Boston Flora

Tag: Dragonflies

  • Saturday, May 31, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Dragonfly Field Trip

    Join Athol Bird & Nature Club President Dave Small on May 31 in search of early season dragonflies (and butterflies) starting at the Mount Grace Land Trust Eagle Reserve in Royalston, Massachusetts. As time allows, a look at nearby Birch Hill WMA and Millers River will be included. Meet at 10 am at the parking area for Birch Hill opposite 69 Winchendon Road in Royalston. There are no facilities in the general area, so please be self-contained with food, water, snacks, insect repellant, sunscreen, binoculars, camera, bug net, and shoes for wading in shallow water. The program is free and open to all. For additional information contact Dave Small at Dave@atholbirdclub.org

  • Mondays, June 3 – June 24, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Eastern – Dragonflies & Damselflies of the Northeast, Online

    Learn how to identify this unique order of insects as they take to the skies in early summer. Study their biology, behavior, habitat associations, and conservation efforts currently underway. This New York Botanical Garden three part online course begins June 3, and registered students will receive log in instructions. Members $155, Nonmembers $170. Register HERE.

    Instructor is Alan Wells. Alan Wells holds a B.S. in Zoology and M.A. in Biology from California State University, Long Beach and a Ph.D. in Zoology from University of Alberta, Edmonton. During his working career, he spent approximately seven years teaching Biology, followed by over 35 years as a biologist/biostatistician for several environmental consulting firms. In recent years, he has participated in NY State and Citizen Scientist surveys of breeding birds, waterfowl, odonates, and insect pollinators. He is also a research scientist for the NY/NJ Palisades Interstate Park Commission conducting studies of the flora and fauna of Lily Pond, freshwater fish, and photographing and identifying insect pollinators found at the Trailside Museums Native Plant Garden. Dr. Wells is also a frequent speaker and field trip leader at local birding and natural history clubs, various scientific meetings, and other public forum

  • Tuesday, June 21, 6:30 pm – Introduction to Dragonflies

    Dragonflies help humans by controlling populations of pest insects, especially those that bug us most, such as mosquitoes and biting flies. A single dragonfly can eat anywhere from 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day! What kinds of dragonflies live here?

    Presented by Dave Small, President and Acting Director of the Athol Bird and Nature Club, at the Athol Public Library 584 Main Street in Athol.

    For over twenty-eight years, Dave has been the charismatic leader of the Club. His skills as a naturalist, trip leader, and presenter are in demand throughout New England. Through Dave’s efforts, the Center is recognized as the place to hold meetings that relate to natural history and the environment. This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services – Dig-In Grant.

    Registration is required for this event.  Please register at https://athol.librarycalendar.com/events/dragonflies or by calling 978-249-9515. Free and open to the public.

  • Wednesday, May 13, 7:00 pm – An Introduction to Observing and Identifying Dragonflies and Damselflies Webinar

    Join  naturalist David Small online on May 13 at 7 pm  to learn about dragonflies and damselflies.

    The presentation is geared for the beginner but will be a good refresher for more experienced observers. Beginning with a discussion on the origins and life history of the Dragons and Damsels followed by a look at the families encountered in Massachusetts with some hints on where to find them. The timing of this presentation is designed to get you ready for the beginning of dragonfly emergence in Mid-May. Sponsored by the Athol Bird and Nature Club and hosted by the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust.


    The Athol Bird & Nature Club will post a link to the Zoom meeting when available.  Visit http://atholbirdclub.org. For more information contact David Small at Dave@dhsmall.net.

     

    Image by Dave Small

  • Sunday, June 3, 10:00 am – Dragonflies at Royalston Eagle Preserve and Priest Brook Valley

    Join Dave Small and Lynn Harper of the Athol Bird & Nature Club on Sunday, June 3 for a search for early season Dragonflies and Damselflies. As good naturalists, we’ll also note interesting birds, butterflies and whatever else we find. Meet 10:00 am at the MDFW Birch Hill WMA parking area (opposite 69 Winchendon Rd Royalston) Bring dragonfly net, camera, shoes or boots to get wet, water, snacks, and a sense of adventure. For more information visit http://atholbirdblub.org or email Dave@atholbirdclub.org.

    Image result for dragonflies spring
  • Wednesday, August 3, 10:00 am – 11:30 am – In Search of Butterflies and Dragonflies

    Wednesday, August 3, 10:00 am – 11:30 am – In Search of Butterflies and Dragonflies

    Please join Jeremiah Trimble, Curatorial Associate, Ornithology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, for a leisurely walk around Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mt. Auburn Street in Cambridge, exploring habitats from pond edges to wildflower patches, in search of the various types of butterflies, damselflies, and dragonflies. The walk will take place Wednesday, August 3 from 10 – 11:30, and the fee is $7 for Mt. Auburn Friends, $12 for nonmembers. Register online at http://mountauburn.org/2016/in-search-of-butterflies/  Funding for programs has been provided in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

    Save

  • Wednesdays, July 22 – August 5, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm – Butterflies, Dragonflies and Bees – Oh My!

    Insects play an integral part in the life cycle of plants and can enhance a botanical painting with a dynamic element of scientific accuracy and pure whimsy.  Through sketches and more complete full-color works, join Kelly Radding at Wellesley College Botanic Garden on three Wednesdays, July 22, 29 and August 5, from 9:30 – 3:30, to study the form and details that will make the insect come alive in your artwork.  Learn techniques to capture the myriad textures and colors and how to integrate an insect into a botanical composition.  Advanced skill level.  Friends of Wellesley Botanic Gardens $275, non-members $325.  Call 781-283-3094 to register. Image copyright Kelly Leahy Radding.

  • Saturday, August 23, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Late Summer Dragonflies

    Join Athol Bird and Nature Club president Dave Small at the Millers River Environmental Center (100 Main St., Athol) on Saturday, August 23 at 1 pm, and then head out to search local waters for American Rubyspot, Zebra and Arrow Clubtails and whatever else we can find. Participants should bring lunch, insect net, and a sense of adventure; be prepared for wet feet. Children welcome. Severe weather cancels. Info: Dave Small, 978-413-1772 or Dave@dhsmall.net. Image of arrow clubtail from www.giffbeaton.com.

  • Saturdays, May 31, June 7, June 21, and July 12 – 2014 Dragonfly Institute: Introduction to Odonates of Central Massachusetts

    After more than a decade since the last Dragonfly institute was held, the Athol Bird & Nature Club is pleased to announce the 2014 Dragonfly Institute will be held at the Millers River Environmental Center (100 Main Street in Athol) beginning May 31st 2014. The class, coordinated by Athol Bird and Nature Club president Dave Small in cooperation with the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, will feature some of New England’s premier naturalists who will share their knowledge and enthusiasm for odonates. (Note: due to the late spring we will not begin the classes until May 31st)

    Curriculum for the class will focus on the basics of dragonfly identification, but will also include discussions of dragonflies as indicators of environmental health, documentation of rare and unusual species, and dragonfly life history and behavior. The goal of the course is to provide the participant with the basic skills of odonate identification providing a solid base for the continued study and enjoyment of these amazing creatures.

    Class lectures will be held at the Millers River Environmental Center 100 Main Street in Athol. Directions may be found on the web at http://www.atholbirdclub.org. Lectures will be on Saturday from 9:00 to 10:00 AM and will include visual presentations, viewing of prepared specimens and discussion.

    Field trips will meet at the Center following the lecture. Each trip will focus on a limited number of habitats within or near the Millers River Watershed. Participants should be prepared to wade in streams, ponds or other wet habitats. Hip boots or waders may be needed for early trips in cold river water and sandals may be useful in the warmer season. Precautions should be made to protect the participant from biting insects and other vertebrate and invertebrate organisms.

    Fee $5.00 for non ABNC Members – Free to ABNC Members

    Lecture and Field trip Dates will be Saturdays:

    May 31st, Early flying Odonates and NHESP Dave Small and Lynn Harper 9:00 AM

    June 7th , Dragonflies for Families Rachel Roberts 10:30 am – Noon

    River odonates (Field trip only) Dave Small 1:00 PM

    June 21st, Josh Rose 9:00 AM

    July 12th. Photographing Odonates Frank Gorga 9:00 AM (see his beautiful image below.)

  • Saturday, November 16, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm – Bring Nature into the Garden

    Join landscape designer Bridghe McCracken on Saturday, November 16 from 9 – 1 at Berkshire Botanical Garden for a detailed program on how to create a biodiverse garden habitat for birds, bees, butterflies, bats and dragonflies—good for both the garden and the gardener. This program will give participants practical knowledge for how to plan and provide for wildlife based on ecological principles. Learn about the plants and plans needed to design a garden full of life for the property. BBG members $40 nonmembers $50.  Register at 413-298-3926 or online at www.berkshirebotanical.org.

    Bridghe McCracken has been designing biologically vibrant landscapes for over ten years. Her design and building company, Helia Land Design, specializes in ecological landscape design, land stewardship, ecosystem restoration and designing food systems. She is a certified Organic Landcare Professional from the Northeast Organic Farmers Association. In 2006 she began a partnership with Project Native as their Chief Landscape Designer, which allows her to stay abreast of the latest available native plants. She teaches permaculture as an adjunct professor at Bard College at Simon’s Rock.

    http://helialanddesign.com/wp-content/files_mf/1272481144bridghe_who.jpg