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Article by Bobby Grady – editor@warehamweek.com – May 23, 2025 As the Trump administration continues to slice budgets across federal agencies, the impacts of those decisions are directly impacting the Wareham Land Trust. As a result, Americorps, a national volunteer organization, recently had $400 million cut from its budget and thousands of volunteers across the…

Forests across southeastern Massachusetts are beginning to experience a rare event: the emergence of periodical cicadas. Cicadas themselves aren’t uncommon insects. It’s their lifestyle that is unusual. These bugs spend years underground as larvae, slowly feeding on the roots of plants. When they mature, they burrow to the surface and climb whatever is nearby in…

Friend of the Wareham Land Trust Marion Gold, shares his story of remarkable and rapid growth from hatchling to fledgling. This spring brought an unexpected and heartwarming surprise to our doorstep – the discovery of a robin’s nest nestled in a small evergreen tree just outside our office door, For three singular weeks in May,…

As I took my morning walk through Great Neck Reserve in late March, I noticed that winter was releasing its icy grip on the land. The frozen slippery ground had become soft and inviting and the first signs of buds were unfurling delicate green leaves. Cheery calls of chickadees could be heard throughout the quiet…

Most plants get energy from the sun and nutrition from the soil, but nature always has exceptions. A handful of plants have evolved the ability to digest animal protein: the carnivorous plants. While the notion may conjure images of remote tropical jungles, they can be found worldwide, even as far north as the tundra. The…

Voters at Spring Town Meeting approved the use of just under $1.5 million of Community Preservation Fund money to purchase nearly 20 acres of land, improve Swifts Beach Road and assess the exterior of the Hammond School. The Community Preservation fund is a pool of money which is collected through a surtax on property values…

The full moon each month has always intrigued us. We have written songs and poems about it, pondered its composition (green cheese), studied its effects on us (moon tides) and planned excursions. And throughout the years, we have named the full moon each month. Yes, each full moon has at least one name. Some make…

A message from the owners I wanted to share some thoughts and history about the land we hope the Wareham Land Trust will one day protect. This parcel—hopefully to be known as River Walk—has been in my family since my grandfather acquired it in the late 1800s or early 1900s. Thanks to the Chapter 61A…

Posted September 30, 2024 I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Wareham Land Trust! With seven years at The 300 Committee Land Trust in Falmouth and extensive prior and current experience working with municipal conservation commissions, I bring a solid foundation in land management and non-profit operations that aligns perfectly…

Posted September 30, 2024 Endlessly fascinating, endearing, and delightful, mushrooms are currently enjoying a popular resurgence. They appear on home goods, clothing, accessories — anything you can imagine can display the iconic red and white cap of the fly agaric or the earthy browns and oranges of numerous other species. If you’ve been to your…

  Posted August 29, 2024 This is a true story that happened a few years ago. We have a cottage in Onset that has been in the family for four generations now and back in the late 70s my father decided to build an osprey nesting platform in our front yard. After a couple years…

Posted July 31, 2024 We are excited to announce the opening of a new nature trail at Marks Cove Vista, the Wareham Land Trust’s latest acquisition. Spanning nearly the entire 200 ft width of the property, this path is distinguished from our other trails by its coating of fine gravel along its entirety, granting easy…

Posted June 30, 2024    Once a rare sight in Cape Cod, great white sharks have started to return in record numbers each summer to the Cape Cod National Seashore, where they reside from June to October. Drawn by the rebounding populations of several seal species these top predators have been seen hunting in the…

Posted May 30, 2024             Who’s nesting? Where? When?  Why did the terrapin cross the road? Do they need any help? Let me explain… Diamondback terrapins are one of the unique residents of our area and one of my personal favorites. They are the only turtle species in Massachusetts to live…

Posted: April 30, 2024 It was a cold, grey Monday and nothing was going my way.  The refrigerator was making an ominous buzz and my head throbbed from a poor night’s sleep.  My mood mirrored the dreary weather, and I had no desire to do much of anything.  It would’ve been easy to just sink…

Posted April 29, 2024 “I did not think I was doing this today,” said one of the nine students that make up the Wareham Middle School’s after school Naturalist Club.   Admittedly the activity students were going through that day was quite an unexpected one. Arrayed on the desks before them was an assortment of…

Posted: March 28, 2024 With its forests, rivers, coves, and beaches, our town offers a unique diversity of opportunities to enhance our lives by enjoying nature. Whether paddling on the Agawam River or walking through the new trails of the Red Brook Trail Network, the feeling of calm and serenity is often accompanied by curiosity…

Posted February 27, 2024 March is Women’s History Month – a time to commemorate the vital role of women in American history. While there were many influential people in the environmental movement, this March we wanted to acknowledge one woman’s efforts in particular: Rachel Carson. Rachel Carson (1907-1964) is most known for her book Silent…

Posted February 16, 2024 The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Wareham Land Trust is pleased to announce it is applying for renewal of accreditation. A public comment period is now open. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an…

Posted February 14, 2024 Do you love birds and want to be part of a unique, simultaneous bird count on a global scale?!  Even just 15 minutes of your time will contribute to our local birds becoming part of the global census!  Every feather counts!  Your observations will be used by scientists around the world…

Posted: February 14, 2024 Our town of Wareham was recently showcased on an episode of “Explore New England,” airing on New England Sports Network (NESN).  The television show showcased Wareham’s hidden natural gems along its lengthy coast and within its inland open spaces.  The episode featured fishing for striped bass in Buzzards Bay, mountain biking through…

Posted January 30, 2024 Generally speaking, in the plant world, one flower will produce one fruit. Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens) is one of the two exceptions. Our native partridgeberry, along with only one other species of plant native to Japan, are sometimes referred to as “twinberries” because each fruit is the product of two adjacent flowers.…

Posted: December 28, 2023 Have you ever thought about where colors come from? When you look at a selection of nail polish in a salon, peruse a rack of paint chips at a hardware store, or see a set of art supplies, do you ever wonder how we found all of those colors in the…

Posted December 27, 2023 Early in November, a group of enthusiastic nature lovers gathered at the Trustees’ Lyman Reserve in Plymouth. As one of the first public opportunities, we set out to explore the newly created Red Brook Trail Network. The day started off rainy and grey, but as if on cue, the sun came…

Posted: November 27, 2023 The Wareham Land Trust took part in a parade for the first time on Saturday, November 11 when the town brought back the Veterans Day parade after a 6 year hiatus. A small but enthusiastic group of 11 members marched, proudly carrying the WLT banner and sporting WLT t-shirts and hats.…

Posted November 27, 2023 When asked to think of an endangered species, what comes to mind? A snow leopard? A giant panda? A black rhinoceros? While you would be right, you’d also be missing the fact that there are 432 rare plants and animals in Massachusetts. Many of these can be found in Wareham, and…

Posted October 26, 2023 First of all, we’re talking about fishers, not fisher cats. As one of the largest members of the weasel family, this animal is not a cat and it doesn’t generally catch fish. While rumored to have a blood-curdling scream while hunting, fishers are typically silent when stalking their prey, and the…

Posted September 26, 2023 Given the horribly itchy rash that poison ivy can cause, it’s no wonder that this plant is loathed by many. I, too, have experienced the severe discomfort an encounter with poison ivy can bring, but I certainly don’t hate it. It would be more accurate to say that I respect poison…

Posted September 26, 2023 It has been a great pleasure meeting some of you but in case we haven’t had the chance to be introduced I’d like to say hi! I’m Julia, the Wareham Land Trust’s TerraCorps service member for the 2023-24 term. I’m a Swansea native but I have been made a quick fan…

Posted: August 29, 2023 Native to all of New England and commonly found along the edges of ponds, streams and other wetland margins, white turtlehead (Chelone glabra) is one of my favorite wildflowers. White flowers one to two inches long grow in spikes at the apex of the plant, and bloom in late summer and…

Posted: July 27, 2023 The name “sumac” often evokes thoughts of poison sumac and general itchiness. But poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is actually more closely related to poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) than staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) despite the shared common name. Staghorn sumac can be differentiated from poison sumac through a variety of characteristics. Both…

Posted: June 27, 2023 My wife Deena and I – both longtime WLT members – in mid-February were able to visit a Mexican Nature Reserve set up to protect the mountain pine stands which monarch butterflies use as winter breeding grounds. There are four main government reserves, plus a number of smaller private ones. We…

Posted May 25, 2023 In February, I was asked to respond to an email from Alan Schwartz, a summer resident of Lydia’s Island Road, who had emailed the Wareham Land Trust (WLT) about an osprey nesting platform that had blown down in a storm. Alan said the pole and platform were put up by Eversource…

Posted May 23, 2023 TerraCorps (AmeriCorps) Position Available with the Wareham Land Trust TerraCorps, an AmeriCorps affiliated environmental nonprofit, has selected the Wareham Land Trust to be a Service Site for the 2023-24 TerraCorps program year. This partnership will allow the Wareham Land Trust to host one Land Stewardship Coordinator in a full-time 11-month service…

Posted April 28, 2023 Galls are some of the most fantastic animal-created structures in nature. That’s just my opinion. They may look abnormal, unnerving, or like they don’t belong. But, understanding more about galls opens up an entire dynamic at play. Plants don’t produce these structures on their own. Instead, galls are formed when an…

Posted April 28, 2023 In March, I had the opportunity to go to the Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference hosted by the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition (MLTC) with a few other members of the WLT. This was my first time going to any environmental-themed event not hosted by the WLT, so I had no idea what…

Posted March 30, 2023 We are so grateful to Jackson Gillman for inviting our community members to his home in Onset to see various aspects of maple sugaring firsthand, from tapping to boiling. Jackson shared his personal experience and process and described how his backyard maple sugaring operation has grown from 4 to 40 taps…

Posted March 30, 2023 “I like woods!” That is why Mr. Richard Sawyer purchased a piece of land in East Wareham 40 years ago, as he was interested in conservation. He and his family enjoyed the private property for years. Together they took hikes, had picnics and explored nature. After his passing, his son Tim…

Posted March 1, 2023 If you are one of the WLT’s trail volunteers, you have likely been working alongside WLT’s TerraCorps Service Member Emily Tramontano since last September. Emily’s service projects have primarily focused on keeping the WLT and Town trails open for all to enjoy; however, Emily’s most exciting project is still a work…

Posted March 1, 2023 I grew up in Southern California where almost everything is in bloom almost all of the time, which has its pros and cons, I am the first to admit. Subsequently, I lived for a long time in Denver, Colorado, where almost everything freezes almost all of the time, which has no…

Posted February 1, 2023 Comparatively to the summer months, winter seems to have stilled almost all signs of life. We may see it as desolate and barren, but it’s these tired, quiet attributes of nature that keep it healthy. Hopefully, as we visit the woods in these winter months, our surroundings remain quiet, otherwise, there…

Posted December 28, 2022 The still and quiet nature of the approaching winter has done nothing to slow down the Wareham Land Trust’s activities. Although there seems to be fewer people on the trails nowadays, we can guarantee when you get back to them, they’ll be clean and accessible thanks to the dedicated volunteers that…

Posted December 28, 2022 If you look up into the branches of the oak trees around us, you may notice some branches coated in a greenish fuzz. This fluffy stuff is a lichen. Lichens come in various shapes and colors, but the one commonly seen in our area, is Usnea, or Old Man’s Beard. If…

Posted November 23, 2022   When it’s 75°F and sunny and you tell people you are going for a hike, they won’t think much of it. In fact, many trailhead parking lots will be busy with the comings and goings of people looking to get outdoors and enjoy the weather. Through the first Spring blooms,…

Posted October 28, 2022 Interested in getting better outfitted for safety during hunting season? Trying to get a jump on holiday shopping? The Wareham Land Trust’s got you covered! We currently have two styles of blaze orange hat, as well as an array of other WLT merchandise: Long Sleeve T-shirt – $25 Short Sleeve T-shirt…

Posted October 25, 2022 We love our canine friends, and we love the outdoors. So, it’s no surprise that dog walking is one of the most popular activities on Wareham Land Trust properties and trails. But, at the same time, it’s important to make sure your dog, as well as other people and other canines…

Posted October 25, 2022 “Uh oh!” Your stomach sinks as the check engine light on your dashboard lights up with that dreaded amber glow. This feeling quickly fades as you realize that it’s just time to get another oil change. If you choose to change your own oil, it’s important for you to understand how…

Posted September 29, 2022 Hello all! My name is Emily, and I am the new 2022-23 TerraCorps member serving under the Wareham Land Trust! Originally from the Delaware Water Gap in Pennsylvania, I relocated to Wareham to pursue the opportunity to learn from the incredibly knowledgeable WLT Boards and the all-star Executive Director, Elise Leduc-Fleming.…

Posted September 22, 2022 Fall is the time for pumpkins, apple cider, crunchy leaves, and blaze orange! Wareham Land Trust has designated October 1st through December 31st (i.e., deer hunting season) as “BLAZE DAYS” – a time to wear blaze orange clothing and gear while out in the woods. Although hunters are required to wear…

Posted August 25, 2022 Do you see him through the raindrops standing on the pole He is ever conscious of his surroundings and his important role   Content to make a living builder, fisher, life-long mate Season after season coming back to wetlands, marshes, ponds and lakes   She is ever stalwart, sitting on the…

Posted August 25, 2022 Have you been thinking about getting into birding but don’t know where to start? Would you like to learn how to better identify our local bird species? Are you already an experienced birder and wondering how your bird list data can contribute to the greater scientific community? Do you just think…

Posted July 26, 2022 It’s hard to miss an oystercatcher at the ocean’s edge at low tide. They are chunky birds with a brown back and wings, white underparts, black head and breast, a yellow eye ring, and a bright orange-red bill. Gorgeous! That big, bright bill gives them access to their favorite foods at…

It may be doing more harm than you think. Posted July 23, 2022 Part of being a homeowner is the joy that comes from beautifying one’s home. That may include sprucing up the yard to be our perfect little patch of green space and perhaps the envy of our neighbors. Fertilizer can give your lawn…

Posted June 29, 2022 As a small non-profit with only a single full time staff member, much of what we are able to accomplish is thanks to volunteers like you! There are currently a variety of ways to get more involved with the Wareham Land Trust and help make a difference in local conservation efforts,…

Posted June 23, 2022 Creating a bucket list is a great way to brainstorm long and short term goals that you would like to accomplish in a certain amount of time. Currently, I have a personal bucket list of goals I want to achieve within my lifetime, a couples bucket list that my fiancé and…

Posted: June 17, 2022 There’s a reason why Raccoons wear a mask. It’s because they are bandits!! I say this with much love for all animals including Bandit Raccoons. Raccoon, Procyon lotor, it’s scientific name, lotor, meaning “a washer” because of the action of “washing” it’s food. It actually uses water, if it’s available, to…

Posted May 25, 2022 As we all know, Wareham is a town rich in natural beauty. But not all those riches are in the great outdoors! We are blessed with an artistic gem right in downtown Wareham, at the Main Street Post Office. Painted on the wall to the right as you enter is a…

Posted May 23, 2022 TerraCorps (AmeriCorps) Position Available with the Wareham Land Trust TerraCorps, an AmeriCorps affiliated environmental nonprofit, has selected the Wareham Land Trust to be a Service Site for the 2022-23 TerraCorps program year. This partnership will allow the Wareham Land Trust to host one Land Stewardship Coordinator in a full-time 11-month service…

Posted May 23, 2022 Ever wonder what bird species are the source of the beautiful nature songs in your backyard?  Have you admired the diversity of trees and flowers during a hike on one of the many wooded trails around our town wishing you could identify and learn more about the nature around you?  If…

Posted April 28, 2022 Are you Wild For Wareham? Then join us on May 7th for a day jam-packed with free outdoor activities that highlight Wareham’s wild side!  The Wareham Land Trust, Mass Audubon, the Wildlands Trust, and Buzzards Bay Coalition’s Onset Bay Center are joining forces to offer a variety of programs that will…

Posted April 27, 2022 It’s hard to miss the return of the Baltimore Orioles. The distinctive song of the male is loud and clear, whistling and flute-like, and he sports a bold pattern of black and bright orange, easy to see in the tree tops. Baltimore Orioles are members of the blackbird family, named for…

Posted April 7, 2022 Ospreys, like eagles, were almost wiped out by the use of the pesticide DDT in the 1970s. Thanks to the efforts of many environmental and conservation organizations around the world, they are no longer on the endangered species list. It’s important to study ospreys and track their success year after year…

Posted February 24, 2022 Cold weather, snowy trails, and depressingly early sunsets can cause people to stop spending time outside. But with a little planning and a slightly different approach, time outdoors in winter can still be enjoyable. Here are 10 ideas to help you enjoy nature in the winter: 1. Suit up. As the…

Posted February 10, 2022 It has been about ten years since I saw a deer stride through my neighborhood. I figured that we just got too developed on Rose Point. Then I purchased a wildlife camera. Not only do we still have deer visiting but a variety of critters. One of my favorite visitors is…

Posted December 20, 2021 I am incredibly honored to have been selected as Wareham Land Trust’s first Executive Director. I’d like to thank everyone for their warm welcome. I’d also like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I have always been drawn to the outdoors. As a child, you’d most likely find me exploring…

Posted November 4, 2021 Post storm trail conditions and updates:   – Fearing Hill Conservation Area: All of the Trails at Fearing Hill are currently blocked by fallen trees   – Tweedy and Barnes Conservation Area: The Sippican River Loop is blocked by fallen trees, but the Pond Spur Trail is clear   – Douglas…

Posted August 17, 2021 Position Opening Announcement Position: Executive Director (Full-Time or Part-Time) Organization Overview The Wareham Land Trust, Inc. (WLT) was founded by a group of residents dedicated to conserving and protecting Wareham’s open space and natural resources. The WLT was established in 2001 as a non-profit 501(c)3 all-volunteer governed organization and is accredited…

Posted May 1, 2021 Interviews conducted by Jenna Shea, WLT & MA TerraCorps LSC/CEC This past March, the Wareham Land Trust hosted a four-part walking series called “Teachings from the Trail” led by volunteer naturalists who focused on their topic of interest. After their walks, I had a chance to ask these leaders a few…

Posted May 1, 2021 Written by Dale Scott, WLT Board Member EONS OF PLODDING TIME WISE TRUTHS GUARDEDLY KEPT BOX TURTLE REVEALS dgs Keeper of secrets, our colorful Eastern box turtle (Terrapin Carolina Carolina) has origins that stretch back 250 million years to the time of the great reptiles. They are mostly creatures of the…

The Wareham Land Trust is looking for volunteers!  There are so many different ways to get involved with the WLT, whether it’s working on the trails, helping with educational programming, or contributing to our newsletter. If you would like to get involved please fill out this short form so that we can connect you with…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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!

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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!

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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!

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…

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…

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!

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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”,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…