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

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Upcoming events

  • Fall Feature Story Walk®: Why Do Leaves Change Color?

    • October 12, 2019
    • 7:00 AM
    • October 27, 2019
    • 7:00 PM
    • DCR Greenwood Park, 176 Pond St, Stoneham, MA 02180

    Fall Feature Story Walk®

    Saturday, October 12 – Sunday, October 27

    Join DCR's Fall Feature Story Walk® this beautiful autumn season. Walk a trail, read a story, use your senses, and connect with your surroundings. Fall is a perfect time to tramp through the woods and enjoy the magic of reading together outdoors!

    WHY DO LEAVES CHANGE COLOR?
    Written by Betsy Maestro and illustrated by Loretta Krupinski

    Come and participate in this self-guided walk for children and adults! Enjoy the gorgeous fall colors and learn why all our green leaves turn to orange, red, and yellow!

    ABOUT THE TRAIL
    Crystal Springs Trail at Greenwood Park (across from Stone Zoo) starts from the parking lot behind the granite wall. The trail is an easy walk - about ¼-mile - and CAN accommodate jogging strollers.

    All Story Walk® events are open to the public, self-guided, run dawn to dusk, and are free of charge.

    The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Mass in Motion, the North Suburban Child & Family Resource Network, Medford Family Network, and the Friends of the Fells would like to acknowledge and thank the Story Walk® Project, created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, for their work and inspiration.
    Show details

  • Babes in the Woods Hike

    • October 22, 2019
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Flynn Rink, 300 Elm St, Medford
    Register

    Babes in the Woods Program

    Since 1999, Babes in the Woods is the Friends of the Fells’ 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. 

    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 raining or snowing.

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


    Show details

  • Plant & Wildlife Monitoring at The Fells

    • October 23, 2019
    • 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Long Pond Parking Lot, Winchester, MA

    We welcome you to take a peep and/or help us gathering science field information relating to plants, birds, and insects at the Fells. In the end, it's likely that you'll love it so much that you'll want to join our group of citizen scientists.  

    In the course of 3+ hours, we survey 6 sites (4 plant phenology sites + 2 arthropod monitoring sites). We also monitor bird activity at 2 ponds. We'll record information following nationally standardized phenology and biodiversity protocols (and fed to shared global platforms).  

    Age: Adults (16+) & Seniors.

    ⚠️ Hiking pace between sites: Fast. We'll start with our Long Pond sites then get to our Bellevue sites. Between sites, we will hike relatively fast yet very quietly, on the lookout for any kind of signs. 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.

    Details & Registration: This is an RSVP event. If you intend to come, we ask you kindly that you let us know, so that we can communicate with you about what to wear and what to bring, as well as to be able to inform you if there is any change plan due to weather and other reasons. Register here » Thanks!

    ✉ For any question, you can contact Claire at citizenscience@earthwiseaware.org
    ⓘ About EwA Citizen Science Programs » https://tinyurl.com/ewa-citizen-science

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

    Show details

  • Forest Explorations at the Fells

    • October 26, 2019
    • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Flynn Rink Parking Lot, Medford, MA 02155

    Join Laura & Claire for a lovely Biodiversity walk in the Fells exploring how seasons pass affect 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 our effort to study biodiversity and 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.

    If we pass by our study sites in that area, we'll also record information following nationally standardized phenology protocols (and fed to shared global platforms).

    Age: Adults (16+) & Seniors.

    ⓘ Details & Registration: This is an RSVP event. If you intend to come, we ask that you let us know, so that we can communicate with you about what to wear and what to bring, as well as to be able to inform you if there is any change plan due to weather and other reasons. Register here today » Thanks!

    ✉ For any question, you can contact Claire at citizenscience@earthwiseaware.org
    ⓘ About EwA Citizen Science Programs » https://tinyurl.com/ewa-citizen-science

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

    Show details

  • Documenting & Protecting the Vernal Pools of The Fells

    • October 28, 2019
    • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Middlesex Fells, Medford High School Parking Lot, Medford

    This is a great community-based conservation initiative for advancing ecosystem and wildlife conservation. The EwA Vernal Pool Awareness & Protection program helps the protection of the vernal pools and wetland habitats of the Middlesex Fells Reservation through science, partnerships, and education.

    This program is about scientific research and wetland conservation efforts paired with a training experience for our guests and new volunteers. The program focuses on the vernal pools of the Middlesex Fells Reservation that are not yet ‘certified’ (following the definition of Vernal Pools as defined by the State of Massachusetts). Working with local herpetologists, our goal is to certify those potential pools so that they get protected under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act regulations. Doing so, we close species migration gaps between the non-certified and certified pools, therefore directly improving the conservation of wetland species, and specifically of the species of the Fells.

    Age: Adults (16+) & Seniors.

    Details & Registration: This is an RSVP event. A few days before the event, we email the exact rendezvous (which entrance to the Fells), what to wear and what to bring. We also inform you if there is any change plan due to weather and other reasons. Register here today » Thanks! 

    ✉ For any question, you can contact Claire at citizenscience@earthwiseaware.org
    ⓘ About EwA Citizen Science Program » https://tinyurl.com/ewa-citizen-science

    #nature #ecology #biodiversity #herpetology #conservation #citizenScience #science
    Show details

  • Babes in the Woods Hike

    • October 29, 2019
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Bellevue Pond, 68 South Border Rd, Medford
    Register

    Babes in the Woods Program

    Since 1999, Babes in the Woods is the Friends of the Fells’ 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. 

    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 raining or snowing.

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


    Show details

  • Babes in the Woods Hike

    • November 05, 2019
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Botume House Visitor Center, 4 Woodland Rd, Stoneham
    Register

    Babes in the Woods Program

    Since 1999, Babes in the Woods is the Friends of the Fells’ 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. 

    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 raining or snowing.

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


    Show details

  • Plant & Wildlife Monitoring at The Fells

    • November 06, 2019
    • 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Long Pond Parking Lot, Winchester, MA

    We welcome you to take a peep and/or help us gathering science field information relating to plants, birds, and insects at the Fells. In the end, it's likely that you'll love it so much that you'll want to join our group of citizen scientists.  

    In the course of 3+ hours, we survey 6 sites (4 plant phenology sites + 2 arthropod monitoring sites). We also monitor bird activity at 2 ponds. We'll record information following nationally standardized phenology and biodiversity protocols (and fed to shared global platforms).  

    Age: Adults (16+) & Seniors.

    ⚠️ Hiking pace between sites: Fast. We'll start with our Long Pond sites then get to our Bellevue sites. Between sites, we will hike relatively fast yet very quietly, on the lookout for any kind of signs. 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.

    Details & Registration: This is an RSVP event. If you intend to come, we ask you kindly that you let us know, so that we can communicate with you about what to wear and what to bring, as well as to be able to inform you if there is any change plan due to weather and other reasons. Register here » Thanks!

    ✉ For any question, you can contact Claire at citizenscience@earthwiseaware.org
    ⓘ About EwA Citizen Science Programs » https://tinyurl.com/ewa-citizen-science

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

    Show details

  • Nature Hike: Autumn at Bellevue Pond with Boot Boutwell

    • November 07, 2019
    • 9:15 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Bellevue Pond Parking Lot, South Border Rd. (opposite #70), Medford

    Autumn at Bellevue Pond

    Thursday,  November 7
    9:15 - 11:30 am

    Leader:  Boot Boutwell

    We will take a walk in the area of Bellevue Pond searching for plants that are still in flower as well as plants that are in fruit.  We’ll also look for winter weeds, those hardy herbaceous (non-woody) plants whose skeletons decorate the autumn and winter landscape.  The walk will focus on plant ID as well as fun and interesting natural history.  Perhaps we’ll see a few witches and skeletons left over from Halloween! 

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

    Contact:  Boot (781-729-4712)

    Show details

  • Documenting & Protecting the Vernal Pools of The Fells

    • November 11, 2019
    • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Middlesex Fells, Medford High School Parking Lot, Medford

    This is a great community-based conservation initiative for advancing ecosystem and wildlife conservation. The EwA Vernal Pool Awareness & Protection program helps the protection of the vernal pools and wetland habitats of the Middlesex Fells Reservation through science, partnerships, and education.

    This program is about scientific research and wetland conservation efforts paired with a training experience for our guests and new volunteers. The program focuses on the vernal pools of the Middlesex Fells Reservation that are not yet ‘certified’ (following the definition of Vernal Pools as defined by the State of Massachusetts). Working with local herpetologists, our goal is to certify those potential pools so that they get protected under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act regulations. Doing so, we close species migration gaps between the non-certified and certified pools, therefore directly improving the conservation of wetland species, and specifically of the species of the Fells.

    Age: Adults (16+) & Seniors.

    Details & Registration: This is an RSVP event. A few days before the event, we email the exact rendezvous (which entrance to the Fells), what to wear and what to bring. We also inform you if there is any change plan due to weather and other reasons. Register here today » Thanks! 

    ✉ For any question, you can contact Claire at citizenscience@earthwiseaware.org
    ⓘ About EwA Citizen Science Program » https://tinyurl.com/ewa-citizen-science

    #nature #ecology #biodiversity #herpetology #conservation #citizenScience #science
    Show details

  • Babes in the Woods Hike

    • November 12, 2019
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Long Pond Parking Lot, 524-530 S Border Rd, Winchester.
    Register

    Babes in the Woods Program

    Since 1999, Babes in the Woods is the Friends of the Fells’ 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. 

    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 raining or snowing.

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


    Show details

  • Forest Explorations at the Fells

    • November 16, 2019
    • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Flynn Rink Parking Lot, Medford, MA 02155

    Join Laura & Claire for a lovely Biodiversity walk in the Fells exploring how seasons pass affect 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 our effort to study biodiversity and 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.

    If we pass by our study sites in that area, we'll also record information following nationally standardized phenology protocols (and fed to shared global platforms).

    Age: Adults (16+) & Seniors.

    ⓘ Details & Registration: This is an RSVP event. If you intend to come, we ask that you let us know, so that we can communicate with you about what to wear and what to bring, as well as to be able to inform you if there is any change plan due to weather and other reasons. Register here today » Thanks!

    ✉ For any question, you can contact Claire at citizenscience@earthwiseaware.org
    ⓘ About EwA Citizen Science Programs » https://tinyurl.com/ewa-citizen-science

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

    Show details

  • Plant & Wildlife Monitoring at The Fells

    • November 20, 2019
    • 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
    • Long Pond Parking Lot, Winchester, MA

    We welcome you to take a peep and/or help us gathering science field information relating to plants, birds, and insects at the Fells. In the end, it's likely that you'll love it so much that you'll want to join our group of citizen scientists.  

    In the course of 3+ hours, we survey 6 sites (4 plant phenology sites + 2 arthropod monitoring sites). We also monitor bird activity at 2 ponds. We'll record information following nationally standardized phenology and biodiversity protocols (and fed to shared global platforms).  

    Age: Adults (16+) & Seniors.

    ⚠️ Hiking pace between sites: Fast. We'll start with our Long Pond sites then get to our Bellevue sites. Between sites, we will hike relatively fast yet very quietly, on the lookout for any kind of signs. 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.

    Details & Registration: This is an RSVP event. If you intend to come, we ask you kindly that you let us know, so that we can communicate with you about what to wear and what to bring, as well as to be able to inform you if there is any change plan due to weather and other reasons. Register here » Thanks!

    ✉ For any question, you can contact Claire at citizenscience@earthwiseaware.org
    ⓘ About EwA Citizen Science Programs » https://tinyurl.com/ewa-citizen-science

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

    Show details

  • Documenting & Protecting the Vernal Pools of The Fells

    • November 25, 2019
    • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Middlesex Fells, Medford High School Parking Lot, Medford

    This is a great community-based conservation initiative for advancing ecosystem and wildlife conservation. The EwA Vernal Pool Awareness & Protection program helps the protection of the vernal pools and wetland habitats of the Middlesex Fells Reservation through science, partnerships, and education.

    This program is about scientific research and wetland conservation efforts paired with a training experience for our guests and new volunteers. The program focuses on the vernal pools of the Middlesex Fells Reservation that are not yet ‘certified’ (following the definition of Vernal Pools as defined by the State of Massachusetts). Working with local herpetologists, our goal is to certify those potential pools so that they get protected under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act regulations. Doing so, we close species migration gaps between the non-certified and certified pools, therefore directly improving the conservation of wetland species, and specifically of the species of the Fells.

    Age: Adults (16+) & Seniors.

    Details & Registration: This is an RSVP event. A few days before the event, we email the exact rendezvous (which entrance to the Fells), what to wear and what to bring. We also inform you if there is any change plan due to weather and other reasons. Register here today » Thanks! 

    ✉ For any question, you can contact Claire at citizenscience@earthwiseaware.org
    ⓘ About EwA Citizen Science Program » https://tinyurl.com/ewa-citizen-science

    #nature #ecology #biodiversity #herpetology #conservation #citizenScience #science
    Show details

  • Documenting & Protecting the Vernal Pools of The Fells

    • December 09, 2019
    • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Middlesex Fells, Medford High School Parking Lot, Medford

    This is a great community-based conservation initiative for advancing ecosystem and wildlife conservation. The EwA Vernal Pool Awareness & Protection program helps the protection of the vernal pools and wetland habitats of the Middlesex Fells Reservation through science, partnerships, and education.

    This program is about scientific research and wetland conservation efforts paired with a training experience for our guests and new volunteers. The program focuses on the vernal pools of the Middlesex Fells Reservation that are not yet ‘certified’ (following the definition of Vernal Pools as defined by the State of Massachusetts). Working with local herpetologists, our goal is to certify those potential pools so that they get protected under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act regulations. Doing so, we close species migration gaps between the non-certified and certified pools, therefore directly improving the conservation of wetland species, and specifically of the species of the Fells.

    Age: Adults (16+) & Seniors.

    Details & Registration: This is an RSVP event. A few days before the event, we email the exact rendezvous (which entrance to the Fells), what to wear and what to bring. We also inform you if there is any change plan due to weather and other reasons. Register here today » Thanks! 

    ✉ For any question, you can contact Claire at citizenscience@earthwiseaware.org
    ⓘ About EwA Citizen Science Program » https://tinyurl.com/ewa-citizen-science

    #nature #ecology #biodiversity #herpetology #conservation #citizenScience #science
    Show details

  • Forest Explorations at the Fells

    • December 14, 2019
    • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Flynn Rink Parking Lot, Medford, MA 02155

    Join Laura & Claire for a lovely Biodiversity walk in the Fells exploring how seasons pass affect 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 our effort to study biodiversity and 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.

    If we pass by our study sites in that area, we'll also record information following nationally standardized phenology protocols (and fed to shared global platforms).

    Age: Adults (16+) & Seniors.

    ⓘ Details & Registration: This is an RSVP event. If you intend to come, we ask that you let us know, so that we can communicate with you about what to wear and what to bring, as well as to be able to inform you if there is any change plan due to weather and other reasons. Register here today » Thanks!

    ✉ For any question, you can contact Claire at citizenscience@earthwiseaware.org
    ⓘ About EwA Citizen Science Programs » https://tinyurl.com/ewa-citizen-science

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

    Show details

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