Friends of the Middlesex
Fells Reservation
Dedicated to the protection and harmonious use of the Fells

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Upcoming events

  • Nature Hike: Nature walk with Winchester Trails

    • December 06, 2021
    • 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    • 100 Hillcrest Pkwy., Winchester MA
    • 10
    Register

    Nature Walk with Winchester Trails

    Monday, December 6, 8:00 am - 10:00 am

    North Reservoir, 100 Hillcrest Parkway, Winchester

    Leaders:  Julia Osborne, Tinie Noordzij, Winchester Trails Guides

    We will enter the Fells at the north end of the Long Pond Trail, opposite 100 Hillcrest Parkway, off Highland Avenue in Winchester. Please park on the street along the forest.

    The area offers a varied landscape, with wooded hills, open spaces, and Long Pond. We'll look for signs of fall such as late flowering plants, mushrooms, migratory birds, and waterfowl. We'll pay particular attention to the various habitats and plant communities found near and in the pond.

    Please bring binoculars if you have them.  With moderate snow use yak-tracks and ski poles if needed.

    Heavy rain or snow and stormy wind cancels.

    Contact:  friends@fells.org

    Please note that space is strictly limited, and pre-registration will be required for all of our 2021 group events (no on-site registrations will be permitted). 

    IMPORTANT:  PLEASE DO NOT BE A NO-SHOW!!! Our free offerings are frequently waitlisted, so if you cannot attend, PLEASE CONTACT US so we can give your spot to another person who wants to participate. 

    THANK YOU!

    Show details

  • Babes in the Woods Hike

    • December 07, 2021
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Gate 16, near 83 Hillcrest Parkway, Winchester
    • 12
    Register

    Babes in the Woods Program

    Since 1999, Babes in the Woods is the Friends of the Fells’ free popular weekday family hiking program. Caregivers carrying babies are welcome on these fun guided hikes through the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Babes in the Woods is an adult-paced hike designed for parents who carry their children. These hikes are not recommended for young children who walk.

    We recommend that you bring along snacks and drinks, and make sure to dress for the weather—depending on the season, some trails may be muddy or icy in spots.

    Location changes weekly. 

    Pre-registration is now required. 

    Everyone has to wear a mask (except children under 2) and maintain 6 feet away from each other. 

    Hikers must move to the side of the path to allow others to pass.

    Please note that hikes are not accessible for strollers. 

    For our participants' comfort, we don't allow dogs to hike with us.

    Our walks are cancelled only if it is too hot, too cold, or raining too hard. 

    Check our Facebook page for the latest details: 
    https://www.facebook.com/BabesinWoodsFells/


    Show details

  • Nature Hike: A Late Autumn Walk in Virginia Wood with Boot Boutwell

    • December 08, 2021
    • 9:15 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Copland House, 1 Woodland Road, Stoneham MA
    • 10
    Register

    A Late Autumn Walk in Virginia Wood with Boot Boutwell

    Wednesday, December 8, 9:15 am - 11:30 am

    1 Woodland Road, Stoneham, just south of the Pond Street rotary.

    Leader: Boot Boutwell

    Come enjoy a late autumn walk through lovely Virginia Wood in Stoneham where we will observe nature readying itself for winter. The walk will focus on plant ID as well as fun and interesting natural history. Perhaps we’ll find out who Virginia was.

    Meet in the driveway of #1 Woodland Rd. at the intersection of Woodland Rd. and Pond St. in Stoneham.

    Steady rain or heavy snow cancels.

    Contact:  Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712), or friends@fells.org

    Please note that space is strictly limited, and pre-registration will be required for all of our 2021 group events (no on-site registrations will be permitted). 

    IMPORTANT:  PLEASE DO NOT BE A NO-SHOW!!! Our free offerings are frequently waitlisted, so if you cannot attend, PLEASE CONTACT US so we can give your spot to another person who wants to participate. 

    THANK YOU!

    Show details

  • Plant & Wildlife Monitoring with Earthwise Aware

    • December 10, 2021
    • 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Long Pond Parking Lot

    The Earthwise Aware's naturalist team introduces how to document the Fells' ecological communities at risk in a fast-changing world. Join us!

    This is an opportunity to get introduced to their community science program and team. You will help the team record bird movement, observe seasonal phases on fauna and flora, monitor bio-pollution, and map habitat fragmentation. It's also a chance to learn new skills and join the team & effort ツ 

    ⓘ Details & Registration: Please note that space is strictly limited, and pre-registration are required for all of our group events ⚠ no on-site registrations will be permitted. Register here today » Thanks!

    Hiking pace: Moderate-to-fast when possible–yet very quietly–on the lookout for any kind of signs. Wear long pants and sturdy boots. This is a great opportunity to learn how to be alert and in tune with our environment and to discover our urban woodland's biodiversity and cycles while contributing to science.

    Age: Adults (16+) & Seniors.

    ◇ What to Wear & Bring: Although these will be slow-paced hikes, please dress appropriately and consider wearing long pants (for the possibility of ticks, poison ivy etc.) and sturdy hiking shoes. Bring water. Also, know that there is no bathroom in the forest.

    ✉ For any question, you can contact Claire at citizenscience@earthwiseaware.org

    ⓘ EwA Citizen Science Programs » www.earthwiseaware.org/citizen-science/

    #nature #ecology #biodiversity #phenology #conservation #citizenScience #science

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  • Forest Explorations with Earthwise Aware

    • December 11, 2021
    • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Greenwood Park Parking Lot, 176 Pond St Stoneham, MA 02180

    Join Claire O'Neill & Kathy McGlathery for a lovely Biodiversity walk in the Fells exploring how seasons pass and shape our plants and wildlife in our beautiful urban forest. We'll enjoy, observe and record the flora and fauna in various locations of the woods, starting from the Flynn Rink parking lot.

    This is part of Earthwise Aware's biodiversity and phenology studies that collect data about the impact of climate change on the synchronicity of fauna and flora phenophases (i.e., observable stages or phases in the annual life cycle of a plant or animal that can be defined by a start and endpoint). This is a great way opportunity to learn how to be alert and in tune with our environment, and to discover our urban woodland's biodiversity and cycles.

    Age: Adults (16+) & Seniors / Difficulty: Easy to Moderate 

    ◇ What to Wear & Bring: Although these will be slow-paced hikes, please dress appropriately and consider wearing long pants (for the possibility of ticks, poison ivy, etc.) and sturdy hiking shoes. Bring water. Also, know that there is no bathroom in the forest.

    ⓘ Details & Registration: Please note that space is strictly limited, and pre-registration will be required for all of our fall group events ⚠ no on-site registrations will be permitted. Register here today » Thanks!

    ✉ For any question, you can contact Claire at citizenscience@earthwiseaware.org

    ⓘ EwA Citizen Science Programs » www.earthwiseaware.org/citizen-science/

    #nature #ecology #biodiversity #phenology #conservation #citizenScience #science

    Show details

  • Nature Hike: Nature Walk with Pete Costello

    • December 12, 2021
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Flynn Rink parking lot, 300 Elm St, Medford, MA
    • 12
    Register

    Nature Hike with the Stone Zoo's Pete Costello

    Sunday,  December 12, 2021

    10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

    Pete Costello is the Assistant Curator of the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, an expert in conservation, and a long-time birder:

    We’ll walk around the High Fells Reservoirs looking for different animal signs and animal habitats.  This area has several vernal pools we can investigate, and the reservoirs can be a great place to to view nature bedding down for the winter. 

    The view of the Boston skyline from Boojum Rock is spectacular, and it’s a great place to view hawks. 

    Binoculars would be helpful, but not necessary.

    Topics:  nature, ecology, conservation, zoology, bird watching, animal tracking

    Meet at the Flynn Rink Parking Lot, Woodland Rd., Medford.  Steady rain or heavy snow cancels.

    Contact:  pcostello@zoonewengland.org; 781-648-4845 (text only, please)

    Please note that space is strictly limited, and pre-registration will be required for all of our group events (no on-site registrations will be permitted). 

    IMPORTANT:  PLEASE DO NOT BE A NO-SHOW!!! Our free offerings are frequently waitlisted, so if you cannot attend, PLEASE CONTACT US so we can give your spot to another person who wants to participate. 

    THANK YOU!

    Show details

  • Babes in the Woods Hike

    • December 14, 2021
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Greenwood Park Parking Lot 176 Pond St Stoneham, MA 02180
    • 15
    Register

    Babes in the Woods Program

    Since 1999, Babes in the Woods is the Friends of the Fells’ free popular weekday family hiking program. Caregivers carrying babies are welcome on these fun guided hikes through the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Babes in the Woods is an adult-paced hike designed for parents who carry their children. These hikes are not recommended for young children who walk.

    We recommend that you bring along snacks and drinks, and make sure to dress for the weather—depending on the season, some trails may be muddy or icy in spots.

    Location changes weekly. 

    Pre-registration is required.

    We'll be splitting into two groups for this hike. The first group can hike maskless. The second group will keep masks on.

    Please note that hikes are not accessible for strollers. 

    For our participants' comfort, we don't allow dogs to hike with us.

    Our walks are cancelled only in case of bad weather: too hot, too cold, or too rainy. 

    Check our Facebook page for the latest details: 
    https://www.facebook.com/BabesinWoodsFells/


    Show details

  • Nature Hike: Celebrate the Solstice at Bellevue Pond with Boot Boutwell

    • December 21, 2021
    • 9:15 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Bellevue Pond parking lot, South Border Rd., Medford
    • 5
    Register

    Celebrate the Solstice at Bellevue Pond with Boot Boutwell

    Tuesday, December 21, 9:15 - 11:30 am

    Bellevue Pond parking lot, South Border Rd., Medford

    Leader: Boot Boutwell

    The Winter Solstice arrives at 10:59 am today! We have arrived at the beginning of winter and the shortest day of the year.

    We’ll take a stroll through the Bellevue Pond area and take a walk up Pine Hill to Wright’s Tower to get a good look at the sun. We’ll talk about the winter solstice and what it means using poetry, lore and science. And as usual, we’ll also focus on plant ID as well as fun and interesting natural history about the plants which we see. 

    Meet at the Bellevue Pond parking lot on South Border Rd (opposite #70) in Medford. Steady rain cancels.

    Contact:  Boot Boutwell (781-729-4712), or friends@fells.org

    Please note that space is strictly limited, and pre-registration will be required for all of our 2021 group events (no on-site registrations will be permitted). 

    IMPORTANT:  PLEASE DO NOT BE A NO-SHOW!!! Our free offerings are frequently waitlisted, so if you cannot attend, PLEASE CONTACT US so we can give your spot to another person who wants to participate. 

    THANK YOU!

    Show details

  • Babes in the Woods Hike

    • December 21, 2021
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Bellevue Pond, 68 South Border Rd, Medford
    • 15
    Register

    Babes in the Woods Program

    Since 1999, Babes in the Woods is the Friends of the Fells’ free popular weekday family hiking program. Caregivers carrying babies are welcome on these fun guided hikes through the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Babes in the Woods is an adult-paced hike designed for parents who carry their children. These hikes are not recommended for young children who walk.

    We recommend that you bring along snacks and drinks, and make sure to dress for the weather—depending on the season, some trails may be muddy or icy in spots.

    Location changes weekly. 

    Pre-registration is required.

    We'll be splitting into two groups for this hike. The first group can hike maskless. The second group will keep masks on.

    Please note that hikes are not accessible for strollers. 

    For our participants' comfort, we don't allow dogs to hike with us.

    Our walks are cancelled only in case of bad weather: too hot, too cold, or too rainy. 

    Check our Facebook page for the latest details: 
    https://www.facebook.com/BabesinWoodsFells/


    Show details

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