Daily Archives: June 8, 2015


Friday, August 14, 3:00 pm – Sunday, August 16, 11:00 am – The Omni Homestead “In The Garden” Weekend

Once again the grand Omni Homestead Hotel in Hot Springs, Virginia, will partner with the American Horticultural Society for this wonderful weekend event August 14 – 16.  The AHS educates and inspires people of all ages to become successful and environmentally responsible gardeners by advancing the art and science of horticulture.  By attending, you will receive a complimentary membership to the AHS.  Participating speakers this year are Marty Stickley-Godinez, Sam Harris, Andre Viette, and Jim Wood.  A complete itinerary may be accessed at http://www.omnihotels.com/-/media/images/hotels/homrst/hotel/pdfs/in-the-garden-guide.pdf. 

The package costs $537 per person for two nights, and includes deluxe accommodations, breakfast and dinner daily, a Friday welcome reception, Saturday luncheon, and membership in the AHS.  Contact 800-838-1788 option 2 to book.


Sunday, June 21, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm – A Short Walk on a Long Day: The Blue Hills Reservation

In his 1890 Waverly Oaks report, Charles Eliot suggested that Boston residents look beyond the city and into the suburbs for natural scenery to foster and preserve “an education in the love of beauty” and a means of “human enjoyment.” Contemplate Eliot’s efforts and ideas as the National Park Service leads a Summer Solstice walking tour on Sunday, June 21 from 5 – 7 to ascend the “Great Blue Hill”, which at 635 ft, is the highest point within 10 miles of the Atlantic coast south of central Maine. Prepare for moderate hike over rugged and rocky terrain. Meets at the Trailside Museum Parking lot. Operated in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Blue Hills Trailside Museum is the interpretive center for the state-owned Blue Hills Reservation and features a natural history museum and outdoor wildlife exhibits. The animals on display, including snowy owls and a river otter, have been rescued and would not survive in the wild. Free. For more information visit http://www.nps.gov/frla/planyourvisit/walks-and-talks.htm.  Photo from www.bu.edu.


Saturday, June 20, 9:00 pm – late night – 5th Annual Moth Ball

Join Athol Bird and Nature Club president Dave Small and naturalist Lula Field at Dave and Shelley’s house, 1542 Pleasant St., Athol, on Saturday, June 20 at 9 pm to search for Lunas, underwings, silkmoths and other night flying insects. Participants are invited to bring their tents, snacks to share and favorite moth baits. (Don’t know what those are? You’ll find out!) Info: Dave Small, 978-413-1772 or Dave@dhsmall.net. Crecopia moth picture courtesy of the National Wildlife Federation.