Friends of Alewife Reservation Wishes You All A Happy Conservation filled New Year and the Preservation of our Silver Maple Forest

AND HOPES FOR WISE DECISIONS TO COME DURING 2014 FROM BELMONT, ARLINGTON AND CAMBRIDGE MUNICIPAL LEADERS.

Accomplishments in 2013
  • 12 wildlife walks.
  • 5 poetry/history walks.
  • 2 DCR walks by Boston regional interpretive ranger.
  • New England native garden completed with 62 species of native plants donated and purchased.
  • Regional and state storm water/wetlands completed with FAR support, advocacy and 2 public forums. Grand state opening held by city and state.
  • FAR Forum with Green Cambridge and with Lesley University on silver maple forest.
  • FAR support of silver maple legal case comes to end.
  • FAR and 10 citizens appeal permit for a new Cambridge hotel on floodway in Discovery Park, next to newly restored meadow.
  • 2 Frederick Law Olmstead walks.
  • Regional biodiversity plant survey by Harvard curator and supported by FAR with events surrounding research.
  • Invasive species grant project completed and continues in 2014.
  • Endangered Species (Gentiana Andrewsii) submitted second year .
  • FAR and Green Cambridge protest silver maple forest at Alewife T Station passenger pick up with regional participation.
  • City Open Space Hearing with Councilor Minka V.B in regards silver maple forest and Alewife floodplain.
  • FAR sponsors DCR Park Serve Day with Mystic River Watershed Association and 120 attendees from 5 universities and private companies.
  • Winter cleanup homeless encampments with Lesley University students.
A Winter Blessing
In the shadowed quiet of winter's light
earth speaks softly 
of her longing.

Because the wild places are in tears.
Come, she cries to us.
Kneel down here
on the frosty grass
and feel the prayer buried in the ground.

Bend your ear to my heart
and listen hard.

Love this world, she whispers.
Distill peace from the snow
and water the cities 
with mercy.

Weave wonder from the forest
and clothe grief
with beauty. 

Rest in the rhythm of the turning year,
Trace the bending arc 
Rounding the curve toward justice.
And vow anew to do no harm.

The winter trees stand watch
haloed in the last gleams of the slanting sun.
Glory sings here.
Heaven echoes the call: 
Repeat the sounding joy.

Make your life an answer:
Bow.
Praise.
Rise.


by Rev. Rebecca Parker