Stewardship
Thomas Patti
If a Tree Falls: Wildlands' Storm Damage ...
Wildlands Updates
Thomas Patti
Communities Unite to Expand D.W. Field Park
Stewardship, Outreach
Thomas Patti
Volunteers Flock to Bridgewater Trail Project
Outreach, Wildlands Updates
Thomas Patti
Photos: Wildlands Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Stewardship, Outreach
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Brockton Elementary School Receives Outdoor ...

Wildlands Updates

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Seasonal Staff Success in Summer 2022

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Read Time: 2 min

By Rachel Calderara, Director of Special Projects

Summers are for growth; not just for the local flora, but also for our staff! With 10,000 acres to protect in 52 towns, Wildlands’ stewardship staff have their work cut out for them during the growing season. That’s why each summer we hire a handful of seasonal staff to help us tackle the busiest time of year. Not only do they help keep our trails clear and free of obstructions, but our seasonal staff also engage with volunteers, help lead youth projects, and collaborate with partner organizations. As summer winds down, we’d like to take a moment to appreciate everything our stewardship staff accomplished this season in service to the environment and our communities.  

Three new staff joined us this summer, doubling the size of the stewardship department. Tess Goldmann, who was first introduced to Wildlands Trust as a high school Green Team member in 2017 and 2018, joined Wildlands as a Seasonal Land Steward after earning a dual degree in Biological Science and Computer Science at Smith College. Lucky for us, she’ll be staying on to help with a variety of projects through the end of the year. Tyler Williams was with Wildlands from May to August and has returned to UMass Boston to complete his senior year as an Environmental Science major. Nico Johnston joined us all the way from Texas for a second summer and returned home in August for his senior year of high school.  

The long list of accomplishments that wouldn’t have been possible without Tess, Tyler, and Nico includes: 

  • Constructing two miles of new trails at Halfway Pond Conservation Area. 

  • Installing new roadside signage at Showcase Preserves. 

  • Repairing benches and picnic tables with the Brockton Green Team at D.W. Field Park. 

  • Constructing a half-mile connector trail that links the IHRT loop with the trails at Chapman’s Landing in Hanover. 

  • Installing bog boards at Mark’s Cove Conservation Area with Buzzards Bay Coalition and Wareham Land Trust. 

Caring for our conservation lands is both challenging and rewarding, and we are grateful to Tess, Tyler, and Nico for their hard work this summer! We hope you find the time to get out on the trails and enjoy the fruits of their labor this fall.  

 

Does this sound like the kind of work YOU would like to be doing? We’re HIRING a full-time Stewardship Coordinator! Learn more here. 

Photo by Rob MacDonald

From the Town of Plymouth: Cyanobacteria Advisory for Halfway Pond

The Town of Plymouth announced a Cyanobacteria Advisory for Halfway Pond on August 25, 2022. The information below details the advisory, provided by the Town of Plymouth.

Cyanobacteria Advisory - Halfway Pond

Updated: 8/25/22

Halfway Pond (Effective: 8/25/2022)

Visual observations provided by the Department of Marine and Environmental Affairs (DMEA) indicate the presence of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) cells in this pond.  This evidence suggests that the level of cyanobacteria in the water may exceed the MDPH guidelines for recreational waterbodies in Massachusetts.  Accordingly, as recommended by MDPH, a public health advisory is being issued by the Plymouth Public Health Department.  Signage will be posted at public access points, where available to warn individuals against contact with the water (please see attached sign).

People and animals should NOT go in this water until the pond has been tested and cleared of the algal bloom.

What are the health concerns associated with cyanobacteria?

A confirmation of cyanobacteria bloom does not necessarily indicate it is toxic.  Cyanobacteria MAY give off microcystin toxins.  However, all cyanobacteria blooms are treated as potentially toxic to ensure public health.

  • Skin irritation, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle and joint pain, blisters of the mouth and liver damage.

  • Swimmers in water containing cyanobacterial toxins may suffer allergic reactions, such as asthma, eye irritation, rashes, and blisters around the mouth and nose.

  • Animals, birds, and fish can also be affected by high levels of toxin-producing cyanobacteria.

  • If your animal goes into the water, be sure to rinse them off thoroughly

  • If your animal ingests water and shows signs of illness, contact your veterinarian

Advisories are not lifted until the water has been consistently clear for TWO WEEKS

For more information on cyanobacteria, please click here.

An advisory can not be lifted until the bloom has been visibly clear for two consecutive weeks.

To report a cyanobacteria bloom: Take a photo, document location and send to Plymouth Public Health or Plymouth Marine and Environmental Department

Leadership Council Honored at Annual Preserve Tour

Read Time: 2 min

By Kyla Isakson, Membership and Digital Media Coordinator

The Leadership Council’s 8th Annual Preserve Tour took place on Friday, June 10. Over 40 members convened with Wildlands’ staff at the entrance of Great River Preserve, in Bridgewater, for a reception to honor the group of donors who contributed major gifts this year. They received a warm welcome from Chairman of the Board Sam Chapin and Executive Director Karen Grey, detailing the importance of the group’s dedication to our organization and the value of the unique lands we conserve.

After a wonderful breakfast, Wildlands’ Board Members and avid birders Brian Harrington and Wayne Petersen each led a portion of the attendants on a walk through the preserve. Time was spent embracing the valuable diversity of the surrounding land and wildlife, observing American Robins, Great Blue Herons, Yellow Warblers, Bobolinks, Grackles, Baltimore Orioles, dragonflies, and American toads, just to name a few! Our knowledgeable guides shared tips for identifying different bird species based on both appearance and vocalizations. Wildlands Trust is incredibly grateful to all of our Leadership Council members for the significant and important support they provide for land conservation throughout the year!

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Vandalism Threatens Shorebirds at Shifting Lots Preserve

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Read Time: 2 min

By Amy Markarian, Senior Copywriter

We are disappointed to report that, for the second year in a row, we are experiencing significant vandalism at Shifting Lots Preserve, in Plymouth. Wildlands' protective fencing that surrounds the shorebird nesting areas, as well as signage informing visitors that dogs are not allowed on the beach, has been damaged and/or removed by visitors on several occasions this spring. The fencing and signs are both critical tools we use to ensure the safety of protected birds on our preserve.

As many of you know, Shifting Lots provides important habitat for Piping Plovers, which are listed as Threatened on both the Massachusetts and Federal Endangered Species Lists, and Least Terns, which are listed as a Species of Special Concern in Massachusetts and are protected under the state Endangered Species Act (MESA).

We know that the Wildlands community cares about local wildlife as much as we do. So, we are asking you to join us in making sure that such acts of vandalism do not continue. If you observe anything unusual and/or see vandalism to our fencing or signage at Shifting Lots Preserve, please take photos and/or videos and reach out to the Plymouth Police Department with the information as soon as possible. We appreciate your support in the protection of these vulnerable species!

(Read Executive Director Karen Grey’s letter to Shifting Lots’ neighbors here.)

Leadership Council to Be Recognized at Preserve Tour

Read Time: 2 min

By Amy Markarian, Senior Copywriter

On Friday, June 10, our 8th Annual Leadership Council Preserve Tour will be held at Great River Preserve, in Bridgewater. Wildlands Trust’s Leadership Council is composed of the generous donors who have contributed $500 or more to our annual fund, and it’s open to anyone who wishes to make such a donation. Members are welcomed into this group throughout the year, as gifts are received, and are notified through a Leadership Council invitation from our Donor Relations Manager, Sue Chamberlain. 

Leadership Council gifts are the foundation of Wildlands' annual giving, making it possible for us to continue to grow and meet the conservation needs of Southeastern Massachusetts. Our region benefits greatly from the generosity of this special group of donors--with cleaner air and water, protected wildlife and habitats, and abundant open space for all to enjoy. 

To show our appreciation for our Leadership Council, Wildlands holds a Fall Supper in the Conservation Barn at Davis-Douglas Farm each November, and a Preserve Tour at a different showcase preserve each June. Leadership Council members’ names are also recognized with a plaque that hangs at the Davis-Douglas Farmhouse at our headquarters.

The 2022 Preserve Tour at Great River Preserve promises to be a treat for our members. This stunning preserve encompasses a range of habitats and features, with over a mile of pristine river frontage along one of the most beautiful and undisturbed stretches of the lengthy Taunton River. With expansive open fields, mixed pine/oak woodlands, vernal pools, and habitat for several rare species, including the Eastern Box Turtle, few other properties along this “Wild and Scenic River” offer comparable aesthetic and ecological value.  After a delicious breakfast at the preserve, birding experts will guide the tour and offer information about the abundance of birds that inhabit the area. 

Do you, too, want to provide vital support for Wildlands’ efforts to preserve the natural heritage of Southeastern Massachusetts? Join our Leadership Council today and secure your spot at our next special event!

https://wildlandstrust.org/leadership-council