Estabrook Woods, a glacially carved and adorned landscape, is the largest contiguous forested preserve east of Interstate 495 in Massachusetts. Much of the woodland has been undisturbed for more than two centuries. It supports a diversity of locally rare plants and exemplary natural communities. In the fall, the vast hardwood forests, shrub swamps, and boggy kettle holes come into glorious color. Golden canopies of sweet birch and witch-hazel, soggy pockets of vermillion blueberry leaves, white drifts of cotton- grass sedge, and towering bronzed oaks are complemented by woodland asters, goldenrods, and late season fungi. Explore more than 1,200 acres of forest preserve, focusing on its northwestern reaches between Boaz’s Meadow (a beautiful boggy kettle hole) and the overlooks at Bateman’s Pond. This walk, sponsored by New England Wild Flower Society and taking place Sunday, October 5 from 1:30 – 4:30, will cover about 3.5 miles of trails, some of which are rocky and uneven. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Bring a snack, camera, and water bottle. The instructor is Cherrie Corey, and the fee is $28 for NEWFS members, $35 for nonmembers. Image from www.afar.com. Register at http://www.newfs.org/learn/our-programs/estabrook-woods-from-boaz2019s-meadow-to-bateman2019s-pond.
Tag: Estabrook Woods
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Sunday, October 18, 1:00 – 5:00 pm – Understanding Fungi: Mushrooms in the Wild
Author-mycologist Lawrence Millman will lead a mushroom walk in Concord or Lincoln (exact location to be determined before the event based on conditions). However dry or unpromising the conditions, he guarantees that participants will find a minimum of 30 different species. You will learn to identify mushrooms both with and without a guidebook, and you’ll also unlearn everything you were ever told about how to distinguish a poisonous from a non-poisonous species. Be aware, however, that the focus of this event is scientific, not culinary. Bring a basket, wax paper, a pocket knife, a hand lens (if you have one), and – most important of all – a spirit of adventure. Please join us come rain or shine! Dress appropriately for weather. Limited to 16. If students have questions for Larry Millman about the walk, call (617) 492-5861. Directions to Estabrook Woods from Concord Center, MA: Get to Concord Center and the Colonial Inn, in the heart of Concord Center. If you’re facing the Colonial Inn, take a right onto Monument Street and head toward the Old North Bridge. Take a left on Liberty Street, then right on Estabrook Road. After less than half a mile, take another right on Estabrook Road when it bends to the right. Go to the end of the road and park (space for cars on the left-hand side of road). Cost – $76.
