Posted September 9, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Woodchucks (Marmota monax), also known as groundhogs, are a member of the burrowing ground squirrel family. They are found mostly in the eastern U.S. with abundant populations in Massachusetts, except for on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Woodchucks are generalist herbivores, meaning that they feed on what is… Continue Reading
Posted September 4, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Hoping to enjoy the quiet beauty of the forest and marsh along Buzzards Bay? Check out Marks Cove Conservation Area on Nicholas Dr. in Wareham! Owned by the Wareham Land Trust, Wildlands Trust, the Town of Wareham, Massachusetts Audubon Society, and the Buzzards Bay Coalition, this property… Continue Reading
Posted September 2, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson As the summer winds down, hunting season will soon begin. If you choose to bring your dog on a trail, be sure they have the proper attire to stay safe too. Make sure that you and your dog wear blaze orange on the trails, especially during hunting… Continue Reading
Posted August 26, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Coyotes (Canis latrans) are canines native to North America, and their populations are well established in Massachusetts, except on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. The color of their coats is based on where they live. Coyotes do not hibernate, and they mate each winter (January through March) with… Continue Reading
Posted August 19, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Dog-day cicadas (Neotibicen canicularis), also known as annual cicadas, are insects with a brown body, approximately 2 inches long, and wings with green venation. Females will lay up to 400 eggs in 40-50 slits that they create in twigs of broad-leafed trees and stems of weeds and… Continue Reading
Posted August 12, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Peaches (Prunus persica) are edible fruits that were introduced to North America from China and East Asia. Peach trees can grow to be 15 to 25 feet tall, and their branches can grow to be a similar width. In April, the trees bloom with white to deep… Continue Reading
Posted August 7, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson The Agawam River Trail, located at the end of Knowles Avenue in East Wareham, is a wonderful place to explore! With beautiful views, a riverside loop trail, and access to the Agawam River to launch a kayak or canoe, there’s no telling what you might see. Common… Continue Reading
Posted August 5, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) are small shorebirds native to North America. These birds breed in the northeastern U.S. during the summer, and they migrate to the southeastern coast of the U.S. and Gulf of Mexico in the winter. Piping plovers usually change mates during the next mating… Continue Reading
Posted July 29, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Ticks are found in a range of habitats including where lawns meet woods, under leaves, around areas where small mammals live, tall brush and grasses, and wooded areas. To avoid contact with ticks, stay in the center of trails and avoid wooded areas with brush, leaf litter,… Continue Reading
Posted July 23, 2020 Written by Amy Pettigrew We have come to that bittersweet time during the year when we have to say good-bye to our wonderful TerraCorps service members. This year was definitely one for the records, as our town, state, country, and world faced major events of historic proportions. But despite all the… Continue Reading
Posted July 22, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are large baleen whales, known as mysticetes, that live in all major oceans. The scientific name Megaptera novaeangliae translates to “big winged New Englander.” Humpback whales can be up to 17m (56ft) long, which is equal to 1.5 school buses! Their bodies are… Continue Reading
Posted July 21, 2020 Written by Mike Perrin A Farewell to Wareham This Friday is the last day of my TerraCorps service year with the Wareham Land Trust, so I am taking this opportunity to reflect on my experience. Over the past 11-months, I have seen sunrises and sunsets over Buzzards Bay, I have seen… Continue Reading
Posted July 19, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Oceans worldwide are struggling due to human impacts such as plastic pollution, habitat destruction, ocean acidification, whaling, climate change, overfishing, offshore drilling, and underwater noise to name a few. It is our responsibility as the human race to clean up the messes we have made, and it… Continue Reading
Posted July 16, 2020 Written by Amy Pettigrew Ruby-throated hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) are not just Massachusetts’ only commonly seen hummingbird, but they are also our smallest breeding bird. They are migratory, coming to our area typically in late spring, breeding (up to 2 broods per season with 1-3 eggs each time) and leaving again come… Continue Reading
Posted July 15, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Summer is a great time to enjoy the warm weather, get outside, and relax at the beach. You don’t have to travel far to experience the wonders of ocean and coastal habitats! In Massachusetts, there is a wide variety of organisms that can be found at the… Continue Reading
Posted July 12, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Interested in composting, but not sure how to get started? Check out our new DIY Compost Bin tutorial, created by TerraCorps Service Member Kyla Isakson! Composting is a great way to reduce waste sent to landfills and save money on disposal costs and fertilizer because it can… Continue Reading
Posted July 11, 2020 Updated on July 13, 2020 Written by Mike Perrin On the night of July 7th, I assisted the Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) with the banding of a Common Loon female on in Fall River. Bird banding is the process of catching birds, typically in nets, to take measurements on health, such… Continue Reading
Posted July 8, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Mid-summer is the perfect time to look for blueberry bushes with fruit. The lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) is native to the northeast, and is widespread in Massachusetts. Lowbush blueberry grows in acidic soils, and it produces white flowers that bloom in May. As its name suggests, the… Continue Reading
Posted July 6, 2020 Written by Mike Perrin Douglas S. Westgate Conservation Area Summertime Wildlife Highlights While stewarding and scouting the trails at Douglas S. Westgate Conservation Area, I came across three wonderful yet different animals: Veery, Gray Hairstreak, and the beloved Eastern Box Turtle. I will be leading a trail work day at Westgate… Continue Reading
Posted July 3, 2020 Written by Mike Perrin With technological advances and the mass use of citizen science, many modern-day birders are attentive to forums, email listservs, and Facebook groups that inform us of rare birds in our areas (state, county, country, etc.). These alerts are often an inspiration to chase “life birds,” or birds… Continue Reading
Posted July 3, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful property to explore when looking for wildlife. Animals observed at this wildlife sanctuary include Eastern box turtles, deer, great horned owls, and the great blue heron. Through the combined efforts of The WLT, Mass Audubon, and the Town of Wareham… Continue Reading
Posted July 1, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Mute swans (Cygnus olor) are large waterfowl that are found in a wide range of aquatic habitats. Mute swans are a nonnative species that was originally imported from Europe in the late 1800s and early 1900s to beautify large estates, zoos, and city parks. They are now… Continue Reading
Posted June 29, 2020 Written by Mike Perrin Trails Tuesdays Volunteer trail work events are a great way to get outdoors, improve access and safety of trails, and learn about the natural world. As many of us are cooped up indoors, we are beginning to see more trail walkers than ever! Wareham Land Trust trails… Continue Reading
Posted June 24, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Atlantic white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) are cartilaginous fish that migrate to the western North Atlantic Ocean during the spring, summer, and fall. These animals are considered opportunistic predators, which means that they eat what is available including gray seals, fish, squid, and other sharks. Gray seals are… Continue Reading
Posted June 23, 2020 Written by Mike Perrin Ah, June. Spring migration has come and gone and the spike of songbird species has dwindled, but this does not mean that the birding has stopped, it has just shifted focus. As opposed to spring when I have many early mornings covering lots of ground for the… Continue Reading
Posted June 17, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson This Saturday, June 20th is the Summer Solstice, marking the astronomical start of summer. This day represents the longest day of the year when the sun is at its most northernmost and highest point in the sky. Summer signifies the emergence of damselflies and dragonflies, and fireflies… Continue Reading
Posted June 16, 2020 Written by Mike Perrin Do you love walking the trails in Wareham? Do you like working with your hands? Do you want to get more involved with land conservation in your area? Join the Wareham Land Trust on June 23rd, July 7th, and July 21st for our Tuesday Trail Days! Every… Continue Reading
Posted June 14, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Safety notes: Be aware of your surroundings! Watch out for poison ivy, check for ticks, do NOT taste anything, avoid disrupting animals and plants, and don’t touch things with which you are unfamiliar. With summer right around the corner, animals are becoming more active and plants are… Continue Reading
Posted June 12, 2020 If you are looking for a quick and easy way to help identify birds while out on a trail, or want to browse a species list to see the kind of birds that can be found in your area, check out the free Merlin Bird ID app! Our TerraCorps LSC, Mike… Continue Reading
Posted June 10, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Atlantic white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) are toothed whales, known as odontocetes, that are native to the North Atlantic Ocean. These dolphins typically live for 25 years and are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. These animals form large groups, called pods, and they are cooperative feeders,… Continue Reading
Posted June 9, 2020 Written by Mike Perrin As many of our members and blog-readers know, I love birds. Okay, yes, obsessed is probably a better word. This summer, after attending a webinar “Intro to Butterfly Watching” with butterfly expert, Dave Pool, I have decided to pursue the observing, identifying, and chasing of a new… Continue Reading
Posted June 6, 2020 Written by Mike Perrin This weekend is a big weekend for outdoor recreation: today, June 6th, is National Trails Day promoted through the American Hiking Society and this weekend is Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend through MassWildlife. In efforts to combine these two wonderful events, Wareham Land Trust is promoting trails for… Continue Reading
Posted June 5, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson In 1855, Ebenezer Bryant purchased a plot of land and a farmhouse. Over the years, Bryant Farm, originally named Riverside Farm, has had cows, chickens, and a vegetable/fruit stand. Since the land was acquired, five generations of the Bryant family lived in the farmhouse. In 2004, the… Continue Reading
Posted June 3, 2020 Wareham Land Trust Volunteer Trail Work Wareham Land Trust is happy to announce that Volunteer Trail Work Days will return in June! As many people are utilizing outdoor spaces for peace-of-mind during quarantine, we need stewardship volunteers and trail work days now more than ever! Necessary tasks include clearing trials, pulling… Continue Reading
Posted June 3, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Woodland strawberries (Fragaria vesca) are small perennial plants that are part of the Rose family. This species of strawberry is native to most of the United States and all of Canada, and it typically produces white flowers between April and June, followed by small fruits. Virginia strawberries… Continue Reading
Posted May 30, 2020 Written by Mike Perrin In recent blog posts and videos, I have discussed migration and the wonderful warblers that come with it. Migration also brings another element to birding in May: rarities. Rarities are birds that are unexpected in a certain area due to range or habitat limitations or birds that… Continue Reading
Posted May 27, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) are found throughout Massachusetts, and they live in mostly wetland areas. Their diet consists of a variety of foods including aquatic plants, snails, and small fish. Painted turtles are active March through November, and they can spend up to six hours basking in… Continue Reading
May Virtual Birding Walk For birders, the month of May means migration. From late April into late May, some of Massachusetts’ most exciting birds arrive from wintering grounds in Central and South America to establish breeding territory or to fuel up for continued migration extending into northern New England and Canada. These birds include species… Continue Reading
Posted May 22, 2020 Written by Mike Perrin As the end of May approaches, so does the end of the movement of warblers through Massachusetts. With migrants passing through, some decide to stay and establish breeding grounds, like one of the loudest warblers in the forest, the Ovenbird. Named after the oven shaped ground nest… Continue Reading
Posted May 20, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson In late May, apple trees will start to bloom with pink blossoms. Since apple seeds take a long time to grow into a tree, and the variety of apples grown from the seed is uncertain at times, farmers turn to grafting. Grafting is when a branch from… Continue Reading
Posted May 19, 2020 Written by Mike Perrin Spring migration is in full swing! One of my favorite bird families, the wood-warblers, are showing up to Massachusetts in big numbers! The wood-warblers, family Parulidae, consists of more than 50 species in the United States and over 30 species in Massachusetts alone. These small, lively birds… Continue Reading
Posted May 15, 2020 The results are in! Congratulations to Kathryn Farnham and Bob Scully on winning our 2020 Photo Contest! Keep an eye out for their photos in our 2020 Annual Newsletter. Thank you to everyone who submitted photos! Continue Reading
Posted May 14, 2020 Written by Mike Perrin As spring is in full swing, the expected warm and sunny days seem to be far and few between. To celebrate one of these days, I headed out to Douglas S. Westgate Conservation Area to do some wildlife watching and exploration of the natural history and ecology… Continue Reading
Posted May 13, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson The pink lady’s slipper (Cypripedium acaule) is a perennial, flowering plant in the Orchid family. This species is native to the eastern U.S. and most of Canada. Pink lady’s slippers typically flower from late April until July, and they produce flowers that range in color from whitish-pink… Continue Reading
Posted May 12, 2020 Compiled by Kyla Isakson The WLT has compiled this list of nature-themed videos to keep you occupied as we all continue to navigate through these unprecedented times of social distancing. Whether you prefer to browse the Wareham Free Library catalog or other free online databases, or use a subscription service like… Continue Reading
Posted May 6, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson As the weather gets nicer, more people will be looking for a reason to get outside. Why not try fishing? It’s simple, relaxing, and requires minimal equipment. Some common freshwater fish species you might catch include bass and yellow perch. Adult largemouth bass feed on fish and… Continue Reading
Posted May 5, 2020 Written by Mike Perrin For the past five years, eBird (a citizen science database run by the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology where birdwatchers report species observed while birding) has pushed birders from all backgrounds and experience levels to participate in eBird’s Global Big Day. This year, the eBird 2020 Global… Continue Reading
Posted March 16, 2020 Updated May 4, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Looking for something to do at home to pass the time? Wareham Land Trust TerraCorps service member Kyla Isakson decided to test out a window greenhouse. Follow along with her progress here and download your own observation sheet to setup your own window… Continue Reading
Posted May 3, 2020 Voting for the 2020 Photo Contest has begun on Facebook! Voting will run from May 3rd – 5pm May 9th. The photo with the most “likes”/reactions by the end of the voting period in each album will win for that category. Winners will be notified May 15th and will receive a… Continue Reading
Posted May 1, 2020 TerraCorps (AmeriCorps) Position Available with the Wareham Land Trust and Mass Audubon Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary TerraCorps, an AmeriCorps affiliated environmental nonprofit, has selected the Wareham Land Trust and Mass Audubon to be a Service Site for the 2020-21 TerraCorps program year. This partnership will allow the Wareham Land Trust and… Continue Reading
Posted May 1, 2020 Written by Amy Pettigrew Looking for a spot to launch a kayak or canoe? Check out Whitlock’s Landing on Glen Charlie Road in East Wareham for quick and easy access to the Agawam Mill Pond. Despite its compact size, this property provides a convenient entry point into the upper Agawam River,… Continue Reading
Posted April 29, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Deer ticks, a common species in Massachusetts, have a two year lifespan. They lay eggs in the spring, which hatch into larvae in the summer. This larval stage is the first feeding stage of the deer ticks. The larva transforms into the nymph in the fall, which… Continue Reading
Posted April 28, 2020 Compiled and written by Amy Pettigrew in collaboration with Kyla Isakson, Melyssa Millett, Mike Perrin, and #GivingTuesdayNow In just one week, people around the world will come together to support their communities as a part of the global #GivingTuesdayNow movement. #GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving and unity that will… Continue Reading
As spring migration is heating up, one of the exciting songbirds you may be seeing is the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Gnatcatchers breed in Wareham during the summer and migrate south to Florida and Central America in the winter. As their name suggests, these tiny and energetic birds have grayish-blue backs and wings, white underparts, and a… Continue Reading
Posted April 24, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson During this time of uncertainty, it is easy to put environmentally conscious actions low on the priority list. Plastic bag bans have been lifted temporarily and reusable bags are not allowed in stores; more cleaners and single-use masks and plastic are being used; stores are sold out… Continue Reading
Posted April 23, 2020 Written by Mike Perrin 3 Tips for Bird Photography Submissions for the Wareham Land Trust 2020 Photo Contest are due May 2nd at 5pm. We encourage anyone with photos of Wareham’s natural landscapes and wildlife to participate. One of the most thrilling yet infamously difficult wildlife subjects to photograph are my… Continue Reading
Posted April 22, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Happy Earth Day! In 1962, Rachel Carson published ‘Silent Spring’ to raise awareness about the increasingly negative effects of pesticides, including damage to human health and the natural environment. In the spring of 1970, 50 years ago, the first Earth Day was held. 22 million Americans gathered… Continue Reading
Posted April 19, 2020 Updated April 20, 2020 Wareham Land Trust 2020 Photo Contest Deadline: Saturday, May 2, 2020 *The Wareham Land Trust recognizes that during this time of concern about the spread of COVID-19, it is critical to limit your contact with others and practice good hygiene. In order to practice social distancing… Continue Reading
Posted April 10, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Honey bees become more active as the weather warms and more flowers bloom. During the peak of summer, one honey bee hive can consist of 60,000 to 80,000 bees. The hive consists of three types of bees: the queen, the workers, and the drones. The queen bee… Continue Reading
Posted April 13, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson March 24, 2020 at the Walter Newton Trail-Rainbow Falls in Plymouth, NH The recent spread of COVID-19 has changed everyday life for a few weeks now, and it seems that things will continue to change. In an effort to make the most of this constant change, my… Continue Reading
Posted April 10, 2020 Created by Kyla Isakson Thank you to everyone who submitted responses to our WordCloud Project request. It was so uplifting reading all your responses, especially during this time of uncertainty. Much love from the Wareham Land Trust! Continue Reading
Posted April 8, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson With nicer weather on the horizon, there’s no better time to get outside and enjoy nature! Whether you spend time doing yard work at home, take a walk around the neighborhood, visit your favorite trail, or explore a new property, you can find peace and relaxation in… Continue Reading
Posted April 7, 2020 Content by Mike Perrin Video Edited by Melyssa Millett TerraCorps LSC Mike Perrin took a stroll through the trails at Marks Cove on March 24, 2020 to get in some early migrants birding. Here you can read the details of this birding trip: Marks Cove March Birding Trip. A few days… Continue Reading
Posted April 6, 2020 Show some love for the WLT and nature! With the recent health concerns, it can be difficult to focus on anything else. Take a moment to reflect on your relationship with The Wareham Land Trust and the local environment. We value your input and hope that you will take the time… Continue Reading
Posted April 4, 2020 Compiled by Kyla Isakson Looking for something to do that’s mentally stimulating during this time spent at home? Check out our list of recommended eBooks for children and adults. These books are accessible online through resources at the Wareham Free Library. Borrow a book today and let us know what you… Continue Reading
Posted April 3, 2020 The Wareham Land Trust takes pride in providing safe and healthy options for passive recreation for Wareham residents and visitors alike. It is wonderful to see more people using the trails! As stewards of the property, we ask for your help to make sure that we preserve these conservation properties for future… Continue Reading
Posted April 3, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Warmer weather means migratory birds are returning to their summer and breeding grounds, including osprey! North Water Street Beach is a great place to observe these magnificent birds. There is an osprey nesting platform at the beginning of North Water Street, so be on the lookout to… Continue Reading
Posted April 1, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson It’s raining frogs outside… APRIL FOOLS! No, it’s not raining frogs, but here is some cool information about spring peepers! Spring peepers are small frogs that are common in and native to eastern North America. They are best known for their “peeps,” or high-pitched calls. As their… Continue Reading
Posted March 28, 2020 Written by Mike Perrin Over the past few days, the signs of spring are everywhere, especially if you pay attention to the birds! Diving deeper into phenology, the study of the change of seasons, there are a few early migrants that signify the start of spring and spring migration. Two blackbird… Continue Reading
Posted March 27, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson March 22, 2020 at the Center Hill Preserve in Plymouth, MA Despite the cold and windy weather, I took some time to be mindful of nature and practice social distancing at the Center Hill Preserve in Plymouth, MA, with my mom and sister. We decided to go… Continue Reading
Posted March 26, 2020 Written by Melyssa Millett If you are taking the time to read this, it is likely that you find solace in being in nature during difficult or stressful times. Like me, you are especially content when partaking in passive outdoor recreation. Being in nature can be meditative and invigorating simultaneously, and… Continue Reading
Posted March 25, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Springtime means more animals are becoming active, and that includes slugs! Slugs are classified as invertebrates because they have soft bodies and no bones. They are also classified as gastropods, which translates to ‘stomach foot’. Slugs have a large muscular foot that spans the length of their… Continue Reading
Posted March 24, 2020 Written by Mike Perrin As I stare across the water, looking directly into chilly gusts of wind, my fingers go numb and tears begin to stream down my face. My rosy-red nose runs, my toes lose feeling, and the sand piles in my hiking boots. Despite these unpleasantries, I cannot… Continue Reading
Posted March 20, 2020 Written by Mike Perrin During this time of crucial social distancing leading to many hours indoors, it is easy to lose touch with the rejuvenating, refreshing, natural world. Substituting time indoors with time outside in natural areas is an excellent way to escape your home. But what about when you get… Continue Reading
Posted March 18, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Tomorrow is the first day of spring! Also known as the Vernal Equinox, the first day of spring marks a time for longer and sunnier days. This is a time for new life and awakening as many birds start to return to their summer breeding grounds, many… Continue Reading
Posted March 13, 2020 COVID-19 WLT STATUS UPDATE Due to the current health concerns in our community regarding COVID-19 and our concern for the public’s health & well-being, the Wareham Land Trust is cancelling our remaining events for the month of March. We will re-evaluate the situation in the coming weeks for programs in April… Continue Reading
Posted March 11, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson The Eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) is a migratory bird that breeds in the northeastern U.S. and Central America. Their wintering grounds stretch south as far as Nicaragua, and they do not winter in the NE U.S. or Canada. Eastern bluebirds eat insects, fruits, and berries. These birds… Continue Reading
Posted March 10, 2020 Health Update: The Wareham Land Trust values the health of its members and the community during this time of concern about the spread of COVID-19. At this time, we are looking into the options available for moving forward with the Wareham Earth Day Festival. In the upcoming weeks we will be… Continue Reading
Posted March 5, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Have you ever wondered how maple syrup is made? Maple syrup starts off as sap harvested from maple trees, typically the sugar maple. Sugar maple is very common in New England and Quebec, Canada. Vermont leads the United States in syrup production, and Quebec produces more maple… Continue Reading
Posted March 2, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Looking to experience coastal forest and salt marshes? Check out Marks Cove Conservation Area on Nicholas Dr. in Wareham! Owned by the Wareham Land Trust, Wildlands Trust, the Town of Wareham, Massachusetts Audubon Society, and the Buzzards Bay Coalition, this property offers three short loops of trails,… Continue Reading
Posted February 26, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Leap Day is this Saturday, February 29th. This day occurs because it takes Earth approximately 365.25 days to make one orbit around the sun. To account for the extra time, we add a whole day every four years to our calendar. There are some exceptions to this… Continue Reading
Posted February 25, 2020 Check out this clip of the latest Wareham Community Television‘s Good Morning Wareham Episode, where Terracorps service members Mike Perrin and Melyssa Millett, talk about upcoming Wareham Land Trust events! Continue Reading
Posted February 22, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson The Massachusetts state bird is the Black-capped Chickadee! These birds have black heads and white cheeks, and they are often seen hopping around instead of walking. Chickadees build their nests in hollow trees using moss, fur, and grass. They typically eat bugs and seeds, which they hide… Continue Reading
Posted February 12, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Have you ever seen imprints in the mud or snow and wondered what made them? Here’s a quick guide to identifying animal tracks. The pattern of tracks can tell you what that animal was doing; a stretched gait could indicate that the animal was running. Deer have… Continue Reading
Posted February 11, 2020 Check out this clip of the latest Wareham Community Television‘s Good Morning Wareham Episode, where WLT President, Kathy Pappalardo, and Terracorps Land Stewardship Coordinator, Mike Perrin, talk about Wareham Land Trust’s Mission, our role in the community, and upcoming events! Continue Reading
Posted February 5, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson When the weather gets colder, some animals hide away and rest for the winter. Before finding a warm place to rest, animals eat large amounts of food to store as fat. They can use this stored fat as an energy reserve to keep themselves warm. Once they… Continue Reading
Posted February 1, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Experience a variety of natural landscapes at the Great Neck Conservation Area! On the first loop, owned by Wildlands Trust, enjoy beautiful views of salt marsh, abandoned cranberry bogs, and a pond. Continue on to wander through pitch pine and oak forests and encounter the drumlin, which… Continue Reading
Posted March 7, 2020 The Wareham Land Trust values the health of its members and the community during this time of concern about the spread of COVID-19. At this time, all of our remaining March 2020 events have been canceled. We are still determining how to handle programs beyond March and may look into rescheduling… Continue Reading
Posted February 23, 2020 The Wareham Land Trust values the health of its members and the community during this time of concern about the spread of COVID-19. At this time, all of our remaining March 2020 events have been canceled. We are still determining how to handle programs beyond March and may look into rescheduling… Continue Reading
Posted January 30, 2020 The Wareham Land Trust values the health of its members and the community during this time of concern about the spread of COVID-19. At this time, all of our remaining March 2020 events have been canceled. We are still determining how to handle programs beyond March and may look into rescheduling… Continue Reading
Posted January 29, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson When identifying trees, looking at the leaves is typically the first step; however, this is much more difficult in the winter since most trees have lost their leaves. To identify trees in winter, the shape of the tree, bark, and buds, from which new leaves emerge, are… Continue Reading
Posted January 23, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Before the harsh conditions of winter set in, animals prepare in a variety of ways. Some animals, like warblers, migrate to places that are warmer and have food more readily available. Whales migrate to warmer areas in winter to breed and give birth, and they return to… Continue Reading
Posted January 15, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson In New England, winter marks the time for plenty of snowstorms. Snow is formed when water freezes in the atmosphere. Each snowflake has a unique shape based on how the ice crystals form, but they are typically six-sided, symmetrical, and range in size from two to 200… Continue Reading
Posted January 8, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson The northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a songbird that lives in most of the United States. They typically live in evergreen trees and thick bushes, which is where they establish their territory, or the area that they live in year round. Since northern cardinals stay in their… Continue Reading
Posted January 3, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson Did you know that beautiful scenic views do not disappear in the winter? Even though the leaves have fallen and many plants have wilted, there is still much to enjoy at the Agawam River Trail on Knowles Avenue in East Wareham! With no foliage to block the… Continue Reading
Posted January 1, 2020 Written by Kyla Isakson The eastern chipmunk is a type of ground squirrel, which means they build their nests on the ground instead of in trees. Eastern chipmunks typically have dark brown fur with lighter stripes down their backs, but the coloration and pattern on their fur can vary depending on… Continue Reading
Posted December 25, 2019 Written by Kyla Isakson For some people, the holiday season includes baking, shopping, spending time with family, and putting up a decorative tree. Have you ever wondered where those trees come from or wanted to know more about them? Eastern white pine trees (Pinus strobus) are very tall conifers (up to… Continue Reading
Posted December 18, 2019 Written by Kyla Isakson White-tailed deer are one of the most abundant of the five deer species in North America. They have a widespread distribution; they are found in woodland areas in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Deer typically forage at dusk and dawn, and they are strictly herbivores, meaning… Continue Reading
Posted December 11, 2019 Written by Kyla Isakson Looking for some ornamental plants to spruce up your winter garden or decorate your home for the winter season? Here are some things you should know about those popular glossy green plants with reddish fruits. Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is a woody vine that is native to… Continue Reading
Posted December 4, 2019 Written by Kyla Isakson Gray squirrels are among the most common species of squirrel in North America. They are diurnal mammals, meaning they search for food during the day and sleep at night. Gray squirrels live in nests called dreys, which are typically made up of twigs, leaves, grass, and bark.… Continue Reading
Posted December 1, 2019 Written by Kyla Isakson Looking for a hike that incorporates riverside habitats, woodland areas, and retired cranberry bogs? Douglas S. Westgate Conservation Area on Papermill Road in West Wareham is a great place to explore! Named after Wareham Conservation Commission member Doug Westgate, the property offers scenic views of natural and… Continue Reading
Posted November 27, 2019 Written by Kyla Isakson Have you ever wondered what it would be like to find your own food and use natural resources to make everyday items? For thousands of years, the Wampanoag people in this region did just that. During the winter months, the Wampanoag people lived further inland to avoid… Continue Reading
Posted November 20, 2019 Written by Kyla Isakson Snowy owls are birds with mostly white feathers, though they have a black bar pattern. They live in the Arctic regions in North America, Europe, and Asia. Snowy owls are an irruptive migratory species, which means that they migrate when there is a change in resources in… Continue Reading
Posted November 13, 2019 Written by Kyla Isakson We have incorporated terms used by Wampanoag people into our current language. “Wampanoag” is defined as “People of the Dawn,” which alludes to how living on the eastern coast made them the first people to see the sun rise every morning. Wareham’s native name is “Nepinnae Kekit”,… Continue Reading
Posted November 6, 2019 Written by Kyla Isakson GOBBLE, GOBBLE, GOBBLE! Did you hear that? That was the sound of a wild male turkey asserting his dominance and warning other turkeys to stay away from his territory. Wild turkeys are native to North and Central America, and some have been domesticated to be raised on… Continue Reading
Posted November 2, 2019 Written by Kyla Isakson Hoping to combine history and nature on your hike? Tweedy and Barnes on Blackmore Pond Road in West Wareham is the place for you! Named after the Tweedy and Barnes Cranberry Company that once stood on the property, the trails follow where railroad tracks once ran. The… Continue Reading
Posted October 31, 2019 Written by Kyla Isakson Some people dislike bats or think they are scary, but these flying mammals are just misunderstood. Bats are helpful creatures that eat disease-carrying mosquitoes and crop-destroying grasshoppers and beetles. Little brown bats can eat around 150 mosquitoes in just 15 minutes! They also help to pollinate plants… Continue Reading
Posted October 25, 2019 Written by Kyla Isakson Did you know that the hurricane season lasts for most of the fall season? For the eastern U.S., hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, but storms can occur outside of this time period as well. Hurricanes develop in warm, tropical regions. The eye of… Continue Reading
Posted October 24, 2019 October Volunteer Trail Work Day at Tweedy and Barnes We had a great turnout of members for our October Volunteer Trail Work Day today at Tweedy and Barnes! The surprisingly nice weather made it a perfect day for trail work, but with the all fall rainstorms we’ve been having this month,… Continue Reading
Posted October 21, 2019 Written by Kyla Isakson Ever wonder why leaves change color in the fall? Plants have a green coloration because they contain a pigment called chlorophyll. Leaves have a large amount of chlorophyll to capture light energy that can be converted and used to produce the energy necessary for the plant to… Continue Reading
Posted October 11, 2019 Written by Kyla Isakson Farmers work very hard to ensure that the trees in the apple orchard have enough space to grow, good drainage from a gentle slope on the land, and a climate that will optimize growth. Apple picking is a great way to appreciate the work put into the… Continue Reading
Posted October 7, 2019 Written by Kyla Isakson In Wareham, and many surrounding towns in southeastern MA, fall signifies the time for cranberry harvests. First cultivated from a wild variety in the early 1800s, cranberries grow in wet, acidic soils on vines that make up the bogs. The harvest consists of a dry harvest by… Continue Reading
Posted October 2, 2019 Written by Kyla Isakson Beautiful foliage, a riverside trail, and a kayak launch all in one place? Must be the Agawam River Trail on Knowles Avenue in East Wareham! This trail is a wonderful place for bird watching and appreciating the simplicity of the forest, all while catching a glimpse of… Continue Reading
Posted September 21, 2019 Written by Kyla Isakson Trying to hold onto the last few days of warmth? Looking for a place to catch a glimpse of an osprey before they migrate for the winter? Want a small place to introduce your kids to the wonders of the ocean? Just searching for somewhere to get… Continue Reading
On September 18th, Plymouth County Entomologist Blake Dinius gave a talk at the Wareham Town Hall about ticks and mosquitoes. If you were unable to attend, Wareham Community Television recorded the presentation. It can be viewed here. The Wareham Land Trust would like to thank Blake, the Town of Wareham, the Wareham Board of Health,… Continue Reading
Join the Buzzards Bay Coalition and the Wareham Land Trust as we honor longtime supporter, lifelong educator, and environmental advocate Richard Wheeler with a series of free kayak explorations across Wareham. In the first event of this series, join us for an opportunity to explore the landscape and ecology of the Agawam River. We will be setting off from Whitlock’s Landing (150 Glen… Continue Reading
Join us on March 30th from 10am-noon at Marks Cove for a volunteer work day. We will be working to clear debris on the trail systems that cover the patchwork of properties there protected by the Wareham Land Trust, Buzzards Bay Coalition, and Wildlands Trust to get ready for the Spring season! We will be… Continue Reading
Last weekend the Wareham Land Trust hosted a birdhouse building workshop at the Wareham Free Library. Advisory Board Member Tom Kinksky led the workshop which resulted in the completion of over 25 new birdhouses that can now be used as nesting cavities, especially for bluebirds! More about this workshop can be found in the Wareham… Continue Reading
Stakeholder Notification/Public Notice The Wareham Land Trust, Inc. is pleased to announce it is applying for renewal of accreditation. A public comment period is now open. The Land Trust Accreditation Program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an… Continue Reading
We’ll be at the Onset Bay Association’s annual chalk-full-o’-fun street festival! And we’ll have a prize for the best representation of Wareham’s natural beauty. $5 entry gives you a spot of pavement and chalk to create your masterpiece. Saturday, August 25th, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Continue Reading
On April 19 I heard his familiar “chewink” for the first time this spring. Towhee was back for the season! We live on a woodland edge in the midst of a ravel of understory blueberry, bayberry, huckleberry, checkerberry, green briar, poison ivy and more—a thicket of trouble for us humans but towhee’s natural, sought-after habitat. … Continue Reading
At Wareham’s spring 2018 Town Meeting, voters will be asked to support the Wareham Land Trust’s latest conservation proposal: purchasing 6.63 acres of undeveloped woodland and wetland habitat straddling Stoney Run. Please vote “YES” on this CPC Warrant Article #7 and on #5 which returns $89,197 to CPC from a previous project. Thank you! UPDATE:… Continue Reading
Thanks to WLT’s Nancy McHale, Kathy Pappalardo, Mack Phinney, Len Boutin, and Michelle Krauser; Wareham’s Conservation Agent Dave Pichette; and seven service members from the U.S. Coast Guard for helping on a recent sunny March Saturday with this ongoing trail work. The WLT holds the Conservation Restriction on the property. Continue Reading
One of the basic principles in scouting is to be good stewards of the land. The Narragansett Boy Scout Council, which covers parts of Rhode Island and Southeast Massachusetts, has lived up to this doctrine. This past year the Council has worked diligently with several land trusts to place some of their surplus properties into… Continue Reading
Does winter weather get you feeling down? Do you miss spending time outside? No need to wait for spring to get outdoors and enjoy the natural world around you! I always say there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices. So bundle up and take a walk! Programs run the 2nd… Continue Reading
It’s the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the beginning of many holiday celebrations for Wareham residents. The Wareham Land Trust family extends our warmest wishes to our members. We don’t often talk about fundraising here on the blog, but next Tuesday is called “Giving Tuesday” and I think it is a good time to sing our… Continue Reading
Bats, spiders, toads, vultures — many animals suffer from a creepy reputation as Halloween rolls around every year. But in fact, lots of our local species in Wareham that may seem spooky are actually essential and exciting members of our environment. Learn more about these 10 not-so-spooky species and appreciate them the next time… Continue Reading
We have wanted to join together with our neighbors for some time now. We’re all family in spirit, after all, with a shared vision of working together to promote land conservation. At one of our recent monthly Outreach meetings, WLT volunteers were joined by Jim Bride of the Sippican Lands Trust and Halima Tiffany from… Continue Reading
At the September monthly Board meeting, the annual election of Officers and Directors was held. Susan McCombe was elected as the new President. Thank you, Sue, for all your hard work and accepting this new and exciting challenge! We are all VERY grateful for the hard work, talent, commitment, and thoughtful planning and organizing skills… Continue Reading
It’s always nice to be noticed. The Community Preservation Coalition, the catalyst behind the state’s Community Preservation Act campaign, which WLT founders and members enthusiastically support, is recognizing our most recent collaborative effort in their “Success Stories” category. The project, protecting and preserving 8 acres of land along the Weweantic River as well as providing… Continue Reading
What a wonderful weekend for volunteers and members of the Wareham Land Trust to enjoy what we all love most–our beautiful, natural spaces. The stewardship volunteers were hard at work helping with property maintenance at both the Agawam River Trail and Whitlock’s Landing. Like to kayak? Be sure to check out both for easy launches! … Continue Reading
Hummingbirds may be some of the smallest birds in the world, but they’re also among the most active. Flapping their wings at up to 90 beats per second, these tiny iridescent birds build up quite the appetite. According to Audubon, hummingbirds consume half their body weight in bugs and nectar each day, feeding every 10-15… Continue Reading
Photo credit: Dan McHale Ospreys can be long term residents to long-distance migrants. Most ospreys that breed in North America spend their winters in Central and South America. Their migration routes follow broad swaths of the eastern, interior, and western U.S. A few overwinter in the southernmost United States,… Continue Reading
We are proud and happy to once again be participating in STEAM (Science/Technology/Arts/Math) night, this coming Wednesday, April 12th, at the Decas school from 6:00-7:00 pm. Designed to encourage students’ interest and interaction with sciences and art, STEAM nights are perfect opportunities to expose young people to the wonders of nature. Here are some photos… Continue Reading
The history of Wareham was brought to life this March during a series of four walking tours through local conservation properties. Ben Hyland, Youth Education Coordinator for the Buzzards Bay Coalition and the Wareham Land Trust, led the walks each Wednesday morning focusing on the natural, industrial, and native history of each property. These events… Continue Reading
Have you ever wondered about the stories our quiet rivers and sandy soils could tell? Join the Wareham Land Trust and Buzzards Bay Coalition for a series of Wednesday morning walks that will immerse you in the history of four conservation properties in Wareham. During these hour and a half long tours, you’ll enjoy some… Continue Reading
Have any dinner plans on Tuesday, March 7th? We’re hoping you can help the Wareham Land Trust by dining at our local 99 restaurant that night. Print off the coupon below (important!: you MUST have it with you in order for us to benefit) and give it to your server. 15% of your bill will… Continue Reading
Maybe you love to celebrate Valentine’s day with rose petals and champagne, or maybe you’re just in it for the half-off candy the day after. Either way, this romantic occasion is a wonderful time to take a quiet walk through nature with the one you love, whether that be a pet, a significant other, or… Continue Reading
A mindful walking practice can bring you closer to your body and nature. Here are 6 tips to get you started on your journey. Mindful walking is an active form of meditation that brings you closer to your body and nature while strengthening your concentration and connecting you to the present moment. This fall… Continue Reading
Winter is full of wonders, like ‘I wonder how I can enjoy the outdoors when it’s so cold and snowy out!’ Sure, the brief daylight hours, freezing temperatures, and seemingly lifeless landscapes can appear uninviting to the casual explorer, but the bare trees, snowy ground, and dark, crisp nights afford us unique and exciting ways… Continue Reading
Ben Hyland and Michaella Sheridan of MASSLift AmeriCorps recently completed a project started last year by Sarah Gossett. Educational signage about Wareham’s history – “from the ice age to today” – is now displayed throughout a looping trail on the Tweedy and Barnes property. Here is a great video of their time spent installing the… Continue Reading
As the Youth Education Coordinator serving the Wareham Land Trust and the Buzzards Bay Coalition, connecting with local youth is a major goal of my service year. One way I have been achieving that goal is through Wareham CARE, a ‘Beyond School Time’ program that takes place at three local schools. I, along with another… Continue Reading
Nips (miniature liquor bottles) are small, but they’ve been creating a big problem at Wareham Land Trust’s Tweedy and Barnes Conservation Area in West Wareham. Tom Kinsky, the volunteer land steward for this property, has collected close to 700 Disaronno nips there since last December. The tiny glass bottles are found by the dozens… Continue Reading
We are once again very fortunate to be sharing the talents and time of two AmeriCorps/MassLIFT workers with the Buzzards Bay Coalition. For a service year, running now through next August, Ben Hyland and Michaella Sheridan will be participating in our ongoing efforts to bring conservation-related news and local activities to residents of Wareham. Ben’s… Continue Reading
Wareham Land Trust Board members Nancy McHale and Kathy Pappalardo took a late summer kayaking trip with Nancy’s brother Dan. He provided these stunning photos for us and we’re so grateful and happy to share them! They launched from our Agawam River Trail property at the end of Knowles Avenue (see the property page for… Continue Reading
I was helping on a school program yesterday. When I say “school program” I mean that we went into a public school and took the students on a small field trip into their own schoolyards, helping them explore the nature right outside their door. As we were walking into the woods, one of the students… Continue Reading
Spring often seems like a chain reaction—sort of like that joke: April showers bring May flowers, and what do Mayflowers bring? The first domino is the herring swimming upstream. The herring are swimming upstream to spawn, but they’re also a food source for other animals, so others follow: underwater, the striped bass feed on the… Continue Reading
Get your little ones to discover the outdoors during Itty Bitty Bay Explorers, a series of four free outings on Wednesdays in April with the Buzzards Bay Coalition and the Wareham Land Trust. Through fun games, stories, and hands-on activities, your whole family will learn about Buzzards Bay’s animals, plants, and habitats. To RSVP online,… Continue Reading
by Kari Amick When you visit Wareham’s conservation areas, it’s hard not to stumble into the town’s history. Sometimes that’s literal: near the entrance to the Buzzards Bay Coalition’s Horseshoe Mill visitors can find slag, which is a byproduct of the iron manufacturing that used to occur there. At the Town of Wareham’s Douglas S.… Continue Reading
I had a little time today to scan social media for articles of interest regarding conservation. It didn’t take long to find some! Here is a great overview of the recent federal legislation that passed, nearly doubling tax incentives for landowners to protect their property from development. The LTA (Land Trust Alliance) has provided an… Continue Reading
by Kari Amick, Community Engagement Coordinator, MassLIFT-AmeriCorps The unseasonably warm weather lately means we have been spending a lot of time talking about whether it feels like winter; there’s not much of a chill in the air, there’s no snow on the ground or ice anywhere. But there is one winter thing to complain about:… Continue Reading
Meet Kari Amick (and her dog Jayber) Kari is our AmeriCorps/MassLift Community Engagement Coordinator. Each month she will be writing a blog post on a topic of her choosing. November: Introduction to Exploration The first time I get lost during my year with Wareham Land Trust, I am not in Wareham at all. I might… Continue Reading
Tanya Creamer is the MassLIFT AmeriCorps Service Learning Coordinator hosted by the Wareham Land Trust and Buzzards Bay Coalition during the 2015- 2016 service year. When I began my year of service with the Wareham Land Trust in September; I came into it with a wonderful familiarity of Wareham, the community of people who… Continue Reading
We are happy to announce the winners of our first photography contest. There were over 125 entries and all of the photographers did a beautiful job interpreting our two categories: Solitude and Serenity of Nature and People Enjoying the Land. An album of all prize winners and honorable mention photographs are posted on our Facebook… Continue Reading
Sunday, October 18th, 1:30 p.m. Westgate Conservation Area, Papermill Road. John Wiliszowski is a wonderful professional photography instructor and WLT Board member. He will lead this introduction to basic techniques that can be used to get the most from your camera when shooting nature. Special emphasis will be placed on techniques for photographing plants, landscapes,… Continue Reading
A friendly reminder to walkers and other explorers enjoying the nature trails of Wareham: hunting seasons are varied and many begin this month. Please always remember to wear fluorescent orange when you are in the woods. And don’t forget to protect the dogs when they’re with you! Keep them safe with orange vests as well.… Continue Reading
Deadline: 31 October 2015 The Wareham Land Trust invites you to explore the outdoors and submit your digital photographs that capture the natural beauty of Wareham. Use this opportunity to discover our properties. Click on the Properties tab here on the website to view information about our conservation land. We encourage participation from photographers of… Continue Reading
It was the signage along Cromesett Rd in Wareham reading simply “Wildlife Sanctuary” that helped convince my husband and I to buy a small cottage at Mark’s Cove three years ago. “Somebody cares” I said, pleased to know that open space along the Cove was valued. The ritual of early Sunday morning walks through trails… Continue Reading
The rain kept quite a few of our members away from the annual membership cruise aboard the Viking this summer which resulted in more food and fun for the hearty souls who did attend! Here are some highlights of the meeting portion of the evening. As you can see, 2015 has been a very active… Continue Reading
We simply can’t say enough about the work of Sarah Gossett, a Community Engagement Coordinator who has been working with the WLT for the past year as part of the MassLIFT AmeriCorps program. Every month, Sarah would come to our Board’s Outreach Committee meeting with a notebook full of program and project updates that she… Continue Reading
5.24.15: What a difference a month makes! This morning we loaded the dog in the truck and headed out to the Westgate Preserve. I was last there for a photo tour on April 18th and spring was just beginning to show herself. The informal goal of that morning was to find signs of the season… Continue Reading
Thanks to a generous donation from the Stifler Family Foundation, all new memberships from May-November, 2015 will be MATCHED dollar-for-dollar. Existing members can help us with this program as well. Any amount donated above your current membership level will ALSO be matched. Tell your friends and neighbors, help us grow, and thank you for your… Continue Reading
Sarah is an AmeriCorps worker from Texas and began her year-long assignment with us in September, 2014. As of this writing, March 2015, I am halfway through my AmericaCorps service year working with the Wareham Land Trust and the Buzzards Bay Coalition. I serve as a Community Engagement Coordinator, connecting people to their outdoor environment.… Continue Reading
Many of you may have heard the romantic terms “Emerald Necklace” or “Green Necklace” used to define continuous areas of green spaces plotted through an urban setting. These descriptive phrases came to mind recently at a land trust program led by Mack Phinney. The theme of the program was inviting nature into our own backyards.… Continue Reading
Welcome to the new online home of the Wareham Land Trust. Our goal is to provide an informative home base for members and guests where we will share our history, our stories, our news, and events. In addition to content updates, the site is easily viewable on a variety of devices and we now provide… Continue Reading
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