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BBC Walks and Talks 2009
Beavers of Fitzgerald Lake
Bob McMaster, Holyoke Community College
Saturday, April 25, 9:30–11:30 AM
(Rain date: Sunday, April 26)
North Farms Road entrance
No species has affected our New England landscape as much as the beaver. Felling trees, dragging logs, building dams and lodges, and foraging for food are just a few of the ways in which beavers alter forests and streamcourses. Bob McMaster has been observing and studying beaver wetlands in our region for 25 years. He'll show us several active beaver sites at Fitzgerald Lake, point out evidence of the beaver's handiwork, and describe how this amazing animal has affected biodiversity in our region's wetlands.
Birds Welcome Spring
Lisa Rock, Hampshire Bird Club
Charlie Quinlin, Hoffman Bird Club
Saturday, May 9, 7:00 AM
Moose Lodge entrance
This will be an early wake-up call for folks who are not used to birding at this hour. It is a pleasant awakening though, to discover the intensity and beauty of bird sounds and sightings in the earlier part of the morning. Charlie and Lisa will offer their combined 40-plus years of experience, and take a look at some of the habitats and plants at FLCA. They hope to make it out to the blind that overlooks the marsh, and possibly the dam as well. Bring binoculars.
Wild Edibles Walk
Blanche Derby, wild food enthusiast
Saturday, May 16, 1:00 PM
(Heavy rain date: Sunday, May 17)
North Farms Road entrance
On this leisurely walk, you'll learn about some common plants with culinary and medicinal properties. Some of these are dismissed because they're weeds, but you'll discover that they're actually good for something! This walk is mostly stop and start, so it's appropriate for all ages. It should take about 2 hours.
Blanche Derby leads edible plant walks all over New England. She has written/illustrated three books and made three films. For more info, check out her Web site: www.tagyerit.com/freefood.htm.
In Search of Mushrooms
Pat McDonagh, mushroom enthusiast
Saturday, August 22, 9:30–11:30 AM
North Farms Road entrance
Saturday, September 12, 1:00–3:00 PM
Moose Lodge entrance
Saturday, October 3, 9:30–11:30 AM
North Farms Road entrance
Pat’s walk last year was quite well attended, so she has generously offered to do a series of walks this year. Feel free to attend one or all programs. Identification, edibility, and responsible harvesting will be explored, with a period for discussion after the walk. For further information, call 584-4176
Discovering the Eastern Forest
Robert Leverett
Friday, October 16, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
North Farms Road entrance
Bob will be leading us in a discovery of the forest at FLCA. We'll be looking at and
discussing the development of the forest and its successional past. How can we observe and
identify non-charismatic species, what might or will expand their growth, and how can we
evaluate the age of the forest through physical characteristics. Trees will be identified by bark
and form. Bob will also explain how the Eastern Native Tree Society documents forest sites
and individual trees, how trees are measured, and what statistics are gathered.
Bob is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Eastern Native Tree Society and
co-founder and President of the Friends of Mohawk Trail State Forest. He is the author of the
Sierra Club Guide to the Ancient Forests of the Northeast, and has co-authored works on old
growth forests of the Eastern U.S. He is the principal architect of the Eastern Old Growth
Conference Series.
A helpful website to prepare for this program:
www.nativetreesociety.org
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