Click here to sign up!

VOLUME II, Issue 11
http://www.GreenForNewEngland.org

JUNE 6, 2001
    1 – “I’ll Be Back”
    2 – Keep ‘em busy
    3 – Father Knows Best
    4 – Row, Row, Row Your Boat
    5 – A World Series of a Different Sort 
    6 – Honor Thy River

******************************************************

1 - “I’ll Be Back”
Recent reforestation efforts in Connecticut have allowed for the growth in population of a number of historically present species.  Moose, black bears, coyotes, and bobcats are just a few of the animals that have made a comeback as more Connecticut land is returned to its original state and these animals are able to live in their natural habitats.  Paul Rego, a wildlife biologist who keeps track of animal populations for the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, will address this topic in a presentation entitled “The Second Coming” on Thursday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m.  The program will take place at the Connecticut Forest & Park Association’s headquarters in Middlefield.  To register, get directions, and find out about other CFPA programs call (860) 346-2372, or visit www.ctwoodlands.org.

2 – Keep ‘em Busy
Looking for something fun and educational for the little ones in the family?  The New England Aquarium is offering three one-hour “Explorer Classes” specially designed for preschoolers.  Each class will include a story, a hands-on activity, a take-home art project, and a trip to a related exhibit in the Aquarium or interaction with a live animal.  The programs, which are limited to 15 children, begin at 9:30 a.m. in the Aquarium’s Exploration Center on June 9, 10, and 14.  To make reservations call (617) 973-5206.  For further information on these and other programs, head to the Aquarium’s website at www.neaq.org.

3 - Father Knows Best
Father’s Day is just around the corner, and the Massachusetts Audubon Society has come up with the perfect way for dad to spend time with the children while also enjoying the great outdoors.  Children of all ages are invited to accompany their fathers to explore the woods and fields of the Audubon Society’s Habitat Education Center and Wildlife Sanctuary in Belmont on Sunday, June 17.  Instructors Boot Boutwell and Phyl Solomon will lead participants in search of wildlife in their burrows, nests, or on the move.  Guests will also take part in a wildlife tracking game using various techniques to learn about animal homes and survival tactics.  To take part in this father and son/daughter bonding time, contact the Society at (617) 489-5050 or visit www.massaudubon.org.

4 - Row, Row, Row Your Boat
If you are looking for leisurely way to enjoy nature, why not hop in a canoe this summer?  Each year, the Merrimack River Watershed Council organizes canoe and kayak trips throughout the summer that enable New Englanders to explore the Merrimack River and its tributaries, and learn more about this valuable natural resource.  In June, you can paddle the Sudbury or Assabet Rivers, or even explore the Joppa Estuary in Newburyport.  The trips range from easy to moderate, and are lead by volunteer guides.  Keep in mind that participants are required to bring their own canoe or kayak.  A complete schedule of trips, safety information, and a list of necessary supplies can be found at MWRC’s website at www.merrimack.org.

5 - A World Series of a Different Sort
Many of us diehard Red Sox fans will have to wait until October for our World Series (don’t laugh), but a group of Vermont and New Hampshire teenage bird enthusiasts recently had theirs.  The Twin State Tanagers traveled down to Cape May, New Jersey to participate in the World Series of Birding.  The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) organized this youth team in 1999 when teen birder Will McCumber, 15, spoke to Chip Darmstadt, Director of VINS North Branch Nature Center, about creating a youth team to compete in this event. For the third year in row, they came in first place.  In the team’s first year they not only spotted 151 species of birds in a 24-hour period, they won the youth division.  Last year, they spotted 135 species and still came out on top over the 11 other youth teams.  The youth team trains for the competition by going on group and individual bird walks.  For more information on this and other birding events, contact VINS at (802) 457-2779 or visit www.vinwseb.org.

6 - Honor Thy River
Rhode Islanders will soon have an opportunity to honor and celebrate one of their most valuable natural resources: rivers.  Saturday, June 16, is Rivers Day, as proclaimed by Governor Almond, and the Narrow River Preservation Association, in conjunction with other organizations dedicated to protecting rivers, ponds, and streams in South County, will be holding an entire day of community events, all free of charge.  Visitors will be treated to boat cruises, canoe and kayak trips, river cleanups, and a River Lights block party, just to name a few.  Admission is also free to River Day visitors at the Casey Farm and Gilbert Stuart Museum.  Contact the NRPA for a full schedule of events at (401) 783-6277 or visit www.narrowriver.org.

 ******************************************************

Newsletter Archive