2021 Calendar of Events
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Saturday |
"The Nature of Westborough": WCLT's 2021 Amateur Photography Contest!
Enter WCLT's amateur nature photography competition!
With many families hiking and taking photos during the pandemic, we thought this would be a great way to showcase the best of Westborough's natural beauty. Entrants must be Westborough residents, and photographs must be nature-inspired and taken in Westborough from January 1, 2020 – February 28, 2021. Keep track of when and where your Westborough best shots are from, as we’ll be asking for dates and locations for each entry. Plants, trees, flowers, sunsets, sunrises, ponds, rivers, wildlife... so many beautiful images to capture. Read the rules. (.pdf) Fill out the entry form. Contest will run through the end of February. Show us how you click with nature! Prizes will be awarded in adult and youth categories! Thank you to our prize donors: Peter Christoph Photography Elsie Kaye Glassworks Art Emporium Tatnuck Bookseller Curry Printing Hunt’s Photo Contact: photocontest@westboroughlandtrust.org |
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Sunday |
Explore Bowman West in Winter
Covid Update: Masks covering the nose and mouth are required for all WCLT events, and social distancing will be practiced.
Weather and other factors may cause event cancellation. Please check westboroughlandtrust.org before leaving to attend any event. Many people are familiar with the Bowman Conservation Area, the area around Sandra Pond. Come on this walk to enjoy the lesser-known trails of Bowman West, the area on the other side of Bowman St. This walk will be led by Chris Sassetti, providing an opportunity to meet WCLT’s new President! About 2¾ miles on woodland trails with some small hills. Park on Long Drive where it meets the south end of Cook St. Park on one side of Long Drive only. Meet at the trailhead on Long Drive. Trail Map: http://westboroughcharm.org/guide/maps/bowmanwest_trail_map.pdf Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org |
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Sunday |
A Few Days in the Galapagos Islands (Virtual Presentation)
Situated in the Pacific Ocean some 600 miles from the South American continent, the nineteen Galapagos Islands and the surrounding marine reserve have been called a unique “living museum and showcase of evolution.”
We will explore a small portion of the archipelago, primarily around Santa Cruz, and see many of the unique species that inspired Darwin in 1835. Travel vicariously through wildlife photographer Garry Kessler’s stunning photos, which he took on his “bucket list” trip there in 2018. Login information: ------------------ Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88957771631 Meeting ID: 889 5777 1631 One tap mobile +13126266799,,88957771631# US (Chicago) +16468769923,,88957771631# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 889 5777 1631 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdVziTYE71 ------------------ Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org |
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Monday |
Westborough Wildflower Hunt
Help WCLT inventory the wildflowers on our properties by taking part in this fun scavenger hunt!
Check WCLT's Facebook page every month, where we will post pictures of wildflowers that bloom that month. If you see those flowers in Westborough, comment with a picture and include where you saw it. Have fun and learn to identify local wildflowers at the same time! Please, absolutely no picking flowers or damaging plants! Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org |
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Saturday |
Vote for "The Nature of Westborough" Photo Contest People’s Choice Award!
We received 133 photo entries for our competition!
While the judges ponder the top three winners, you can vote as well! WCLT will post the photos on our Facebook page in groups of 10 over the course of a week, March 6-12, in no particular order. Click “Like” to vote for your favorites. Share and get your friends to vote as well! The photo with the most likes at midnight on 3/19/2021 will win the People’s Choice Award. (Winners of the judged prizes will be excluded—one prize per photo). Thank you to the businesses that provided prizes: Curry Printing, Elsie Kaye Glassworks, Art Emporium, Hunt’s Photo Education and Walks, Tatnuck Bookseller, and Peter Christoph Photography. Contact: photocontest@westboroughlandtrust.org |
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Sunday |
"The Nature of Westborough" Photo Contest Award Presentation via Zoom
Find out who won prizes in the photo competition, and learn from some of the judges what makes a great photograph and how they chose the winners!
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83256393392 Everyone is welcome, whether you entered the contest or not. Contact: photocontest@westboroughlandtrust.org |
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Thursday |
Earth Day Town-Wide Cleanup
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Monday |
Early Spring Birding
Hike easy to moderate trails at the Wayne F. McCallum Wildlife Management Area with Nick Paulson of the Forbush Bird Club in search of early spring arrivals in a variety of marsh, field, woodland, and pond habitats.
Masks required and numbers will be limited. Pre-registration is required and opens two days in advance; please email leader Nick Paulson, grendelpgill@yahoo.com / (508) 330-4401 by 5 pm 4/4/21 to register. Directions: Take Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller Way [formerly Hospital Road] off Lyman Street in Westborough. Park and meet at the yellow gate at the end of the road near the water. Trail Map: https://westboroughcharm.org/guide/maps/map_FishWildlife.pdf |
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Friday |
Evening Woodcock Walk
As the sun sets, walk easy trails at the Wayne F. McCallum Wildlife Management Area with Laura Lane of the Forbush Bird Club to listen for the American Woodcock’s unique call and watch its amazing sky dance.
Families with school-age children are welcome. Note: Walk will be canceled in case of heavy rain. Masks required and numbers will be limited. Pre-registration is required and opens two days in advance; please contact Laura by 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 15, to register: (508)-480-8259 or email: pete.lane@comcast.net Meet at the Mass Wildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road (off North Drive) in Westborough. Trail Map: https://westboroughcharm.org/guide/maps/map_FishWildlife.pdf |
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Saturday |
Invasive Species Removal: Garlic Mustard Pull Party
Garlic mustard is an invasive plant in this area. Originally brought from Europe, it kills native wildflowers not only by out-competing with them, but also by actually poisoning the soil so other plants can’t grow.
Volunteers will be instructed on how to identify, pull, and dispose of invasive plant materials. If interested, volunteers may also learn about identifying and removing other types of invasive plants. Limit of 10 volunteers. Co-sponsored by Sudbury Valley Trustees and the Town of Westborough. Pre-registration required at https://naturegroupie.org/experiences/garlic-mustard-workday-2 Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org |
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Monday |
The Legacy of Birding in Westborough
Westborough Historic Society President Kathy Cavaliere will reveal the fascinating career of ornithologist Edward Howe Forbush. He lived in Westborough, became the state ornithologist in 1908, and was a founder of the Massachusetts Audubon Society. The Westborough Library’s case of stuffed birds is a product of his expertise at age 18.
Continuing that bird-watching legacy, Wheaton Biology Professor Scott Shumway of Westborough Community Land Trust (WCLT) and local ornithologist Sean Williams, Visiting Assistant Professor at Holy Cross, will describe their favorite sites and habitats for birdwatching in Westborough. Co-sponsored with the Westborough Historical Society. Online event; for the link go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqceGrrDopHtMFiPixkVRU1lArtXW7AC27 Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org |
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Thursday |
Thursday Morning Bird Walk #1
Hike easy to moderate trails at the Wayne F. McCallum Wildlife Management Area north of Lake Chauncy with Nick Paulson of the Forbush Bird Club to view birds in a variety of marsh, field, woodland, and pond habitats.
Masks required and numbers will be limited. Pre-registration is required and opens two days in advance; please email leader Nick Paulson, grendelpgill@yahoo.com / (508) 330-4401 by 5 pm 4/28/21 to register. Directions: Take Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller Way [formerly Hospital Road] off Lyman Street in Westborough. Park and meet at the yellow gate at the end of the road near the water. Trail Map: https://westboroughcharm.org/guide/maps/map_FishWildlife.pdf |
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Monday |
Alien Invasion Night!
Alien plants and animals have invaded and there are more and more of them every day.
Where did they come from? How did they get here? Why should we be concerned? Can they be controlled? Or is it too late? The spread of non-native species presents a threat to native species and natural ecosystems that is as great as the better known problems of habitat destruction and climate change. Join Professor of Biology Scott Shumway and seniors from Wheaton College for a virtual field trip to learn more about the invasive species that are growing in our backyards and nature preserves. Join Zoom Meeting https://wheatoncollege-edu.zoom.us/j/91662235886 Contact Person: Scott Shumway Shumway_Scott@wheatoncollege.edu |
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Monday |
Westborough Unplugs Week
WCLT supports Westborough Unplugs by offering "Explore Outdoors," a non-competitive challenge to find a variety of iconic spots on the trails in Westborough. Use photos and clues to find ten spots on the Charm Bracelet trails, and take a selfie there! Can you find all ten? These are the sites originally used in last fall's scavenger hunt. See the list here.
Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org |
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Thursday |
Thursday Morning Bird Walk #2
Hike easy to moderate trails at the Wayne F. McCallum Wildlife Management Area north of Lake Chauncy with Nick Paulson of the Forbush Bird Club to search for migrant warblers and other songbirds.
Masks required and numbers will be limited. Pre-registration is required and opens two days in advance; please email leader Nick Paulson, grendelpgill@yahoo.com / (508) 330-4401 by 5 pm 5/5/21 to register. Directions: Take Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller Way [formerly Hospital Road] off Lyman Street in Westborough. Park and meet at the yellow gate at the end of the road near the water. Trail Map: http://westboroughcharm.org/guide/maps/map_FishWildlife.pdf |
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Thursday |
Thursday Morning Bird Walk #3
Enjoy Spring migration at its peak! Hike easy to moderate trails at the Wayne F. McCallum Wildlife Management Area north of Lake Chauncy with Nick Paulson of the Forbush Bird Club.
Masks required and numbers will be limited. Pre-registration is required and opens two days in advance; please email leader Nick Paulson, grendelpgill@yahoo.com / (508) 330-4401 by 5 pm 5/12/21 to register. Directions: Take Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller Way [formerly Hospital Road] off Lyman Street in Westborough. Park and meet at the yellow gate at the end of the road near the water. Trail Map: http://westboroughcharm.org/guide/maps/map_FishWildlife.pdf Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org |
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Sunday |
Family Nature Hike: Nature for Kids and Curious Adults!
Covid Update: Masks covering the nose and mouth are required for all WCLT events, and social distancing will be practiced.
Weather and other factors may cause event cancellation. Please check westboroughlandtrust.org before leaving to attend any event. Come on a kid-length hike where kids and people of all ages will find out how to identify local trees, plants, and animals, and learn some basic natural history of the area. Parents/Guardians must supervise their children; this is not a drop-off event. Meet at the Mill Pond School parking lot, 6 Olde Hickory Path, Westborough, MA. No reservation needed. Trail Map: http://westboroughcharm.org/guide/maps/mill_pond_map.pdf Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org |
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Monday |
Birds of the New England Swamp (Speaker: Peter Christoph) And WCLT Annual MeetingNOTE: Location change to Knights of Columbus Hall, 17 Willow St. (In-person indoor event—masks covering mouth and nose required.) (Can also be viewed in real time online and on cable television.) Wildlife photographer Peter Christoph presents a narrated slideshow, sharing both his award-winning images and his photographic secrets as he brings you inside a typical New England swamp. Enjoy an intimate look into the many varieties of birds that inhabit our swamps, including ospreys and herons, shorebirds, and woodpeckers and other cavity dwellers. Sloshing through the swamp so you don’t have to, Peter captures the birds’ many activities including nest building, feeding their young, and catching their prey. You’ll almost want to bring your own wading boots and bug spray as you experience this captivating presentation! WCLT Annual Meeting to follow. No food will be served this year but please feel free to bring a water bottle. The public is welcome, and non-members should feel free to leave before the business portion of the evening. The entire event will also be broadcast live online at Westborough TV's YouTube channel and on television in Westborough: Verizon 24 and Charter 191. Virtual meeting participation in real time will be available via text messaging. Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org |
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Sunday |
Introducing Westborough's New Public Open Space #1: Zwicker Farm
The Town of Westborough recently acquired the Zwicker Farm property on Belknap Street. The property consists of meadows, wetlands, and old hayfields, with some existing trails.
Explore this 31-acre newly-public open space area with Don Burn, long-time WCLT member, Charm Bracelet Trails creator, former Open Space and Recreation Committee member, and current Active Transportation and Safety Committee member. The walk will be about 1 mile, with stops to discuss the history and future plans for the farm. Park and meet in the field across from 27 Belknap Street, Westborough. Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org |
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Monday |
Monday Bird Walk #1: Fall Migration
This is the first of three Monday morning walks in this very productive area during the peak of fall migration.
Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Lake Chauncy gate at the end of the ball fields, off Lyman St. in Westborough. Leader: Nick Paulson of the Forbush Bird Club. [grendelpgill@yahoo.com] (TEXT or leave message: 508-330-4401) Registration is required. Please contact Nick by 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 3. |
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Monday |
Monday Bird Walk #2: Sparrows and Warblers
Mid-October is a great time to discover uncommon sparrows and warblers in the fields around Lake Chauncy.
Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Lake Chauncy gate at the end of the ball fields, off Lyman St. in Westborough. Leader: Nick Paulson of the Forbush Bird Club. [grendelpgill@yahoo.com] (TEXT or leave message: 508-330-4401) Registration is required. Please contact Nick by 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 10. |
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Sunday |
Grand Opening: Gilmore Pond All-Persons' Trail
This event will mark the completion of the first trail in our network that is accessible to everyone.
Through the support of a MassTrails grant and more than 1000 hours of volunteer time, every inch of this ¼ mile loop around Gilmore Pond has been surfaced with firm stone dust, bridging, boardwalks, and a continuous hand rope to ensure that this lovely spot can be enjoyed by everyone. Our grand opening event will include a short dedication followed by a guided walk along the wheelchair and stroller-friendly path. Come and share in our excitement to open this truly unique community resource. Meet at the Gilmore Pond Trail Entrance, GPS address approximately 19 Quick Farm Rd. Westborough. Park along one side of Quick Farm Road. Trail Map: https://westboroughcharm.org/guide/maps/upperjackstraw_trail_map.pdf Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org |
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Sunday |
Morning-long Bird Hike
We will explore fields and ponds around Northborough and Westborough and the MacCallum Wildlife Management Area.
Meet at DIVA’s Restaurant (previously Guiseppe’s Grille) parking lot on Hudson Street (Exit 25A off I-290) in Northborough at 7:30 a.m. Leader: Nick Paulson of the Forbush Bird Club. [grendelpgill@yahoo.com] (TEXT or leave message: 508-330-4401) Registration is required. Please contact Nick by 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 6. |
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Monday |
Monday Bird Walk #3: Waterfowl
November offers a wide variety of waterfowl stopping at Lake Chauncy during their migration.
Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Lake Chauncy gate at the end of the ball fields, off Lyman St. in Westborough. Leader: Nick Paulson of the Forbush Bird Club. [grendelpgill@yahoo.com] (TEXT or leave message: 508-330-4401) Registration is required. Please contact Nick by 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 7. |
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Sunday |
Introducing Westborough's New Public Open Space #2: Despres Property
WEATHER-RELATED UPDATE: The walk is still planned for today, but due to the heavy rain yesterday, there will likely be mud on parts of the trail. Please choose your footwear accordingly.
Westborough Town Meeting recently voted to acquire and preserve the 66-acre Despres Property on Eli Whitney Street, across from Fales School. This newly-blazed parcel of woodland was once pasture, and today the echoes of former farm fields can be found in miles of stone walls, an old lane, a hidden brook, and a curious stone landmark. Katie O'Neill and Declan O'Neill will lead this walk exploring Westborough's newest trails. Park at the Fales School, 50 Eli Whitney Street, Westborough, MA. Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org |
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Sunday |
Nature Discovery for Kids!
The Westborough Community Land Trust invites your child to use their senses to look, touch, listen, smell, and taste to discover the mysteries of nature.
For Kindness Week, WCLT presents a way to "Be Kind to Nature" with a children’s Nature Discovery program. Leaf shapes, bark textures, bird song, and plant smells will open up a new world to explore. The outdoor location is the Fales School parking lot, before the trail hike to introduce the Despres property. Geared to elementary school age children, free. Families are encouraged to stay for the walk at 1:00, which will be co-led by a kid! Park at the Fales School, 50 Eli Whitney Street, Westborough, MA. Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org |
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Westborough Community Land Trust, PO Box 838, Westborough , MA 01581
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