Boston Flora

Tag: Nancy Goodman

  • Saturday, June 9, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Flora of Bearsden Conservation Area

    On Saturday, June 9, join Nancy Goodman, Naturalist and Plant Conservation Volunteer with New England Wild Flower Society for this botanical exploration of the Bearsden Conservation Area. Trees surround us and support us in so many important ways. Though they’re rooted in one place, they are complex, fascinating, and beautiful living things. Plants are also fascinating to look at and identify. We will be looking at a mix of plants and trees to learn what we can. We will also be paying attention to what changes we see when we go from one habitat to another, and how subtle this can be. Plants and trees can tell you a lot about the habitats you might be in. Wear proper foot gear and bring Binoculars, camera, water, LUNCH and a sense of adventure. Meet 10:00 am at the Conservation area parking lot at the end of Bearsden Road in Athol (opposite Athol Hospital on Main Street). This is a moderate 3.5-mile round trip free walk sponsored by the Athol Bird & Nature Club. For more information visit http://atholbirdclub.org or email Dave@atholbirdclub.org.

    Image result for Bearsden Conservation Area, Athol

  • Saturday, July 8, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Trees and Other Plants of the South Athol Conservation Area

    On Saturday, July 8, join Nancy Goodman, Naturalist and Plant Conservation Volunteer with New England Wild Flower Society, for this botanical exploration of the South Athol Conservation Area. Trees surround us and support us in so many important ways. Though they’re rooted in one place, they are complex, fascinating, and beautiful living things. Plants are also fascinating to look at and identify. We will be looking at a mix of plants and trees to learn what we can. We will also be paying attention to what changes we see when we go from one habitat to another, and how subtle this can be. Plants and trees can tell you a lot about the habitats you might be in. Bring binoculars, water, and a sense of adventure. Meet at 10 :00 am at the Conservation area. To find the South Athol Conservation area entrance: travel south on South Athol Road from Athol center and the entrance will be on the right 1.1 miles south of the route 2 overpass, between the intersections of Riceville Road and Conant Road. (GPS – 3800 South Athol Road) A Conservation Area sign at the driveway will point you down the dirt roadway to a small parking area on the right before the gate (private residence). For more information visit www.atholbirdclub.org.

  • Saturday, July 8, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Trees and Other Plants of the South Athol Conservation Area

    On Saturday, July 8, from 10 – 1, join Nancy Goodman, Naturalist and Plant Conservation Volunteer with New England Wild Flower Society for this botanical exploration of the South Athol Conservation Area. Trees surround us and support us in so many important ways. Though they’re rooted in one place, they are complex, fascinating, and beautiful living things. Plants are also fascinating to look at and identify. We will be looking at a mix of plants and trees to learn what we can. We will also be paying attention to what changes we see when we go from one habitat to another, and how subtle this can be. Plants and trees can tell you a lot about the habitats you might be in. Meet 10 :00 am at the Conservation area. This program will be repeated on Saturday, September 16. Sponsored by the Athol Bird & Nature Club.

    To find the South Athol Conservation area entrance: travel south on South Athol Road from Athol center and the entrance will be on the right 1.1 miles south of the route 2 overpass, between the intersections of Riceville Road and Conant Road. (GPS – 3800 South Athol Road) A Conservation Area sign at the driveway will point you down the dirt roadway to a small parking area on the right before the gate (private residence).

  • Saturday, October 21, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Tree ID Using Bark and Habitat Clues

    Join naturalist Nancy Goodman and take a close look at trees and other botanical wonders we encounter at Northfield Mountain. Have you ever looked at a tree in winter and wondered what it might be? For more than half the year, bark provides the best clue to tree identification. We will be keying out some of the trees to see what we can learn. Become familiar with the characteristic bark of different trees in different habitats and at different stages of growth, as well as identification from leaves and other clues. Bring binoculars, water, lunch, sturdy walking shoes and the book Bark by Michael Wojtech, if you have a copy. This program is co-sponsored with the Athol Bird and Nature Club and will take place at Northfield’s scenic Riverview area along the Connecticut River. This special location has an especially rich variety of tree species. Meet in the Riverview parking area at 10 or at the Northfield Mountain Visitors Center in Northfield at 9:45 a.m. for a short walk to Riverview. For ages 16 and older. FREE , but pre-register by calling 800-859-2960.

  • Sunday, April 26, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Tree Identification at Poet’s Seat

    Have you ever looked at a tree in winter and wondered what it might be? This walk with naturalist Nancy Goodman is a continuation of an ongoing Pioneer Valley Institute series showing trees that can be found in different habitats. Become familiar with the characteristic bark of the different trees in different habitats. This is a dry ridge top with changing habitats and trees from the top of the road to the bottom.

    Poet’s Seat in Greenfield has a road we will be following, going up to the tower and the top of the cliffs; the view is spectacular. Bring binoculars, water, very warm clothes in many layers as we will not be walking much (and this area can be very windy), lunch, warm boots, and the book Bark by Michael Wojtech (past Garden Club of the Back Bay speaker) if you have a copy. There are no facilities at this spot. Please plan accordingly.

    We will meet at the parking area at the base of the cliffs on Sanderson Road next to the tennis courts. We will then walk up the busy road to the tower road. Extreme care must be taken and the road can be steep in spots getting up to the tower. No rain date. Not handicapped accessible. $5 (free to PVI members), checks only, no cash please. For more information email wildeyes@rcn.com.

  • Saturday, June 29, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm – Nasami Farm Perched Swamp Tree Exploration

    Nasami Farm, owned by the New England Wildflower Society, is home to a unique habitat, a Black Gum—Pin Oak—Swamp White Oak “perched” swamp. This is a swamp not directly connected to the water table, but perched above it on layers that prevent draining usually associated with old glacial lake beds. The Great Swamp, of which this property is a part, is one of the largest and best examples of a perched swamp left in Massachusetts. On Saturday, June 29, from 10 – 2, we will be looking mostly at the trees and their bark, but also checking out any wildflowers we might see. The trail is level and the distance covered about 2 to3 miles at an easy pace. Please bring comfortable water-resistant boots, rain gear (depending on the weather), plenty of water, lunch, binoculars and bug spray. We will be using the book Bark by Michael Wojtech, so bring a copy if you have one. We will meet at Nasami Farm, 128 North Street, in Whately (there is a blue sign on routes 5 & 10 at Swamp Road). Parking will be at the barn on the left as you enter. Directions will be sent upon request at pre-registration when you email Nancy Goodman at wildeyes@rcn.com. $5 fee, free for Pioneer Valley Institute members, NEWFS members, and kids under 12. (Please do not use MapQuest for driving directions; they currently take you to North Street in South Deerfield.)

    http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_keRo4qD_gWE/TMF-BYMis3I/AAAAAAAAACM/XomqApNkwnk/s1600/Riverwood+Perched+Swamp.jpg

  • Sunday, August 29, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm – Exploring East Mountain

    East Mountain is part of a long trap rock (basalt) ridge that extends from central Connecticut just west of Hartford to Mt. Tom in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Many sections of this ridge support a rich and diverse flora, with a high number of uncommon or rare plant species. New England Wild Flower Society invites you to explore one section of this ridge — the beautiful, upland oak-hickory forest along the Westfield/West Springfield town line, on Sunday, August 29, from 10 – 3. Among the many species we hope to find are Aureolaria pedicularia, A. virginica, Viola pedata, both species of Chimaphila, Asplenium platyneuron, numerous different Desmodiums (below), and a wide variety of Asteraceae. Though the ascent is somewhat strenuous, the pace will be leisurely. Wear sturdy hiking boots. Bring bag lunch, water, field guides, insect repellent. $40 for NEWFS members, $45 for nonmembers.  Arieh Tal and Nancy Goodman will lead, and you may register at www.newfs.org.

    http://www.shcn.co.uk/articles/Desmodium-callianthuml.jpg