ANNOUNCEMENTS Archive 2015-2016
August 2016
A CONNECTION TO ZIMBABWE
Ware River Nature Club members who attended the program There’s an Elephant in the Campsite in April 2016 may recall that the presenters, Cindy and Chuck Hartwell, befriended a young man named Oscar when they were in Zimbabwe. The Hartwells maintained a connection with Oscar after returning from their vacation and decided to send along a “care package” of educational materials—in care of Oscar—to the village school.
In addition to one of the regular email messages from Oscar-- which reports that "Oscar and the family is doing well"--the first package elicited this note and accompanying photograph from the village school:
Dear Hartwell family.
On behalf of the infants department of Mulindi Primary School, l do hereby write a letter of appreciation pertaining to the parcel we received through Oscar. The parcel had crayons, some books with paints, and some puzzles to teach spellings,mathematics and ABCs.
The donation received is trully relevant to our school curriculum under the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture.Our infants department has students from 2years to 8years and these are Early Childhood Development classes, Grades 1s and 2s.
We hope you continue to render such love and care towards our educational needs.
Yours Faithfully.
Teacher in charge.
Mr N Dube.
Our wildlife is doing good only the lions are a problem to the near by rural areas. So far every thing is going well the rainfall is pouring allmost daily of which is what our vegetation needs. Send me the picture of the whole family. . . .
Send my lovely greetings to the family. Thank you
Cindy and Chuck didn't want to accept a stipend for their presentation. Knowing that the Hartwells were planning to send school supplies to the village again later in the year, WRNC made a donation to this effort. Here's Cindy's note and photo received August 13th:
Ware River Nature Club members who attended the program There’s an Elephant in the Campsite in April 2016 may recall that the presenters, Cindy and Chuck Hartwell, befriended a young man named Oscar when they were in Zimbabwe. The Hartwells maintained a connection with Oscar after returning from their vacation and decided to send along a “care package” of educational materials—in care of Oscar—to the village school.
In addition to one of the regular email messages from Oscar-- which reports that "Oscar and the family is doing well"--the first package elicited this note and accompanying photograph from the village school:
Dear Hartwell family.
On behalf of the infants department of Mulindi Primary School, l do hereby write a letter of appreciation pertaining to the parcel we received through Oscar. The parcel had crayons, some books with paints, and some puzzles to teach spellings,mathematics and ABCs.
The donation received is trully relevant to our school curriculum under the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture.Our infants department has students from 2years to 8years and these are Early Childhood Development classes, Grades 1s and 2s.
We hope you continue to render such love and care towards our educational needs.
Yours Faithfully.
Teacher in charge.
Mr N Dube.
Our wildlife is doing good only the lions are a problem to the near by rural areas. So far every thing is going well the rainfall is pouring allmost daily of which is what our vegetation needs. Send me the picture of the whole family. . . .
Send my lovely greetings to the family. Thank you
Cindy and Chuck didn't want to accept a stipend for their presentation. Knowing that the Hartwells were planning to send school supplies to the village again later in the year, WRNC made a donation to this effort. Here's Cindy's note and photo received August 13th:
I took advantage of some great sale prices and coupons at Staples last night and bought the following for the school children in Oscar's village in Zimbabwe with the money you sent us from the Club. For $111.61, I purchased all the things in the attached photo. That includes:
2 mini coloring pages with 6 mini markers (80 pages per pack)
5 packs construction paper with 96 sheets per pack
30 Elmer's glue sticks
4 manual pencil sharpeners
5 boxes BIC pens (12 pens per box)
3 boxes #2 pencils (12 pencils per box)
5 boxes pencil cap erasers (12 per box)
30 boxes Crayola crayons (24 per box)
10 plastic rulers
5 pencil / compasses
5 protractors
4 calculators
30 spiral bound lined notebooks (70 pages per book)
Great buys on the crayons at 50 cents per box and the notebooks at 17 cents each!
I'm going to try to get a few more things, maybe some jump ropes, wiffle balls, etc., and then we'll get it off in the mail.
I'll be sure to let Oscar know about the Club's generous donation. Thanks again for offering this in exchange for our talk!
Cindy
2 mini coloring pages with 6 mini markers (80 pages per pack)
5 packs construction paper with 96 sheets per pack
30 Elmer's glue sticks
4 manual pencil sharpeners
5 boxes BIC pens (12 pens per box)
3 boxes #2 pencils (12 pencils per box)
5 boxes pencil cap erasers (12 per box)
30 boxes Crayola crayons (24 per box)
10 plastic rulers
5 pencil / compasses
5 protractors
4 calculators
30 spiral bound lined notebooks (70 pages per book)
Great buys on the crayons at 50 cents per box and the notebooks at 17 cents each!
I'm going to try to get a few more things, maybe some jump ropes, wiffle balls, etc., and then we'll get it off in the mail.
I'll be sure to let Oscar know about the Club's generous donation. Thanks again for offering this in exchange for our talk!
Cindy
Happy Earth Day April 22, 2016
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In celebration of Earth Day, and to express our gratitude to Club supporters and nature-lovers in our communities, Advisory Group members planted individual seed-pots of various native flowers that benefit bees and other pollinators, butterflies, and seed-loving birds. Many dozens of small fiber/peat pots were planted with Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale), Stokes' Aster (Stokesia laevis), and many varieties of sunflowers. (NOTE: Sunflowers aren't truly native, but are non-invasive annuals that supply ample seed and pollen. See EVENTS for a comment about sunflowers without pollen.) These were distributed on Earth Day and the following week to various Club service-providers and their customers, as well as Club members and friends. Thank you to GFA Credit Union (Hubbardston and Rutland), Hubbardston Post Office, Rutland Public Library, Fobes (Oakham) Public Library, Petersham Country Store, and Club volunteers! We hope you enjoy your plants as well as the birds, bees, and butterflies that come to visit.
Spring 2016
PRINCETON'S FIELDSTONE FARM ACQUISITION EFFORT
A coalition of conservation partners, including MassAudubon and the Princeton Land Trust, have teamed up to conserve Fieldstone Farm in Princeton (also known as Smith Farm). This spectacular and highly visible 270-acre property boasts expansive fields, beautiful stone walls, and a diverse mix of forest, meadow, streams, ponds, and wetlands.
The goals are to keep the open lands in agricultural production, protect the farm’s woodlands and wetlands and open them to public access, and provide for some limited, carefully-sited housing to meet other town needs. The farm includes forests, meadows, streams, ponds, marsh, and forested and shrub swamps.
A coalition of conservation partners, including MassAudubon and the Princeton Land Trust, have teamed up to conserve Fieldstone Farm in Princeton (also known as Smith Farm). This spectacular and highly visible 270-acre property boasts expansive fields, beautiful stone walls, and a diverse mix of forest, meadow, streams, ponds, and wetlands.
The goals are to keep the open lands in agricultural production, protect the farm’s woodlands and wetlands and open them to public access, and provide for some limited, carefully-sited housing to meet other town needs. The farm includes forests, meadows, streams, ponds, marsh, and forested and shrub swamps.
Most important to us as a nature club is that acquisition would protect habitat and biodiversity and add to existing wildlife sanctuary holdings of Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary. Some of the habitat types that exist on the property have been classified by the state as among the most important statewide for preservation of the state’s biodiversity.
The farm protection effort has secured an option to purchase the property for $3 million by June of 2016, which gives us time to assemble a coalition of conservation partners and to raise the necessary funds. A broad-based fundraising campaign is now underway, with a private fundraising goal of $750,000.
[Editor's note 2022: Mission accomplished!]
The farm protection effort has secured an option to purchase the property for $3 million by June of 2016, which gives us time to assemble a coalition of conservation partners and to raise the necessary funds. A broad-based fundraising campaign is now underway, with a private fundraising goal of $750,000.
[Editor's note 2022: Mission accomplished!]
Spring 2016
SAVING THE TIMBER RATTLESNAKE
If your first reactions to the proposed Timber Rattlesnake restoration effort include fear and loathing, please take the time to learn about the challenges these creatures face in their struggle for survival by reading Endangered Timber Rattlesnake on Remote Quabbin Island . Learn too about their mild disposition, slow reproduction rate, and judicious use of venom: Timber Rattlesnake Fact Sheet Learn to appreciate and treasure the fascinating ecology and important niche of this iconic reptile.
As Bill Benner summed it up at the recent meeting of the Quabbin Watershed Advisory Committee, " It would be inexcusable if the state allowed the timber rattlesnake population to become extinct. " We are fortunate to have this opportunity to save a species in grave decline.
[Outdated content removed]
If your first reactions to the proposed Timber Rattlesnake restoration effort include fear and loathing, please take the time to learn about the challenges these creatures face in their struggle for survival by reading Endangered Timber Rattlesnake on Remote Quabbin Island . Learn too about their mild disposition, slow reproduction rate, and judicious use of venom: Timber Rattlesnake Fact Sheet Learn to appreciate and treasure the fascinating ecology and important niche of this iconic reptile.
As Bill Benner summed it up at the recent meeting of the Quabbin Watershed Advisory Committee, " It would be inexcusable if the state allowed the timber rattlesnake population to become extinct. " We are fortunate to have this opportunity to save a species in grave decline.
[Outdated content removed]
Spring 2016
TIMBER RATTLESNAKES IN MASSACHUSETTS
A Note from Grassroots Wildlife Conservation, Concord
Although Grassroots Wildlife Conservation is not directly involved in this project, the proposal by the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to headstart and reintroduce our beleaguered rattlesnakes is similar to the work that we do with Blanding's turtles, marbled salamanders, and eastern spadefoot toads. We are excited that the state is taking on this ambitious and important project. If you'd like to help us show your support for rare species conservation, even for "not so cuddly species", consider attending the meeting in Orange.
Come Help Us Root for Rattlesnakes: Timber rattlesnakes are one of the most endangered animals in Massachusetts, facing threats of habitat loss, illegal hunting/poaching, and most recently, a deadly fungal disease. In an effort to help the rattlesnakes, the state of Massachusetts is working on a reintroduction project to bring back rattlesnakes to an uninhabited island in the Quabbin reservoir. Those efforts have been met with much negative press, especially by people who fear that the rattlesnakes will be a danger to the public.
Wait, I shouldn't be afraid of rattlesnakes?
For many people, snakes invoke terror or at least mistrust. Rattlesnakes especially have gotten a bad rap, and there have been widespread efforts to eradicate them in the past, with states paying bounties for dead rattlers. As biologists have learned more about these shy creatures, though, they have realized that much of our fear is misplaced. Timber rattlesnakes are quite timid, and use their rattles to warn away potential threats. Biologists who routinely work with the snakes and often capture and handle them find that the snakes rarely attempt to bite even when directly provoked, preferring to escape instead. In fact, one of the largest Massachusetts populations of timber rattlesnakes lives in the Blue Hills Reservation, one of our most heavily visited and loved state parks. Timber rattlesnakes in the Blue Hills have survived thus far because they actively avoid having anything to do with the thousands of daily visitors to the Reservation. No human has been bitten by a rattlesnake in the Blue Hills for many decades, perhaps for more than 200 years. Want to learn more about rattlesnakes? Check out this video put out by Vermont PBS.
A Note from Grassroots Wildlife Conservation, Concord
Although Grassroots Wildlife Conservation is not directly involved in this project, the proposal by the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to headstart and reintroduce our beleaguered rattlesnakes is similar to the work that we do with Blanding's turtles, marbled salamanders, and eastern spadefoot toads. We are excited that the state is taking on this ambitious and important project. If you'd like to help us show your support for rare species conservation, even for "not so cuddly species", consider attending the meeting in Orange.
Come Help Us Root for Rattlesnakes: Timber rattlesnakes are one of the most endangered animals in Massachusetts, facing threats of habitat loss, illegal hunting/poaching, and most recently, a deadly fungal disease. In an effort to help the rattlesnakes, the state of Massachusetts is working on a reintroduction project to bring back rattlesnakes to an uninhabited island in the Quabbin reservoir. Those efforts have been met with much negative press, especially by people who fear that the rattlesnakes will be a danger to the public.
Wait, I shouldn't be afraid of rattlesnakes?
For many people, snakes invoke terror or at least mistrust. Rattlesnakes especially have gotten a bad rap, and there have been widespread efforts to eradicate them in the past, with states paying bounties for dead rattlers. As biologists have learned more about these shy creatures, though, they have realized that much of our fear is misplaced. Timber rattlesnakes are quite timid, and use their rattles to warn away potential threats. Biologists who routinely work with the snakes and often capture and handle them find that the snakes rarely attempt to bite even when directly provoked, preferring to escape instead. In fact, one of the largest Massachusetts populations of timber rattlesnakes lives in the Blue Hills Reservation, one of our most heavily visited and loved state parks. Timber rattlesnakes in the Blue Hills have survived thus far because they actively avoid having anything to do with the thousands of daily visitors to the Reservation. No human has been bitten by a rattlesnake in the Blue Hills for many decades, perhaps for more than 200 years. Want to learn more about rattlesnakes? Check out this video put out by Vermont PBS.
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Copyright © 2016 Grassroots Wildlife Conservation, All rights reserved.
http://www.grassrootswildlife.org Our mailing address is: Grassroots Wildlife Conservation 65 Arrowhead Rd Concord, Ma 01742 See also https://www.mass.gov/service-details/rattlesnake-conservation-in-massachusetts |
Female Timber Rattlesnake, Endangered. Photo by Bill Byrne, MassWildlife
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March 2016
White Oak Land Conservation Society GROWING HOLBROOK FOREST It has been a goal of nature walkers, serious hikers, outdoor organizations and local and state planners to create a continuous trail through Leicester, Paxton, Worcester and Holden. White Oak Land Conservation Society (WOLCS) announces the exciting news that we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a parcel of land, which is a critical and necessary link towards the achievement of that goal. In 2014 WOLCS purchased Holbrook Forest, 60 acres of beautifully forested land on Fisher Road, off Salisbury Street. There is now the opportunity to purchase an additional 21 acres of Holbrook land, with frontage on Salisbury Street. This land will become part of Holbrook Forest, which abuts Kinneywood, 53 acres owned by Greater Worcester Land Trust (GWLT), and Cook’s Woods, owned by the Worcester Conservation Commission. You can help by making a donation towards this effort to help establish a vital green corridor which will benefit wildlife and enrich the outdoor experiences of those who explore the forest. For details click here. |
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January 10, 2016
WESTMINSTER CBC CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT RESULTS
A "baker's dozen" volunteers fanned out over the count circle (see towns below) to look and listen for all the birds they could find on the day after Christmas. Yes, all birds encountered are counted. How do we know we're not counting the same birds from place to place? Birds have small territories and tend to stay in the same general areas. The birders who are out looking for them move from location to location and keep track of the trails, yards, and streets they visit. Birders make a concerted effort to maintain distinct species list from one location to another. If anything, in many cases it is generally thought that the birds that are actually tallied on count day represent far fewer than are present (except in the case of rarities or unusual species). Nevertheless, numbers reported are not inflated, but are simply noted as encountered in the field between dawn and dusk.
Nice finds this year were some species that lingered a bit past the time when they would usually depart the region. The vast amount of open water resulted in waterfowl sightings, including a Bufflehead, not expected on this count as the species is generally in coastal waters by this time of year. A Red-shouldered Hawk was seen by a Princeton team. Bald Eagles, in spite of their population increase in recent years, can be hit-or-miss, so one found was good news. The Templeton team found a lingering Ruby-crowned Kinglet in the warmer micro-climate around the water treatment plant. Other lingering passerines were singles of Hermit Thrush, Winter Wren, and Swamp Sparrow, and two Flickers, which don't usually try to overwinter here but are regularly seen in the Pioneer Valley region during winter. No Cooper's Hawks were located, and many of the Wild Turkeys that we know are plentiful in the area made themselves scarce. Carolina Wren numbers were down, not surprising considering last winter's sustained harsh weather.
Thank you to Tom Pirro for filling in as count compiler this year while long-time compiler Charles Caron was away. Thanks to Jim Samdahl for hosting the compilation gathering in Princeton afterward.
WESTMINSTER CBC CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT RESULTS
A "baker's dozen" volunteers fanned out over the count circle (see towns below) to look and listen for all the birds they could find on the day after Christmas. Yes, all birds encountered are counted. How do we know we're not counting the same birds from place to place? Birds have small territories and tend to stay in the same general areas. The birders who are out looking for them move from location to location and keep track of the trails, yards, and streets they visit. Birders make a concerted effort to maintain distinct species list from one location to another. If anything, in many cases it is generally thought that the birds that are actually tallied on count day represent far fewer than are present (except in the case of rarities or unusual species). Nevertheless, numbers reported are not inflated, but are simply noted as encountered in the field between dawn and dusk.
Nice finds this year were some species that lingered a bit past the time when they would usually depart the region. The vast amount of open water resulted in waterfowl sightings, including a Bufflehead, not expected on this count as the species is generally in coastal waters by this time of year. A Red-shouldered Hawk was seen by a Princeton team. Bald Eagles, in spite of their population increase in recent years, can be hit-or-miss, so one found was good news. The Templeton team found a lingering Ruby-crowned Kinglet in the warmer micro-climate around the water treatment plant. Other lingering passerines were singles of Hermit Thrush, Winter Wren, and Swamp Sparrow, and two Flickers, which don't usually try to overwinter here but are regularly seen in the Pioneer Valley region during winter. No Cooper's Hawks were located, and many of the Wild Turkeys that we know are plentiful in the area made themselves scarce. Carolina Wren numbers were down, not surprising considering last winter's sustained harsh weather.
Thank you to Tom Pirro for filling in as count compiler this year while long-time compiler Charles Caron was away. Thanks to Jim Samdahl for hosting the compilation gathering in Princeton afterward.
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268 Canada Goose
16 Black Duck 803 Mallard 66 Hooded Merganser 16 Common Merganser 1 Bufflehead 24 Common Goldeneye 56 Wild Turkey 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 Red-shouldered Hawk 24 Red-tailed Hawk 1 Bald Eagle 31 Ring-billed Gull 136 Herring Gull 5 Great Black-backed Gull 231 Rock Pigeon 195 Mourning Dove 2 Barred Owl 2 Great Horned Owl 2 Belted Kingfisher 23 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2 Northern Flicker 94 Downy Woodpecker 19 Hairy Woodpecker 6 Pileated Woodpecker 231 Bluejay 158 American Crow |
Black Duck and Mallards.
Northern Mockingbird
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15 Common Raven
750 Black-capped Chickadee 178 Tufted Titmouse 8 Red-breasted Nuthatch 171 White-breasted Nuthatch 9 Brown Creeper 6 Carolina Wren 1 Winter Wren 9 Golden-crowned Kinglet 1 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 53 Eastern Bluebird 188 American Robin 1 Hermit Thrush 4 Northern Mockingbird 389 European Starling 225 Cedar Waxwing 42 American Tree Sparrow 9 Song Sparrow 10 White-throated Sparrow 1 Swamp Sparrow 275 Dark-eyed Junco 67 Northern Cardinal 11 Purple Finch 64 House Finch 209 American Goldfinch 615 House S |
December 5, 2015
Local Audubon Christmas Bird Count to Take Place December 26th
In case you’re wondering about people with binoculars walking down your road and peering up into the trees, or you notice someone staring at your birdfeeder, be aware that Audubon Christmas Bird Counts are being conducted throughout the state from December 14th and January 5th. The local Westminster CBC, which includes Westminster, parts of Hubbardston, Princeton, Gardner, and Templeton, will take place on Saturday December 26th.
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count isn't just about counting birds; it's about checking the pulse of the ecosystem we share and delivering practical conservation results based on what we find. As one of the longest-running crowd-sourced wildlife surveys in the world, the Christmas Bird Counts provide a wealth of information to help researchers and the rest of us make decisions about how to protect birds and the habitats we share with them.
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count mobilizes more than 70,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2,400 locations across the Western Hemisphere, from above the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego. The CBC harnesses the power of volunteers to track the health of bird populations at a scale that professional scientists could never accomplish alone. Every local count is part of this vast volunteer network and continues a tradition that stretches back more than 100 years.
Volunteers are welcome to join the count by venturing out to an assigned area in the field or by counting birds at their birdfeeders (if within the count circle) from dawn to dusk. Birders at all experience levels are welcome. An informal compilation gathering is held in Princeton at the end of the day.
For information about participating in the Westminster CBC, contact [email protected] .
In case you’re wondering about people with binoculars walking down your road and peering up into the trees, or you notice someone staring at your birdfeeder, be aware that Audubon Christmas Bird Counts are being conducted throughout the state from December 14th and January 5th. The local Westminster CBC, which includes Westminster, parts of Hubbardston, Princeton, Gardner, and Templeton, will take place on Saturday December 26th.
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count isn't just about counting birds; it's about checking the pulse of the ecosystem we share and delivering practical conservation results based on what we find. As one of the longest-running crowd-sourced wildlife surveys in the world, the Christmas Bird Counts provide a wealth of information to help researchers and the rest of us make decisions about how to protect birds and the habitats we share with them.
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count mobilizes more than 70,000 volunteer bird counters in more than 2,400 locations across the Western Hemisphere, from above the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego. The CBC harnesses the power of volunteers to track the health of bird populations at a scale that professional scientists could never accomplish alone. Every local count is part of this vast volunteer network and continues a tradition that stretches back more than 100 years.
Volunteers are welcome to join the count by venturing out to an assigned area in the field or by counting birds at their birdfeeders (if within the count circle) from dawn to dusk. Birders at all experience levels are welcome. An informal compilation gathering is held in Princeton at the end of the day.
For information about participating in the Westminster CBC, contact [email protected] .
November 2015
 Photo from Cornell Lab of Ornithology ALL ABOUT BIRDS website, copyright Gerrit Vyn.
Saw-whet Owls at Wachusett Meadow Sanctuary in
Princeton State ornithologist Andrew Vitz and Sanctuary staff and volunteers recently spent a couple of evenings in early November checking the potential of this site as a future banding station for fall migrant Saw-whet Owls. These small owls are on the move throughout their range in October and November. Mist nets are set up after dark, and Saw-Whet Owl calls are broadcast in order to lure the birds to investigate and ultimately be captured, measured, weighed, and banded before they are released. In spite of less-than-optimal conditions and timing of the experiment, Drew and his team succeeded in capturing three Saw-whet Owls (one of them caught two nights in a row). This fueled optimism in the possibility of expanding efforts in fall. 2016. Stay tuned! |
Barry Van Dusen is
Mass Audubon’s Artist in Residence Ware River Nature Club member Barry Van Dusen is the Museum of American Bird Art’s newest Artist in Residence. Over the next two years, Barry will travel across the state, visiting many of Mass Audubon’s 56 wildlife sanctuaries, chronicling the rich and diverse landscapes, habitats, and wildlife found on the organization’s extraordinary array of properties. Barry’s residency will culminate in an exhibition at MABA, but you will get a sneak peek at his paintings and the stories behind them by checking out his postings on MABA’s Taking Flight blog. The blog also features related articles about natural history - to see all of Barry’s posts on the blog, click on “Barry Van Dusen Residency” under the Categories heading. You can also request to be notified when a new post is added. 
Late Summer Sanderlings by Barry van Dusen
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MassWildlfe Habitat Management Grant Program Announced
The MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program (MHMGP) was developed to establish partnerships between MassWildlife and private and municipal landowners to enhance habitat and increase recreational opportunities on properties that have been conserved across the state. Recognizing that land protection is only the first step in maintaining the diverse habitats of Massachusetts, the MHMGP program aims to encourage landowners to engage in active habitat management on their properties to maximize the benefit to the various wildlife species of the state. [Outdated content deleted] |
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ADVISORY GROUP MEETING July 10, 2015
Our summer meeting was attended by Jim Samdahl (Princeton), Linda Mueller (Oakham), Ted Purcell (Rutland), and Wendy Howes (Hubbardston). Dick Knowlton (Gardner), Linda Leehy (Hardwick), and Karl Barry, Treasurer (Paxton) were away. Karl sent the Treasurer’s report, which included transaction details of the Native Pollinator Conference and showing a present account balance of $687.48. We briefly discussed the success of the Native Pollinator Conference, which featured outstanding speakers and attendance of about 50 people, including vendors and speakers. East Quabbin Land Trust contributed funds toward speaker/travel expenses, which enabled us to break even on the event. These mini-conferences can be expensive but provide valuable education on specialized ecological topics. Verbal feedback from participants was very positive. Jim suggested using evaluation forms at future conferences, which we would like to do if we can find additional volunteer help! Wendy had spoken to other AG members, to past AG member Laura Rankin, and to Joe Choiniere, one of the founding members of the Club, about shortening the Club name to simply Ware River Nature Club. Those individuals and all present are in agreement to drop “Hubbardston” from the Club name and change the name to Ware River Nature Club. The name is easier to work with and sounds more inclusive, as our catchment area is central Worcester County. We will incorporate changes within the next few months. We will contact our credit union regarding changing the name on our account, and our technical team will make the changes to our web-site and Facebook page. We will upgrade our Weebly hosting account from free to an annual fee, which will enable us to purchasea new domain name for the Club. Suggestions for programs and speakers for the 2015-2016 season were made. Since we can’t afford the speaker and leadership fees for some of the educational programs we wish to offer,we'll apply for local Cultural Council grants. |
Foraging porcupine in Hubbardston.
David Brown’s tracking programs are very popular, so we’ll apply for funding for one or more indoor and/or outdoor programs with him in January/February 2016. Linda M. will help coordinate
a possible program in Oakham. Wendy shared information about Lou Leelyn of Lou’s Upcycles, who offers a Fused Plastic Upcycling workshop which combines environmental education with craft. It was agreed that Wendy and Ted will pursue LCC funding for offering a one-day workshop in Rutland in February or March. Wendy also shared handouts describing lectures and educational talks by Roger Kuhn of Connecticut, who offers a variety of programs on geology, sustainability, and environmental awareness. Because of logistics for Mr. Kuhn, Ted wanted to talk to school colleagues about the possibility of inviting him to a school program; the Club could perhaps host him within the same time period. Pursuing a LCC grant for this was not decided at this meeting. If we decide to go forward with a mini-conference in 2016, a possible topic would be the ecology and wildlife effects of tick-borne diseases, an important and timely topic. |
May 2015 Bumblebee Observers Wanted
Bumblebees are important native pollinators. To find out how to identify them and to learn more about
participating in a local citizen science project, see POLLINATOR CONFERENCE.
Bumblebees are important native pollinators. To find out how to identify them and to learn more about
participating in a local citizen science project, see POLLINATOR CONFERENCE.
May 2015 SURVEYING FOR CLIFF SWALLOWS
Photo by Tom Murray.
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MassWildlife/NHESP is looking for people who are interested in conducting Cliff Swallow surveys. Most of the surveys will be conducted in Berkshire and Essex County and in the Pioneer Valley, since Cliff Swallows are rare in central MA. If you are interested in this opportunity to actively participate in bird conservation in Massachusetts, please contact Andrew Vitz ([email protected], 508-389-6394), the state ornithologist at MassWildlife. To get the most out of these surveys, we will identify specific locations for you to cover. If you already know where there are active Cliff Swallows, please let us know about those as well.
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ADVISORY GROUP MEETING April 14, 2015
Present for this meeting were Jim Samdahl, Karl Barry, Ted Purcell, Wendy Howes, and Linda Leehy. Linda is a member from Gilbertville/Hardwick and has served on East Quabbin Land Trust's Stewardship Committee for many years.
The group discussed February's annual meeting and funds raised through that effort as well as upcoming events and field trips, including the bluebird/kestrel nestbox building project.
For simplicity and ease of record-keeping, our membership year now spans February 1st through January 31st. Pro-rated 2015 membership renewals from now forward are discounted. In addition to adding many new members over the past year, we look forward to renewals by 2014 members.
Two members proposed that the Club investigate the pros and cons of future application for 501 (c) (3) non-profit status. Those with past experience in making a 501 (c)(3) application pointed out that the Club would need officers, bylaws, and future financial budget plans.; initial paperwork is a job that few like to do, and annual filing adds to the administrative burden. This will be explored at future meetings.
The Club welcomes photos and ideas for Facebook & "Field Notes" section of web-site.
There was further lively discussion about changing the name of the Club. After several ideas were put forth, there was consensus to simply shorten the Club name to Ware River Nature Club. All Advisory Group members will have an opportunity to vote on the change before it is set in motion. The name change must take place after financial obligations generated by the upcoming Native Pollinator Conference due to bank account changes the Club would have to make.
**The Advisory Group welcomes comments from other members about the pending change in the Club name.**
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Present for this meeting were Jim Samdahl, Karl Barry, Ted Purcell, Wendy Howes, and Linda Leehy. Linda is a member from Gilbertville/Hardwick and has served on East Quabbin Land Trust's Stewardship Committee for many years.
The group discussed February's annual meeting and funds raised through that effort as well as upcoming events and field trips, including the bluebird/kestrel nestbox building project.
For simplicity and ease of record-keeping, our membership year now spans February 1st through January 31st. Pro-rated 2015 membership renewals from now forward are discounted. In addition to adding many new members over the past year, we look forward to renewals by 2014 members.
Two members proposed that the Club investigate the pros and cons of future application for 501 (c) (3) non-profit status. Those with past experience in making a 501 (c)(3) application pointed out that the Club would need officers, bylaws, and future financial budget plans.; initial paperwork is a job that few like to do, and annual filing adds to the administrative burden. This will be explored at future meetings.
The Club welcomes photos and ideas for Facebook & "Field Notes" section of web-site.
There was further lively discussion about changing the name of the Club. After several ideas were put forth, there was consensus to simply shorten the Club name to Ware River Nature Club. All Advisory Group members will have an opportunity to vote on the change before it is set in motion. The name change must take place after financial obligations generated by the upcoming Native Pollinator Conference due to bank account changes the Club would have to make.
**The Advisory Group welcomes comments from other members about the pending change in the Club name.**
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INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CITIZEN SCIENTIST? We are looking for volunteers to help with the Eastern Bluebird Trail restoration project at MassWildlife's High Ridge Wildlife Management Area. We are also seeking observers and data collectors for our Grassland Birds Initiative. Training and supportive materials will be provided. See CONSERVATION PROJECTS or contact [email protected] for details.
WE WANT YOUR ART! Please consider sharing your nature-theme photographs, drawings, or paintings with us. We’re always looking for interesting pictures to illustrate our web-site and Facebook pages. Here's a chance to see your name in print!
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WE WANT YOUR ART! Please consider sharing your nature-theme photographs, drawings, or paintings with us. We’re always looking for interesting pictures to illustrate our web-site and Facebook pages. Here's a chance to see your name in print!
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ADVISORY GROUP MEETING JANUARY 8, 2015
The Hubbardston-Ware River Nature Club Advisory group met at the beginning of the year to talk about future plans for the Club. Present were Karl Barry (Paxton), Treasurer; Wendy Howes (Hubbardston), Organizer; Laura Rankin ( Barre ); Dick Knowlton ( Gardner) ; and Ted Purcell (Rutland); and Jim Samdahl (Princeton). Unable to attend was Linda Mueller of Oakham.
We are looking for representation from the towns of Petersham/Hardwick, Templeton, and Westminster. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to know more about the responsibilities of our Advisory Group.
Besides planning for the upcoming annual meeting and future programs/field trips, the group had a lively discussion regarding a possible name change for our Club, in an attempt to characterize our large geographic region and convey a more general inclusiveness. While we're reflecting upon the many great options that were mentioned, we'll honor the founding roots of the organization and keep "Hubbardston" in the name for awhile. Watch this space for further news. And don't be shy about suggesting a new Club name!
The Hubbardston-Ware River Nature Club Advisory group met at the beginning of the year to talk about future plans for the Club. Present were Karl Barry (Paxton), Treasurer; Wendy Howes (Hubbardston), Organizer; Laura Rankin ( Barre ); Dick Knowlton ( Gardner) ; and Ted Purcell (Rutland); and Jim Samdahl (Princeton). Unable to attend was Linda Mueller of Oakham.
We are looking for representation from the towns of Petersham/Hardwick, Templeton, and Westminster. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to know more about the responsibilities of our Advisory Group.
Besides planning for the upcoming annual meeting and future programs/field trips, the group had a lively discussion regarding a possible name change for our Club, in an attempt to characterize our large geographic region and convey a more general inclusiveness. While we're reflecting upon the many great options that were mentioned, we'll honor the founding roots of the organization and keep "Hubbardston" in the name for awhile. Watch this space for further news. And don't be shy about suggesting a new Club name!
FALL 2014
PENDING: FACEBOOK “FACE-LIFT” AND A WEB SITE!
Please join us in welcoming Laura Rankin of Barre, who is building us a web-site and taking over the job of Facebook administrator. THANK YOU to Laura and to Betty Ann Sharp, who got us started on Facebook. Laura will also be contributing art work and photographs to be posted on the sites.
In addition, Gail Hansche Godin of Hubbardston, an outstanding nature photographer, and Barry Van Dusen of Princeton, an award-winning painter of nature subjects, will be contributing illustrations.
THANKS Gail and Barry for your support!
Alan Rawle and others will be taking photos on field trips, and we’ll choose some of the most interesting for posting.
And we want your nature-themed photographs and drawings, too. Please
send them along for sharing.
Please join us in welcoming Laura Rankin of Barre, who is building us a web-site and taking over the job of Facebook administrator. THANK YOU to Laura and to Betty Ann Sharp, who got us started on Facebook. Laura will also be contributing art work and photographs to be posted on the sites.
In addition, Gail Hansche Godin of Hubbardston, an outstanding nature photographer, and Barry Van Dusen of Princeton, an award-winning painter of nature subjects, will be contributing illustrations.
THANKS Gail and Barry for your support!
Alan Rawle and others will be taking photos on field trips, and we’ll choose some of the most interesting for posting.
And we want your nature-themed photographs and drawings, too. Please
send them along for sharing.