Note: The
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (MassWildlife) provides
external links to the websites of entities mentioned on this page as a
public service. The Division does not exercise control over the content
of these websites. A link's presence here should not be construed as an
endorsement of its contents by MassWildlife.
January
Take note: Certain links in this calendar will get you to PDF
formatted files, and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read those
files. Click here to find out more about PDF
files and how to get the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- January 1--Happy New Year! We hope you enjoy and use this calendar
for your recreation and educational needs.
- January 1 --SUPPORT WILDLIFE WORK IN MASSACHUSETTS !
Buy a fishing or hunting license. Unlike
most other state agencies, the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife's
budget is approximately 95% funded through license fees and our work
benefits all citizens and the wildlife residing in the Commonwealth.
Consider this a natural investment in wildlife conservation, research,
recreation and education! You can also contribute to the Heritage
and Endangered Species Fund which is partially supported by donations
as well as license fees and general tax funds. One other valuable way
to help wildlife is to donate to the Wildlands Fund--this fund
was set up for the exclusive purpose of purchasing important fish &
wildlife habitat. The land will also be open to the public, from fishing
and hunting, to wildlife watching and hiking.
- Important Reminder to ALL Woodcock, Snipe, Rail, Coot and Waterfowl
Hunters --Remember to get your Mass. 2007 HIP (Harvest Information
Permit) number if you are planning to hunt at ANY time in the year 2006.
Your 2005 HIP number expired at the end of 2006. You will need your
2007 hunting license in order to get the HIP number.Call 1-800 WETLAND.
Don't forget to buy your state stamp, too! Your federal stamp you bought
for last fall is good until June, 2007. MassWildlife
Migratory Bird Regulations.
- January 1-15--Mid-Winter Eagle Survey Period, Statewide--MassWildlife
will be participating in the nationwide Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey
from January 1 through 15, 2006. January 5 is the date for a concentrated
survey of major rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the coast by MassWildlife
personnel and volunteers across the state. Eagle sightings during
the count period may be reported in writing to "Eagle Survey", MassWildlife,
Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, Westboro, MA 01581
or via email at Mass.Wildlife@state.ma.us. Check out the news releases
on the web site later on in January to find the preliminary number of
eagles seen.
- January 1--Sea ducks, Falconry duck hunting, Snowshoe hare,
cottontail rabbit, opossum, raccoon, fox, coyote, bobcat, snapping turtle
and crow seasons are open. Last day of gray squirrel season in both
Eastern & Western Zones. Last day of duck season in Berkshire Zone.
Trout limit on all water bodies is 3, except for Brown trout
in South Pond which is 1. Smelt season opens and may only be taken by
hook and line. See the Hunting and Fishing
Abstracts .
- White-tailed deer are shedding their antlers--shedding begins around
mid-December and runs through February. Rodents often chew on the "sheds"
which provides them with calcium.
- January 6 -- Last day of duck and regular Canada goose season,
Central Zone. Important Reminder to Waterfowl Hunters--Remember
to get your Mass. 2007 HIP (Harvest Information Permit) number if you
are planning to hunt at ANY time in the year 2006. Your 2006 HIP number
expired at the end of 2006. You will need your 2007 hunting license
in order to get the HIP number.Call 1-800 WETLAND. Don't forget to buy
your state stamp, too! Your federal stamp you bought for last fall is
good until June, 2007. MassWildlife
Migratory Bird Regulations.
- January 13--Junior Duck Stamp Workshop, Buttonwood Zoo, New Bedford--Get
inspired by the display of the 2006 Junior Duck Stamp program winners
and try your hand at entering the 2007 contest. Join artist Maura Conron
for this workshop for students grades K - 12. Space is limited and you
must pre-register at (508) 991-6178 x 22. You will be given the start
time of the workshop when you register.
- January 15-- First day of late Canada goose and Snow/Blue
goose seasons, Central Zone. Important Reminder to Waterfowl Hunters--Remember
to get your Mass. 2006 HIP (Harvest Information Permit) number if you
are planning to hunt at ANY time in the year 2006. Your 2005 HIP number
expired at the end of 2005. You will need your 2006 hunting license
in order to get the HIP number.Call 1-800 WETLAND. Don't forget to buy
your state stamp, too! Your federal stamp you bought for last fall is
good until June, 2006. MassWildlife
Migratory Bird Regulations.
.
- January 18 -- First day of late Canada goose season, North Coastal
Zone. --Remember to get your Mass. 2007 HIP (Harvest Information
Permit) number if you are planning to hunt at ANY time in the year 2006.
Your 2006 HIP number expired at the end of 2006. You will need your
2007 hunting license in order to get the HIP number.Call 1-800 WETLAND.
Don't forget to buy your state stamp, too! Your federal stamp you bought
for last fall is good until June, 2007. MassWildlife
Migratory Bird Regulations.
- January 20 -- Last day of Sea Duck Hunting Season. --Waterfowl
Hunters! Remember to get your Mass. 2007 HIP (Harvest Information Permit)
number if you are planning to hunt at ANY time in the year 2006. Your
2006 HIP number expired at the end of 2006. You will need your 2007
hunting license in order to get the HIP number.Call 1-800 WETLAND. Don't
forget to buy your state stamp, too! Your federal stamp you bought for
last fall is good until June, 2007. MassWildlife
Migratory Bird Regulations.
- January 22--Early Bird deadline for
registering for Mass. Environmental
Education Society Annual Conference, Holy Cross College, Worcester
This statewide conference to be held on March 7 attracts classroom
teachers, youth group leaders, state and park naturalists and other
environmental educators from not only Massachusetts but other New England
states. Save on your registration fee by registering by this date. No
walk in registrations are permiteed. This year's theme is: MEES
@30; Exploring Past, Present & Future/
- January 23 -- First day of late Canada goose and Snow/Blue
goose seasons, North Coastal Zone. Important Reminder to Waterfowl Hunters--Waterfowl
Hunters! Remember to get your Mass. 2007 HIP (Harvest Information Permit)
number if you are planning to hunt at ANY time in the year 2006. Your
2006 HIP number expired at the end of 2006. You will need your 2007
hunting license in order to get the HIP number.Call 1-800 WETLAND. Don't
forget to buy your state stamp, too! Your federal stamp you bought for
last fall is good until June, 2007. MassWildlife
Migratory Bird Regulations.
- January 30 --Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting, 10 AM, Westborough-This
meeting will be held at 10 AMat the Division of Fisheries
& Wildlife, Richard Cronin Building, Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill
Road. Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide
Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related
topics and issues across the state.
- Breeding begins for several furbearers
in this chilly month, including
coyote, beaver, opossum and raccoon.
- January 31 -- Public Informational
Meeting on Forest Management Plans, North Adams -- Interested citizens
are encouraged to attend this meeting on proposed draft Forest Resource
Management Plans for the Southern and Northern Berkshire and Western
Connecticut Valley Forest Management Districts, and MassWildlife draft
plans for the Taconic Mountains and Marble Valley Forest Management
Zone (FMZ) and the Berkshire Highlands FMZ. The meeting will be held
at the DCR
Western Gateway Visitors Center 115 State Building, North Adamsfrom
6pm - 9pm. This public meeting is designed to answer questions from
the public and listen to initial public thoughts on draft plans as presented
by DCR and MassWildlife staff. Submit written comments concerning
DCR system lands by mail to Kris Massini, DCR Bureau of Forestry,
PO Box 1433, Pittsfield, MA 01202 or by e-mail at kris.massini@state.ma.us
by March 16, 2007. Written comments concerning MassWildlife
Management Areas should be submitted to John Scanlon, MassWildlife
Forest Project Leader, MassWildlife Field HQ, Westborough, MA 01581
or by e-mail at john.scanlon@state.ma.us, by February 16, 2007. Another
meeting is scheduled in southern Berkshire County February 1.
- January 31--Last day of hunting season for raccoon and opossum.
See the Hunting and Fishing Abstracts
Trapping dates for these species close at the end of next month.
Take note: Certain links in this calendar will get you to a pdf formatted
file. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read those files. Click here
to find out more about PDF files and how to get the free Adobe Acrobat
Reader.
- February 1--Junior Duck Stamp Contestants
Needed!--This conservation education program is designed to stimulate
awareness and personal involvement in waterfowl & wetland conservation
for students in grades K-12 through a student art project. If you are
a student or know of a student who loves to draw, color or paint, this
is for him or her! Contact Pam Landry at 508-389-6300 by this date to
get on a mailing list to receive materials and information about the
program. Artwork submission deadline is March 15.
- February 1 -- Public Informational
Meeting on Forest Management Plans, Great Barrington -- Interested
citizens are encouraged to attend this meeting on proposed draft Forest
Resource Management Plans for the Southern and Northern Berkshire and
Western Connecticut Valley Forest Management Districts, and MassWildlife
draft plans for the Taconic Mountains and Marble Valley Forest Management
Zone (FMZ) and the Berkshire Highlands FMZ. The meeting will be held
at Berkshire South Community
Center, 15 Crissey Road, Great Barrington from 6PM - 9PM . This
public meeting is designed to answer questions from the public and listen
to initial public thoughts on draft plans as presented by DCR and MassWildlife
staff. Submit written comments concerning DCR system lands by
mail to Kris Massini, DCR Bureau of Forestry, PO Box 1433, Pittsfield,
MA 01202 or by e-mail at kris.massini@state.ma.us by March 16, 2007.
Written comments concerning MassWildlife Management Areas should
be submitted to John Scanlon, MassWildlife Forest Project Leader, MassWildlife
Field HQ, Westborough, MA 01581 or by e-mail at john.scanlon@state.ma.us,
by February 16, 2007.
- Housing for Wood Ducks-With safe ice throughout the state,
district and Westboro biologists are replacing old wood duck boxes or
installing new ones in wet (frozen) areas throughout the state. Contact
the MassWildlife District office closest
to you for wood duck box plans!
- February 2 --GROUNDHOG DAY Here in New England, what some people
call groundhogs are actually woodchucks.
- February 2-4 -- 27th Annual Standish Sportsmen's Show, East Bridgewater
-- Stop by the Masswildlife Booth if you'd like to learn about hunting
and fishing opportunities as well as outdoor skills courses and clinics.
Ask questions about Trout Stocking or any other wildlife topic, this
is the time to meet the staff one-on-one. Sporting licenses will also
be available at the show. Support wildlife research, restoration, conservation,
habitat protection and management in the Commonwealth with your license
purchase! The show is located on Burr Lane. For more information contact
Hugh Hurley of the Standish Sportsmen's Association at 508/888-9327
or email him at hrhurley@comcast.net.
- February 6-- Last day of falconry on ducks and coots statewide.
Important Reminder to Waterfowl Hunters- Remember to get your Mass.
2007 HIP (Harvest Information Permit) number if you are planning to
hunt at ANY time in the year 2006. Your 2006 HIP number expired at the
end of 2006. You will need your 2007 hunting license in order to get
the HIP number.Call 1-800 WETLAND. Don't forget to buy your state stamp,
too! Your federal stamp you bought for last fall is good until June,
2007. MassWildlife Migratory
Bird Regulations.
- February 8--Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee
Meeting, Westboro Field HQ-This is a meeting open to the public.
Topics on non-game and endangered species will be covered, an update
on agency activities will be part of the agenda. The
Committee makes recommendations on these issues to the Fisheries
& Wildlife Board. 1:30 - 4:00 PM.
- February 9--Registration
deadline for registering for Mass. Environmental Education Society
Annual Conference, Holy Cross College, Worcester --This statewide
conference to be held on March 7 attracts classroom teachers, youth
group leaders, state and park naturalists and other environmental educators
New England. No walk in registrations are accepted. This year's theme
is: MEES @30; Exploring Past, Present & Future.
- February 8 - Basic Ice Fishing Clinic, Billerica -- Want to
learn about "hard water" fishing? Beginning anglers of all
ages are encouraged to attend this workshop which will be taught by
instructors from MassWildlife's Angler Education Program. This clinic
is sponsored by the Billerica Recreation Department. Learn basic techniques
and how to handle the equipment needed to go ice fishing. A second day
may include an ice fishing excursion (weather and ice safety permitting).
Equipment will be provided, but anyone with equipment is welcome to
bring it. The course is free, but pre-registration is required.Contact
the Billerica Parks and Recreation Department to register at 978/671-0921.
- February 8 -11--MassWildlife at the Eastern Outdoor & Fishing
Expo, Worcester Centrum Stop by the MassWildlife Booth if you'd
like to learn about hunting and fishing opportunities as well as outdoor
skills courses and clinics. Ask questions about Trout Stocking or any
other wildlife topic, this is the time to meet the staff one-on-one.
Sporting licenses will also be available at the show. Support wildlife
research, restoration, conservation, habitat protection and management
in the Commonwealth with your license purchase! For more information
on the show, contact www.sportshows.com
.
- February 9--Registration deadline
for registering for Mass.
Environmental Education Society Annual Conference, Holy Cross College,
Worcester This statewide conference to be held on March 7 attracts
classroom teachers, youth group leaders, state and park naturalists
and other environmental educators from not only Massachusetts but other
New England states. Save on your registration fee by registering by
this date. No walk in registrations are permiteed. This year's
theme is: MEES @30; Exploring Past, Present & Future.
- February 10--Massachusetts Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Ceremony
-- Held at 4PM at the Eastern Outdoor and Fishing Expo, Worcester
Centrum. Celebrate the accomplishments of the winners in MassWildlife's
Sportfishing Awards Program. Top winners in 21 categories will be
acknowledged with a Gold Sport Fishing Award Pin!. The Angler of the
Year Award will also be presented at this ceremony. For information
on the Expo, contact www.sportshows.com
For information on the Sportfishing Awards Ceremony, contact Richard
Hartley at 508/389-6330.
- February 10 -- Project WILD & Aquatic WILD Workshop For Educators,
Wellesley--The Massachusetts Horticultural Society at Elm Bank invites
all educators to participate in this exciting workshop! The Project
WILD/Aquatic workshop is a series of wildlife activities workshops designed
for all educators who work with kids of all ages and who want hands-on,
interdisciplinary activities focusing on wildlife, people and the environment.
Participants experience useful wildlife activities, receive the Project
WILD Guides and other wildlife materials. Scout leaders, youth group
leaders as well as classroom teachers find the materials and workshop
experience very valuable. PDP's are available to classroom teachers.
Workshops are led by MassWildlife's Project WILD volunteer facilitators.
Pre-registration is required. Contact Monique Cafarelli, 617/ 933-4995
or email her at mcafarelli@masshort.org.
- February 14--Last day of Late Canada Goose Season in the Central
Zone-- Important Reminder to Waterfowl Hunters- Remember
to get your Mass. 2007 HIP (Harvest Information Permit) number if you
are planning to hunt at ANY time in the year 2006. Your 2006 HIP number
expired at the end of 2006. You will need your 2007 hunting license
in order to get the HIP number.Call 1-800 WETLAND. Don't forget to buy
your state stamp, too! Your federal stamp you bought for last fall is
good until June, 2007. MassWildlife
Migratory Bird Regulations.
- February 15--Last day of Late Canada Goose Season in the North
Coastal Zone-- Important Reminder to Waterfowl Hunters- Remember
to get your Mass. 2007 HIP (Harvest Information Permit) number if you
are planning to hunt at ANY time in the year 2006. Your 2006 HIP number
expired at the end of 2006. You will need your 2007 hunting license
in order to get the HIP number.Call 1-800 WETLAND. Don't forget to buy
your state stamp, too! Your federal stamp you bought for last fall is
good until June, 2007. MassWildlife
Migratory Bird Regulations.
- February 16--Registration deadline
for for Massachusetts Turtle Symposium, Amherst-- Of special interest
to landowners and managers, teachers, and naturalists; this symposium
is designed to provide information for the novice and expert alike.
Experts from across the state, including staff from MassWildlife, will
share current information on turtle biology, conservation and management
issues. Find out more about turtles and what can be done to help turtles
in the classroom, on conservation property or your own land. Professional
credits available. Further information and registration materials are
available on line at the Athol Bird and Nature Club website: www.millersriver.net/turtles.
- February 16 - 19 - Springfield RV, Camping and Outdoor Show -
MassWildlife is teaming up with the Department of Conservation and Recreation
with an informational booth about wildlife related recreational opportunities
in Massachusetts. For more information, call 413/781-CAMP or visit www.springfieldrvcampingshow.com.
- February 17 - 2nd Merrimack River Eagle Festival, Newburyport
- Join MassWildlife District Manager Patricia Huckery at Deer Island,
Newburyport as part of this eagle festival organized by the Massachusetts
Audubon Society and Parker River National Wildlife Refuge with sponsorship
from the Newburyport 5 Cents Savings Bank and the Eagle Tribune Publishing
Company. Free indoor and outdoor events will be held at sponsor sites
throughout the Newburyport/Amesbury/Salisbury area including self-guided
tours of eagle-spotting locations with on-site guides, children's nature
activities, live eagle demonstrations and guided bus tours. For more
information and bus reservations, call 978/462-9998 or go to the Eagle
Festival website at MassAudubon's Joppa Flats Sanctuary.
- February 18--Ice Fishing in the Berkshires, Cheshire -- Kids
fish for free at this derby sponsored by the Chesire Rod and Gun Club
on Chesire Lake. The derby begins at sunrise and ends at 4 PM. MassWildlife
Angler Education Instructors will be on hand to assist! For more information,
contact Jim Lagacy, MassWildlife Angler Education Coordinator at 508/389-6309.
- February 22-25 -- MassWildlife at the Springfield Sportsmen's Show,
Big E, W. Springfield Stop by the MassWildlife Booth if you'd like
to learn about hunting and fishing opportunities as well as outdoor
skills courses and clinics.A sk questions about Trout Stocking or any
other wildlife topic, this is the time to meet the staff one-on-one.
Sporting licenses will also be available at the show. Support wildlife
research, restoration, conservation, habitat protection and management
in the Commonwealth with your license purchase! For more information
about the show, go to www.osegsportsmens.org.
Enter a raffle for the Mass. Angler Education Program--win a bass
fishing trip to a camp in Maine, a Sage fly rod, an Old Town Kayak and
other great prizes.
- February 23-24 -- Massachusetts Turtle Symposium, Amherst--Don't
miss the Massachusetts Turtle Symposium to be held at the UMass Amherst
Campus Center. Of special interest to landowners and managers, teachers,
and naturalists; this symposium is designed to provide information for
the novice and expert alike. The keynote speaker on Friday evening
February 23 will be David Carroll, author, artist and MacArthur Award
Winner. Experts from across the state, including staff from MassWildlife,
will share current information on turtle biology, conservation and management
issues. Find out more about turtles and what can be done to help turtles
in the classroom, on conservation property or your own land. Professional
credits available. Funding for this symposium was made possible in part
by MassWildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program. Registration
deadline is February 16, registrations received after the 16th will
require an additional fee. Further information and registration
materials are available on line at the Athol Bird and Nature Club website:
www.millersriver.net/turtles.
- Look for snow fleas or springtails on the snow during a warm thaw
period. They look like tiny little black dots gathered in depressions
in the snow, particularly foot prints. The insects spend their lives
in leaf litter and are not as noticeable during the rest of the year.
- February 27-- Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Westborough
-- Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board
members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics
and issues across the state. The meeting will be held at 10 AM at MassWildlife's
Field Headquarters.
- Skunks, mink and otter are breeding during this month. You
may notice the skunk activity as they may move about during times of
thaws.
Take note: Certain links in this calendar will get you to a pdf formatted
file. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read those files. Click here
to find out more about PDF files and how to get the free Adobe Acrobat
Reader.
- March 1--CANOEING? KAYAKING? YOU MUST WEAR A LIFE JACKET
Between September 15 of last year and May 15, ALL persons in canoes
and kayaks must be WEARING lifejackets. Most boating fatalities in Massachusetts
are due to accidents in small craft in cold water/cold weather situations
and failure to wear personal flotation devices (PFD). Life jackets float,
you don't!
- Have You Noticed the Wild Things on Your State Tax Form?! Since
1983, Massachusetts tax filers have had the option to donate to the
Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund while filing their state
income tax form.(Line 32) When you contribute to the fund, you help
to protect and restore rare and endangered animals, plants, and their
habitats. Your past donations have helped conserve and restore in the
Commonwealth populations of the Bald Eagle, Hessel's Hairstreak butterfly,
the Redbelly Turtle, and the beautiful Eastern Silvery Aster. Donations
to the Fund may also be made year round by sending a check made out:
Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund and sent to: MassWildlife
Field HQ, NHESP, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd Westborough MA 01581 Learn
more about the work the Fund supports!
- March 3-Mass. Association of Conservation Commissions Annual Conference
- Staff people from the Division and Department will be making presentations
at this conference on several topics. Jon Regosin will be offering a
workshop on Working with Planning Boards to Protect Habitat and Open
Space, Lori Erb will run a workshop on How to Protect Turtles Under
the WPA, MESA and Other Methods, Bev Vucson on The New MESA Program:
Understanding the Mass. Endangered Species Act from Soup to Nuts. Todd
Richards will give a presentation on Coldwater Resource Protection;
How Protecting Brook Trout Protects Cold Water Streams.
- March 6 - April 7 -- Quack, quack! Junior Duck Stamp Traveling
Art Exhibit at the Millworks Gallery, Uxbridge-- Bring your family
to see top youth entries in the Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Contest.
The Duck Stamp contest is modeled after the adult versions of both the
state and federal duck stamp competitions. Youth of all ages are encouraged
to learn about waterfowl and the importance of wetlands through this
conservation contest. Sponsored by MassWildlife, the Massachusetts Wildlife
Federation, Mass. Waterfowler's Association Ducks Unlimited-Mass Chapter,
and the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Boston Duck Tours. More info
on Junior Duck Stamp Program.
. For further information on the exhibit, contact: Karin Knapik (508)
278-0553.
- Peregrine falcons return to establish their territories. Peregrines
can migrate as far away as South America, but the falcons which nest
here in Massachusetts probably don't go very far south.
- March 7 -- Mass.
Environmental Education Society Annual Conference, Holy Cross College,
Worcester This statewide conference attracts classroom teachers,
youth group leaders, state and park naturalists and other environmental
educators from not only Massachusetts but other New England states.
You must pre-register--walk-ins are not permitted.
- Deadline to Register for Wildlife Disease Conference in Turners
Falls, held on March 21, 22. Visit the New
England Chapter website for registration information. Co-hosted
by the Silvio Conte National Wildlife Refuge and funding provided by
USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services.
- March 10 -- Angler Education Instructor Training Course, Westborough
-- MassWildlife's Angler Education Program is looking for Volunteer
Fishing Instructors to pass on the great pastime of fishing! This full
one day, free workshop certifies Angler Education Program Instructors.
Women and men of all ages who enjoy fishing and enjoy sharing their
knowledge and passion for this activity are encouraged to attend this
workshop. This is a great opportunity for fishing clubs and local fishing
related chapters to gain some useful skills. The workshop will include
topics on fish, ecology, fishing equipment, safety and ethics. Instructors
work in teams to offer fishing clinics, courses and fishing festivals
throughout the state. The goal of MassWildlife's Angler Education Program
is to stimulate public interest in our aquatic environments through
fishing. The Program is especially in need of instructor teams from
the Southern Berkshires, Upper Connecticut Valley, North Shore, Southeastern
Massachusetts and Cape Cod. Pre-registration is required. For more
details and to register, contact Angler Education Program Coordinator
Jim Lagacy at 508/389-6309. THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW
FULL.
- March 10 -- Black Bears in Massachusetts, Lenox -- The Lenox
Historical Society is hosting a presentation by MassWildlife Biologist
and Bear Project Leader Jim Cardoza. He will be talking about the lives
of bears, research findings and other interesting facts about this familiar
mammal. This free talk is open to the public and will be held at 1PM
on Saturday at 65 Main Street. For more information, contact Vicki Salvatore
at 413/441-7902 or Jenifer Picard at 413/637-1154.
- March 14 -- Registration Deadline for Flying Wild Workshop for
Middle School Age Educators in Hopkinton. See April 14 for details.
- March 14, 21, 28 -- Basic Freshwater Fishing Course, Wilmington
-- Open to beginning anglers of all ages, this free clinic co-sponsored
by the Wilmington Recreation Department and will be held from 6:30-8:30
PM. Equipment is already provided. If you have equipment, you are welcome
to bring it along! MassWildlife's Angler Education Volunteer Instructors
will be teaching this free clinic. For more information, contact Wilmington
Recreation Department at 978/658-4270.
- March 15 -- Deadline for Youth Artists' Submission to the Junior Duck Stamp Program!--This conservation
education program is designed to stimulate awareness and personal involvement
in waterfowl & wetland conservation for students in grades K-12
through a student art project. If you are a student or know of a student
who loves to draw, color or paint, this is for him or her! Contact Pam
Landry at 508-389-6300 by this date to get on a mailing list to receive
materials and information about the program.
- Skunk cabbage emerges. This plants appearance heralds the end
of winter and beginning of spring. Hungry bears, just emerging from
their winter dens seek out wetlands to feed on this first green food
of the year.
- March 21 - 22 -- Wildlife Disease Conference, Turners Falls
-- The Wildlife Society's New England Chapter is presenting a conference
on wildlife diseases that is open to interested attendees at the Silvio
Conte National Wildlife Refuge's Great Falls Discovery Center. This
is an opportunity to learn about avian influenza, chronic wasting disease,
West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis and various tick borne
diseases. MassWildlife's Chronic Wasting Disease Biologist Nicole Hamilton-Smith
will be presenting information on Chronic Wasting Disease and Tom O'Shea,
MassWildlife Assistant Director of Wildlife will be talking about Wildlife
Disease Surveillance. Registration is limited to 90 people for each
day and the fee includes breakfast pastries, break refreshments, and
a catered lunch. Visit the New
England Chapter website for registration information. The conference
is co-hosted by the Silvio Conte National Wildlife Refuge and funding
provided by USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services.
- March 21 -- Arrival of the vernal equinox--The official first
day of spring occurs on or about this day. Night and daylight hours
are equal in length.
- March 24-
Gearing Up For Outdoorswomen, Kittery, Maine --Take
a comfortable tour bus ride from MassWildlife's Field Headquarters in
Westboro to Kittery Trading Post and learn about the outdoor clothing,
equipment and other geat that is right for you from the experts. Seminars
on fly casting, turkey calling, turkey hunting techniques and more!
No purchase required but there will be a discount for participants.
Space is limited, fee is $45. Registration materials may also be faxed
by calling Sue Fritze at 508/389-6329.
- March 24--17th
Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference, Worcester -- Sponsored
by The Trustees' Putnam Conservation Institute & the Massachusetts
Land Trust Coalition. Through workshops, discussions, and informal conversations,
this conference provides land trust board members, volunteers, staff,
municipal commission members, and others interested in land conservation
with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to be effective.
Registration is required and a discount is available for registrants
submitting registration
materials before March 9.
- March 27-- Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Westborough --
Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members
with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and
issues across the state. The meeting will be held at 1:00 PM at MassWildlife's
Field Headquarters.
- Garter snakes beginning their breeding season One of the earliest
snakes to emerge from hibernation, the garter snake is probably our
most common snake. Generally, these snakes breed at or near their hibernation
site.
Take note: Certain links in this calendar will get you to a pdf formatted
file. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read those files. Click here
to find out more about PDF files and how to get the free Adobe Acrobat
Reader.
- April 1--CANOEING? KAYAKING? YOU MUST WEAR A LIFE JACKET
Between September 15 of last year and May 15, ALL persons
in canoes and kayaks must be WEARING lifejackets. Most boating
fatalities in Massachusetts are due to accidents in small craft such
as this in cold water/cold weather situations.
- Don't Forget to Go Wild With Your State Tax Form! Since 1983,
Massachusetts tax filers have had the option to donate to the Natural
Heritage & Endangered Species Fund while filing their state income tax
form.(Line 32) When you contribute to the fund, you help to protect
and restore rare and endangered animals, plants, and their habitats.
Your past donations have helped conserve and restore in the Commonwealth
populations of the Bald Eagle, Hessel's Hairstreak butterfly, the Redbelly
Turtle, and the beautiful Eastern Silvery Aster. Donations to the Fund
may also be made year round by sending a check made out: Natural Heritage
& Endangered Species Fund and sent to: MassWildlife Field HQ, NHESP,
1 Rabbit Hill Rd Westborough MA 01581 Learn
more about the work the Fund supports!
- April 2, 9, 23, 30-- Basic Freshwater Fishing Course, Shrewsbury
-- Open to beginning anglers of all ages, this free clinic co-sponsored
by the Shrewsbury Parks & Recreation Department and will be held
from 6:30-8:30 PM at the Spring Street School. Equipment is already
provided. If you have equipment, you are welcome to bring it along!MassWildlife's
Angler Education Volunteer Instructors will be teaching this free clinic.
For more information, contact Shrewsbury Parks & Recreation Department
at 508/841-8339.
- April 5-- Black Bears in Massachusetts, Carlisle -- Join Jim
Cardoza, MassWildlife biologist and Bear Project Leader at a presentation
about black bears. Black bears have been sighted in the region and this
program will answer many people's questions about bruins! This presentation
is co-sponsored by the Carlisle Conservation Commission, Carlisle Public
Schools and the Carisle Conservation Foundation.This free program will
begin promptly at 7:30 P.M. in the Corey Auditorium at the Carlisle
Public Schools on Church Street.
- April 6 --Registration Deadline for Shooting Sports Day for Outdoorswomen
in Hanson. See April 14 for details.
- Help MassWildlife restore Atlantic salmon by volunteering to
stock salmon fry (juvenile fish) in the tributaries of the Connecticut
River! Due to budget constraints, volunteers are needed to wade up streams
and small rivers to bring young fish to a new home throughout mid-April
through mid-May. Bring your friends and family! Stocking schedules will
be posted at this space when finalized.
- On warm rainy nights, watch for spotted salamanders migrating
to vernal pools to lay their eggs. Spring peepers should be in full
chorus by now.
- April 11, 18, 25, May 2 -- Basic Freshwater Fishing Course, Newton
Open to beginning anglers of all ages, this free clinic co-sponsored
by the Newton Parks & Recreation Department and will be held from
6:30-8:30 PM at Nahantant Park. Equipment is already provided. If you
have equipment, you are welcome to bring it along! MassWildlife's Angler
Education Volunteer Instructors will be teaching this free clinic. Weather
permitting, a local trip to fish will be planned. For more information,
contact Newton Parks & Recreation Department at 617/552-7120.
- April 12---Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory
Committee Meeting, MassWildlife Field Headquarters- Held
on the second Thursday of every month except August, this meeting
is open to the public. Topics on non-game and endangered species will
be covered, an update on agency activities will be part of the agenda.
The Committee makes recommendations on these issues to the Fisheries
& Wildlife Board. 1:30 - 4:00 PM .
- April
14 --Shooting Sports Day For Outdoorswomen, Hanson
-- Designed for adult women, this is a day designed for them to try
different types of target shooting, America's fastest growing sport.
Sessions on shotgun, rifle, handgun, blackpowder and archery will be
offered by instructors who are familiar with novice shooters. An option
Massachusetts Gun Law session will be offered from 4-5 PM. Complete
the workshop and optional segment ayou will receive a certificate which
will qualify you for a Firearms Identification Card which is required
of anyone owning or possessing a long gun in Massachusetts. Deadline
to register is April 6. For more information, contact Sue Fritze
at 508/389-6329.
- April 14--Flying Wild Workshop
for Educators, Hopkinton
-- If you work with middle school age audiences and are interested in
learning more about the importance of migratory birds and their conservation
through classroom activities and schoolroom bird festivals, then attend
this workshop. Deadline to Register is March 14.
- April 15-- Humpback whales are migrating into Massachusetts
ocean waters for the summer.
- April 15--SAVE SOMETHING RARE ON YOUR
STATE TAX FORM !! Donate to MassWildlife's Natural Heritage
and Endangered Species Program on your tax form. Don't Forget
to Go Wild With Your State Tax Form! Since 1983, Massachusetts tax
filers have had the option to donate to the Natural Heritage & Endangered
Species Fund while filing their state income tax form.(Line 32) When
you contribute to the fund, you help to protect and restore rare and
endangered animals, plants, and their habitats. Your past donations
have helped conserve and restore in the Commonwealth populations of
the Bald Eagle, Hessel's Hairstreak butterfly, the Redbelly Turtle,
and the beautiful Eastern Silvery Aster. Donations to the Fund may also
be made year round by sending a check made out: Natural Heritage &
Endangered Species Fund and sent to: MassWildlife Field HQ, NHESP, 1
Rabbit Hill Rd Westborough MA 01581. Learn
more about the work the Fund supports!
- Long tailed weasels, are bearing their young at this time.
The young were conceived last July or August!
- April 17 -- Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Danvers--
Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board members
with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and
issues across the state. There will be a presentation on deer by Bill
Woytek, MassWildlife Deer Biologist.This meeting will be held at 1:00
p.m. at the Essex Agricultural &
Technical High School, Smith Hall Conference Room, 562 Maple Street,
Hathorne, MA. Directions.
- April 22 (Earth Day) - Kids Casting Program, Springfield. This
activity will be part of the Springfield Museum's Earth Day Festival
held from 11:00 - 4:00pm. Open to the Public - Contact the Springfield
Science Museum 413/263-6800 x325.
- April 28-- Project WILD Workshop For Educators, Uxbridge--The
Project WILD workshop is a series of wildlife activities workshops designed
for all educators who work with kids of all ages and who want hands-on,
interdisciplinary activities focusing on wildlife, people and the environment.
Participants experience useful wildlife activities, receive the Project
WILD Guides and other wildlife materials. Scout leaders, youth group
leaders as well as classroom teachers find the materials and workshop
experience very valuable. PDP's are available to classroom teachers.
Workshops are led by MassWildlife's Project WILD volunteer facilitators.
Pre-registration is required. Contact Viola Bramel 978/318-8417,
508/341-0689 or viola.m.bramel@usace.army.mil
- Alewives are returning to the rivers where they hatched in
order to spawn (lay & fertilize eggs) in the same areas.
Take note: Certain links in this calendar will get you to a pdf
formatted file. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read those files. Click
here to find out more about PDF files and how
to get the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- May 1--CANOEING? KAYAKING? YOU MUST WEAR A LIFE JACKET Between
September 15 of last year and May 15, ALL persons in canoes and kayaks
must be WEARING lifejackets. Most boating fatalities in Massachusetts
are due to accidents in small craft such as this in cold water/cold
weather situations.
- May 3, 10, 24, 31 -- Basic Freshwater Fishing Course, Turner's
Falls (Montague)-- Open to beginning anglers of all ages, this free
course is co-sponsored by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and will
be held from 6:00-8:00 PM at Great Falls Discovery Center.Equipment
is already provided. If you have equipment, you are welcome to bring
it along! MassWildlife's Angler Education Volunteer Instructors will
be teaching this free clinic. Weather permitting, a local trip to fish
will be planned. To pre-register contact Sue Russo at 413/863-3676.
- May 4-Turkey Hunt,
Devens
--This
hunt is scheduled on a Friday due to military scheduling on Devens.
You must have taken the BOW turkey hunting seminar at some point in
order to go on the hunt. First time turkey hunters receive preference
on the hunt. Attendees willl get an opportunity to learn turkey hunting
techniques, sight in their shotguns and learn about the restoration
of the Bay State's official game bird to the state.
- May 6 -- 15th Annual Horn Pond Family Fishing Festival, Woburn.
This event is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers
of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. On the shores
of Horn Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics,
and fishing equipment. No equipment is needed, but if you have your
own, bring it along! 9 AM - 1 PM The festival is coordinated by volunteers
of MassWildlife's Angler Education in cooperation with the Woburn Elks
at Horn Pond in Woburn. For more information, contact Jim Lagacy (MassWildlife)
at 508/389-6309
- Red spotted newts are laying eggs during this time. The
adults live in water, but the young, when they hatch crawl onto land,
living in moist areas on land from 2-7 years. Look for the bright orange
red young called "red efts" after periods of rain, moving
about on the forest floor. When they return to the water, they become
aquatic, turning green with small bright red spots.
- May 7 -31 -- Quack, quack! Junior Duck Stamp Traveling Art Exhibit
at Middlesex
Fells Reservation, Stoneham-- Bring your family to see top youth
entries in the Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Contest. The Duck Stamp
contest is modeled after the adult versions of both the state and federal
duck stamp competitions. Youth of all ages are encouraged to learn about
waterfowl and the importance of wetlands through this conservation contest.
Sponsored by MassWildlife, the Massachusetts Wildlife Federation, Mass.
Waterfowler's Association Ducks Unlimited-Mass Chapter, and the US Fish
and Wildlife Service and Boston Duck Tours. More info on Junior
Duck Stamp Program. . For further information
on the exhibit, contact: Lynn Hildenbrand 781/662-5214.
- Marsh marigolds are in bloom in swamps and other wetland streams.
- The leaves on many trees are just beginning to open. Red maple
flower blooms are giving way to small red leaves that will green up
by the end of the month.
- May 10--Sportsmen as Conservationists Lecture Series, Groton --
The Nashua River Watershed Association is hosting Part 1 of a lecture
series. A panel consisting of an outdoor writer (Bill Biswanger, Lowell
Sun), bowhunter (Ken Brown, Mass. Bowhunters Association), NRWA Education
Consultant George Moore and MassWildlife Chief of Information and Education
Ellie Horwitz will be discussing this topic. The program is free and
start at 7PM at the NRWA office on Rtee 119. (Just .2 east of the Nashua
River boat ramp.)
- May 12-- Coes Pond Family Fishing Derby, Worcester. This event
is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who
have an interest in learning about fishing. On the shores of Coes Pond,
cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing
equipment. No equipment is needed, but if you have your own, bring it
along! 9 AM - Noon The Coes Pond Derby is organized by the Worcester
Sportsmen's Association. MassWildlife Angler Education volunteers will
be on hand to assist. For more information, contact Mike Moss, Worcester
Sportsmen's Assoc. at 508/865-4828.
- Warblers migrate through in waves across the Bay State. The
"teens of May" are said to the best time of year to watch
these small but colorful birds pass through the state. Some have traveled
from as far away as Central and South America. A number of these bird
populations are declining, to the consternation of scientists and bird
lovers. Click here for information
about local bird club links. Many clubs offer birdwalks for beginners
as well as experts.
- May 14--Black Bears in Massachusetts, Northampton--Join wildlife
biologist, Jim Cardoza, from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries
& Wildlife to discover the history of the black bear in Massachusetts.
Learn about changes in status and distribution, biology and behavior,
habitat requirements, management programs, and human attitudes and interactions
with black bears. This free program will begin at 7 PM at the Forbes
Library in the Community Room. For more information, contact Lisa Downing
at 413/587-1011
- May 17 -- Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Ludlow--
The May meeting of the Fisheries & Wildlife Board will be held on
Thursday at 1:00 PM.at the Ludlow Elks Lodge, 69 Chapin Street, Ludlow,
MA.Open to the public and media, these public meetings provide Board
members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics
and issues across the state. A presentation about MassWildlife's Information
and Education activities will be part of the agenda.
- A Public Hearing will be held at 7 PM
at the same location relative to establish rules and regulations relative
to the control of Coyotes by licensed problem animal control agents,
the hunting of Coyotes and permissible shot sizes for the hunting of
Coyotes, and relative to the tagging of furbearers. Directions.
- May 19 -- Burlington Recreation Dept. Family Fishing Festival,
Burlington. This event (for Burlington residents only) is
designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have
an interest in learning about fishing. On the shores of Burlington Reservoir,
cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing
equipment. No equipment is needed, but if you have your own, bring it
along! 9 AM - 1 PM The festival is coordinated by the Burlington Recreation
Department For more information, contact Bill Bourdreau (Burlington
Recreation Dept) at 781/270-1695.
- May 19--Archery for Outdoorswomen,
Spencer --
Designed for novice adult women, this day will be filled with activities
relating to archery, bowhunting, safety and more. Try out different
equipment, practice target shooting and find out how some archers use
their skills for hunting game species. Limit of 24 participants. Cost
$30.
- May 20-- Five Mile Pond Family Fishing Festival, Springfield.
This event is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of
all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. On the shores
of 5 Mile Pond Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety,
ethics, and fishing equipment. No equipment is needed, but if you have
your own, bring it along! 9 AM - 2 PM The Fishing Festival is organized
in cooperation with the Pine Point Community Council and the Springfield
Parks and Recreation Department. MassWildlife Angler Education volunteers
will be on hand to assist. For more information, contact Jim Lagacy
(MassWildlife) at 508/389-6309.
- May 23 & 30 - Basic Freshwater Fishing Course, Holyoke--Open
to beginning anglers of all ages, this free course will be held from
6:00-8:00 PM at the DCR
Holyoke Heritage State Park on 221 Appleton Street. MassWildlife's
Angler Education Volunteer Instructors will be teaching this free clinic.No
equipment is needed, but if you have your own, bring it along! Weather
permitting, a trip to fish at a local pond will be planned. To pre-register
call the Heritage Park at 413/534-1723
- May 26 - Watson's Pond Family Fishing Festival, Taunton--This
event is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages
who have an interest in learning about fishing. On the shores of Watson's
Pond, cast a line, learn about fish, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment.
No equipment is needed, but if you have your own, bring it along!10
AM - 2 PM Organized in cooperation with the Mayor's Office and Taunton
Fish Wardens. MassWildlife Angler Education volunteers will be on hand
to assist. Contact Frank Avilla at 508/821-1015.
- Chipmunks are bearing their young at this time. Chipmunks breed
up to twice a year with a litter size of anywhere from 1-8 young. They
eat all kinds of seeds, fruits, nuts, bulbs, insects, meat and eggs.
Chipmunks are diurnal, meaning they are mostly active during the day.
"Chippies" are found mostly in woodlands or along edges of
woodlands with ample cover such as logs, stone walls and brushy undergrowth.
- May 29--Sportsmen as Conservationists Lecture Series, Groton --
The Nashua River Watershed Association is hosting Part 2 of this lecture
series. Professor Jan Dizard of Amherst College teachers courses including
"The Value of Nature, "The Sociology of Conflict and Conflict
Resolution". He is the author of Mortal Stakes: Hunters and Hunting
in Contemporary America; Going Wild: Hunting, Animal Rights and the
Contested Meaning of Nature. Dizard's interest since childhood has been
in the out-of-doors, especially fishing and hunting. This has led him
to an interes in how humans regard nature and to the growing field of
environmental studies.
- Peregrine falcon chicks are about 3 weeks old by this time.
MassWildlife staff will be banding the chicks during this time
period. There are currently 4 pairs of Peregrine falcons nesting in
Massachusetts; 2 pairs in Boston (one on the Custom House Tower, the
other at the Christian Science Church), 1 pair on Monarch Place in Springfield
and 1 pair under the Braga Bridge in Fall River.
Take note: Certain links in this calendar will get you to a PDF
formatted file. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read those files. Click
here to find out more about PDF files and
how to get the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- This month, MassWildlife district staff will be mowing
fields, putting up new signs, collecting information on fish in streams
and ponds and picking up litter and dumped trash left by abusers of
our wildlife lands. Help keep our wildlands litter free. Report dumping
violations to the Environmental Police at 1/800-632-8075.
- June 2 & 3--FREE FISHING WEEKEND! Take a friend or
family member fishing! No fishing license needed during these two
days! Fishing license fees support fisheries research, angler education,
fish stocking programs and many other services provided by MassWildlife.
If you don't know how to fish, consider attending the fishing festivals
or other fishing related activities this and next month! All Angler
Education programs and festivals are free and don't require a fishing
license for fishing. Check out the various events in the calendar for
families to participate!
- June 2 -- Family Fishing Day, Turners Falls (Montague) -- This
event is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages
who have an interest in learning about fishing. Cast a line, learn about
fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. No equipment
is needed, but if you have your own, bring it along! 10 AM - 2 PM The
Fishing Festival is organized in cooperation with the US Fish &
Wildlife Service. MassWildlife Angler Education volunteers will be on
hand to assist. For more information, contact Susan Russo at 413/863-3676.
- Turkey Brood Counts Needed! From June- August, district staff
as well as interested citizens will be reporting on any broods of turkeys
they see in their travels. If you would like to add information to MassWildlife's
turkey brood survey, click here!
(pdf)
- June 4 & 11 - Basic Freshwater Fishing Course, North
Adams-- Open to beginning anglers of all ages, this free course
will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Western
Gateway Heritage Park. MassWildlife's Angler Education Volunteer
Instructors will be teaching this free clinic.No equipment is needed,
but if you have your own, bring it along! Weather permitting, a trip
to fish at a local pond will be planned. To pre-register, call the Park
at 413/663-6312/
- June
8 - 10 - Lenox-- 12th Annual Becoming an OutdoorsWoman Weekend
--This
weekend offers 25+ separate workshop options plus fun and activities
for the full group. Sign up now--bring a friend or relative and have
a great weekend at "Camp for Women"!!! Archery, shooting skills,
kayaking, hiking and other outdoor skills will be offered as usual.
Newer courses that are being offered include: Game Cooking with Chef
Myron Becker, Stones, Bones and Feathers with Randy Julius, Healthy
Landscaping for your Lawn and Woodlands as well as a Forestry 101 with
Anna James, Knives and Knots with Karen Nottonsen and Bob Trapnell.
- Eastern Painted Turtles laying eggs at this time. Some may
still be breeding as well. The eggs are usually laid in nest sites within
a few yards of water. Anywhere from 2 - 11 eggs may be laid. They incubate
for approximately 72-80 days, hatching sometime in late August through
September. These turtles are easy to spot basking on logs on a warm,
sunny day. Turtles are popular pets, but it is illegal to collect them
from the wild. Many turtle species are threatened or endangered due
to illegal collection from the wild. Do your part and respect the needs
of these interesting creatures.
- June 9 - Spot Pond Family Fishing Festival, Stoneham--This
event is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages
who have an interest in learning about fishing. On the shores of
Spot Pond, cast a line, learn about fish, safety, ethics, and fishing
equipment. 9 AM - 1 PM.No equipment is needed, but if you have your
own, bring it along! Organized in cooperation with the Dept. of Conservation
and Recreation and the Stoneham Police Department. MassWildlife Angler
Education volunteers will be on hand to assist. Contact Jim Lagacy at
508/389-6309.
- June 9 - Fishing Clinic At The Great Park Pursuit! Goshen--This
event held at the DAR
State Forest is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers
of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. Cast a line,
learn about fish, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. 10 AM - 2 PM
Organized in cooperation with the Dept.
of Conservation and Recreation's Great Park Pursuit. MassWildlife
Angler Education volunteers will be on hand to assist.No equipment is
needed, but if you have your own, bring it along! Contact Jim Lagacy
at 508/389-6309.
- June 13 - Field Tour of Orchard/Young Forest Regeneration Project,
Middlefield-- MassWildlife Forestry staffers, John Scanlon, Brian
Hawthorne, and Jill Liske-Clark are conducting a field tour for the
Massachusetts
Association of Professional Foresters of the recently-completed
~60 acre abandoned orchard/aspen regeneration project on the Fox Den
WMA in Middlefield as an example of management of shrubland and young
forest habitats. Shrub clearing machines will also be part of the experience.
Meet at the Old General Store in Middlefield Center. Dress for the weather.
That evening, at 5PM John Scanlon and Jill Liske-Clarke will be presenting
a talk on how to manage shrublands and young forest habitats at the
MAPF meeting at the Bluebonnet Diner, Northampton. The public is invited
to both events. For more information, contact call Robert Collins, MAPF
Chairman at 413/822-2622 or email him at r.collins62@verizon.net.
- June 23--Managing Grassland and Shrubland Habitat, Turners Falls
(Montague)-This "in the field" workshop will feature Jill
Liske-Clark, MassWildlife's Upland Habitat Management Program,who will
describe the process of planning and implementing management for grasslands
and shrublands at Cass Meadows, part of the Millers River WMA in Athol.
Learn about the importance of these habitats to wildlife, and how to
create them on your property. Examples of the equipment used for habitat
management will be demonstrated. Technical and financial resources available
to interested landowners will be discussed. This workshop is part of
the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Landowner Workshop
Series arranged in collaboration with Refuge partners. Call 413/863-3221
to register and for details on meeting place.
- June 23-- Project WILD & Aquatic WILD Workshop For Educators,
Norwell--The South Shore Science Center invites all educators to
participate in this exciting workshop! The Project WILD/Aquatic workshop
is a series of wildlife activities workshops designed for all educators
who work with kids of all ages and who want hands-on, interdisciplinary
activities focusing on wildlife, people and the environment. Participants
experience useful wildlife activities, receive the Project WILD Guide
and other wildlife materials. Scout leaders, youth group leaders as
well as classroom teachers find the materials and workshop experience
very valuable. PDP's are available to classroom teachers. Workshops
are led by MassWildlife's Project WILD volunteer facilitators. Pre-registration
is required. Contact Karen Kurkoski 781/ 659-2559.
- June 23-- Project WILD Workshop For Educators, Berkely--The
Kettle Pond Farm invites all educators to participate in this exciting
workshop! The Project WILD workshop is a series of wildlife activities
workshops designed for all educators who work with kids of all ages
and who want hands-on, interdisciplinary activities focusing on wildlife,
people and the environment. Participants experience useful wildlife
activities, receive the Project WILD Guides and other wildlife materials.
Scout leaders, youth group leaders as well as classroom teachers find
the materials and workshop experience very valuable. PDP's are available
to classroom teachers. Workshops are led by MassWildlife's Project WILD
volunteer facilitators. Pre-registration is required. Contact
Nancy Possinger (508) 824-4814 or BMagical12@aol.com.
- Black bear breeding season begins in mid-June and runs through
mid-July. Unlike most animals, in bears, the fertilized egg (blastocyst)
will float free for a number of months. If the female is well-nourished,
the blastocyst implants in the uterine wall in late November and the
small feeble cubs are born in the den in mid- to late January. Litter
sizes range from 1 to 4 cubs, usually 2 or 3 in Massachusetts.
Take note: Certain links in this calendar will get you to a PDF
formatted file. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read those files. Click
here to find out more about PDF files and
how to get the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Quabbin Hunt Applications Available --The Dept. of Conservation
and Recreation (DCR) Division of Water Supply Protection has
information and applications available about the Quabbin Deer Hunt.
Contact the Quabbin Visitor's Center at 413/323-7221. Applications due
to the DCR-Quabbin by August 15.
- July 5--Two weeks left before the Antlerless Permit deadline for
statewide antlerless deer permits! ALL DEER HUNTERS FOR ANY SEASON MUST
HAVE A PERMIT TO TAKE AN ANTLERLESS DEER. Applications must be postmarked
by July 16 in order to be included in the drawing of permits. The
drawing will be held in early August.
- Shorebird Migration Begins. The first week of July heralds
the southward migration for Least and Solitary Sandpipers as well as
Short-billed Dowitchers who nested and raised young up north. These
birds will pass through the Bay State on their flight to the southern
states and the Caribbean.
- July 14 -- Whitman's Pond Family Fishing Festival, Weymouth
-- This event is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers
of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. On the shores
of Whitman Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety,
ethics, and fishing equipment. No equipment is needed, but if you have
your own, bring it along! 10 AM - 3 PM. The Festival is organized in
cooperation with Whitman's Pond Association and the Weymouth Youth and
Family Services. MassWildlife Angler Education volunteers will be on
hand to assist. For more information, contact Marie Feely at 781/340-6976.
- July 15-31-- Quack, quack! Junior Duck Stamp Traveling Art Exhibit
at Western
Gateway Heritage State Park , North Adams-- Bring your family
to see top youth entries in the Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Contest.
The Duck Stamp contest is modeled after the adult versions of both the
state and federal duck stamp competitions. Youth of all ages are encouraged
to learn about waterfowl and the importance of wetlands through this
conservation contest. Sponsored by MassWildlife, the Massachusetts Wildlife
Federation, Mass. Waterfowler's Association Ducks Unlimited-Mass Chapter,
and the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Boston Duck Tours. More info
on Junior Duck Stamp Program.
. For further information on the exhibit, contact: Dale Waterman 413/663-6312.
- July 16-- Antlerless Deer Permit deadline! ALL DEER HUNTERS
FOR ANY SEASON MUST HAVE A PERMIT TO TAKE AN ANTLERLESS DEER. Applications
must be postmarked by July 16 for the drawing of permits. Send
to MassWildlife Westboro Field HQ, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd, Westboro,
MA 01581 ATTN: Antlerless deer permit. The antlerless deer
permit drawing will be in early August.
- The Wood-lily, an uncommon find is easily seen and identified
by its upright, bright red flowers. The more common Canada lily
found in most counties also blooms at this time, but it produces nodding
blooms of yellow, orange or orange-red.
- July 28 -- Houghton's Pond Family Fishing Festival, Canton
-- This event is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers
of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. On the shores
of Houghton's Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety,
ethics, and fishing equipment. No equipment is needed, but if you have
your own, bring it along! 10 AM - 2:30 PM. The Festival is organized
in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation's
Blue Hills Reservation. MassWildlife Angler Education volunteers will
be on hand to assist. For more information, contact Marie Feely at 781/340-6976.
- Fireflies are flickering! Over a dozen species of fireflies
are found in fields and forests here in the Bay State For the most part,
each species has its own code of blinking code to attract a member of
the opposite sex. Some fireflies mimic another species code as a way
to confuse an individual and will eat an unsuspecting firefly lured
in by the mimic.
Take note: Certain links in this calendar will get you to a pdf
formatted file. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read those files. Click
here to find out more about PDF files and
how to get the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- By this time, most Bullfrogs will have finished breeding. The
eggs are laid at the time of breeding and take only a week to hatch!
Bullfrog tadpoles hatching this summer will not become adults for another
2 years!
- The small purple flowers of several native mountain-mints are blooming
at this time. The dried leaves from these plants can be used to make
flavored teas.
- August --Public Hearing on Waterfowl Seasons and Bag Limits --
A Public Hearing will held late this month relative to establishing
seasons and bag limits for the 2007 - 2008 migratory bird seasons. Public
comment is invited. The Board will vote on seasons and bag limits immediately
following this hearing.
- Whitetail deer antlers exposed - The "velvet" covering
on a male deer's (buck) antlers served to protect the antlers as they
were re-growing through the summer. Now the antlers are hardened and
the velvet is splitting. Bucks will rub their antlers against tree trunks
and limbs to shed the velvet. Sometimes you might spot a buck with what
looks like scraps of cloth hanging off the antlers--this is the velvet.
Take note: Certain links in this calendar will get you to a pdf
formatted file. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read those files. Click
here to find out more about PDF files and
how to get the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- September 4--Opening day of black bear season See the MassWildlife
Fishing & Hunting Abstracts
for regulations, bag limits and zones. Permit required and is found
on your hunting license. On-line license buyers can go back into the
MassOutdoors system to purchase the permit.
- September 15--CANOEING? KAYAKING? YOU MUST WEAR A LIFE JACKET
Between September 15 of this year and May 15 of next year, ALL persons
in canoes and kayaks must be WEARING lifejackets. Most boating fatalities
in Massachusetts are due to accidents in small craft such as this in
cold water/cold weather situations. This applies to waterfowl hunters
as well.
- Hawk migration is in full swing at this time. Check out area
mountain and hilltops and watch "kettles" of raptors spiraling
up warm thermals on their way south.
- September 30 --11th Annual Massachusetts Outdoor Expo for Families,
Sturbridge--The entire family is invited to this free day of outdoor
skills learning celebrating traditional outdoor skills, nature, art
and animals! Learn to cast a rod, shoot a bow and arrow, rock climb,
kayak demonstrations, outdoor safety and ethics, build a bird house,
waterfowl drawing and painting, birds of prey and more. See top youth
entries in the Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Contest and paint! Held
on the grounds of the Hamilton Rod & Gun Club in Sturbridge off New
Boston Road. Major sponsors of this event are: FAWN Society, Weatherby
Foundation, Hamilton Rod & Gun Club and MassWildlife.
Take note: Certain links in this calendar will get you to a pdf
formatted file. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read those files. Click
here to find out more about PDF files and
how to get the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- CANOEING? KAYAKING? YOU MUST WEAR A LIFE JACKET --
Between September 15 of this year and May 15 of nest year, ALL persons
in canoes and kayaks must be WEARING lifejackets. Most boating fatalities
in Massachusetts are due to accidents in small craft such as this in
cold water/cold weather situations. This law also applies to anglers
and waterfowl hunters.
- Fall Trout Stocking ends by Columbus Day-- To find out what
waters will be stocked, go to the Stocked
Trout Waters List.
- October 1-21 -- Quack, quack! Junior Duck Stamp Traveling Art Exhibit
at Parker
River National Wildlife Refuge, Newburyport-- Bring your family
to see top youth entries in the Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Contest.
The Duck Stamp contest is modeled after the adult versions of both the
state and federal duck stamp competitions. Youth of all ages are encouraged
to learn about waterfowl and the importance of wetlands through this
conservation contest. Sponsored by MassWildlife, the Massachusetts Wildlife
Federation, Mass. Waterfowler's Association Ducks Unlimited-Mass Chapter,
and the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Boston Duck Tours. More info
on Junior Duck Stamp Program.
. For further information on the exhibit, contact: Kate Toniolo, 978/465-5753
x210
- Bullfrogs, snapping turtles and garter snakes are going into hibernation.
- October 13--Pheasant, rabbit, quail, ruffed grouse, squirrel, rabbit
and snowshoe hare seasons in certain portions of the state open. See
the MassWildlife
Fishing & Hunting Abstracts
for regulations, bag limits and zones.
- Juncos, often called snowbirds, begin to arrive from their summer
breeding areas in northern New England and Canada
- October 17 - Nov 7-- Quack, quack! Junior Duck Stamp Traveling
Art Exhibit at Millworks Gallery, Visiting Artists Studio, Uxbridge--
Bring your family to see top youth entries in the Massachusetts Junior
Duck Stamp Contest. The Duck Stamp contest is modeled after the adult
versions of both the state and federal duck stamp competitions. Youth
of all ages are encouraged to learn about waterfowl and the importance
of wetlands through this conservation contest. Sponsored by MassWildlife,
the Massachusetts Wildlife Federation, Mass. Waterfowler's Association
Ducks Unlimited-Mass Chapter, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service and
Boston Duck Tours. More info on Junior Duck Stamp
Program. For further information on the
exhibit, contact: Karin Knapik 508/278-0553.
- Brook and brown trout are spawning during this time.
- Woodchucks are beginning to seek out hibernation areas. Their body
temperature and breathing rate will drop and they will no longer excrete,
an unusual physiological phenomenon.
Take note: Certain links in this calendar will get you
to a PDF formatted file. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read those files.
Click here to find out more about PDF files
and how to get the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- CANOEING? KAYAKING? YOU MUST WEAR A LIFE JACKET --
Between September 15 of this year and May 15 of next year, ALL persons
in canoes and kayaks must be WEARING lifejackets. Most boating fatalities
in Massachusetts are due to accidents in small craft such as this in
cold water/cold weather situations. This law also applies to waterfowl
hunters.
- November 1-Dec 15-- Quack, quack! Junior Duck Stamp Traveling Art
Exhibit at US Fish & Wildlife Service Office, Hadley-- Bring
your family to see top youth entries in the Massachusetts Junior Duck
Stamp Contest. The Duck Stamp contest is modeled after the adult versions
of both the state and federal duck stamp competitions. Youth of all
ages are encouraged to learn about waterfowl and the importance of wetlands
through this conservation contest. Sponsored by MassWildlife, the Massachusetts
Wildlife Federation, Mass. Waterfowler's Association Ducks Unlimited-Mass
Chapter, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Boston Duck Tours.
More info on Junior Duck Stamp Program.
A photo ID may be required for entry into the Hadley office. For further
information on the exhibit, contact: Valerie Crane 413/253-8643..
- November 1-3-- Parapalegic Hunting Season for Deer Paraplegic
sportsmen and women interested in participating in the hunt next year
should contact Trina Moruzzi at 508/389-6318.
- Flocks of cedar waxwings may be seen migrating through the
region. Some will spend the winter in Massachusetts.
- November 5--Black bear season opens. See the MassWildlife
Fishing & Hunting Abstracts
for regulations, bag limits and zones. Permit required and is found
on your hunting license. On-line license buyers can go back into the
MassOutdoors system to purchase the permit.
- November 15 - Dec 15-- Quack, quack! Junior Duck Stamp Traveling
Art Exhibit at Great
Falls Discovery Center, Turners Falls (Montague)-- Bring your
family to see top youth entries in the Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp
Contest. The Duck Stamp contest is modeled after the adult versions
of both the state and federal duck stamp competitions. Youth of all
ages are encouraged to learn about waterfowl and the importance of wetlands
through this conservation contest. Sponsored by MassWildlife, the Massachusetts
Wildlife Federation, Mass. Waterfowler's Association Ducks Unlimited-Mass
Chapter, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Boston Duck Tours.
More info on Junior Duck Stamp Program.
For further information on the exhibit, contact: Susan Russo 413/863-3676.
- Eastern cottontail rabbits have switched to a winter diet of
twigs and buds from shrubs as well as young maples, birches and oaks.
- Black bears begin seeking a place to sleep through the winter.
If there is available food, bears may not den up for winter until later
in December.
Take note: Certain links in this calendar will get you to a pdf
formatted file. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read those files. Click
here to find out more about PDF files and
how to get the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Wood frogs and spring peepers are burrowed beneath leaves on
the forest floor, some seemingly frozen solid as they hibernate through
the winter.
- Muskrats are still active, feeding on submerged roots and lily
stalks in ponds and lakes.
- Deer in the winter expend 20% more energy when standing vs. lying
down.
- Great horned owls can be heard hooting as they begin to establish
nesting territories.
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