Southboro Open Land Foundation

Category Archives: Uncategorized

Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases, March 24, 7:00 PM, Southborough Library

Sandra Bonzagni shared her experience with tick-borne diseases by telling about the difficulties in diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Information was also given about other tick-born infections, such as Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis as well as information about personal and property protection from ticks. This program was supported by a grant from the Southborough Community Fund. You can see a video of the presentation here. The video was recorded and posted by Southborough Access Media.

Solf Obtains a Southborough Community Fund Grant

SOLF is pleased to announce that it received a $2500 grant from the Southborough Community Fund. The grant money will be used to continue the wildlife survey begun last year at Beals Preserve and to fund educational programs for the community.

Family Nature Walk at Beals Preserve, Sunday, October 19

Nine happy hikers participated in a Nature Walk, Sunday October 19, at the Beals preserve, led by SOLF trustee Debbie Costine. The weather was cooler than the previous several days but the activity kept us all nice and warm! None had been to the Preserve before so this also served as an orientation. We saw several swans on the reservoir channel, some interesting fungus, beautiful colored leaves and the children pulled lots of the “invasive” Buckthorn bush.

2014 Elaine Beals Award Presented to Elizabeth Meyer

It is a pleasure to announce that the Southborough Open Land Foundation has chosen Elizabeth Meyer as the recipient of the 2014 Elaine Beals Conservation Award.

Betty and her husband Bernie have lived in Southborough for 46 years. During that time, in addition to raising four children, Betty has been very active within the community. At SOLF we of course focus on her dedication to environmental issues. Betty served on the board of SOLF for 24 years before stepping aside last year. For several of those years she was the clerk for SOLF, diligently taking and writing up the minutes, and sending out acknowledgments for contributions that we received. In 2005, she tirelessly helped with the education efforts in town as to why we should buy the Conservation Restriction on Chestnut Hill Farm, a campaign that succeeded at the January 2006 Special Town Meeting that voted overwhelmingly to purchase the Conservation Restriction in order to protect the beautiful Chestnut Hill Farm property from development. Last year before SOLF’s 25^th anniversary celebration, Betty approached numerous businesses convincing them to donate goods and services for the silent auction. She has worked as a volunteer at the New England Wildflower Society. Betty also served on the Southborough Opportunity Partnership Committee (SHOPC) committee trying to find ways to bring affordable housing to Southborough. She was very active with the Friends of the Library for many years. In retirement Betty and Bernie are traveling and enjoy spending time at their other home in Stowe, Vermont. The award was presented to Betty on October 18th at a gathering at the home of Attila Herczeg and his wife Susanne Healy. The purpose of the gathering was not only to honor Betty, but also to recognize the efforts of the numerous volunteers who took part in the six month long herpetological study that was conducted at Beals Preserve.

Fall 2014 Newsletter

Read the Fall 2014 SOLF Newsletter with a review of the Species Project at Beals Preserve, information about the Emerald Ash Borer, saving our birds, and an open position on the SOLF Board of Trustees.

EMS Club Days, October 3 to 5

Take advantage of your SOLF membership at EMS Club Days, October 3 to 5, 2014. Receive a discount on your purchases: 20% off full-priced national brand items and 25% off full-priced EMS brand items with your membership card. If you are an EMS Rewards member, you will also receive double rewards points.

Eastern Mountain Sports
Northborough Crossing
8104 Shops Way
Northborough, MA 01532
Tel: (508)351-6660

Visit Our Booth at Heritage Day, October 13

SOLF will have a booth at Southborough’s Heritage Day On Monday October 13 at St. Mark’s field. Stop by and visit with us and find out about our latest activities.

An Update on Other Species Observed at Beals Preserve Wildlife Survey Project

The wildlife survey project currently ongoing at Beals Preserve is focusing primarily on reptiles and amphibians. But a number of other species have been observed by project volunteers. Here is a listing of these observations to July 30, 2014. Thank you volunteers for all the time and effort you have put into this project and the wide variety of observations you have made.

BIRDS

American Crow
American Goldfinch
American Robin
American Woodcock
Barn Swallow
Black Capped Chickadee
Canada Geese
Catbird
Cedar Waxwing
Common Grackle
Common Yellowthroat
Eastern Bluebirds
Eastern Phoebe
Great Blue Heron
Great Crested Flycatcher
Green Heron
Hairy Woodpecker
Hawk with broad wings
Hummingbird
Indigo Bunting
Kingfishers
Kingfishers, Belted
Mallards
Merganzers
Mourning Dove
Northern Flicker
Northern Rough Winged Swallows
Owl, Barred
Pileated Woodpecker
Red Bellied Woodpecker
Red Tailed Hawk
Red Winged Blackbirds
Rose Breasted Grosbeaks
Sharp Shinned Hawk
Song Sparrows
Tree Swallow
Tufted Titmouse
Wood duck
Yellow Warblers
Wrens

MAMMALS

Coyote
Deer
Mole, Star Nosed
Field Mouse
Mouse
Otter
Rabbit
Shrew
Vole

INSECTS
Barklouse, Common Herd
Beetles
Beetles, Black
Beetles, Sexton (Burying Beetles
Beetles, Carrion
Blue Dasher
Caterpillar
Centipede
Crickets
Dragonfly
Eastern Commas
Eastern Tailor Blues
Grasshopper
Grubs
Katydid
Millipedes
Mosquitoes
Moth, Leconte’s Haploa
Moth Caterpillar, Winter
Mourning Cloak
Satyr, Little Wood
Spider
Spider, Wolf

PLANTS

Buttercups
Canada Mayflowers
Cinnamon Fern
Greater Celendine
Indian Paintbrush
Jack in the Pulpits
Lily of the Valley
Pink Lady Slippers
Solomon’s Seal
Spotted Wintergreen
Starflowers
Water Lilies
Wild Geranium
Yellow Cinquefoil

OTHER ANIMALS

Crayfish
Shiners
Worms

Update on Beals Preserve Wildlife Survey Project

In March of this year, SOLF began a wildlife survey of reptiles and amphibians at Beals Preserve. The project was originated and is being directed by SOLF member Lawrence Spezzano of Southborough with the generous assistance of wonderful volunteers from Southborough and other communities!

Lawrence reports that after two months of data collection, amphibian diversity has been impressive with 7 frog species and 4 salamander species found, which is nearly 50% of the 23 species recently documented in Massachusetts. Frog species found, collected in, or near, the transects include: American Toad, Spring Peeper, Green, Grey Tree, Pickerel, Leopard, and Bullfrog. Salamander species found include Red Back, Dusky, Four-toed , and Yellow-spotted.

Reptiles have been more rare so far, in this generally cool spring, with 12% of 24 species observed including the more cosmopolitan Painted and Snapping turtles and Garter Snakes(no surprises, there!). Going forward, June and July should provide more wonderful examples of local reptiles as the WHIP plywood transects provide ideal cool and humid microhabitats. Lawrence expects the warmer weather to draw out more activity and the volunteers have already begun to see evidence of this when piloting turtle traps in the Ice Pond, finding discarded skins and and observing reptiles basking.

SOLF volunteers will continue to collect evidence, including bird, mammal, insect and plant diversity, over the course of the summer and fall. More volunteers are needed, so contact SOLF at info@solf.org, if interested. These invaluable data already suggest relationships among species, their gender, length and mass, which could drive future conservation efforts in Southborough and neighboring towns! Could the Beals Preserve be a major resource supporting salamander maturity, frog reproduction and reptile hibernation for populations throughout central Massachusetts? Stay tuned!

You can see some photos of the survey below.

: A painted turtle marked for future identification

: Bullfrog

: Crayfish at the ice pond

: A spotted salamander photographed by volunteer Carl Guyer

Quabbin, A History and Explorers Guide: Watch the Video

SOLF and the Friends of the Southborough Library jointly sponsored a presentation on May 21, 2014, by Michael Tougias, author of Quabbin, A History and Explorers Guide. As you may know, the Quabbin Reservoir is the source of Southborough’s drinking water. Michael gave a narrated slide presentation about the Quabbin Reservoir including a discussion of the “lost towns” flooded to create the Quabbin, the construction of the reservoir, and how the Quabbin works today. In addition, he took the audience on a natural history tour of the Quabbin and surrounding area with suggestions for day trips. His slides include before and after images of the lost towns, workers building the dams and aqueduct, the grand opening of the reservoir, wildlife of the Quabbin, unique natural places, and favorite trails and entrance gates. If you would like to watch a video of the presentation, click here. The presentation is about an hour in length. The video was produced by Katelyn Willis, Executive Director, Southborough Access Media. We thank her for her gracious and willing assistance in this project. Thank you Katelyn!

May 21, 2014, Michael Tougias Speaking on the History and Development of the Quabbin Reservoir

Did you ever wonder where Southborough gets its wonderful drinking water? Join us on May 21, 2014, when SOLF and the Friends of the Southborough Library jointly sponsor a presentation by Michael Tougias, author of Quabbin, A History and Explorers Guide. Michael has written many books about outdoor activities and the history of New England. His most recent book, The Finest Hours, is being made into a motion picture by Disney. Michael will present a narrated slide presentation about the Quabbin Reservoir including a discussion of the “lost towns” flooded to create the Quabbin, the construction of the reservoir, and how the Quabbin works today. In addition, Tougias will take the audience on a natural history tour of the Quabbin and surrounding area with suggestions for day trips. His slides include before and after images of the lost towns, workers building the dams and aqueduct, the grand opening of the reservoir, wildlife of the Quabbin, unique natural places, and favorite trails and entrance gates. View a flyer here.

Please join us for this wonderful presentation. It will be held at 7:00PM at the Southborough Library, 25 Main Street, Southborough. The presentation is free and open to the public.

If you would like more information about the Quabbin Reservoir or recreational activities, visit the MassGove website.

History of Wildlife Conservation and Recovery in Massachusetts

The 2014 Annual Meeting of SOLF featured a presentation by Dr. Thomas French from Massachusetts Fish and Widlife on the History of Wildlife Conservation and Recovery in Massachusetts. In this presentation, Dr. French discussed the overabundance of wildlife encountered by our earliest settlers to the subsequent endangerment of many species because of the loss of woodlands due to land clearing for farming and over hunting in the 18th and 19th centuries. He also discussed recent and projected changes to the suburban wildlife of our region, including the increased sightings of bear and moose. Dr. French has graciously shared his presentation with us and you can download it here as a pdf file (7.3 mb).

Annual Meeting, May 7, 2014

The Annual Meeting of SOLF featuring a presentation by Dr. Thomas French from Massachusetts Fish and Widlife was held May 7, 2014 at the Southborough Community House.

Dr. French, Assistant Director for the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Natural Heritage Program spoke on the History of Wildlife Conservation and Recovery in Massachusetts, from the overabundance of wildlife encountered by our earliest settlers to the endangerment of many species because of the loss of woodlands and over hunting in the 18th and 19th centuries. He also discussed recent and projected changes to the suburban wildlife of our region, including the increased sightings of bear and moose. Dr. French has graciously shared his presentation with us and you can download it here as a pdf file (7.3 mb).

It was also announced that the Elaine Beals Conservation Award was presented to Betty Meyer. Because Betty was unable to be at the meeting to receive the award, it will be presented at a ceremony later in the year. This award is presented annually by SOLF to a person who has worked to help protect the environment in Southborough. Betty, a 23 year member of the Board of Trustees of SOLF was honored for her contributions to SOLF and the preservation of open land in Southborough.

Dr. Thomas French

Dr. French answering questions

Join Us For Our Annual Meeting, May 7, at 7:00 pm, Southborough Community House

Please join us for our annual meeting featuring a presentation by Dr. Thomas French, from Massachusetts Fish and Widlife.

Dr. French serves as the Assistant Director for the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Natural Heritage Program. The DFG program was created in 1983 with the goal of protecting and conserving the hundreds of rare and threatened species found in Massachusetts. He conducts regulatory reviews of construction and transportation projects to make sure animal habitats aren’t disrupted. In his presentation to SOLF, Dr. French will be speaking on recent and projected changes to the suburban wildlife of our region, including the increased sightings of bear and moose.

The Elaine Beals Conservation Award will also be presented at the meeting. This award is presented annually by SOLF to a person who has worked to help protect the environment in Southborough.

There will be a short business meeting. Refreshments will be served.

Please join us for this interesting and informative presentation. The meeting will be held at 7:00 pm, at the Community House, 28 Main Street, Southborough. The event is free and open to the public.

Wildlife Survey Project Installation at 8:30 AM, Saturday March 29. Volunteers Needed

The setup for the Beals Preserve reptile and amphibian survey project will be Saturday, March 29, at 8:30 AM. Meet at the end of Hickory Road. Wear waterproof shoes and bring a shovel if possible.

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help, email Freddie Gillespie.

Beals Preserve Wildlife Survey Project Training

The training session for volunteers participating the the Beals Preserve Wildlife Survey Project is currently being offered on two dates. Volunteers participating in the project are required to attend one of the sessions.

Session 1: Sunday March 30, 1:00 PM. Meet at the end of Red Gate Lane.

Session 2: Thursday, April 3, 4:00 PM. Meet at the end of Red Gate Lane.

Please register by email to Freddie Gillespie.

2014 Wildlife Census Project at Beals Preserve

SOLF is planning an exciting new multiyear census of the wildlife inhabiting our open spaces. Beginning in spring 2014, SOLF will begin a census of the amphibians and reptiles that inhabit Beals Preserve. Currently, little is known about the density of these species on Beals Preserve. Our objective is to measure the species composition and density of reptiles and amphibians on this property and to determine its role in sustaining local amphibian and reptilian populations.

The project is being planned and guided by Southborough resident and SOLF member Lawrence Spezzano Jr. The project will involve community volunteers and local educational institutions. As the project comes closer to implementation we will be seeking volunteers both to put the project in place and to make regular counts of the species observed.

SOLF is always in need of volunteers who wish to donate a gift of time to open space preservation in Southborough. If you would like to volunteer to help us in any way please email info@solf.org.

Volunteer to Help in Our Wildlife Survey at Beals Preserve

Starting on March 30, we began to assess what wildlife inhabits the Beals Preserve. We are focusing our attention on New England “herps” (reptiles and amphibians)! There are almost 50 species of turtles, snakes, frogs, toads and salamanders with documented ranges that include Massachusetts and little is known about which are found in Beals Preserve. Many are considered threatened or endangered and Beals Preserve could house critical populations! So, on March 29, we placed transects (observation sites at regular intervals) at a pond edge and meadow, to provide a small sample into amphibians and reptiles live in the preserve. But we need your help! Since herps use their habitats in different ways and can be active both day and night, especially in the warmer months, we are calling on volunteers to help us collect data 3 times daily (9-10 am, 2-3pm and 7-9 pm (just after dusk). This exciting opportunity will both provide valuable insight into how our preserve is being used by local fauna and provide a unique chance to explore nature and its remarkable diversity. If you would like to volunteer, or would like more information, please contact, email Freddie Gillespie at solfstewardship@verizon.net. You need not volunteer for every day or each time slot to be of help to us. The project is being planned and guided by Southborough resident and SOLF member Lawrence Spezzano Jr. You can read more about volunteering for this project here.

May 7, 2014. SOLF Annual Meeting at the Southborough Community House, 7:00PM

The annual meeting of SOLF will feature a presentation by Dr. Thomas French, from Massachusetts Fish and Widlife.

Dr. French serves as the Assistant Director for the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Natural Heritage Program. The DFG program was created in 1983 with the goal of protecting and conserving the hundreds of rare and threatened species found in Massachusetts. He conducts regulatory reviews of construction and transportation projects to make sure animal habitats aren’t disrupted. In his presentation to SOLF, Dr. French will be speaking on recent and projected changes to the suburban wildlife of our region, including the increased sightings of bear and moose.

The Elaine Beals Conservation Award will also be presented at the meeting. This award is presented annually by SOLF to a person who has worked to help protect the environment in Southborough.

There will be a short business meeting. Refreshments will be served.

Please join us for this interesting and informative presentation. The meeting will be held at 7:00 PM, at the Community House, 28 Main Street, Southborough. The event is free and open to the public.

Become a SOLF Volunteer

There are always projects to be done on our properties, such as maintaining and improving trails, and controlling invasive plant species. SOLF relies heavily on volunteers to help us with these tasks. Additionally, we will soon begin a project enumerating some of the wildlife at Beals Preserve. This project, too, will require volunteer help beyond that which the Trustees alone can provide. If you would like to help with any of these projects, please contact us with your interests.