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News Release
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MassWildlife News is published 1-2 times/month. If you are interested in receiving the MW News electronically, send an e-mail to the following address: Join-MassWildlife.news@listserv.state.ma.us
March 2010
Mid-March News
- SPRING TROUT ALLOCATIONS
- YOUNG PEOPLE! SIGN UP FOR THE SPRING YOUTH TURKEY HUNT
- OUTDOORSWOMAN TURKEY HUNTING SEMINAR AND HUNT SCHEDULED
- CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS AT TRANSPORTATION AND WILDLIFE CONFERENCE
- CALENDAR OF EVENTS & MEETINGS
SPRING TROUT ALLOCATIONS
Bay State anglers can look forward to over 540,000 feisty brook, brown, rainbow and tiger trout being stocked this spring according to figures released by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife). Stocking will begin in the when ice, snow and mud conditions allow the stocking trucks access to the waterways. Anglers are advised to contact the District office for updates on when stocking will begin in the area.
"We'll be putting out 320,000 rainbow trout that will average 12 inches or longer, and about 78% of these rainbows will be 14 inches or larger," observes Chief Fish Culturist Dr. Ken Simmons. "They'll be distributed statewide throughout the stocking season by our five regional Wildlife District offices." 47,000 brown trout averaging more then 12 inches will be stocked along with another 115,000 browns in the 9 - 11 inch range. The larger water bodies will receive the larger fish and the smaller brooks and streams will receive the majority of the smaller-sized fish. Brook trout will be stocked in a similar fashion with approximately 11,500 fish measuring a foot or better, and more than 66,000 in the 6 - 11 inch class. Dr. Simmons says he is particular excited about this year’s crop of 2 year-old brook trout, which is one of the best in years. He attributes this year’s success with the two-year old brook trout to a combination of hard work by hatchery staff and good growing conditions at the hatcheries where they are produced. Anglers can also anticipate trying to tame some of the 6,000 tiger trout to be released, all topping the 14 inch mark. These handsome fish, a cross between a female brown trout and a male brook trout, have become popular with folks lucky enough to hook and land one.
To find out the status of trout stocking in your district or call the nearest District office: Western 413/684-1646; Valley 413/323-7632; Central 508/835-3607; Northeast 978/772-2145 or Southeast 508/759-3406. Don't forget to take friends and family members fishing!
YOUNG PEOPLE! SIGN UP FOR THE THE SPRING YOUTH TURKEY HUNT
Young people ages 12-17 who want to try out turkey hunting can take the opportunity by contacting participating sportsmen’s clubs in the Massachusetts Youth Turkey Hunting Program. Now in its second year, the Youth Turkey Hunt (YTH) is a partnership program involving the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (MA NWTF) and participating sportsmen's clubs. The program is designed to provide young hunters ages 12-17 an opportunity to learn how to properly handle and shoot a shotgun for turkey hunting; participate in a field oriented pre-hunt workshop that provides specialized training in turkey hunting and safety, and hunt wild turkeys under the supervision and guidance of a safe, experienced adult hunter serving as a mentor on a special day set aside just for youth. Some clubs have already scheduled pre-hunt workshop sessions for March. More information and a list of sporting clubs offering this program for the spring turkey hunt.
OUTDOORSWOMAN TURKEY HUNTING SEMINAR AND HUNT SCHEDULED
Adult women interested in learning more about the wild turkey and trying their luck in a guided turkey hunt should sign up for this two part Turkey Hunt for Outdoorswomen. Designed for adult women who are novices, the first session will be a one-day seminar on April 3 and will focus on gun handling and ballistics; turkey calling and developing hunt strategies for the hunting teams for the hunt on May 3. The second session will be an actual turkey hunt at Devens RFTA. Participants may choose to take part in one session or both. For the seminar, no previous hunting experience is required. First time hunt participants are required to take the seminar segment if they want to participate in the Turkey Hunt in May. Hunt participants must also have a valid FID or LTC, shotgun, valid 2010 MA hunting license and turkey permit. Space is unlimited for the seminar, but only 10 women may participate in the Hunt. Registration deadline is March 26. Registration materials.
Released March 15, 2010
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS AT TRANSPORTATION AND WILDLIFE CONFERENCE
Massachusetts will be hosting the Northeastern Transportation and Wildlife Conference at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst on September 12-15, 2010. The conference theme is “Sustainablility in an Uncertain Landscape.” Conference planners are inviting interested presenters to submit their abstracts by April 30, 2010. Focal topics can be research, planning, monitoring, design, and/or active conservation. A clear link to wildlife conservation and transportation planning in northeastern states must be justified. More detailed information on the presentation guidelines (pdf).
CALENDAR OF EVENTS & MEETINGS
March 27-- Massachusetts Land Trust Conference, Worcester--Attend the Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference at the Worcester Technical High School which will feature over 30 workshops on topics ranging from community farming to fundraising. Among the speakers will be Landowner Incentive staffer Marianne Piche who will be co-presenting a sesson on "Managing Early Successional Habitat for Wildlife". A complete list of workshops and registration information.
March 27 - Westfield River Symposium, Westfield -- Sponsored by the Westfield River Watershed Association and Westfield State College, this free, annual symposium will be held at Westfield State College at the Scanlon Banquet Hall. This year's theme is Green Energy in Our Watershed. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will be one of the exhibitors at this event. Details on the sessions and registration.
March 30-- Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Westborough. The March meeting of the Fisheries & Wildlife Board will be held at 1 PM at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd (off North Drive) in Westborough. This location is handicapped accessible.
April 3 -- Growing Up WILD Workshop for Early Childhood Educators, E. Sandwich-- Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children is an early childhood education activity guide that builds on children's sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. MassWildlife and the Thornton Burgess Society are co-sponsoring this new workshop which will be held at Green Briar Nature Center. Participants will experience some of the activities during this 1-day workshop and receive the Growing Up Wild guide as part of the materials presented. Pre-registration is required. Fee is $50. Email mary.beers@thorntonburgess.org or call her at (508) 888-6870. Space is limited; first-come, first-serve. Be sure to bring clothing for outdoor activities.
April 10 -- Growing Up WILD Workshop for Early Childhood Educators, Northfield -- Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children is an new early childhood education wildlife activity guide that builds on children's sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the outdoors. The workshop will be held at Northfield Mountain Recreation & Environmental Center. Participants will experience some of the activities during this 1-day workshop and receive the Growing Up Wild guide as part of the materials presented. Pre-registration is required with a registration deadline of April 1. Contact Kim Noyes at kim.noyes@gdfsuezna.com or (413) 659-4462. Space is limited; first-come, first-serve. Bring a bag lunch and wear warm clothing for outdoor activities.
April 18 -- Kids Casting Program, Springfield -- Celebrate Earth Day at the Springfield Science Museum’s Earth Day Festival from 11:00 - 4:00pm. Volunteers from MassWildlife’s Angler Education Program will be on hand to help you try out casting skills as part of the celebration! For more information on this event, contact the Springfield Science Museum at (413) 263-6800 x325 or visit their website.
Early March
- BEARS AND BIRDFEEDERS
- REMEMBER ENDANGERED SPECIES ON YOUR STATE TAX FORM
- 2011 WILDLIFE STAMP COMPETITIONS NOW OPEN
- LATE WINTER ICE SAFETY ADVICE
- GOT TEENS? CONSIDER JUNIOR CONSERVATION CAMP
- SAVE THE DATE FOR THE NORTHEAST FISH AND WILDLIFE CONFERENCE
- NEWS AND NOTES: Upcoming Public Meetings, Bobcat
Regulations In Effect, Retired Division Biologist Honored, Calendar
Of Events
BEARS AND BIRDFEEDERS
If you feed birds and live in northern Middlesex County, Worcester County, or western Massachusetts, it's time to think about removing bird feeders before bears emerge from hibernation. With the snow melting and longer day length, bears will soon be leaving their winter dens. To avoid possible seasonal conflicts between people and bears in central and western Massachusetts, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is issuing its seasonal reminder that bird feeders should be taken down by mid-March and other preventive steps be taken. "There is little in the way of natural foods and bears learn to seek out high-energy human foods such as bird seed," says Laura Hajduk, DFW Bear Project Leader. "This may lead to conflicts that pose hazards to both bears and people." Massachusetts is home to approximately 3,000 resident bears, with the majority living west of the Connecticut River. Bears also reside as far east as Worcester County and northern Middlesex County. Although many bears keep to their dens during the winter, some can be sporadically active and can seek out human related food sources. If you notice bear activity in the area earlier than mid-March, be proactive and remove bird feeders and other potential food sources promptly.
Bears have excellent long-term memories and remember which foods are available at different seasons, as well as where these foods can be found. Even if a feeder is inaccessible to bears, they will be attracted by the scent of seed and suet. Once they learn the location of these foods, bears will return. Bears are typically shy and fearful of people, but deliberate feeding or indirect availability of human food, coupled with a lack of harassment can cause bears to become accustomed to people. If bears lose their fear of people and develop a taste for human foodstuffs, bears can become bolder and may cause damage that ultimately results in harm to people or to the demise of the animal.
If a bear is passing through a neighborhood without stopping, enjoy the sight. However, if the bear stops to feed on trash, bird seed, or other human generated foods, remove those foods after the bear has left and advise your neighbors to do the same. Generally, due to their fear of people, bears tend to leave a yard when people step outside and make noise. Keep garbage in airtight containers, securely stored in a cellar, garage, or shed. Put trash at roadside the day of trash pickup, not the previous evening. Keep doors to sheds and barns latched or locked to prevent bears from finding grain, sweet, or meaty foods. Refrain from feeding pets outdoors. Do not deposit sweet or meaty items in compost piles as bears will soon find them. In residential areas where bears are known to be present, the entire neighborhood must take recommended actions or bears will move from yard to yard seeking food. Hajduk noted that taking these actions also reduces problems with other common wildlife species such as coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. More black bear information.
REMEMBER ENDANGERED SPECIES ON YOUR STATE TAX FORM
Join the thousands of "in-the-know" people who use their state tax form to make a big difference for rare species in Massachusetts! Since 1983, Massachusetts tax filers of Form 1 have had the option of donating to the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund when filing their state income tax (Line 32a: "Endangered Wildlife Conservation"), and tens of thousands of people have done so over the years. All contributions go directly into the Fund, currently the source of a significant portion of the annual operating budget of MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP), which conserves and protects endangered species and their habitats in Massachusetts. Over 20,000 tax filers support the program with over $200,000 in critically-important donations each year. Won't you join them? With your contributions to the Fund, you directly help to study, protect, and restore rare and endangered animals and plants and their habitats. If you have made contributions in this manner, thank you for supporting the Program and its conservation efforts! Past donations have helped restore populations and conserve and maintain habitat for Northern harriers in grassland habitats and Northern Red-bellied Cooters. You can also make contributions directly to the Fund by sending a check payable to the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund to: Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd, Westborough, MA 01581.
2011 WILDLIFE STAMP COMPETITIONS NOW OPEN
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is asking interested wildlife artists to consider entering one or more of its three 2011wildlife stamp competitions. Each year, MassWildlife issues three wildlife recreation-related stamps: an archery stamp, a primitive firearms stamp, and a waterfowl stamp. Income from the sale of these stamps supports wildlife research as well as the acquisition and management of key habitat areas. All three of the stamps feature artwork selected through competitions open to artists anywhere in the country. There is no cost to submit entries. For rules and regulations and other stamp information. The deadline for entries to the 2011 archery and primitive firearms stamp competition is May 31, 2010; deadline for the 2011 waterfowl stamp is June 1, 2010.
Wildlife stamps play an important wildlife management role in Massachusetts, generating about $300,000 annually. These funds are used to enhance critical wildlife habitat. All of the stamps are issued both in full-color hard copy and in a black-and-white stamped version for those who opt to purchase their licenses online. The stamps are required of licensed hunters who hunt deer during the archery or primitive firearms season or hunters pursuing migratory birds. Highly collectible for many hunters, these stamps are also sought by other conservationists and stamp collectors. Through these competitions, the MassWildlife obtains the right to produce the designated stamp featuring the winning artwork. The artist retains ownership of the artwork and the right to sell prints, which are of specific interest to members of conservation organizations such as the Massachusetts Bowhunters' Association, Ducks Unlimited, and beyond.
Complete sets of all three stamps are on display at MassWildlife's Field Headquarters in Westborough. Collectors wishing to purchase stamps from past years should call Mary Cavaliere in the MassWildlife Boston office at (617) 626-1577. The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem has a limited quantity of waterfowl stamps and stamp sets available for collectors. The Massachusetts Waterfowl Stamps and Prints, a loose-leaf binder with a detailed history of the waterfowl stamp program from its inception to the present was published by the Peabody Essex Museum and is available for purchase. Contact the Museum at www.pem.org or call (978) 744-3390. Information and regulations governing the three stamp competitions can be found by calling Jill Durand at (508) 389-6301 or at the website. For more details on the stamp competitions, contact Ellie Horwitz at ellie.horwitz@state.ma.us or call (508) 389-6305.
LATE WINTER ICE SAFETY ADVICE
As the winter months come to a close, the variable temperatures experienced in the state in the past week means the condition of ice on the Bay State's waterbodies is unpredictable and could be treacherous. There have already been several reports of people on foot or on snowmobiles falling through ice. Outdoor enthusiasts need to play it safe and check ice carefully before venturing onto ice-covered waters. An ice strength table is posted on the agency website. Clear, blue ice is the strongest ice. Slush or snow (white) ice is only one-half the strength of blue ice and can be very treacherous. "Honeycombed" ice, which occurs in the spring or during major winter thaws as the ice is melting, is the most dangerous ice. This type of ice is best avoided unless you are certain there is a safe layer of solid ice beneath the honeycombed surface.
Assess ice safety by using an ice chisel to chop a hole in the ice to determine its thickness and condition. Make sure you continue to do this as you go further out on to the ice, because the thickness of the ice will not be uniform all over the pond or lake. Be aware that ice tends to be thinner on lakes and ponds where there are spring holes, inlets or outlets. Don't venture on to ice-bound rivers or streams because the currents make ice thickness unpredictable.
What if you fall through the ice? As with any emergency, don't panic! Briefly call for help. It doesn't take long for the cold water to start slowing your physical and mental functions, so you must act quickly. Air will remain trapped in your clothes for a short time, aiding your buoyancy. Kick your legs while grasping for firm ice. Try to pull your body up using "ice pins" that should be hanging around your neck. Once your torso is on firm ice, roll towards thicker ice. This will better distribute your weight. Remember that ice you have previously walked on should be the safest. After you reach safe ice, don't waste precious time because you need to warm up quickly to prevent hypothermia. Go to the nearest fishing shanty, warm car, or house. Don't drive home in wet clothes!
If a companion falls through the ice remember the phrase "Reach-Throw-Go." If you are unable to reach your friend, throw him, or her a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, or other object. If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Pet owners should keep pets on a leash. If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue the pet, go for help. Well-meaning pet owners can too easily become victims themselves when trying to save their pets.
GOT TEENS? CONSIDER JUNIOR CONSERVATION CAMP
It's not too early to start thinking about summer camp for your teenage son or daughter. If you have a teen (or know one) who is interested in the outdoors, likes camping, fishing, canoeing or wants to learn more about these and other outdoor skills, the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp may be just the right experience. Held at the Chesterfield Scout Reservation in western Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp is a two-week overnight summer camp for girls and boys 13 -17 years of age offering a program of conservation education and instruction in outdoor recreation skills. Campers will have the opportunity to interact with natural resource professionals from agencies such as the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Department of Conservation & Recreation, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Environmental Police on many aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreation. Conservation topics include Fish & Pond Life, Forestry, Soil Conservation, and Wildlife Management. Outdoor skills taught include Archery, Basic Camping, Fly & Spin Casting, Black powder, Sporting Clays, Orienteering, 3 Position Riflery, First Aid and Wilderness Survival. The Massachusetts Basic Hunter Education and the Massachusetts Small Boat Safety courses are also part of the curriculum. This year's camp dates are August 8 -20, 2010 and tuition is $600. For campers needing financial assistance, many local sportsmen's clubs and other conservation groups offer scholarships to teens from their community to attend conservation camp. Contact the local clubs in your area to see if they offer Conservation camp scholarships. For camp registration and other details about the Junior Conservation Camp go to www.juniorconservationcamp.org.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE NORTHEAST FISH AND WILDLIFE CONFERENCE
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will be hosting the 66th Annual Northeast Fish and Wildlife Conference at the Newton-Boston Marriot Hotel April 25-27, 2010. This annual event brings together natural resource professionals from Maryland to the Canadian provinces to provide opportunities for education, discussion, and exchanging of ideas. This year's theme is "Climate Change and Wildlife Conservation-Adaptation and Mitigation". A special Climate Change workshop, Striped Bass Symposium and a Wildlife Damage Workshop will be offered as part of the program. Technical papers, workshops and poster sessions on topics relating to wildlife, fresh water and marine fisheries, geographic information systems, and habitat management will be presented. Information and education, conservation engineering and law enforcement sessions will also be available. Fish and wildlife related vendors will be exhibiting throughout the meeting and professional fish and wildlife groups will be hosting meetings. For registration and exhibitor information is on the conference website at www.neafwa.org or contact Delaney Meeting and Event Management at (802) 865-5202.
NEWS AND NOTES
Upcoming Public Meetings -- The Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Advisory Committee will meet at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's Field Headquarters located off North Drive in Westborough on Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 1:30- 4:30 PM. The Fisheries and Wildlife Board will meet on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's Field Headquarters located off North Drive in Westborough. Both meetings are open to the public and the building is handicapped accessible.
New Bobcat Regulations In Effect--New regulations changes voted on by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board in November and recently officially published by the Secretary of State's office are now in effect. The changes mean that there is no longer a requirement to close the bobcat season after 50 animals have been taken and that harvested bobcats must be checked and sealed within four working days of the close of season which is the same requirements as for other harvested furbearers. The bobcat season closes on March 8, 2010.Controlled Turkey Hunt at Camp Edwards --The 2010 Camp Edwards controlled wild turkey hunt on Cape Cod will be held during the second week of the spring turkey season from Monday May 3rd through Friday May 7th . Hunters wishing to participate must check in at the Otis Fish & Game Club each day and receive a daily hunting permit. Hunters must provide their valid hunting or sporting license, FID or LTC card and valid 2010 Turkey Permit in order to participate in the hunt. The Otis Fish and Game Club will open at 4:00 a.m. daily for the turkey hunt. Directions and other information.
Retired Division Biologist Honored--In February, the National Wild Turkey Federation honored retired Turkey Project Leader James E. Cardoza with the Wayne Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award at their annual National Convention in Nashville. Cardoza was one of two recipients honored. Wayne Bailey was known to many as the godfather and pioneer of modern turkey management and was a key player in the development of the National Wild Turkey Federation. "I knew Wayne Bailey well and recognize his many accomplishments for wild turkeys, so I am very pleased to receive an award named after him," Cardoza said. "However, I am just the recipient. I consider this a shared award with all the men and women who were involved with restoring wild turkeys in Massachusetts and nationwide."
Cardoza served the wildlife and people of Massachusetts for 40 years before retiring in October of 2009. Prior to his retirement, Cardoza managed the wild turkey and black bear research and management projects for Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. "James Cardoza was a pioneer in wild turkey restoration in Massachusetts," said said Robert Abernethy, NWTF's assistant vice president of agency and outreach programs."He was involved in wild turkey restoration in the state almost from the beginning of the restoration program. His planning and work on the ground have provided Massachusetts turkey hunters with untold numbers of days afield." Cardoza joined the Northeast Wild Turkey Technical Committee in 1970 and served as its chair for 13 years. During his tenure as chair of the committee (now known as the Northeast Upland Game Bird Committee) the group completed many technical bulletins providing information for future generations of wildlife biologists. He also served on the National Wild Turkey Technical Committee from the late 1970's through his retirement. For more details about the award and the National Wild Turkey Federation.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Check our website for a continuously updated calendar of wildlife-related events!
March 4 - Basic Ice Fishing Course, Gill -- Pending safe ice, families and friends can come learn about basic ice fishing, equipment, safety and other tips! The clinic is offered in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Great Falls Discovery Center. Meet at the Barton's Cove Picnic Area in Gill, 3:30 - 6:00pm. Dress in appropriate winter attire including warm waterproof boots. This event is open and free to anyone, but pre-registration is required. Contact Sarah Bevilaqua at (413) 863-3676.
March 5 -7 - Flower and Patio Show, Worcester -- Come to the Worcester DCU Centre and stroll through wonderful garden displays, relax by a tranquil water garden in the Café, and browse through the information, services and items that will make your "outdoor living room" something to enjoy for years to come! On March 5 at 3pm, MassWildlife biologist Laura Hajduk will give a talk about "Backyard and Patio Wildlife." The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will also be staffing a vendor where wildlife fact sheets and advice to homeowners about their wild neighbors will be available. For more information about the Flower and Patio Show, go to www.centralmaflowershow.com or call 1(800) 533-0229.
March 6 - Massachusetts Birders Meeting, Waltham -- Bird enthusiasts of all levels are invited to enjoy a full day of workshops, speakers, bird updates, exhibits, and more at the La Cava Center at Bentley College. This annual meeting is hosted by MassAudubon and this year is co-sponsored by Manomet Center for Conservation Science. In 2009 the Department of Interior produced The State of the Birds, a comprehensive synthesis describing the conservation status, threats, and recovery objectives for every major North American bird group. Since birds have long been litmus for environmental change, what's happening to birds could portend what the future holds for mankind. In this not-to-be-missed event, two leading environmental organizations examine how science, technology, and birds could offer the key to some of the greatest challenges facing our planet in the future. Among the presentations will be a session on Marsh Birds and Whip-poor-wills in Massachusetts by MassWildlife's NHESP Restoration Assistant Chris Buelow. Registration is required and meeting details.
March 10 - Bears of Massachusetts, Athol -- The Athol Bird and Nature Club's March meeting features Masswildlife biologist Ralph Taylor, who will discuss the black bears in Massachusetts and human confrontations with them. The meeting, which is free and open to the public begins at 7PM, will be held at the Miller's River Environmental Center on 100 Main St. How common are black bears in our area? What draws them to our town? Can we learn to live at a respectful distance from these large, furry neighbors? The manager of the Connecticut Valley district of the Mass Division of Fisheries and Wildlife in Belchertown, Taylor will help us understand those questions. Directions and more information about the Athol Bird & Nature Club.
March 10 - Deer in Eastern Massachusetts, Andover -- The Trustees of the Andover Village Improvement Society, a local land trust, has invited Sonja Christensen to their Annual Dinner Meeting to talk about deer populations and why there are so many in suburban communities. She will address citizen concerns about vehicle collisions, damage to crops and landscaping and Lyme disease. Christensen will also offer potential strategies to consider for managing these concerns. A social hour at 6:00 pm will be followed by dinner at 7:00 pm. A short business meeting and the speaker's presentation will start at approximately 8:15 pm. Tickets for the dinner can be obtained by contacting Libby Poland at (978) 475-6159. Guests may attend the meeting and presentation for free. For more information, contact Fred Snell, President at (978) 686-3647 or John Hess at (978) 470-0806.
March 20 - Maple Sugaring & Geocaching for Outdoorswomen, Uxbridge -- Held in partnership with DCR's Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, this workshop is designed for adult women with an interest in learning new outdoor skills. This workshop will unlock the mysteries of how maple syrup is made and also help you find your way in the forests and fields to find hidden caches using GPS. More details and registration materials will be posted soon.
March 27 - Massachusetts Land Trust Conference, Worcester -- Interested in land conservation? Attend the Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference at the Worcester Technical High School which will feature over 30 workshops on topics ranging from community farming to fundraising. Among the speakers will be Landowner Incentive staffer Marianne Piche who will be co-presenting a session on "Managing Early Successional Habitat for Wildlife". A complete list of workshops and registration information is available at www.MassConservation.org.
March 27 - Westfield River Symposium, Westfield -- Sponsored by the Westfield River Watershed Association and Westfield State College, this free, annual symposium will be held at Westfield State College at the Scanlon Banquet Hall. This year's theme is Green Energy in Our Watershed. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife will be one of the exhibitors at this event. Details on the sessions and registration.
Last Updated: 03/23/2010