Field Trips

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Description:

Between 2018-2022, the Buzzards Bay Coalition led an effort that brought together federal, state and local agencies and hundreds of individual donors to raise $6.2 million to purchase 68-acres of rare island habitats to prevent resort development and ensure that the island would be open for public access. That bold action then inspired a private landowner gift of a 230-acre conservation restriction, leading to an island today that is nearly 70% conserved. On this trip, we will cruise across the Bay to enjoy a hiking tour of the island’s trails and vistas and learn about the Coalition’s active grassland and shorebird management projects. 

Hosts:

All from Buzzards Bay Coalition: Mary Doucette, Land Stewardship Manager; Craig Willey, Land Stewardship Manager; and Jack Sidar, Land Stewardship Director

Terrain:

A total of four miles walking on paved roads and trails. The topography of Cuttyhunk Island is very hilly; we will be walking up and down a variety of slopes. 

Logistics:

Attendees will gather at the ferry at 8:30, travel together to and from the island, returning at 4 p.m. Parking & ferry fee are the responsibility of each attendee. Registrants must purchase their own ferry ticket prior to the day of the field trip. The cost for a round-trip ticket is $62 and can be purchased at https://cuttyhunkferryco.com/tickets/ 

Parking is $18 per day at the New Bedford State Pier or $12 per day at the nearby Elm Street Parking Garage and the Zeiterion Parking Garage. 

Other Considerations:

Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes for walking on both paved roads and trails. Layers are recommended. Lunch, snacks, and water are the registrant's responsibility.

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Description:

This field trip compliments the Conference workshop on the Cooper Hill Conservation Project, which will protect over 1,000 acres in the towns of Sheffield, MA and Salisbury, CT. Walk the fields and trails - some still being cut - and view the vistas while listening to key project leads describe the how the Cooper Hill Conservation Alliance quickly formed to work with the farmers who farmed a large portion of this land for over two decades. And how this complex project was made possible not only via multiple conservation tools, but importantly, through the trust and collaboration among all the partners. This trip is being configured so that you may attend all or part of it. 

Hosts:

Marianne Iarossi, Land Conservation Specialist, The Trustees; Kathy Orlando, Executive Director for Land Protection, Sheffield Land Trust; Tim Abbott, Conservation Director, Housatonic Valley Association; Jay Rosa, Acquisition Planner, MA Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program

Terrain & Other Considerations

Mostly flat terrain with some moderate hiking. Please wear appropriate hiking footwear and bring along a light jacket as it can get windy "up on the hill". 

Logistics:

Parking location will be provided to registrants.

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Description:

When a truly “special” landscape comes along, it can feel like both an outstanding opportunity and a daunting challenge. In 2021, such a place was gifted to Kestrel by an artist and psychiatrist who spent 40 years stewarding 150 acres, establishing recreational trails and installing sculptures near his house. Used mostly by neighbors, the trail experience included artwork, poetry, a 900-foot traverse of a gorgeous bog, and a ledge ascent to a view toward Lake Wyola. Kestrel’s 10-year journey of transitioning the site from a private wonderland to a welcoming public landscape integrated all our teams: conservation, stewardship, fundraising, and community engagement. Come explore this special place with our leadership staff to discuss the “how’s” of converting private trails to public use while retaining the distinctive personal imprint that makes a place feel exceptional. 

Hosts:

This outing will provide a 360-degree view of this project, presented by Kestrel Land Trust staff: Chris Volonte – Stewardship; Mark Wamsley – Conservation; Kari Blood – Community Engagement; and Monica Green  - Development

Terrain:

Mostly natural surface footpaths. Wooden boardwalks, including 900 feet through a bog. Terrain mostly level with some modest climbing. Exposed tree roots and loose stones, possibly wet terrain in spots. Optional 740 ft steep climb with stone steps to viewpoint. Total hike approx. 3 miles.

Logistics:

Parking location to be provided to registrants. 

Other considerations:

Sturdy footwear, bug repellent suggested.

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Description:

This tour will visit the Pawtucket Farm Wildlife Sanctuary (PFWS) in Lowell, MA. PFWS is a collaboration between Lowell Parks & Conservation, Mass Audubon, and Mill City Grows. Participants will get to walk the 22-acre former Christmas tree farm and see the implementation of community-based visioning and planning, including recently completed All Persons Trail and an outdoor classroom under construction.

Host:

Jane Calvin, Executive Director, Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust (with partners from Mass Audubon and Mill City Grows)

Terrain:

One mile of All Persons Trails (peastone/stonedust walkway), some minor hills, 22 acre site

Logistics / Other considerations:

Parking details provided in advance to registrants, carpooling encouraged.
Rain or shine. Sun protection recommended, shoes with closed-toes recommended.

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Description:

This field trip compliments the Conference workshop entitled "Habit to Habitat: Transforming Landscapes to Resilient Ecosystems, from Conception to Maintenance". Between May and September 2023, Simons Park in Wellesley was transformed from a half acre of lawn into a biodiverse habitat of over 4,000 native plants supporting 76 at-risk pollinator species. Join Landscape Interactions Principal Evan Abramson and Wellesley Natural Resources Commission Director Brandon Schmitt for a walking tour of the Simons Park design. The project features seven unique communities and spaces, including a flowering grassland, woodland edge, bee and butterfly lawn, meadow, reading nook and gathering space. Learn about Landscape Interactions' hands on collaboration with the Wellesley Natural Resources Commission and Department of Public Works to restore this landscape to higher levels of biodiversity.

Hosts:

Evan Abramson, Principal of Landscape Interactions, and Brandon Schmitt, Director of Wellesley's Natural Resources Commission

Terrain:

Mostly walking on grass with a low slope.

Logistics:

Parking location will be provided to registrants
 

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Description:

Experience the freshly ecologically restored Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve in Harwich Port on the Cape during a guided walk led by Harwich Conservation Trust Board President Tom Evans. Tour the new half-mile All Persons Trail which crosses two bridges with views of Cold Brook flowing freely through the 66-acre Preserve for the first time in over a century. Learn how the recent eco-restoration project enhanced the health of the land and water for the benefit of people and wildlife.

In 2001, HCT acquired this property of retired bogs and surrounding upland in the heart of Harwich Port. In the fall of 2015, the Preserve was named in honor of Robert F. Smith, HCT Founding Trustee and President for 27 years. In 2024, after more than a dozen years of planning, nearly a mile of stream and 44 acres of wetland were rewilded to improve wildlife habitat diversity, wetland health, water quality, and ecological resilience to climate change.

Host:

Tom Evans, Harwich Conservation Trust Board of Trustees President

Terrain: 

1.5-2 miles over even terrain including a half-mile All Persons trail and packed dirt trails

Special considerations

Please wear sneakers or hiking shoes and dress for the weather. Please bring water.

Logistics:

Parking location will be provided to registrants

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Description:

Nature-based Solutions provide many co-benefits, such as increasing carbon sequestration, biodiversity, ecosystem connectivity, soil health, air/water quality, public mental and physical health, reducing heat island effects, and mitigating stormwater runoff and drought. This tour will include a bus tour of Devens to see first-hand some of the nature-based solutions that have been implemented.  Tour stops will include low-impact development (LID) stormwater systems, pocket forests, stream daylighting and restoration, and pollinator meadow installations. This workshop/tour will be useful for community and land trust representatives to learn tips for collaboration, incentives for mitigation and restoration projects, and examples of successful nature-based climate resilience projects.

Hosts:

Devens Enterprise Commission: Neil Angus, Director & Land Use Administrator and Beth Suedmeyer, Associate Planner

Terrain:

Surfaces are level and paved. It is possible to avoid unpaved areas entirely, if needed.

Other considerations:

• A shuttle bus will bring participants to all tour locations, starting and ending at the parking location provided to registrants.
• Optional lunch networking after the tour. Option to order from Marty's Corner Cafe, which is.
• If rain is forecasted, an alternate meeting location will be proposed.