As summer progresses we have an exciting array of programs to get you out in nature and or experience the work of naturalists from around the region. Come join us for one of these free programs which everyone is encouraged to join in the fun!
Sunday July 7, 2024, 1:30 PM Sunday Open House – Nature Journaling with artist/naturalist Will Close.
The mission of Will Close Studios is to create a greater connection between people, community, and nature. Using my skills as a visual artist, naturalist, and craftsman, I aim to draw awareness to the bonds that connect all life. With my artwork, I hope to awaken curiosity and love for our wild neighbors and the shared relationships that tie us all together. https://www.willclosestudios.com/
Saturday July 13th, 2024, 7:00 am – Noon BBC/ABNC Field Trip with Ernie Leblanc
Join a co-sponsored bird trip between the Brookline Bird Club and the Athol Bird and Nature Club to the Explore Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area on the border of Royalston and Winchendon. This area contains two clear-cut areas being managed as blueberry barrens, providing good habitat for early successional bird species such as Prairie and Chestnut-sided Warblers, and Field and White-throated Sparrows. Oh, and Blueberries! Intermixed woodland and swamp habitats provide great opportunities for viewing the many breeding birds of the area. Be prepared for a modest amount of walking. Access to the area is via hard packed dirt roads that may be rutted.
Meet at the Royalston library in Royalston center at 6:45 AM where we will ride to the walk location. Bring your bug repellent, some good walking footwear, and maybe a basket for blueberries. 😄
Contact Ernie LeBlanc at ealeblanc13@gmail.com to confirm your participation, or if you have questions.
Sunday July 14, 2024, 1:30 PM Sunday Open House
Aquatic biologist Cathy Szal and science teacher Katrina Walton will offer a hands-on exploration of pond life. There will be a brief introduction to ponds and different types of pond life. They will bring in live aquatic invertebrates, plankton samples and aquatic vegetation. There will be microscope tables with both compound and dissecting scopes for visitors to observe microscopic pond life and aquatic vegetation. There will be pans of live aquatic invertebrates and magnifying glasses. They will also have drawing materials for nature journaling.
A close look at Pond Life
Saturday July 20th ,2024, 9:00 PM to whenever. The infamous “MothBall” Kicks off National Moth Week in 2024. The Mothball returns, Shelley and I invite our friends and neighbors to our Annual MothBall at our home at 1542 Pleasant Street, Athol. July 20th, 2024, 9:00 PM to whenever… Bring Flashlight, camera, lawn chair, a beverage and/or snack to share (keep it simple grab and go) and your sense of adventure. No rain dates. This will be an all-outdoor event with portable toilets in place. Please register with Dave just to let us know who is coming. We are Looking forward to a fun evening, Welcome to the dark side 😊 Dave at Dave@atholbirdclub.org to register or if you have additional questions.
Sunday July 21, 2024, 1:30 PM Sunday Open House
Jim Morelli – highlights with my experience monitoring an eagle nest from eggs to fledglings. I spent three months and 90 hours learning about eagles.
– Eagle nest comes under attack – Nature Journal can be enjoyable and very helpful – Lessons learned – Photo tips
Sunday July 28, 2024, 1:30 PM Sunday Open House
“Night Owl Night” book reading
Children’s author Susan Richmond will be reading and doing a presentation about her book “Night Owl Night.” The program should last about 30 minutes. An inspiring introduction to capture-and-release research, this mother-daughter story about owl conservation will spark curiosity in young nature, bird, and science lovers. Sova’s mother is a scientist who studies birds and their migratory patterns. Each night she goes into the woods to conduct research, and finally Sova is old enough to join her. Securing headlamps, Sova and her mother headed into the woods to capture, measure, and release saw-whet owls. Through the quiet night, Sova learns about the patience, persistence, and excitement that comes with conservation efforts and scientific research. This heartwarming mother-daughter story is the perfect primer to conservation, science, and amazing owls! Ages 4-8.
The book is wonderful, the program includes a book reading followed by an art project. MREC has a fantastic collection of owl species that will enhance the program designed to inspire young artists. Susan’s website: www.susanedwardsrichmond.com
Sunday August 4, 2024, 1:30 PM Sunday Open House
Join ornithologist Mara Silver for a discussion on the Conservation of Cliff and Barn Swallows, two Species in Decline in the Northeast
Both Cliff and Barn Swallows have been declining in northeastern North America since the 1960s. Reasons for population declines include habitat loss, competition from House Sparrows, larger-scale intensive agricultural practices, and, possibly climate change, pesticides, and changes in prey abundance/quality. Despite larger scale population declines, breeding success can increase when habitat is improved at local Cliff and Barn swallow nesting sites. Mara will discuss the status/trends of the Cliff Swallow colonies in western MA where she has implemented management activities since 2019 and discuss management techniques she has developed for Barn Swallows.
Sunday August 11, 2024, 1:30 PM Sunday Field Trip
Explore the native plant trail at the New England Equestrian Center
The New England Equestrian Center of Athol is a 250+ acre municipal equestrian park located at 802 New Sherborn Road in Athol. There are several multi-use trails winding through the park’s pine/hemlock/oak forest, a vernal pond, meadow, and more. We will be walking the forested “Join Up Trail” which is being enhanced with the addition of Krissy Dorn’s beautiful artwork in the form of 20 original native plant identification signs throughout the trail. Linda will share her love and knowledge of the natural history of NEECA as we walk along the .4-mile riding path. Meet @1:30 PM at the Spectator Parking area. There are clear signs directing one into the park and to that parking area. Bring insect spray and a sun hat, water if you like. We will be walking a short distance past a horse show in progress at the main arena to the “Join Up Trail”. To learn more about NEECA check out the website: https://www.neeca.org/
Sunday August 18, 2024, 1:30 PM Sunday Open House
Late Summer Odes with Dave Small
Join Dave Small and Max McPhee for the final Sunday open house of the summer at the Millers River Environmental center. A short presentation on the identification of dragonflies and damselflies will precede a trip to the Alan E. Rich Environmental Park for a look at Odes along the Millers River. Target species include American Rubyspot, plus Zebra and Arrow Clubtails. http://www.rubyspot.net/ Bring binoculars, a camera, and an insect net if you have one and your sense of adventure, be prepared to wade in shallow water.
