The New England Botanical Club begins its fall season with a field trip at the Middlesex Fells Reservation on Saturday, September 17.  Arrive at Bryan Hamlin’s home at 56 Wyman Street in Medford between 9:15 and 9:45 am, or between noon and 1 pm for various morning and afternoon field trip choices.  Field trips will end about 5 pm.  Note that heavy rain will postpone the trips to Sunday, September 18 – check the NEBC website (www.rhodora.org) at 8 am for Saturday cancellation.  The Middlesex Fells Reservation is a largely natural woodland area of over 3,000 acres in the suburbs north of Boston.  “Fells” is a Saxon word for rocky, hilly tracts of land – an apt name for this scenic area which has many rocky outcrops and other interesting habitats leading to surprising biodiversity.  Set aside in 1894, the Fells was the keystone in the creation of the Metropolitan Parks system.  The plant survey of the four original parks became known as the Deane Flora report of 1896 and led, through the needed cooperation of amateur and academic botanists, to the creation of the NEBC that same year.  Four NEBC members have recently concluded a follow-up survey, which will be published in Rhodora.  The Fells is also rich in local history.  Within the Fells is Spot Pond, first explored and named by Governor Winthrop in the winter of 1632.

Groups will leave for the nearby Fells at 10 am and/or 1:00 – 1:30 pm.   There will be a choice of two morning and afternoon hikes exploring special habitats and unusual species.  Park at Bryan’s house and carpool from there.  From 12:30 – 1:15 there will be a “semi-potluck” style lunch at Bryan’s, so please bring a contribution.  A variety of beverages and nibbles will be provided.  Please rsvp to Bryan at bryanthamlin@gmail.com, or call him at 781-395-7722.