Boston Flora

Tag: Drumlin

  • Sunday, October 19, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm – Peddocks Island Trip

    From harbor protection to national park area, the uses of Peddocks Island have varied greatly based on the needs of Native Americans, Colonists and Bostonians.  The island’s proximity to the mainland ensured its prominent military role.  During the Revolutionary War, patriots raided a loyalist farm and Peddocks saw over 600 militiamen stationed on the island to guard the harbor against the return of British troops.  In more recent times, Fort Andrews protected the harbor from 1904 to the end of World War II.  Twenty six structures remain, including guardhouses, prisoner-of-war barracks, stables, a gymnasium and a firehouse.  At 184 acres, Peddocks is one of the largest, most diverse islands in the Boston harbor.  Gravel bars called tombolos link the five drumlins that form the island.  Fort Andrews to the east overlooks the waters of Hull Gut.  Quaint cottages and a salt marsh occupy the Middle Head, while West Head is a conservation area.  Join the Friends of the Boston Harbor Islands and Park Rangers for a walk through history and rustic island terrain.  Advance Ticket Purchase recommended.  Adults – $28, FBHI member or Senior (65+) – $25.  Purchase on-line at www.FBHI.org ($2 transaction fee per ticket).  Boat will pick up passengers at Fan Pier in Boston at 11:00 am and Pemberton Point Pier in Hull at 11:45 am.

    http://web.mit.edu/glb-coffee/www/images/Bluehills.jpg

  • Saturday, October 10, 10 am – 2 pm – Double Drumlin with Fire

    Join the New England Wild Flower Society on a hike botanizing two different communities formed by two dramatic glacial features:  a double drumlin and a kettlehole, owned by The Trustees of Reservations. We visit Weir Hill Reservation with Frances Clark and walk through 80 acres of field and woodland under fire management.  Oaks, hickories, blueberries, grasses, and sedges, with a variety of fall wildflowers of various colors highlight the mosaic formed by different burning regimes.  Descending from these dry slopes, we enter a wet meadow and visit the Ward Reservation to investigate the classic kettlehole bog, one of the best examples in eastern Massachusetts.   The colors should be spectacular, with many end-of-season fruits and flowers.   This botany hike emphasizes the different ecologies of these very different sites. Walking is on a wide but steep path over the drumlin, moist in the meadow, and easy along the board walk through the bog.  Bring Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide, Peterson’s Fern Guide, and a hand lens, as well as water and lunch.  Limit 15 participants, fee is $32 for NEWFS or Trustees of Reservations members, $36 for non members.  To register, log on to http://www.newfs.org, or call 508-877-7630.

    http://www.townofnorthandover.com/Pages/NAndoverMA_Conservation/StevensPd1.jpg

  • Thursday, July 16, 10 a.m. – Castle Hill Landscape Tour

    On Thursday, July 16, beginning at 10 a.m., join the Trustees of Reservation. Take a guided walking tour of this grand, early 20th-century estate by the sea, and learn how landscape architects Arthur Shurcliff and the Olmsted Brothers transformed a bare, sandy drumlin into a beautiful, country retreat. Explore the farmstead, vegetable garden, formal garden areas, and outbuildings. See website www.thetrustees.org for other dates and times. Recommended for children 8 years and older. Full (90-minute) and half (45- minute) tours.  Members of the Trustees: free, Non-Members $5.  For more information call 978-921-1944 x 4009, or email needucation@ttor.org.