| Attendees of the Lynn Woods Walk at Stone Tower in Lynn |
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Learning Together in Lynn Woods
Greenbelt and Lynn Museum/LynnArts came together for a wonderful walk in Lynn Woods on July 22. The hike was led by Ranger Dan Small who, with 23 years of experience in his role, shared a breadth of information about the ecology of Lynn Woods and its most curious history. (Have you heard of the buried treasure at Dungeon Rock?) Attendees had a chance to check out the view from the top of Stone Tower, the highest point in Lynn. Thank you to Doneeca Thurston from Lynn Museum/LynnArts and Ranger Dan for partnering with Greenbelt for this event.
At 2,200 acres, Lynn Woods is the second largest municipal park in the United States. Greenbelt has worked for many years with the City of Lynn, local residents, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation to permanently protect Lynn Woods. We're making exciting progress towards this important goal!
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| Two Osprey chicks in Essex |
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Success, and Questions, this Osprey Season
The Osprey nesting season is winding down. Many successful pairs have already fledged their chicks, while others are still busy tending to their little ones who have not yet left the nest. It takes approximately 45-50 days for an Osprey chick to attain flight and become a fledgling. That is a lot of work for mom and dad!
Preliminary data suggests that we will see an increase in nesting pairs in our region in 2023: there are probably close to 80 pairs compared to 75 pairs in 2022, and we hope to band 40-50 chicks this season. Sadly, it appears that some chicks are not surviving this year due to malnutrition, a result of the adults not being able to provide enough fish for their young. This is a widespread issue in 2023 without an easy explanation—weather? lack of fish? At this point, we still don't know. This fall we will have a full summary of the 2023 nesting season to share. |
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| Cell Signaling Technology volunteers at Cox Reservation in Essex |
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Corporate Conservationists Making a Difference
Earlier this week, employees from Corporate Conservationist Cell Signaling Technology volunteered their time for an afternoon of landscaping at Greenbelt's Cox Reservation. Volunteers prepared the beds for planting more pollinator-friendly plants as part of a comprehensive plan to incorporate more native species in the gardens. Many thanks to our hardworking CST volunteers!
In addition, we are delighted to welcome EBSCO as Greenbelt's newest sponsor at the Corporate Conservationist level. Thank you! |
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| Tour de Greenbelt cyclists pass by Hiller Field in Newbury, Photo by David Powell |
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Register to Ride this year's Tour de Greenbelt
Join us on Saturday, September 16, for the 2023 Tour de Greenbelt - Cycle for Land Conservation, supported by presenting sponsor Institution for Savings.
The annual ride benefits Greenbelt’s local land conservation work. Untimed routes include a 25-mile and 50-mile road option, and a 40-mile and (new this year!) 28-mile Gravel Grinder option. Venture past open fields, into state forests, and along local farmland while passing more than 50 properties forever protected by Greenbelt. After the ride, join us for festivities under the big tent at Cox Reservation!
Click below to visit the Tour de Greenbelt webpage to learn more. Online registration is open through September 10, but register by August 3 to receive your jersey in time for the ride! |
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| GovsPlus students at Vineyard Hill in Hamilton, Photo by Neil Ungerleider |
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Getting Outside with GovsPlus
Forty GovsPlus students and counselors set off on an exciting, nature-based scavenger hunt at Vineyard Hill last week, where they deciphered clues to identify signs of nature along the trail. This was Greenbelt's second annual "GovsPlus Day," an afternoon devoted to exploring nature with an exceptional group of students participating in the GovsPlus summer program. GovsPlus offers five weeks of academic enrichment at The Governor's Academy, tuition-free, for rising eighth and ninth graders from Lawrence.
GovsPlus Day is one of Greenbelt's favorite summer activities, and we're already planning for next year! |
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| Osprey in watercolor, by Susie Field |
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Remembering Susie Field
We are saddened by the passing of Susie Field, a longtime volunteer and friend of Greenbelt. Always a positive, cheerful part of Greenbelt's volunteer mail crew, Susie also contributed her beautiful artwork to our publications, calendars and watercolor notecards. Susie was an avid bird enthusiast and loved supporting the Osprey program. We will miss her enthusiasm and kindness. |
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There's always a lot going on at Greenbelt! If you're interested in learning about volunteer opportunities, join our monthly Volunteer E-Newsletter list. |
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