Boston Flora

Tag: Massachusetts Audubon

  • Sunday, February 2, 8:00 am – 10:00 am – Winter Bird Walk in Millennium Park

    Join the Massachusetts Audubon Society on Sunday, February 2 at 8 am to observe resident birds and winter visitors in a unique urban habitat that is a favorite stomping ground for many bird species. A BNC naturalist will help us find and identify birds through field marks, sounds, and behaviors. Birders of all levels will enjoy these guided walks; beginning birders are encouraged to come! Most trails are flat and easy to walk, there are some that have an incline. This is a free event. Register at https://www.massaudubon.org/programs/boston-nature-center/94433-winter-bird-walk-at-millennium-park

  • Wednesday, January 23, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Wildlife on Tap: Changes in New England Bird Population

    The Wildlife on Tap lecture series at Cape Cod Beer (1336 Phinneys Land in Hyannis) is a special event each winter where attendees can learn about wildlife over some fine beverages. Each presenter in this series is an expert in their field. Come have a beer and learn something new about the Cape’s majestic creatures from charismatic individuals who have made it their life’s mission to protect them!

    On Wednesday, January 23 from 6 – 8, hear Wayne R. Peterson, Director of the Massachusetts Important Bird Area Program at Mass Audubon, speak on Changes in New England Bird Population. Since the arrival of the Pilgrims in the 1600’s, bird populations in New England have undergone many changes due to alteration of the New England landscape, persecution of birds for feathers and food, pesticide contamination, competition with introduced species, natural biological competition among avian species and range expansion and contraction likely resulting from global climate change. This presentation will discuss and describe these various phenomena within a New England context. $10 for Mass Audubon members, $13 for nonmembers (advance purchase), $15 at the door. To register online visit https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/long-pasture/news-events/wildlife-on-tap

    Image result for changes in New England bird population

  • Wednesday, January 24, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Invasive Plants: What Are They? And What Can Be Done? Webinar

    What are invasive plant species and what harm do they do to an ecosystem? Invasive plant species are a threat to natural areas throughout the country. No habitat or region is immune from the threat of invasive species. They displace native plants, eliminate native food and cover for wildlife, and threaten rare plant and animal species.

    Nearly all landscapes, both private gardens and public spaces, have become the unwelcome home to many invasives. Ecological Landscape Alliance will sponsor a webinar on Wednesday, January 24 from 7 – 8 pm. Lecturer Bruce Wenning is an invasive plant specialist who will help to shed light on the invasive plant challenges that face most property owners. If you are a homeowner who wants to understand more about invasives, join Bruce for this webinar to learn:

    * How to identify different types of invasive plants
    * How to safely remove them your own landscape
    * How different invasive plants spread
    * What removal methods are effective on each
    * The importance of proper disposal of invasive plants once removed

    Bruce Wenning is a horticulturist at The Country Club, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, where he is responsible for garden management and design, invasive species management, natural history of the grounds; and frequently lectures on horticultural subjects. Bruce’s background includes formal garden design and installation as well as public space management. Bruce has nearly 20 years of experience working with exotic invasive plant species common to Massachusetts for both private and public clients. Bruce’s career has also included several years at Massachusetts Audubon and at Land’s Sake. In addition to his general horticulture expertise, Bruce specializes in plant pest diagnostics; insect taxonomy; invasive species management; ecological landscaping consultation and design; as well as natural history. Bruce is on the Board of Directors for the Ecological Landscape Alliance (ELA) where he has served since 2003 and is a regular contributor to the ELA Newsletter and a local publication, the Newton TAB. Free. Image from http://www.notablecharacters.wordspress.com. Sign up at http://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/webinar-invasive-plants-can-done/

  • Saturday, December 5, 10:00 – 1:00 – Identifying and Enjoying Herbaceous Plants in the Late Fall

    When herbaceous plants have died back and look “disenchanted,” it is still possible to identify some of them by closely examining their dried leaves, stems, and persistent fruits and seeds.

    Join Frances Clark on Saturday, December 5, beginning at 10 am, for a classroom exploration to investigate 25-30 weeds and native herbaceous species growing in disturbed habitats, fields, and woodland edges. Examine specimens close at hand to learn identification features and intriguing seed- dispersal mechanisms. (Naturalist photographer Nathan Cook took the image of arrow leaf plantain below)

    Pre-registration is necessary, contact the registrar at 508-877-7630, ext. 3303.  The program will take place at Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road in Framingham, and is co-sponsored by the New England Wild Flower Society and by Massachusetts Audubon, Drumlin Farm.  The cost is $36 for members of NEWFS or Mass Audubon, and $42 for non members.  You may also email registrar@newenglandwild.org, or log on to www.newenglandwild.org/learn.http://www.isledegrande.com/giimages9/arrowleafwaterplantainseedpod.jpg

  • Saturday, October 3 – Sunday, October 4, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm – Keep it Local Fall Festival at Drumlin Farm

    The theme of this year’s festival, “Keep it Local,” reminds us to celebrate all that autumn has to offer in New England. Taste freshly picked produce from our fields or pick your own, come enjoy live music each day, and meet some of our native furry critters. Visitors can: • Savor fresh Drumlin Farm food • See antique cars • Meet the wildlife! • Feel the beat with live music by the Ancient Mariners Saturday 11:00 am-3:00 pm and Mollie’s Misfits on Sunday 11:00 am-3:00 pm • Buy fresh and festive fall pumpkins, wool, and more at our country store • Enjoy a hayride around the farm—a fall Drumlin tradition • Watch local crafters creating their work, or try your hand at rolling your own beeswax candles • Participate in children’s activities and games • Learn about certified Bird Friendly®, Bird and Beans® coffee! Purchase tickets in advance by calling 781-259-2206. Admission prices are $8 adults/ $6 children for members, and $10 adults/ $8 children for nonmembers, children under age 2 are free. Event runs rain or shine. Check in faster by preregistering! Preregistration is good for either Saturday or Sunday. Drumlin Farm will be closed to general visitation for both members and nonmembers on October 3 and 4. Your ticket price provides critical support for Massachusetts Audubon’s education and conservation programs.


  • Wednesday, May 13, 7 pm – The IBA Program, Working to Protect & Prioritize Habitats for Birds in Massachusetts

    Guest speaker Wayne Peterson, Director of the Massachusetts Audubon Important Bird Area (IBA) Program, will speak at the South Shore Natural Science Center 2009 Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 13.  Join him for dessert at 7 pm, followed by the presentation at 7:30.  Pre-registration is requested.  Call 781-659-2559, or email jazanow@ssnsc.org.  For more information, log on to www.ssnsc.org.