lincoln to Walden Pond. • Ensured permanent protection become more pronounced. Natural land • Enhanced the quality and function of an amazing 300-acre mosaic of serves as essential green infrastructure— of already-conserved land at dozens properties fronting on Buzzards Bay in continuously generating a wide range of our wildlife sanctuaries by restoring Wareham—home to the eastern box of life-sustaining benefits including native grasslands, removing invasive turtle and numerous other rare species— clean drinking water and fresh air. species, and adding amenities to make through the Great Neck Conservation our properties even more welcoming Partnership (Wareham Land Trust, to visitors of all ages and abilities. state Department of Conservation and Recreation, town of Wareham, and Mass Audubon). After the new trail

4 Explore New Sanctuaries

Thanks to a generous gift of 100 acres from Helen Allis Maniatty, Mass Audubon has a new presence in Conway, one of the hilltowns of western Massachusetts. A former fam- McHugh land Mass Audubon land Other protected land ily farm now permanently protected, Conway Hills Wildlife Sanctuary What’s Next 3. It is a rare opportunity in includes rolling hayfields, wetlands, and Massachusetts that would connect a mixed hardwood and coniferous for- Our work is not done. Preserving more than 8,000 acres of salt marshes, est, as well as protects the headwaters the natural world for this and future coastal oak woodlands, tidal creeks, and of the Mill River. This sanctuary links generations requires innovative large segments of unfragmented land, estuaries. Yet, we have a bold initiative strategies and resources to meet ensuring a contiguous corridor for to establish a new wildlife sanctuary at emerging challenges. Here are a few wildlife, and maintains a large wood- the Great Marsh—the largest contiguous highlights of what we see ahead. land for forest-nesting birds. Oh, and area of salt marsh north of Long Island 1. We are revising land conservation there’s also a short forest trail we and most significant coastal ecosystem established for your enjoyment. strategies to best respond to climate in Massachusetts. The Great Marsh change. We will establish important Conservation Initiative focuses on the The official opening of Attleboro linkages among existing conserved lands, McHugh land (see map), an 80-acre Springs Wildlife Sanctuary at work with partners to preserve large areas property on the North Shore in Rowley La Salette,y managed b Mass of intact forest, and protect less common Audubon, is October 2 (see page 7 threatened with both foreclosure and habitats (such as cold-water streams for special events). Situated between development. We are working to conserve and salt marsh) that will become more downtown Attleboro and Oak Knoll this special land, which is adjacent to vulnerable as climate changes, putting Wildlife Sanctuary, this 117-acre urban 125 acres already protected by Mass native species such as the brook trout sanctuary owned by the National Audubon. The McHugh property supports Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette is and various migratory birds at risk. numerous rare and endangered species, home to a variety of turtles, dragon- 2. To increase our ability to respond serves as critical migratory bird habitat, flies, and frogs, and also a wonderful quickly to urgent land opportunities, we and may accommodate salt marsh haven for migratory birds. An acces- created the Mass Audubon Land Fund. sible trail leads to scenic Brothers migration as sea level rises resulting This “land rescue fund” will leverage Pond and a vernal pool. Our partners from climate change. At a total cost additional resources through matching included the city of Attleboro, the of more than $3 million, the project challenges and significantly enhance our Attleboro Land Trust, La Salette, and represents a significant challenge with ability to protect ecologically valuable the Commonwealth. Come explore extraordinary potential. Learn more about the trails, wetlands, woods, and rich property throughout Massachusetts. Mass Audubon’s efforts to preserve this land history of this land. at www.massaudubon.org/connecting. www.massaudubon.org/sanctuaries

5 Building Conservation Communities How best to ensure a bright future for the nature of Massachusetts? Inspire and empower children and adults to form and strengthen positive connections with their natural environment. Through the Connecting People and Nature Campaign, we expanded programs and enrichment activities to encourage people from all walks of life to do just that.

What We Did than 650 people. Over the past three will provide 70 percent of the center’s years, children and adults once fearful or annual water needs. Another green Many hands came together to care distrustful of the polluted waterway have milestone: By year’s end, with support for our natural resources. Due to your now become committed caretakers. The from the Massachusetts Technology generosity, we: project was funded by the Massachusetts Collaborative, we will have installed • Introduced more than 4,500 elementary- SubCouncil of the Housatonic River 30 solar energy systems, significantly school students to the Housatonic River Natural Resource Trustees. reducing our use of fossil fuels. in the Berkshires through the Housatonic • Improved our nature centers for • Engaged hundreds of volunteers Environmental Literacy Program visitor enjoyment and to serve as learning through initiatives such as Baby Boomer (HELP). With partnering organization tools about sustainable technologies. grants at Connecticut River Valley Housatonic Valley Association, our For example, our new energy-efficient Sanctuaries. These grants, funded by Berkshires Sanctuaries staff delivered educational facility at Joppa Flats the Massachusetts Service Alliance, also cross-curriculum classroom lessons Education Center in Newburyport also allowed us to develop a guide on best reinforced by canoeing on the river to includes advanced features, such as an practices for tapping the enthusiasm these youth, and also sponsored free innovative water catchment system that and skills of this generation. public canoe trips (pictured) for more • Completed the fourth edition of Losing Ground to document changes in land use and the impact of development on habitat loss. To complement Losing Ground, we launched the Shaping the Future of Your Community program to help citizens and municipalities chart a more sustainable future for both people and wildlife. Residents in more than 30 communities facing intense development pressure in southeastern and central Massachusetts have taken action. Using planning tools such as Open Space Residential Design, they are preserving critical open space and historic properties. This program was funded through the initiative and generosity of longtime Mass Audubon board member Judy Samelson. If additional funding is received, we will build on our success, helping more communities plan for appropriate development as well as effects of climate change.

6 Free Fall Discovery Days As part of our commitment to community, we’re hosting Discovery Days at select Why It Matters Discovery Trail and Boston Nature sanctuaries on the following Saturdays Center’s recently completed nature Making a connection and then from 10 am to 3 pm, rain or shine. The playground are the first of such sites at deepening the bond between people and dayse ar free for everyone, so round our sanctuaries that use natural elements, up your family and friends and join us. nature is essential for optimal health—for such as climbing logs, shelter-building humans and for the earth. We do that September 11 areas, stump jumps, and giant “nests.” through our interactions with more than Ipswich River, Topsfield 3. Greening campaigns are underway 750,000 children and adults annually. River and Wetlands Investigation for Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Yet, we know that to protect the nature Take a guided canoe paddle up the Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary. Highlights of Massachusetts, we need everyone to Ipswich River, discover pond creatures, of improvements we will make with ande explor the famous “Rockery.” innovate, educate, and motivate. Although your assistance include the following: our wildlife sanctuaries are our hubs, the October 2 impact of Mass Audubon is what happens Wellfleet Bay Oak Knoll/Attleboro Springs, as a result of our centers—both within • A new 40 kWh solar array that will Attleboro our boundaries and for miles around. generate 70 percent of electricity Grand Opening of Attleboro Springs By teaching about green living, providing use there Wildlife Sanctuary at La Salette Watche a liv owl presentation, partici- citizen science and volunteer opportunities, • Solar hot water pate in hands-on ponding, and make a and sharing and learning with others • A study to assess the impact of fun nature-inspired craft. about nature, we raise awareness of how small-scale wind on birds and bats to tread lightly on the land while building • If appropriate, a small wind turbine October 16 Arcadia, Northampton community. This knowledge, followed by Broadmoor (pictured above) action, sustains plants, wildlife, people, Fields and Grassland Discovery • Upgrade the mechanical systems so Explore an unvisited part of the sanctu- and—ultimately—our planet. the center can continue to serve as ary, build bluebird and American kestrel What’s Next a model for energy conservation boxes, and see live birds up close. and green technology 1. Creating more accessible trails and • Quadruple the program space for October 23 Blue Hills Trailside Museum, Milton boardwalks will offer pathways to nature adult and children’s education in for people of all abilities. Next year, using Wildlife’s Winter Preparations the Saltonstall Nature Center Findw out ho our local wildlife prepares Stony Brook and Broadmoor sanctuaries • Improve visitor services by creating for the cold months. Programs will fea- as models, we will begin adding sensory- a new pavilion and reception area turee liv animals. rich content to enhance accessible trails • Improvements to trails and wildlife at eight additional sanctuaries. habitat to enhance visitor experiences The Environmental 2. Natural play spaces encourage Insurance Agency is unstructured outdoor enjoyment to the proud sponsor of improve health and stimulate children’s www.massaudubon.org/connecting Mass Audubon’s Free imagination. Drumlin Farm’s Forest Discovery Days. Get a free quote on green auto insurance at www.EIAinsurance.com or call 877-999-9342. Mass Audubon members save 10%! 7 Preserving a Common Wealth of Birds Whether it’s an osprey soaring overhead, a hermit thrush singing its flutelike song, or a bluebird at a backyard feeder, birds inspire us. For over a century, Mass Audubon has protected birds, and the Connecting People and Nature Campaign continued that legacy.

What We Did Program (CWP) to engage local residents What’s Next and governments in stewardship of Over the last five years, we 1. Mass Audubon will develop a piping plovers, oystercatchers, terns, and provided compelling insight and series of reports identifying the highest other vulnerable coastal species. The data-driven research to aid bird priorities for maintaining biodiversity in CWP is recognized internationally as an conservation. Together, we: Massachusetts. To begin, the State of the effective collaborative model in protecting • Involved more than 1,000 citizen Breeding Birds of the Commonwealth report threatened coastal bird populations. science volunteers in the Breeding Bird will synthesize BBA II and other bird Atlas (BBA) II statewide survey. The Why It Matters data to provide the first comprehensive terrific “Atlasers” have collectively logged overview of changes in breeding birds Mass Audubon’s passion for birds is more than 33,000 hours in the field resulting from habitat loss, climate demonstrated through education, advocacy, to confirm 190 breeding bird species. change, and other drivers since BBA I in and sound scientific contributions by our We look forward to the fifth—and the 1970s. Target release date: Fall 2011. staff, members, volunteers, and partnering final—year of data collection in 2011. 2. Information and data organizations. Through our initiatives, • Created the Birds to Watch program on the Important Bird birders of all ages, abilities, and back- to monitor common birds in decline and Area (IBA) website grounds can become a unified and com- act before they become endangered. In will be updated mitted voice for birds. Bird conservation 2010, thousands of people from more and expanded, and is directed at both individual species and than 90 percent of the communities in educational posters and the broader ecological health of our envi- the Commonwealth submitted their signs for our properties ronment. With habitat loss accelerating and observations on Baltimore orioles, adding that are designated IBAs will be created. climate change taking hold, this approach to our already-impressive baseline. 3. The Birds to Watch program, which is now more important than ever. • Expanded the education and outreach currently includes Baltimore orioles, component of the Coastal Waterbird whip-poor-wills, and American kestrels, will be expanded to include other bird species as informed by our research. 4. The oil disaster in the Gulf and increased erosion of beaches driven by rising sea levels will necessitate increased diligent monitoring of shorebirds through our Coastal Waterbird Program. Mass Audubon will work to determine how best to protect stressed coastal bird populations in the wake of urgent challenges. Mass Audubon will also increase community education about nesting coastal birds through school programs, guided beach walks, and enhanced web content based on a pilot project conducted in Chatham this past summer.

www.massaudubon.org/connecting

8 The Fund for Nature Mass Audubon weaves together innovative ideas, individual commitments, and inspirational partnerships to advance conservation. The Connecting People and Nature Campaign strengthened our role and impact as a leading environmental organization in the nation.

What We Did The Fund for Nature was an incubator advance our conservation mission for new concepts and the catalyst to will allow us to meet the most in environmental education, and bring cutting-edge programs to fruition. daunting environmental challenges. remain dogged in our advocacy Your support has helped us to: Our founders Harriet Hemenway efforts. Toward that end, we will: • Remain a vigilant voice on key and Minna Hall—passionate in their 1. Strengthen the tenuous bond environmental legislation and quest to protect birds when they founded between people and nature by engaging, public policy issues. Our advocacy Mass Audubon in 1896—would expect inspiring, and empowering individuals team continues to work tirelessly no less. And we are confident that they to be caretakers of the earth. to defeat attempts to drastically would be pleased to see how their mission 2. Be ever-more welcoming and make water down the state law protecting has flourished. our sanctuaries accessible to all people. rare and endangered species. 3. Help people live sustainably What’s Next • Initiate a rigorous scientific inventory and protect the environment by of flora and fauna on our sanctuaries. We are excited about the future! continuing to shrink our carbon Our staff scientists and citizen volunteers We will build on our successful efforts footprint and share real-life examples are contributing reliable data on how to preserve land, pursue new paths so others can do the same. species are changing in response to climate change, which will help determine how best to assist wildlife in the face of this global threat. We Did It! • Create and expand our model for We met our $55 million goal for the Connecting People and Nature delivering urban environmental education Campaign. You and your generous donations enable us to accomplish so to meet the needs of underserved much. Thank you for your vote of confidence and please stay involved! communities. For example, this past summer we were thrilled to provide an • Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/massaudubon) outdoor education and job experience and Twitter (www.twitter.com/massaudubon) for at-risk youth in collaboration with • Sign up for a free e-newsletter from the sanctuary or program of the NorthStar Learning Centers, a social your, choice including Explorations, our recently launched statewide service agency in New Bedford, and e-newsletter at www.massaudubon.org our staff and volunteers at Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary in Dartmouth. • Become a volunteer! Find fun ways to help Why It Matters at www.massaudubon.org/volunteer The world is always in flux. While • Keep up your membership and invite family and friends to join at our focus on protecting the nature of www.massaudubon.org/membership Massachusetts remains constant, we know that our success requires Mass • Explore our sanctuaries through the Passport to Nature program Audubon to be nimble and creative. at www.massaudubon.org/passport Testing new ideas, conducting purposeful independent research, and inviting all voices to help us 9 Seeds Seed Search What are special wrapped packages of future plants with How many of these things coverings designed to protect and then disperse them to can you observe in your suitable habitats? Seeds! Some seed coverings are fruits or berries, backyard or neighborhood? enticing animals to eat them, after which they discard or eliminate the seeds. Other seeds travel in the wind, float A fruit or berry that could on water, or hitchhike on animals. Still others are be food for an animal dispersed by animals such as squirrels that store A seed with a very protective acorns in different caches, inadvertently planting covering like a husk, shell, or nut future trees. So look at seeds and discover the A grass or flower with hundreds ingenious ways nature has designed to disseminate of seeds still attached them. After trying these activities, continue experimenting with seeds at www.massaudubon.org/go. A milkweed or dandelion releasing seeds into the wind A plant with hitchhiker seeds A place where an animal left some remains after eating seeds

Hitchhikers Go to an open field that has not recently been mowed; or walk along the edge of a farm field, road, or yard. The grasses and other plants are trying to disperse their seeds before the first big Close Look frost. Look for seeds with hooks or Collect berries, fruits, nuts, and other barbs designed to attach to the seeds. Spread them out on a table fur or feathers of passing and sort them by size, color, protective animals and eventually fall off covering, how they disperse, and other elsewhere, known as hitchhiker categories you choose. Look at their seeds. Try these experiments. coverings with a magnifier or under a Give a Ride—Wearing long pants, walk microscope. Cut open the berries and through the grasses and other tall plants. fruits to find the seeds inside. How many (Light-colored sweatpants and leggings seeds are there? Do the seeds inside work great, as do high socks pulled over your have additional protective covering? pant legs.) After a while, look at your legs. Do you see a few hitchhiker seeds? Release Parent/Teacher Note the seeds in the same field since they will fare best if they remain in this habitat, Skills Learned: Concepts—habitat, plant but not too close to their parent plants. physiology, plant adaptations, ecological relationships, seasonal changes, and life cycles Grow Your Own—Take home a small variety of the seeds you find. Grow Skills—Observation, counting, sorting, them in soil with periodic watering and experimentation; forming and testing and see what happens! hypotheses; and comparing results Safety Note: After walking through fields, check your clothing for ticks. If you’re exposed to poison ivy, wash your skin and clothing immediately. 10 Exploring the Nature of Massachusetts by Lucy Gertz, Visitor Education Coordinator

Common The Fruits of Fall Blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis) Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) Rich in vitamin C, these roadside and fencerow drupes nourish chipmunks, wild turkeys, migrating songbirds, Thise nativ wetland holly is deciduous, losing Northern Bayberry and people willing to brave the thorns in late summer. its leaves each autumn and coloring the winter (Morella [Myrica] landscape with its bright red berries. It’s a pennsylvanica) favorite with wintering robins. and jaundiceberry; household uses, candleberry and teaberry; habitats, Tree swallows depend Autumn is a season of on these wax-covered fenberry and mountain berry; what eats unparalleled visual beauty. Look berries to fuel up for their fall them, deerberry and partridgeberry; migrations, and yellow-rumped closely and you can observe an amazing (myrtle) warblers consume them and how they grow, bunchberry, example of two different types of to survive our winters. dangleberry, and dewberry. organisms interacting for mutual benefit. No matter what we call them, the Migratory birds need foods with high fat abundant fruits of fall yield a bountiful and sugar content to sustain them on “Fruit” and “berry” mean different harvest. Migratory birds and other wildlife their long journeys. Plants need to spread things in different contexts. To a botanist, will continue to be nourished on these their seeds widely to ensure that at least a fruit is the seed-bearing part of a seasonal foods if we continue to support some will successfully germinate the flowering plant. So technically, tomatoes, their native, diverse, and healthy habitats. following spring. Fruits are one botanic beans, corn kernels, and walnuts are strategy to accomplish this. When a all fruits. In contrast, a berry is a fruit fruit ripens, often turning a bright color, produced from a single ovary—like a it is eaten and the seed is transported grape, but also an eggplant! In common to a new—ideally suitable—location. usage, however, a fruit is a fleshy, sweet part of a plant that can usually be eaten Large Cranberry raw, and a berry is a kind of small fruit. (Vaccinium Confoundedly, many plants called Partridgeberry macrocarpon) (Mitchella repens) This Thanksgiving staple berries have multiple common names. was originally called “Indian berry” was used by European Berries not devoured by birds remain on the the “craneberry” plants all winter. Mice, ruffed grouse, quail, and settlers to refer to any unfamiliar berry because the flower, wild turkeys will eat the berries, especially when nodding in the used by Native Americans. Other when other fruits are scarce. breeze, resembles berries were named for their medicinal the head and neck Illustrations by Barry Van Dusen© of a crane. properties, purgeberry, goutberry, Learn more: The Berry Finder by Dorcas S. Miller is a pocket- sized key available at the Audubon Shop at Drumlin Farm.

Find fall fruits, including some “true berries,” at these sanctuaries

Allens Pond, Dartmouth—Walk the Beach Broadmoor, Natick—Along the All Person’s Felix Neck, Edgartown—Search for elderberries Loop Trail in early fall to view swarms of tree Trail, look for the fruits of silky dogwood, marsh near the marshes and ponds. These juicy dark-purple swallows. They mass together, sometimes in the rose, and cranberry viburnum. Take in the aroma berries can be used in syrups and teas as a natural thousands, modifying their mostly insect diet to of wild grapes. For a multisensory experience, remedy for many ailments. feast on bayberries during migration. dial 508-530-0002 or download the audio tour at Long Pasture, Barnstable—Meander down to Boston Nature Center, Mattapan—Join www.massaudubon.org/broadmooraudio. the Salt Marsh Boardwalk and discover clusters of songbirds and butterflies as they visit the Drumlin Farm, Lincoln—Native plant gardens bayberry and beach plum, two plants that survive thimble-shaped common blackberries, the in the entrance area and along the hill pathway they salt spra and dry sandy soil of the Cape brambles of red and black raspberries, or the demonstrate ways home gardeners can incorpo- shore., Large oval, purplish beach plums and small, trailing “whips” of northern dewberry. rate berry-producing plants including dogwoods, waxy, green bayberries entice migrating birds. viburnums, and blueberries into their landscaping. www.massaudubon.org/sanctuaries

11 The perfect gift…. Cuttyhunk Cruise 2011 Ring-Standard Calendar Escape to the unique Elizabeth Islands off the coast 31/4" by 41/4" | 114th edition of Cape Cod. Discover the windswept landscape of Cuttyhunk and step back to a simpler time. September 19—9 am-5 pm ~ Cruise leaves from Woods Hole Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary ~ www.massaudubon.org/longpasture Preregistration required. For information and to register call 508-385-7657.

Memories of summer to last the winter through Join us again next summer at one First created in 1897 by Louise B. Graves. of our 16 day camps, or Mary Sage Shakespeare (formerly of Mass Wildwood, our overnight camp Audubon) and her cousin, Charlotte Greenewalt, have continued the tradition. Printed on recycled paper; presented in a gold gift box. Information on summer 2011 Audubon Shop will be available in January at Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary on our website 781-259-2214 www.massaudubon.org/camp

Fall Program Sampler A snapshot of programs from among hundreds that Mass Audubon offers this season at our wildlife sanctuaries

Annual Butterfly Census & Walk Tales of the Night Halloween Prowl September 18: 10 am-12:30 pm October 28 & 29: 6:30-9 pm October 22, 6:15-8 pm; ALLENS POND, Dartmouth, 508-636-2437 (hayrides start at 7 pm) October 23 & 24, 5:30-8 pm DRUMLIN FARM, Lincoln, 781-259-2206 MOOSE HILL, Sharon, 781-784-5691 Hawley Bog in the Fall October 2: 10 am-noon Sustainable Book Club Getting the Most from Your ARCADIA, Northampton, 413-584-3009 A discussion of The Secret Life of Plants Digital Camera with Bob Speare by P. Tompkins & C. Bird Exploring Lime Kiln Farm Sanctuary October 16: 8 am -4 pm October 13: 6-7 pm NORTH RIVER, Marshfield, 781-837-9400 November 27: 10 am-noon FELIX NECK, Edgartown, 508-627-4850 BERKSHIRE SANCTUARIES, Lenox, 413-637-0320 Autumn Art and Fun Fest Western Greenway New Trails Walk Hawk Migration at Chickatawbut Hill October 23: 10 am-4 pm October 23: 8-11 am; appropriate VISUAL ARTS CENTER, Canton, 781-821-8853 September 18: 10 am-5 pm for teens and adults BLUE HILLS, Milton, 617-333-0690 HABITAT, Belmont, 617-489-5050 North Monomoy Island Tours Every weekend through Columbus Day; Rappin’ with Raptors Festival Big Woods Hike call for schedule and details September 25: 1-4 pm November 21 (every 15 minutes from WELLFLEET BAY, Wellfleet, 508-349-2615 BOSTON NATURE CENTER, Mattapan, noon-1:30 pm); preregistration required 617-983-8500 IPSWICH RIVER, Topsfield, 978-887-9264 Hike to Wachusett Mountain October 9: 10 am-3 pm Boo Meadow Brook Wednesday Morning Birding WACHUSETT MEADOW, Princeton, October 15 & 16: 6:30-8:30 pm Every Wednesday, 9:30 am-12:30 pm 978-464-2712 BROAD MEADOW BROOK, Worcester, JOPPA FLATS, Newburyport, 978-462-9998 508-753-6087 Farm Day 2010: Preserving Fall Foliage Canoe and the Past, Sustaining the Future Breakfast on the Charles October 10: 10 am-3 pm October 9: 7-11 am; preregistration required LONG PASTURE, Barnstable, 508-362-7475 www.massaudubon.org/programs BROADMOOR, Natick, 508-655-2296

12 The Next Generation

When it comes to win-win situations, for Mass Audubon. “These young them valuable lessons on land stewardship it doesn’t get better than this. For the energetic crew members from all over and environmental education. “The past three years, Mass Audubon and the country have helped us take care enthusiasm and support from Mass the Student Conservation Association of as much as 20 years of stewardship Audubon has been tremendous,” says Jonah (SCA) have worked together to enhance backlog or have tackled new projects Keane, director of SCA Massachusetts. “The our wildlife sanctuaries, teach young while inspiring us with their interests, level of staff involvement is much more children the benefits of nature, and talents, enthusiasm, and idealism.” than we anticipated and adds so much.” offer invaluable training to the next During the winter, the crew members The interns concur: “This program generation of conservation leaders. spend their time in local school systems, has exceeded my expectations; I’ve The SCA has a long and fruitful history getting children excited about nature realized I’m capable of so much more of educating young adults on conservation and conservation. They also work on than I thought,” says 23-year-old Andrew science in real-time settings. It first began projects such as programming for towns Bourett of Maine. “Working with Mass in the late 1950s, placing a handful of where there is Mass Audubon land but no Audubon, I feel like I’m part of something volunteers in two national parks. Fast staff or new trail systems at our wildlife important. We spent the winter planning forward a half-century and some sanctuaries. When spring arrives, they a trail system [with Central West Property 4,000 interns and volunteers in all 50 states head outdoors, embarking on weeklong Manager Ron Wolanin], and then we provide more than two million hours of projects—aka “hitches”—from building actually built it. And the research we did conservation service per year. But it wasn’t new trails to repairing boardwalks. on natural play areas is being put to use.” until 2007 that Mass Audubon came to After an ice storm one winter, Pleasant But the biggest takeaway? “The most be on both the receiving and giving ends, Valley Wildlife Sanctuary was in desperate significant skill I’ve learned is how to be thanks to a generous private grant. Mass need of help. “SCA was just what the an effective teacher,” Andrew says. “Now Audubon and the SCA joined forces to doctor ordered at just the right time,” I can help inspire the next generation create a program that brings thirty 18 to says Rene Laubach, sanctuary director. of environmentalists.” Passing the torch 25 year olds to Massachusetts annually. “Without their help, we would have been is what the program is all about. To date they’ve logged an astounding hard-pressed to clear massive amounts s Hillary G. Truslow 12,330 hours with Mass Audubon! of woody debris blocking our trails.”

“The stewardship impact as a result Throughout the process, Mass Audubon’s More on SCA work at our sites: of this partnership is remarkable,” says staff meets with the SCA crews, teaching Gail Yeo, Central West regional director www.massaudubon.org/connections

13 In with Both Feet—Times Two

Corp and the Straits Pond Watershed Association, and treasurer of the Cohasset Conservation Trust and the Cohasset Land Foundation. Not surprisingly, he was recently named Citizen of the Year in Cohasset. Sally and Dick are Mass Audubon Leadership Friends and Sanctuary Committee Members for South Shore Sanctuaries. In 2004 they visited every Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary, and last year, through Mass Audubon Tours, they took a Costa Rica birding trip led by South Shore Sanctuaries Director Sue MacCallum. “What I enjoy most about Sally and Dick is their varied interests—from botany to birding, travel to gardening, building boardwalks to brainstorming about a long-range vision,” says MacCallum. “The Averys are or a long time Sally Avery wanted to Risk, based on Mass Audubon’s centennial inspiring with their calm and thoughtful Ftake part in the popular long-running book, The Nature of Massachusetts. approach, dependability, willingness Friday Morning Birders program held With nearly 2,000 volunteer hours to help with almost any project, and weekly by Mass Audubon’s North River and counting, Dick and Sally help with kind and compassionate manner.” Wildlife Sanctuary. So the first Friday after South Shore Sanctuaries’ special events As a citizen scientist for Breeding Bird she retired she joined the group. That was such as Farm Day, Bird-a-thon, and Walk Atlas II, Sally confirmed the American 14 years ago, and she and her husband, for Wildlife, as well as volunteering woodcock for her “block” when a line Dick, have been involved at South Shore a day a week for the sanctuary. On of babies walked right through their Sanctuaries ever since. “It cascaded,” says Sally. “One thing led to another. Now I’m in with both feet. And Dick is too.” “The Averys are inspiring with their calm and thoughtful Being a gardener, Sally had always been approach, dependability, willingness to help with almost any interested in her neighborhood birds. project, and kind and compassionate manner.” And being musical, she knows birdsong instinctively—the subtleties in notes and — Sue MacCallum, director, South Shore Sanctuaries melodies—and easily recognizes a bird species by its song. In fact, her director Wednesdays Sally works the front desk, yard. In fact, the Avery’s yard bird list is of the Choral Arts Society has taken and every Tuesday Dick assists Property up to 120 species, boosted by the berry- to calling her Sally “Aviary.” Assisting Manager David Ludlow with building producing shrubs they planted to replace other bird walk leaders, Sally started boardwalks, constructing bird boxes, their vegetable garden. “We stopped helping new birders listen to the birds, reroofing sheds, clearing invasive plants, growing food for our table,” says Dick, identify them by song, and locate them. baling hay, repairing machinery, putting “and started growing food for the birds.” Then a garden club friend asked Sally in gardens, spackling and painting, There’s no end to their generosity. to give a talk on birds. Soon she was and the list goes on. “I wouldn’t s Ann Prince giving presentations all over eastern miss it for the world,” says Dick. Massachusetts on Birds and Birdsong, If that weren’t enough, Dick is Landscaping for Birds, and Habitats at president of the Cohasset Lightkeepers www.massaudubon.org/volunteer

14 Mass Audubon Board of Directors

Chair Jonathan Panek Vice Chairs Jared Chase • Nora Huvelle President aLaur A. Johnson by John Galluzzo, South Shore Sanctuaries Education Coordinator Corporate Secretary Kristin M. Barr Assistant Corporate Secretary Elaine Kile Treasurer .Jeffrey F Peters Q. Can a woolly bear caterpillar really Assistant Treasurers Gary R. Clayton • Bancroft R. Poor forecast the severity of winter? A. People hold dearly to weather-related Directors Alexander Ellis III Dedee Shattuck Julian Aygeman Barbara E. Fargo* David Sibley folklore.e W watch for red skies at night Robert Ball Marjorie M. Findlay Phyllis Solomon and red skies in the morning. And some Walter (Jerry) Bird Jennifer Firth Andyw Solo ofs u even believe that the woolly bear Catherine Campbell Richard. T T Forman Lee Spelke* Alfred. D Chandler, III Ayla Gavins Lisa Standley caterpillar—commonly seen along Jared Chase Thaddeus Gillespie Deborah Swenson roadsides and woodland edges—can Dan Cheever John Green* Jeffrey Swope* Richard Chute Lynn Harvey Alexander L. predict the nature of the coming winter. William Coady Thorndike Elizabeth Heide The larval stage of the yellow-orange Isabella tiger Donald Cooper Terilyn A. John L. Thorndike* Woolly bear caterpillar Nicholas d’Arbeloff Henderson* Patricia Thornton* moth, the woolly bear is distinctively striped: black Nina Doggett Chrise Hey Mrs. Richard D. at both ends with a rusty band in the middle. According to legend, a narrow middle band Scott Edwards Deborah. V Thornton* Thomas. D French Howard* Elizabeth Valentine* on the woolly bear portends a cold, long winter. In actuality, at least two factors influence Nora. F Huvelle James Hoyte Rosamond B. Vaule the f width o the woolly bear’s middle band. Members of any brood emerging from their Christopher Klem Richard Johnson Mrs. Jeptha H. Wade* Erik Knutzen Malcolm. W eggs can display a wide range of coloring, from mostly black to mostly rust. Second, as the Johnston Simon (Chip) Beth Kressley Walker* larva matures and undergoes a series of molts, the middle band expands. Goldstein Gillian S. Kellogg Thomas. T Warren* Virginia Lawrence Jared Keyes Even though the woolly bear is not an actual weather forecaster, we can still celebrate Anna S. Whitcomb William Madar John Kricher Jay Wickersham this winsome caterpillar, just as folks do in Vermilion, Ohio; Beattyville, Kentucky; and Deborah Miller Daniel. W Latimore Alan Wilson* Jonathan Panek Edwin. F Leach II Banner Elk, North Carolina. Every autumn, they throw a Woolly Bear Festival in their Bryan Windmiller Jeffrey. F Peters James Levitt * Kent Wosepka towns, complete with woolly bear costumes, a parade, and competitions! Helen Pounds Ann Lewis Julia Yoshida John Riehl Donald Lewis Natural Fact: fI picked up, a woolly bear will curl up in a fuzzy ball. * = Honorary Edgar Schein Thomas S. Litwin Director Anne Snyder George Cabot Have a question for the Natural Inquirer? E-mail [email protected] Lodge. Jr James Sperling Honorary Illustration: Gordon Morrison© David Lubin Brooke Stevens Directors William. F Macauley Kathleen. S Anderson David Straus Kate McCarey Robert. C Baron William. F Macauley Annee Brook Riverboat on the Amazon River, Peru: Council Priscilla Bailey Mary McFadden Hamilton Coolidge January 28 – February 6, 2011 Annual James Baird Bernard J. McHugh Eric Cutler Marygrace Barber Anny McNa Lewis S. Dabney Uganda Birding and Gorilla Safari: Meeting Peter Barber Edward. J McNierney Eugene. B Doggett Carl Beatty Virginia L. Nicholas Mrs. Alexander Ellis February 9 – 25, 2011 Robert Bertin Al Nierenberg Charles H. Fargo Frank Bradley Charles Nims Dr.t Rober L. French Birding in Costa Rica, Belize, Honduras, Mass Audubon’s annual Brian Brooks* Shelia Nutt John. C Fuller Namibia, Zimbabwe, Greece, and more! meeting will be held on Sara Brydges J. David Officer* Henry Lee [email protected] 800-289-9504 George Ronald O’Hanley Shirley M. Jenkins • Thursday, October 14, Butterworth* Michael J. Pappone Mrs. George M. www.massaudubon.org/travel Charles. C Cabot III George Pendergast Lovejoy. Jr at 5:30 pm. Shawn Carey Patricia. T Poitras Merloyd. L Ludington Elliottr Car George Putnam III* Deborah. W Moses Jennifer Charles Edward H. John. F O’Connor John.b W Cob Raymond* Lewis H. Parks Jeffrey M. Collins Mary Lou Roberts Herbert. W Pratt For more information, contact Franz Colloredo- Walter Rosenfeld* Davidr Star Mansfeld* Douga Sacr David Walsh Kristin Barr at 781-259-2101 or Paula Cortes Judy A. Samelson* Nancy Weiss email [email protected]. Thomas A. Jackie Jenkins Scott Lawrence. W Zuelke DeMarco III

15 Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Boston,A M PERMIT NO. 56881 208 South Great Road ▲ Lincoln, Massachusetts 01773

Enjoy Autumn’s Bounty at a Mass Audubon Sanctuary Near You R

Mass Audubon has 49 wildlife sanctuaries Connecticut River Valley 27. Nahant Thicket, Nahant 38. Attleboro Springs, Attleboro (www.massaudubon.org/sanctuaries) 4. Road’s End, Worthington Greater Boston (Grand Opening Oct. 2, 2010) 5. High Ledges, Shelburne 28. Habitat, Belmont 39. North River, Marshfield open to the public year-round. They 6. Conway Hills, Conway 29. Drumlin Farm, Lincoln 40. Daniel Webster, Marshfield provide important habitat for wildlife and 7. Graves Farm, Williamsburg 41. North Hill Marsh, Duxbury opportunities for you to enjoy nature. andy Whatel 42. Allens Pond, Dartmouth 8. Lynes, Westhampton and Westport Cape Cod and the Islands 43. Ashumet Holly, Falmouth 44. Sampsons Island, Barnstable

Wellfleet is the northernmost nesting area for diamondback terrapin turtles in the US and one of the most productive nesting locations in the state; 884 hatchlings were counted there from 2007 to 2009.

= Wildlife sanctuaries with nature centers 9. Arcadia, Easthampton Berkshires and Northampton 1. Pleasant Valley, Lenox 10. Laughing Brook, Hampden 2. Canoe Meadows, Pittsfield Central Massachusetts 3. Lime Kiln Farm, Sheffield 11. Pierpont Meadow, Dudley 12. Burncoat Pond, Spencer 13. Broad Meadow Brook, Guardians have migrated Worcester 14. Eagle Lake, Holden to the Leadership 15. Rutland Brook, Petersham 16. Cook’s Canyon, Barre Giving Program! 17. Wachusett Meadow, Princeton Make a gift of $750 or more to your 18. Lincoln Woods, Leominster 30. Waseeka, Hopkinton favorite sanctuary or program and 19. Lake Wampanoag, Gardner 31. Broadmoor, Natick your membership is renewed with 20. Flat Rock, Fitchburg 32. Boston Nature Center, 45. Skunknett River, Barnstable new and exciting benefits North of Boston Mattapan 46. Long Pasture, Barnstable 21. Nashoba Brook, Westford 33. Blue Hills Trailside Museum, 47. Wellfleet Bay, Wellfleet For more information, 22. Joppa Flats, Newburyport Milton 48. Felix Neck, Edgartown 34. Visual Arts Center, Canton contact Rick Arnaud at 23. Ipswich River, Topsfield 49. Sesachacha Heathlands, 24. Endicott, Wenham South of Boston [email protected], Nantucket 25. Eastern Point, Gloucester 35. Moose Hill, Sharon or call 781-259-2149. 26. Marblehead Neck, 36. Stony Brook, Norfolk Marblehead 37. Oak Knoll, Attleboro