MASSACHUSETTS BUTTERFLY CLUB CHAPTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN BUTTERFLY ASSOCIATION
2016 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.
Version 5/5/2016 Page 1 of 11
Mar 30, 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. We will search for Mourning Cloaks and Eastern Commas. Meet at the Bray Lake parking lot. Use the Route 5 entrance north of Holyoke, opposite the SKI Rain Date OUTLET. Mar 31, Thur Contact Tom Gagnon at [email protected] or 413-584-6353 Apr 2, Sat Spring Mass Butterfly Club Meeting and potluck supper. 5:30 to 5:30 - 6:30 pm Member’s potluck supper. Bring a favorite dish to share. 9:30PM 6:30 - 7:00 pm Business meeting 7:00 - 8:00 pm Dr. Elizabeth Crone, of the Tufts University Biology Department, will discuss her work on Baltimore Checkerspots in Harvard, MA. Dr. Crone studies plant and animal interactions at the intersection of theoretical ecology and natural history, and her work includes exploring the effects of climate and land use change on butterfly populations. Her graduate students Norah Warchola and Livia Baer-Bositis will also provide updates on their work at Weir Hill (North Andover) and at Appleton Farms (Ipswich). 8:00 - 9:00 pm Dave Small will moderate the ever-popular Butterfly Photos Festival. Members may present up to 20 images of butterflies taken during the last season. Share the best, most unusual, or most exciting photos you took during 2015. For best results, bring a powerpoint file for Dave to set up for your presentation. Broad Meadow Brook Massachusetts Audubon Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Road, Worcester, MA Contact Howard Hoople at [email protected] or 978-604-0454. Apr 24, Sun Arlington’s Great Meadows Field Trip. This 183-acre wet meadow is the largest piece of undeveloped 11:00AM 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 5/5/2016 Page 2 of 11
**REVISED Weir Hill and Boston Hill at the Charles W. Ward Reservation Field Trip. Join Russ Hopping of The DATE** Trustees of Reservations searching for Frosted Elfins and other early species. Weir Hill has both a 305- May 14, Sat ft double drumlin and more than a mile of lake shoreline. The reservation is named for fish weirs (woven 10:00AM 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 Rain Date: Street in North Andover. Detailed directions provided upon request. May 15, Sun Contact Howard Hoople at [email protected] or 978-604-0454. Co-leader Russ Hopping May 15 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, Sun 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 28, Sat Mt Greylock State Reservation Field Trip. Target species: Early Hairstreak. Be prepared to walk 3 to 9:45AM 4 miles ROUND TRIP, mostly level. Bring lunch and water. Meet at Mt. Greylock Visitor Center, 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA parking lot. Directions Rain Date provided upon request. May 29, Sun Contact Tom Gagnon at [email protected] or 413-584-6353
Version 5/5/2016 Page 3 of 11
Jun 4, Sat Mt Greylock State Reservation Field Trip. Please refer to May 28 trip for additional details. 9:45 AM
Rain Date Jun 5, Sun Jun 4, Sat Appleton Farm. Target species: Silver-bordered Fritillaries and Bronze Coppers. This Trustees of 10:00AM 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. Please register in advance with the leader. Go in the main entrance, and continue straight (don’t turn right!) and meet at the parking area for Rain Date: Jimmy’s Barn (Appleton’s retail store). Jun 5, Sun Contact Howard Hoople at [email protected] or 978-604-0454. Co-leader Russ Hopping Jun 11, Sat Breakneck Hill Conservation Land. Target species: Silvery Blue and Hobomok Skipper. This Town 10:00 AM of Southborough property was a former apple orchard and is now home to walking trails, vernal pools, a wildflower meadow, reconstructed wetlands, and acres of grasslands. 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 508-259-2962 (cell). Jun 18, Sat Broad Meadow Brook Massachusetts Audubon Sanctuary. Broad Meadow Brook is the largest 10:00 AM urban wildlife sanctuary in New England, with more than 400 acres cooperatively managed or owned by Mass Audubon. The sanctuary boasts some 80 species of butterflies. Late June is a good time to search for Harris Checkerspots. Rain Date: Meet at the Visitor Center, 414 Massasoit Road, Worcester, MA. Jun 19, Sun Contact Martha Gach at [email protected]
Jun 25, 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 Rain Date: Rehabilitation Way, Woburn, MA. Jun 26, Sun Contact Howard Hoople at [email protected] or 978-604-0454
Version 5/5/2016 Page 4 of 11
Jun 25, Sat 6th Annual Moth Ball. Join Athol Bird and Nature Club president Dave Small and naturalist Lula Field 9:00 PM to to search for Lunas, underwings, silkmoths and other night-flying insects. Participants are invited to late night bring their tents, snacks to share and favorite moth baits. (Don’t know what those are? You’ll find out!) Meet at Dave and Shelley’s house, 1542 Pleasant St., Athol. Contact Dave Small at 978-413-1772 or [email protected] Jun 26, Sun Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area Field Trip. Target species: Baltimore Checkerspot, 10:00 AM 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 29, Wed DCR Kristoff Farm Property. This huge property has extensive open areas with different habitat 10:00 AM - characteristics, so we can expect a good variety of butterflies here. There are also many shrubby areas 2:30 PM and woodland edges to explore. The parking area is where Merrill Road comes to a dead-end before the road becomes overgrown and closed to unauthorized vehicles. Bring a lunch and beverages. There are shady spots, but no restrooms.
Merrill Road, off Redemption Rock Trail (Route 140), Sterling, MA. The parking area is where Merrill Road comes to a dead-end before the road becomes overgrown and closed to unauthorized vehicles. Contact Wendy Howes at [email protected] or 413-967-4737 (landline). Jul 2, Sat Blue Hills Reservation Field Trip. Blue Hills Reservation boasts over 7,000 acres and provides a green 10:00 AM 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 Steve Moore at [email protected] or 508-393-9251
Version 5/5/2016 Page 5 of 11
Jul 3, Sun Wendemuth Meadow Preserve. Owned and managed by the East Quabbin Land Trust, Wendemuth 10:30 AM - Meadow Preserve is a 30-acre property in the town of North Brookfield. It is a pastoral property, 2:30 PM featuring a diversity of habitats including hayfield, wet meadow, and stream surrounded by patchy woods and shrubland. The property is actively farmed and hay is harvested in July after Bobolinks and other birds have completed their nesting cycle. Baltimore Checkerspots put on a good show here. Parking is along the road. No restrooms on -site. Bring a lunch, and we’ll take a lunch break in the barn. Bates Street, North Brookfield, MA Contact Wendy Howes at [email protected] or 413-967-4737 (landline). Jul 8, Fri Florence in search of Dion Skippers. 10:00 AM Contact Tom Gagnon at [email protected] or 413-584-6353 for directions to meeting place. Jul 9, Sat Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary Sampler Field Trip. We’ll visit this Mass Audubon property, which 10:00 AM includes both a working farm and a wildlife sanctuary, to see what butterflies we can find. Expect to walk CANCELLED 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 13, Wed Bullitt Reservation--The Trustees of Reservations property. The Massachusetts Butterfly Club and 10:00 AM the Hampshire Bird Club join ranks for birds and butterflies at The Trustees of Reservations Bullitt property in exploring some of the 265 acres of this once old New England farm. The farmhouse is now open to the public as a showcase for energy-efficient technologies that work for New England homeowners now. The Trustees property is a crucial link to almost 3,000 acres of protected lands. We will explore some of the many fields and trails searching for Baltimore Checkerspots and Meadow Fritillaries and maybe an orchid or two. Restrooms available. DIRECTIONS: FROM POINTS SOUTH. From 1-91, Exit 24 take Route 5 NORTH. After 1.1 miles turn left on to Route 116 WEST and IF you are coming from the NORTH on Route I-91 take Exit 25 and turn WEST on Route 116. Drive WEST approx. 10 miles through Conway and into Ashfield. Turn left on to Bullitt Road. Proceed approx. 1 mile, (pavement turns to dirt) to driveway and white building on right where road turns sharply left. NOTE: DO NOT try to take the IMPASSABLE North Poland Road to Bullitt Road. Contact Tom Gagnon at [email protected] or 413-584-6353
Version 5/5/2016 Page 6 of 11
Jul 16, Sat Westborough Wildlife Management Area Field Trip. This property, managed by the Mass Division of 10:00 AM 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. Meet at Tatnuck Booksellers parking lot, Route 9 & Lyman St, Westborough, MA Contact Elise Barry at 508-795-1147 or [email protected] or Wendy Miller at 508-340-7701 (cell). Jul 17, Sun Birds and Butterflies with the Forbush Bird Club Field Trip. Join us on this joint walk between the 9:00 AM Forbush BIrd Club and the Mass Butterfly Club as we search for birds and butterflies. Past trips have CANCELLED 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 Jul 20, Wed Lake Wampanoag Sanctuary. Featuring a large expanse of open wildflower fields with mowed 10:30 AM - pathways. The fields are mowed once in the fall. The property also holds a small pond and a forest 2:30 PM holding red spruce and balsam fir. We can usually find a good assortment of butterflies here. Bring a lunch and beverage. Directions may be found at http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/lake- wampanoag/about Plenty of parking. No restrooms. Contact Wendy Howes at [email protected] or 413-967-4737 (landline). Jul 23, Sat Exploring Barre and Hubbardston. Based upon scouting efforts the week before, we’ll visit a few 10:00AM - different sites, including Riis Hill, a DCR property in Barre that is now undergoing a regular mowing 2:30 PM regime to keep the fields open. If Bog Coppers are still flying, we’ll look for them at a small bog in Hubbardston. Other sites could be at Barre Falls Dam or a local conservation area. We’ll plan a restroom break as needed. Bring a lunch. (Our former ice cream stop, Calico & Crème, is closed.) Meet at Hubbardston recreation area parking lot on Gardner Road (Route 68) approximately 1 mile north of Hubbardston Center (Elm St & Brigham Rd. intersection) to carpool. Contact Wendy Howes at [email protected] or 413-967-4737 (landline).
Version 5/5/2016 Page 7 of 11
July 23, Sat Breakneck Hill Conservation Land. We’ll explore this Town of Southborough property to see what 10:00 AM mid-season butterflies we can find. Refer to June 11th trip for additional details. CANCELLED Jul 31, Sun DCR Kristoff Farm Property. Please refer to June 29th trip for additional details. 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Aug 6, Sat DCR Old Princeton Landfill Property. This former landfill was capped and covered many years ago, 10:30 AM - and it’s interesting to watch the changes in the landscape and vegetation growth from year to year. 1:30 PM There are woods and woods edges, many shrubby and sandy areas, and one large field that is mowed annually. It’s hard to tell what might show up here, but it’s worth exploring. Participants are advised that this spot is tick-infested, although weather and time of year result in fewer ticks. Distinct, cleared trails are limited, but it’s easy to get around. Lunch and restroom available at Mountainside Market, 23 Hubbardston Rd. (Route 62), Princeton. Route 62 near Hubbardston/Princeton town line. Contact Wendy about parking off-site at another location on Route 62 and car-pooling to the entrance; parking space is inadequate at the old landfill. Contact Wendy Howes at [email protected] or 413-967-4737(landline). Aug 6, Sat 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 11, Thur North Common Meadow. We can expect a variety of butterflies at this Trustees of Reservations 10:30 AM - Property, although it can be hit-or-miss depending upon weather patterns earlier in the season. 1:30 PM Refreshments, lunch, and restroom at The Petersham Country Store on Main St. Parking is inadequate at this site, so meet in front of the Petersham Library, 23 Common St. to arrange car-pooling or walk down to the Meadow. Contact Wendy Howes at [email protected] or 413-967-4737 (landline).
Version 5/5/2016 Page 8 of 11
Aug 13, 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! Rain Date: Broad Meadow Brook Massachusetts Audubon Sanctuary, 414 Massasoit Road, Worcester, MA Aug 14, Sun Contact Martha Gach at [email protected] or 508-753-6087 Aug 14, Sun Exploring Hubbardston & Barre. Please refer to July 23rd trip for additional details. 11:00AM - 2:00 PM Aug 20, Sat 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. Rain Date Meet at Fannie Stebbins at the end of Bark Haul Road off Route 5 in Longmeadow, MA. Aug 21, Sun Contact Tom Gagnon at [email protected] or 413-584-6353. Co-leader Karen Parker Aug 27, Sat 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 snacks. Meet at Fessenden Field (playing fields) on Western Avenue at Pleasant St., Sherborn, MA. Contact Ron Hamburger at [email protected] or 617-640-2270 Aug 28, Sun Lake Wampanoag Wildlife Sanctuary Field Trip. This trip is timed to coincide with the possible 10:30 AM - appearance of White M Hairstreak, an interesting find in past years, considering the scarcity of oaks on 2:30 PM the property. Bring a lunch and beverage. Please refer to July 13th trip for additional details.
Version 5/5/2016 Page 9 of 11
Sep 3, 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. Rain Date: Meet at Allen’s Pond Wildlife Sanctuary field station, 1280 Horseneck Rd., Westport, MA. Sep 4, Sun Contact Lauren Miller-Donnelly at [email protected] or 508-636-2437 Sep 7, Wed 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 Common Checkered Skipper, Giant Swallowtail. After visiting these gardens, we will then drive over to the NEW Community Gardens in Florence, about 2 miles away. Meet at Northampton Community Gardens, 51 Prince St, Northampton, MA Contact Tom Gagnon at [email protected] or 413-584-6353 Sep 17, Sat Allen’s Pond Wildlife Sanctuary Butterfly Census. Please refer to Sep 3rd trip for additional details. 10:00AM
Rain Date: Sep 18, Sun Sep 24, 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! Rain Date: 219 County Road, Ipswich, MA. Meet at parking lot near barn inside main entrance. Sep 25, Sun Contact Howard Hoople at [email protected] or 978-604-0454. Co-leader Russ Hopping Sep 25, Sun Northampton Community Gardens Field Trip. Please refer to Sep 7th trip for additional details. 10:00 AM TBD Oct 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.
Version 5/5/2016 Page 10 of 11
Oct 29 to North American Butterfly Association 12th Biennial Members Meeting, Mission TX. This year the Nov 1 NABA Biennial Members’ Meeting will take place with the 21st Annual Texas Butterfly Festival in Mission, TX, at the National Butterfly Center. For more information about the festival, refer to www.TexasButterflyFestival.com
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!
Version 5/5/2016 Page 11 of 11