Author Archives: Eileen Samberg

30 Years of SOLF

Happy Summer! Since 1988, SOLF has worked to protect, conserve and enhance local resources, connect open spaces and natural habitats. Help us celebrate 30 years of service by attending our upcoming events! To kick things off, explore “Art on the Trails: Unexpected Gestures” a collection of art installations housed at the Beals Preserve (with entrances on Main St, Red Gate Rd and Hickory Rd.) until 9/23/18! This is open now and ongoing, so grab a map and find all 17 new artworks! On September 15, SOLF will present Massachusetts Birds of Prey at the Southborough Library. Join us for this informative and exciting presentation.

More events and dates to follow! Let’s learn more about SOLF and the preservation of open space.

May 12, 2018, Bird Walk at Breakneck Hill Conservation Land

On a damp and cool Saturday morning,  Jeff Collins, Director of Mass Audubon’s Ecological Management Department  led a group of 16 participants on a “Bird-a-thon” day bird walk  at the Breakneck Hill Conservation Land, on Breakneck Hill Road, Southborough.  Altogether, we saw 28 species including a number of Bobolinks, a Yellow Warbler, Indigo Bunting, and an Eastern Bluebird.

Bird walk participants. Photo courtesy of Kathryn McKee

Bird walk participants. Photo courtesy of Kathryn McKee

 

Annual Meeting, May 9, 2018

Our 2018 Annual Meeting featured Dr. Martha Gach, Conservation Coordinator , Mass Audubon/Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary and Conservation Center speaking on New England Pollinators and how to support them.  SOLF members learned about  hummingbirds and the many  types of native bees and butterflies in their role as pollinators and what we can do to help them thrive.  You can watch a recording of the meeting here.

In addition SOLF  announced the annual Elaine Beals Conservation Award to  be given to Carl Guyer for his efforts to protect the environment by  making Southborough a Green Community and encouraging recycling.  SOLF also recognized two Algonquin High School students, Shannon Provencal and Kathryn Gowdy, for their outstanding efforts in organizing Hike Southborough Day in September 2017.

May 6, 2018, Our First Summer Stroll

On Sunday evening, May 6,  eight enthusiastic people participated in the first in our series of “Summer Evening Strolls at the Beals Preserve.”
It was cloudy with a few light sprinkles, but we had a group who clearly enjoyed the quiet calm of walking in the woods with a bit of rain.   Stay tuned!
Summer Stroll Participants

Summer Stroll Participants. Photo by Debbie Costine

Bird Walk, Saturday May 12, Breakneck Hill Conservation Land, Rain or Shine

The forecast for Saturday morning is cloudy and cool with a possibility of light showers. While we might like sunny and warm, we won’t let a few clouds deter us. So please join Jeff Collins, Director of Mass Audubon’s Ecological Management Department  at the Breakneck Hill Conservation Land, on Breakneck Hill Road, Southborough,  at 7:00 AM sharp.  Jeff has led a number of walks for us, and each year we see new birds and learn something new about our environment. The walk will finish at approximately 9:00 AM. No previous bird watching experience is necessary. Bring your binoculars, but please no dogs.

Summer Strolls, Beals Preserve, First Sunday Evening of Each Month

 

Starting May 6, Trustee Debbie Costine will lead a series of informal evening strolls along the trails of Beals Preserve. The strolls will be the first Sunday of each month at 6:30 PM. We will be looking at the flora and fauna as well as noting a bit of history of this former pasture.  We will also photograph specific areas to note changes from spring to late summer. All are welcome, but no dogs, please. The strolls are free and open to the public.  For more information email: solf.deb@gmail.com or  Click here for information on the strolls and parking.

 

 

Summer Evening Strolls at Beals Preserve Starting May 6

Starting May 6, Trustee Debbie Costine will lead a series of informal evening strolls along the trails of Beals Preserve. The strolls will be the first Sunday of each month at 6:30 PM. We will be looking at the flora and fauna as well as noting a bit of history of this former pasture.  We will also photograph specific areas to note changes from spring to late summer. The strolls will be held the first Sunday evening of each month, May 6, June 3, July 1, and August 5.  All are welcome, but no dogs, please. For more information email: solf.deb@gmail.com or Click here for information on the strolls and parking.

Annual Meeting, May 9, 2018 New England Pollinators and How to Support Them

The Southborough Open Land Foundation will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at the Southborough Community House, 28 Main Street, Southborough at 7:00 PM.

Join us at the meeting where Dr. Martha Gach,Conservation Coordinator
Mass Audubon / Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary and Conservation Center will speak about New England Pollinators and How to Support Them.  Learn about  hummingbirds and the many  types of native bees and butterflies in their role as pollinators and what you can do to help them thrive in Southborough.  In addition, SOLF will present the annual Elaine Beals Conservation Award to a local resident. The Elaine Beals Conservation Award was created in 2005 to honor Elaine Beals for her many contributions to conservation and the protection of the environment in Southborough and the region.

The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Southborough Community House, 28 Main Street, with light refreshments. Dr. Gach’s presentation will begin about 7:30 PM.

Please join us for this informative event. The meeting is free and open to the public, you need not be a member of SOLF to attend.

 

Summer Stroll, Beals Preserve, August 5

The next Summer Stroll at Beals Preserve with  Trustee Debbie Costine will be Sunday, August 5, at 6:30 PM. Join Debbie as she leads an informal evening stroll along the trails of Beals Preserve. We will be looking at the flora and fauna as well as noting a bit of history of this former pasture.  We will also photograph specific areas to note changes from spring to late summer. All are welcome, but no dogs, please. The strolls are free and open to the public.  For more information email: solf.deb@gmail.com or  Click here for information on the strolls and parking.