Daniel Factor (in picture, wearing orange jacket) will be on trial in Court (at Middlesex Cambridge Court in Medford) for trespassing charges stemming from 10/27 among 12 others arrested from Cambridge. Danny's trial will highlight the serious undermining of climate adaptation measures and damage to the watershed area and to habitat functions. Daniel is an attorney and a member of the Green Party of Massachusetts. (Danny's Silver Maple Forest page on Facebook) For more information call FAR at 617 415-1884.

(removed from right panel)

• Sat, Jun 28, 10am-12noon: Save the Silver Maple Forest Rally And Parade
• Cambridge City Council unanimous Policy Order Protects Silver Maple Forest

Bristol state college, Southeastern Mass. Feb. 20. (Registration)
Participate and celebrate our finite earth's biodiversity in 2015 during the International Year of the Soils in Southeastern Massachusetts at Bristol State College with planet-enlightened specialists from New England and elsewhere, and municipal leaders, creative farmers, gardeners, carbon-soils experts and wetland conservationists who know how to return our atmospheric carbon build-up back into open space soils, wetlands, yards, farms, and to spotlight cities and agricultural models which are in the public spotlight as successful with widespread organic urban agricultural practices. Climate change carbon sequestration methods which protect land, air and water resources are producing deeper earth-based understandings among our citizens to learn adaptation measures which presently point the way for doable conservation techniques that all of us will benefit from when energy shortages come to our communities.

Join FAR and expert naturalist and wildlife tracker, David Brown as we walk and snowshoe through the Alewife Reservation to observe and learn about wildlife and their tracks in the Alewife Reservation.

Snow shows are encouraged, but not mandatory.

Meet at the Alewife Reservation parking lot, 15 Acorn Drive, Cambridge, MA.

These maintenance projects are sorely needed before growth begins in the Spring. We will maintain healthy trees and shrubs and remove the invasive plants that choke out native plants.

Bill Green has led wild area maintenance groups in Sudbury and on the Harbor Islands. He is a highly experienced and pleasant guide and mentor in matters of biodiversity and conservation. Please volunteer at 617-415-1884.

Meet at the Alewife Reservation parking lot, 15 Acorn Park Drive, Cambridge, MA.

MIT Tang Center (Building E51; corner of Amherst & Wadsworth Streets)
The Metropolitan Area Planing Council (MAPC) will present interim results from the Cambridge Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment, focused on vulnerabilities related to flooding from greater precipitation and heat vulnerabilities based on higher temperatures. More details will be forthcoming. (full report)

Waiting to hear if he can have join us at a possible Solstice on the 20th. (flyer)

Meet at the Alewife parking lot, 15 Acorn Drive, Cambridge, MA.

At First Church in Belmont, Unitarian Universalist, 404 Concord Ave., Belmont, across from the Post Office.

Film on Conservation planning with Community Service in mind and memorializing loved ones. Information: 617 484-1054 or 617-415-1884. (flyer)

Biodiversity for A Livable Planet
Restoring ecosystems to reverse global climate change

A public environmental hearing is scheduled for the last week in October to bring forward scientists who testified throughout the DEP trials to speak in an Environmental Hearing about Alewife floodplain, wildlife and storm water runoff or water rises throughout the Alewife watershed.
831 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA.

This protest after the week-end activities of bike ride and river walk will demonstrate the extent to which the neighborhood cares about their floodplain, climate change and future generations to have the honor and joy of possessing a forest and wildlife refuge.

Call for more information: 617-520-4720 for details.

By car: Enter on Acorn Park Drive; go to the parking lot to park; walk North to the protest area.
By public transportation: From the Alewife T station, walk North to the bridge; walk West through Alewife Reservation to Acorn Park Drive; walk North to the protest area.

A Policy Order on the floodplain forest at Alewife will be presented and discussed. Many are needed for this Order and to speak to the silver maples.

Please call on the morning of the meeting (beginning at 9am) or come early to 831 Broadway, where the issue will be heard. The forest is being cut before the Building Permit has been issued.

Come join a beautiful Fall nature walk along Little River in Cambridge and Belmont, and learn about geology, Native American history, and farming. Cosponsored by Belmont Citizens Forum, Friends of Alewife Reservation, Mystic River Watershed Association, and the Coalition to Preserve the Belmont Uplands. The walk will take place rain or shine. Dress accordingly. (flyer)
Meet at the Alewife Reservation Parking Lot, 15 Acorn Park Drive, Cambridge, MA.

Join Friends of Alewife Reservation, Green Cambridge, and the Silver Maple Forest Alliance for a 3.4 mile family friendly bike ride. This short ride will last about an hour and showcase the regional natural resource that is the Alewife Reservation area. The Silver Maple Forest, which is under threat of being clearcut, will be the center of the ride.
Meet at the Alewife T entrance near Jerry's Pond.

By car: Enter on Acorn Park Drive; go to the parking lot to park; walk North to the protest area.
By public transportation: From the Alewife T station, walk North to the bridge; walk West through Alewife Reservation to Acorn Park Drive; walk North to the protest area.

Mass Fish and Wildlife produces a loaded calendar for Ma. rivers and wetlands activities. http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/der/riversandwetlandscalendar2014.pdf

FAR urges everyone to keep up with this state agency department and calendar to know all of the marvelous opportunities throughout Massachusetts for those that live in the state and visit it.

Friends of Alewife (FAR) and Green Cambridge (GC) sponsor a presence rally at the Silver Maple Forest on Acorn Park Drive. Please make a sign for the rally. (suggested slogans) We need you, your friends and group contacts to join. Attendance determines what other events we will plan.

Meet at the Lesley University Porter Exchange Building, Mass Ave, 2nd Floor. The Alliance is comprised of environmental organizational representatives, convened by the Lesley Department of Natural Science and Mathematics Department. Groups participating include MA Sierra Club, Mystic River Watershed Association, FAR, GC, Fresh Pond Residents’ Alliance, MA Peace Action, and Climate Action Liaison Coalition. The group meets to provide support for the Silver Maple Campaign, particularly scientific reports and educational work and student involvement.

see HONKfest.org

Silver Maple Forest Alliance seeks participants and volunteers to assist stilt dancers, march in the parade, or hand out flyers to the crowd. 617-520-4720 or 617-415-1884 to volunteer or for more information. Join us for this fun and important public action.

You can just walk in the March/Parade on October 12, but if you want to do more (such as wear a costume, help with puppets or stilt dancers, hand out literature to the crowds on the sidelines, or carry one of our giant Alewife fish puppets) please fill out this Volunteer Form.

Meet at Davis Square in Somerville (map) and march to Harvard Square in Cambridge

Friends of Alewife (FAR) and Green Cambridge (GC) sponsor a presence rally at the Silver Maple Forest on Acorn Park Drive. Please make a sign for the rally. (suggested slogans) We need you, your friends and group contacts to join. Attendance determines what other events we will plan.

Second National Lawyer’s Guild training/strategy session at the Democracy Center, 45 Mt. Auburn Street for more participants in the forest presence campaign.

Professional wildlife assessor who has made Alewife Reservation a special priority and concern. He will lead all interested wildlife lovers and forest enthusiasts on a one linear mile trail walk down Little River to the silver maple forest and to Little Pond in Belmont. He understands flora and fauna at Alewife and knows thoroughly our ecosystems and the Reservation's needs. Join us this Sunday at 1 for a 2 hour walk.

For more information: 617 415-1884 or cell: 617 290-4864.

The Boston Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild will inform us about conscientious resistance actions.

The meeting is at the Democracy Center, 45 Mt Auburn Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge (map). Hosted by Green Cambridge (617-520-4720) and supported by Friends of Alewife Reservation.

Wicked Local Staff Photo/David Gordon

photo: Environmentalists Protest The Silver Maple Forest Project

Ben Beckwith begins the silver maple letter writing campaign outdoors at the Alewife Reservation. Join him with music and pen to illustrate the worth of this unique urban wild.

Come write urgent letters to selectmen, councilors and legislators to halt or delay any permitting for O’Neil Properties to destroy and build 300 units on the silver maple forest until there is more information from the publication of a city-wide climate Vulnerability Assessment Study of the Upper Alewife Basin area (Cambridge, Belmont, North and West Cambridge, East Arlington and Somerville) in the Mystic River watershed. This Study release is scheduled for November and is delayed 3 times,opening the door to more floodplain permitting. We will ask for a halt to all permits on and around the floodplain. Also, we write to promote education and planning in north and west Cambridge among councilors and selectmen for a regional approach to protecting those at 3-5 feet above sea level in the Alewife vicinity where several thousand units are being built. Refreshments will be served. Ben Beckwith will be coordinating the letter writing and play inspiring songs. The four letter-writing events are sponsored and hosted by Friends of Alewife Reservation. Contact office at 617 415-1884. Look for rain dates on the FAR web calendar, above.

If you can't make it to one of these sessions or would rather do it on your own, here is a are sample letters to:
Silver Maple Forest Preservation Letter to Representative David Rogers, by Ben Beckwith
Silver Maple Forest Preservation Letter to Martha Coakley, by Walter Kittredge

We meet by the large restored wildflower meadow by picnic benches on Acorn Park Dr. (map)

At Lesley University, 29 Everett St, Cambridge, MA. (map)

Further planning for silver maple forest preservation actions based on Silver Maple Forest Campaign by local environmental groups.

(

Ages 10 and older welcome! Wear full covering, hats and repellent and bring water bottle. (flyer)

Dave Brown, noted wildlife specialist in the Boston area will present a program on Wildlife at Alewife. He has reconnoitered the area for years and knows its habitat and ecological value. He also understands the 130 acre DCR managed Reservation as an entire ecosystem, which he calls the "Alewife Ecosystem". Despite over-development around and in the urban wild floodplain, the area functions successfully as a wildlife refuge for Belmont, Arlington and Cambridge and for the entire Mystic River watershed greenway from the Mystic River to Little Pond in Belmont, where otter peruse the banks of the North Trail's Little River to Little Pond, and deer, coyote, fox and mink can be found along with over 90 bird species.

Dave will introduce wildlife tour participants the high environmental value of these wild creatures and their Reservation habitat for humans and non-humans, and their rarity. (We have sightings of 21 mammals and over 90 bird species). The Alewife Reservation is a major environmental educational resource for universities, schools and passive recreation, and demonstrates by its natural resources richness, the municipal and global need for strong conservation protections, if we are to conserve ourselves for today and for future climate change and over development. The Alewife Reservation is an important floodplain to the Mystic River watershed and for protection of down stream communities which reach to the Atlantic ocean. These walks will bring the urgency for municipal and state attention to the largest untouched urban wild in the Boston area. There is little time left to preserve this rare forest and its wildlife and to protect citizens from extensive flooding with climate change.

Meet at the Alewife Reservation Parking Lot.

Meet at the Friends of Alewife office.

Ages 10 and older welcome! Materials and snacks will be available for letter writing, with some guitar playing. (flyer)

Meet at the Alewife Reservation Parking Lot.

Ages 10 and older welcome! Bring a water bottle. Wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. (flyer)

Meet at the Alewife Reservation Parking Lot.

• Delay all permits in the Silver Maple Forest area until the Climate Vulnerability Assessment Study has been interpreted.
• Join with the Arlington Board of Selectmen and the Cambridge City Council in purchasing the Silver Maple Forest.

• Comply with DEP guidelines in regards Uplands development with new 100 year storm events (more)
• Delay all permits in the Silver Maple Forest area until the Climate Vulnerability Assessment Study has been interpreted.
• Reassess all permits that show on FEMA maps as 100 year floodplain and floodway areas.
• Join with the Arlington Board of Selectmen and the Cambridge City Council in purchasing the Silver Maple Forest.

• Andres T. Rojas   contact form   Phone: 617-993-2610
• Mark A. Paolillo   contact form   Phone: 617-993-2610
• Sami S. Baghdady   Phone: 617-993-2610   email

• Email that you support setting aside funds to purchase the Silver Maple Forest (model letter)
• August 5, 6pm: attend the hearing on allocation category percentages to support setting aside funds to purchase the Silver Maple Forest.
  Citywide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA
  

• Lisa Peterson, Committee Chair   lisap@cambridgema.gov
• Karen Preval, Senior Management Analyst   kpreval@cambridgema.gov

• Delay all permits in the Silver Maple Forest area until the Climate Vulnerability Assessment Study has been interpreted.
• Join with the Belmont Board of Selectmen and the Cambridge City Council in purchasing the forest.

• Byrne, Steven M., Chair   781-910-7041   smbyrne1987@gmail.com
• Curro, Jr., Joseph A., Vice Chair   781-641-4190   jcurro@alumni.tufts.edu
• Dunn, Daniel J.   617-710-4081   dunster@dandunn.org
• Greeley, Kevin F.   781-648-1973   Greeleycom@AOL.com
• Mahon, Diane M.   781-646-9038   dianemahon@verizon.net

• Pass a resolution against the further development of the Alewife flood plain.
• Join with the Belmont Board of Selectmen and the Cambridge City Council in purchasing the forest.

• Mike Connolly: 857-236-1901- Cambridge
• Ellen Mass: 617-415-1884 - Cambridge
• Quinton Zondervan: 617-388-3799 - Cambridge
• David Landskov: 781-646-7114 - Arlington
• Anne Marie Lambert: bcfprogramdirector@gmail.com- Belmont

Letter from city Housing Authority assessment on floods (letter)

From Belmont Storm Water Working Group - Anne Marie Lambert (letter)

(text of order)

• Photos
• Video:
  • Introduction (1 min)
  • Speeches (16 min)
  • Speeches (12 min)
  • Parade, Entertainment (9 min)
  • Invocation, Entertainment (4 min)
  • Speeches (9 min)
  • Closing (5 min)

(letter)

(letter)

Meet at the FAR office.

(letter)

(letter)

Meet at the FAR office.

(more)

Links to other Organizational sites:

• Save the Silver Maple Forest
• The Silver Maple Forest
• NEWS TO US: SILVER MAPLE SAVIORS
• Letter to the Editor From: Friends of Alewife Reservation
• Silver Maple Forest Day of Action!
• The River is a Restless Spirit - Life in the floodplain forest

Identify edible, medicinal, and other useful plants growing in the Alewife Reservation. Find out what plants and teas have been used for food, medicine, dyes, cordage, and other useful things. Dress appropriately for the weather (rain gear or sun hat), muddy trails (waterproof shoes or boots), and ticks (long pants tucked into socks, long-sleeved shirts). Bring drinking water and bug spray.

Meet at the Alewife Reservation Parking Lot.

John continues his bird watching treks through the North Trail, but especially the storm water wetland. See sightings.

Meet at the Alewife Reservation Parking Lot.

(flyer) (press release)

Meet at MBTA Alewife Station.

(more)

(flyer)

Join animal tracker and naturalist Dave Brown to explore the wildlife at Alewife Reservation. Especially for employees of the area, but all are welcome.

Meet at the Alewife Reservation Parking Lot.

Sat, Jun 7, 1pm-3pm: All Abilities Walk with Kathy Johnson

This all ability walk takes us to Yates Pond where many wading birds reside, turtle sun themselves and fish thrive. Black crowned night heron and Great Blues are there and share with cormorants and geese. Nesting areas can be seen. Kathy knows her birds as kindred spirits and animals to be protected. (kharmony47@gmail.com or FAR office 617 415-1884)

Meet at the Bridge over Little River and entrance near Alewife Station.

Stephen is an avid gardner and astute naturalist. Steve is highly familiar with the North Trail and has worked on its maintenance and cares deeply about the area. He has many tales to tell and great humorist. Favorite guide to many. He will lead a group in a general ecological awareness tour of the Reservation down the North Trail with much chatting about what has been seen and importance of good stewardship along the trail, and what might be planted there. Steve has led some work crews to maintain the path and is a volunteer for Friends of Alewife Reservation as well. This is an easy 2-hour walking tour for all ages. Call: 617-415-1884 for more information.

Meet at the Alewife Reservation Parking Lot.

Attend a regional conference on our New England area present and future Climate changes and Options for the Boston Metropolitan Region at Harvard Medical School's Joseph B. Martin Conference Center. Grassroots organizations are heavily involved. (information and registration)

(flyer)

After a long winter, it's a great time to see the river and surrounding habitat as migratory birds return and hibernating animals emerge. It is also a great time to write government leaders about the importance of this area for wildlife habitat and for stormwater management to prevent flooding in the local area. We will travel along the river, meadow, and forest habitat which is home to wildlife such as red fox, coyote, river otter, mink, cottontail rabbit, voles, snapper turtles, and over 40 residential birds such as hawks, wild turkey, blue heron, cat birds, hummingbirds, and goldfinches. If needed bring high boots for mud and puddles.

Meet at the Alewife Reservation Parking Lot.

See the Environmental League of Massachusetts offer.

The 5-2-1 Action Group and its parent group, Cambridge's Healthy Children Task Force, invites you to join us in celebrating national screen-free week. This weeklong event in the city is designed to support and inform thoughtful choices about screen-time. Have a look at the week's menu of screen-free fun and see what meets you or your family's schedule and interests. This weeklong campaign has been created to remind all of us of the many ways to play, interact, relax, and be creative without digital devices, TVs, or screens (including smartphones).

Everything during the week has been volunteer-organized and volunteer-run and is free. (flyer)

Sat, May 24, 10am–12noon: All Abilities Walk around Alewife Reservation watershed area  

Alewife T area ponds and river channel walk led by long time FAR monitor, Kathy Johnson, grounded in bird behavior understanding and familiar with permanent living species at Alewife Reservation. Meet at Alewife Reservation entry bridge just north of Alewife Station Passenger Pick up. Share observations of herons, swans, turtles, geese, commorants, ducks and all of Kathy's friends. Contact: 617 955-7421. Bring binoculars.

Meet at the Bridge over Little River near Alewife Station just north of Passenger Pick up.

John Sharp, of the Menotomy Bird Club, will lead a birding expedition in Alewife Reservation.

Meet at the Alewife Reservation Parking Lot in Cambridge.

Identify edible, medicinal, and other useful plants growing in the Alewife Reservation. Find out what plants and teas have been used for food, medicine, dyes, cordage, and other useful things. Dress appropriately for the weather (rain gear or sun hat), muddy trails (waterproof shoes or boots), and ticks (long pants tucked into socks, long-sleeved shirts). Bring drinking water and bug spray. Next Edible Wild Plants is 6/15 same time and same place.

Meet at the Alewife Reservation Parking Lot in Cambridge.

Sketching urban wild natural resources at Alewife Reservation as part of Screen Free Week in Cambridge. We'll sketch trees and plants in the area. Teacher will work with adults and children on their drawings. Bring a pencil or sharpie pen and a small sketch book. Contact Janet at: 617 354-6449 or FAR at 617 415-1884.

Meet at the Alewife Reservation Parking Lot in Cambridge.

A fantastic climate change leadership summit for HS and JH students is happening Saturday, May 10, from 9am - 3pm at MIT in Cambridge. The day is free and includes two dazzling keynote speakers and a wide array of workshops...a great hip hop artist...plus free lunch, lots of exhibits and a free photo booth! How cool is that??! Come learn new skills, talk with leaders, and get psyched! Check out the website full of yummy info plus the flyer.

Global Earth Day to May Day 2014
People, Planet, Peace over Profit
globalclimateconvergence.org

Register your support for legislative funding now FAR encourages its members to act now and help bring greater funding to DCR's Alewife Reservation and to its parks throughout the state. (more)

See http://www.cambridgema.gov/~/media/Files/DHSP/Msyep/Opportunities.ashx page 3 for the description of Summer Ecology Camp at Alewife Reservation.

2014 Mayors Youth Summer Employment Program (MYSEP)
Pick up applications at the High School or at 51 Inman St.

Natural Science and Mathematics Director, Dave Morimoto will lead a group throughout the Reservation.

Meet at the Alewife Reservation Parking Lot in Cambridge.

Learn more!       Register online today!

First Board meeting of the year will discuss by-laws and ways to empower ourselves and needed work for 2014 and 2015. Board and Advisory planning. Areas needing volunteers. Areas needing experts. Outreach roles. Interconnectedness with other groups and organizations.

Visitors are welcome. For more information, call FAR at 617‑415‑1884.

Meet at FAR office at Fresh Pond Mall.

Call FAR for more information at 617 415-1884

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) invites you to attend DCR’s 8th Annual Park Serve Day, Saturday April 26, 2014 at parks across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Online registration is now open for those who wish to register prior to the event. (more)

(full size poster)

Come plant trees with Forrester Research, Inc. and Friends of Alewife reservation.

Meet at the Alewife Reservation Parking Lot.

Maggi Brown, interpretive ranger, brings families up North Trail at Alewife Reservation

Welcome families. Awaken your senses at Alewife Reservation. Join us on a spring discovery walk as we look, smell, listen, taste and touch the signs of spring before us. We'll play some sensory nature games along the way. Dress for wet and muddy trails. No baby strollers please. Family fun for ages 8 and up. 1.5 hours. Free and open to the public.

(full-size flyer)

Join animal tracker and naturalist Dave Brown to explore the wildlife at Alewife Reservation.

Meet at the Alewife Brook Reservation parking lot at Cambridge Discovery Park at 100 Acorn Park Drive in Cambridge. Just off of Route 2 coming East.

For more site information, visit the DCR website for Alewife Reservation. For other information, call FAR at 617-415-1884.

Wed, Apr 19, 10am: Nature Walk for All Abilities with Kathy Johnson

Kathy Johnson is a daily Alewife Reservation monitor with her scooter and sharp eye. Birds and animals have become her friends, and she understands them intuitively, knowing when and where nesting time requires caution and quiet. She will bring participants to Yates Pond April 19 at 10am canilever bridge to observe herons, comorants, and possibly swans. She knows the birds’ habits and will identify each one with personal familiarity. Then travel down the Reservation multi-purpose path to the storm water wetlands where the varied marshes and islands begin to indicate a diverse habitat for bird life.

Meet at the Alewife Brook Reservation parking lot at Cambridge Discovery Park at 100 Acorn Park Drive in Cambridge. Just off of Route 2 coming East.

For more site information, visit the DCR website for Alewife Reservation. For other information, call FAR at 617-415-1884.

(full-size poster)

July 7 - August 15, Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-3pm

Do you like wildlife and outdoors? The Summer Ecology Camp at Alewife Reservation will immerse you in a rare urban wild where you can learn about plants, animals and insects. You will develop various green job skills, such as landscaping, orienteering, land and water assessment, water quality testing, etc. (details)

(full-size flyer)

John Sharp has been leading trips for Menotomy Birds for many years, and recently brought groups out to the roosting air show at Alewife. He will take you on an unforgettable birding walk and assist in identification and behavioral characteristics of various birds that frequent the Alewife Reservation. Beginners are welcome.

Meet at the Alewife Brook Reservation parking lot at Cambridge Discovery Park at 100 Acorn Park Drive in Cambridge. Just off of Route 2 coming East. (map)

For more site information, visit the DCR website for Alewife Reservation. For other information, call FAR at 617-415-1884.

(full-size flyer)

Stephen is an avid gardner and astute naturalist. He will lead a group in a general ecological awareness tour of the Reservation down the North Trail with much chatting about what has been seen and importance of good stewardship along the trail, and what might be planted there. Steve has led some work crews to maintain the path and is a volunteer for Friends of Alewife Reservation as well. This is an easy 2-hour walking tour for all ages.

Meet at the Alewife Reservation parking lot at Cambridge Discovery Park at 100 Acorn Park Drive in Cambridge. Just off of Route 2 coming East. (map)

For more site information, visit the DCR website for Alewife Reservation. For other information, call FAR at 617-415-1884.

(full-size flyer)

John Sharp has been leading trips for Menotomy Birds for many years, and recently brought groups out to the roosting air show at Alewife. He will take you on an unforgettable birding walk and assist in identification and behavioral characteristics of various birds that frequent the Alewife Reservation. Beginners are welcome.

Meet at the Alewife Brook Reservation parking lot at Cambridge Discovery Park at 100 Acorn Park Drive in Cambridge. Just off of Route 2 coming East. (map)

For more site information, visit the DCR website for Alewife Reservation. For other information, call FAR at 617-415-1884.

No to DCR Budget Reductions. Alewife Reservation needs the assistance. The next Interpretive Ranger Walk April 24th at 1pm. The House Ways & Means budget would cut DCR State Parks & Recreation by $1.7M, including the rangers who lead these walks.

TODAY, please send one email or make one phone call to your State Representative. (more)

Frederick Law Olmstead

Join Frederick Law Olmstead to learn about gological, Native American, and farming history, and the various pollution challenges since the 18th century.
Meet at the Acorn Park Drive parking lot. Open to the public. (flyer)

Alewife Reservation mutli-purpose walking trip with Kathy Johnson

When: Sat, March 29, 1pm – 3pm

Where: Alewife Reservation Entry Bridge and FAR garden behind Alewife T stop (map) Car parking inside Alewife T garage

Description: We explore two very accessible waterways confluence of Little River and Yates Pond around Passenger Pick up at Alewife T to see what birds we can find and how they are faring from wintering here or returning after long migration. Relatively easy physical event. Wheelchair users will be able to join and participate fully and anyone with physical limitations. Beginners who want to learn about birds , their habits and how we humans are connected at Cambridge's Western most edge. Amazing findings. See FAR Columns in the Arlington Advocate for my stories. Great spots for artists who enjoy sketching or painting water birds and photographers. Wear warm clothing, a hat, binoculars and guide book.
Sponsored by Friends of Alewife Reservation: Call 617 955-7421 for more information. (flyer)

A robin caught eating some sumac at Alewife Reservation recently. Courtesy Kathy Johnson

Just a couple of days ago I saw dried leaves and underbrush near the creek or channel, historically, "Alewife Brook," which runs beside and into Little River from North Cambridge. I thought how colorless and cold it looked in spite of shining blue skies, and it was only 20 degrees.(more)

Friends of Alewife Reservation and Green Cambridge will host a park cleanup along Alewife Brook and Little River in coordination with DCR Park Serve Day on Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. The day is also in honor of International Seed Day. All supplies will be provided. Volunteers should meet outside the Alewife MBTA station at the passenger pickup area. (flyer)
Contact: www.friendsofalewifereservation.org or
(617)-415-1884 or info@friendsofalewifereservation.org

This event is part of Mystic Community Earth Day 2014.

Malden Public Library, March 17, 6:30
Sponsored by Metropolitan Area Planning Council (more)

The Medford Arts Center (MACI) is seeking artists of various media for the first annual juried “Into the Mystic” Environmental Art and Film Festival for June 20-22, 2014 which will be held at Hyatt Place, 116 Riverside Ave., Medford. The opening reception is Friday, June 20th, from 6-9 pm. The festival is a collaboration of MACI, Green Medford, Mystic River Watershed Association, The City of Medford’s Office of Energy and Environment, and the Friends of the Mystic River.

(details)

Mass Audubon's Norm Smith released a Snowy Owl at Plum Island that he had trapped at Logan Airport. As is always the case with Norm Smith, it was a compelling event. There were at least 200 people on hand for the memorable occasion.

(more, including videos)

2014 Massachusetts Sustainable Communities & Campuses Conference
April 17, 2014
Umass Lowell Conference Center

Join with FAR on Solutions for Sustainable towns and cities in New England. (conference info and registration)

video: Kathy Haines

FAR and Menotomy Bird Event - December 21, 2013
Host: John Sharp
Click picture to watch.

photo: George Mclean

Click picture to see it larger.

A video interview with Claire Hope Cummings, laywer, author, journalist and environmentalist. Founder of the Sacred Land Foundation, now the Cultural Conservancy. Author of Uncertain Peril: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Seeds.

"[I]t's about … reconnecting spirit, nature, and culture and we have to have all three." (video)

Bruno Carderelli, engineer at Kleinfelder Co. holds one of three dead Canada geese, whose cause of death remains uncertain.

Treat yourself to a “stay-cation” or treat your visitors, $225 value. (more)

Ellen Mass, FAR President

February 26th, 2014 at 7:00-9pm (flyer) (program)
University Hall Amphitheater
Lesley University
1815 Mass. Ave, 2nd floor

Join us to hear two dynamic speakers discuss their work on the Alewife Reservation, a unique urban wild located in the heart of , Arlington and Belmont. Stay after the speakers to learn more about the Friend’s of the Alewife Reservation and how you can get involved.

Duke Bitsko is the Interdisciplinary Director and staff Supervisor at the Bioengineering Group of Salem with backgrounds in engineering, landscape architecture and earth sciences. He will discuss his work designing Cambridge’s newly-engineered storm water wetland at the Alewife Reservation, the largest of its kind in New England, including marshes, islands, and over 100,000 wetland plants.

David Brown is a lifelong teacher and naturalist with more than 20 years experience interpreting the trails and signs of mammals and birds of New England. David has been exploring and leading naturalist tours of the Alewife Reservation for about 10 years. David will discuss his professional assessment of the Alewife Reservation's animals and birds, completed with with a MA Fish and Wildlife grant, and well as the value of the Reservation, its animals, and its surroundings, especially the core Silver Maple Forest.

Tuesday, February 4th, 6:00 to 9:00
Cambridge Innovation Center, Kendall Square, Cambridge

Erica Mattison, Legislative Director for the Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM), will be one of the speakers at the event "The Role of Regulation in Furthering Sustainability". Her remarks will focus on how businesses, labor, and environmental advocates are working together to make the case for progressive environmental policies and environmental agency funding. (more)

Maggi Brown, interpretive ranger, brings families up North Trail at Alewife Reservation

(events)

Saturday, March 1st, 2013 at 7:30 pm
Belmont Unitarian Universalist Church
404 Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA
Help Save the Silver Maple Forest. Check in or invite friends on this Facebook event page.

Featuring: The Loomers with foodbaby opening (more)

Giant Route 2 Apartment building sign going up on Route 2
Meeting February 18th, Community Development Senior Center

FAR and Carol appeal to the following for letters before this Friday: Ward 9, North Cambridge Stabilization, Friends of the Mystic, Sustainable Arlington, Sustainable Belmont, neighborhood groups in North Cambridge.
Send letters: Lpaden@cambridgema.us
(more)

Lesley University Amphitheater, Wednesday, Feb. 26th, 7pm.
Sponsored by Lesley University and Friends of Alewife Reservation
Refreshments and slide show. (more) (flyer)

Dave Brown (website)

Duke Bitsko (website)

DEP site visit at Alewife. 10 citizen appeal brings attention to the FEMA 100 year floodplain and floodway. (more)

(more)

December 2013 by Quinton Zondervan, President, Green Cambridge
"While we rarely face water scarcity here, in Belmont, we have seen an increase in extreme weather events, Hurricane Sandy most recently. These events pose threats to our water systems and our physical property…" (more)

click for video

(photos)

Happy Holidays! (full message)

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.

(newsletter)
In This Issue…

• Birding Trip This Saturday - 3:30pm - Alewife Reservation
• Wildlife Specialist Speaks on Alewife Reservation Wildlife
• Groundbreaking Study by Harvard University and Smithsonian
• Uplands Geology Makes Development Difficult
• Lesley students and Friends clean up Alewife Reservation
• DIG BOSTON
• From Julia
• Study to assess Cambridge's climate change vulnerability
• Environmental Pride of the City- New Wetlands
• Invasive Species Removed at Wetland Meadow
• Young heron hampered with plastic or other material around beak at Yates Pond
• High Electromagnetic Fields Threaten Alewife nature areas
• Floodplain Description from 2002 DCR Master Plan

Paul M. Roberts Buzz and Ruby
"We have just observed the Winter Solstice, long celebrated by people as seen in the Winter Revels. It means even more to raptors; is a turning point for raptors in the northern hemisphere. It can mean the difference between life and death…" (more)

(photos) by Kathy Johnson

Join FAR on January 29th February 26 at 7 at Lesley's University Hall Amphitheater to meet others who love Alewife Reservation and want to share many ways to steward and to educate about its rich biodiversity and wildlife. (more)

(flyer)

Photo by Amy Mertl

Friends of Alewife Reservation sponsored a clean up of Alewife Reservation, for which students from the Art Institute of Boston, students and professors from Lesley University, naturalist Walter Kittredge and other friends showed up and collected cubic yards of trash for disposal by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. (flyer)

December 14th at 3pm, Saturday (After the 1:00pm Wildlife Walk with Dave Brown, Cambridge, Ma)
Dance around the Fire and Celebrate the Return of Light to our Mystic/Alewife communities.
Location: Alewife Reservation Parking Lot, Acorn Park Drive.

photo: Derek Kouyoumjian

DigBoston writes about Alewife Reservation&s silver maple forest and floodplain forest and people making a difference. (a href="http://digboston.com/boston-news-opinions/2013/11/news-to-us-silver-maple-saviors/">article)

Many things to do and parks to explore. (flyer)

Full history by Michael Arnott, AMC. (powerpoint slideshow)

by Lucia Lovison Golob, Engineering Geologist and GIS Instructor
"For centuries, the Alewife Brook Reservation and adjacent Belmont Uplands were protected from urban development by their special wetland hydrology and geology…" (article)

Meet at the Alewife Reservation at 11:00 am on Saturday Dec. 7th! (rain date the 8th) (flyer)

Dress warm and bring a bottle of water. All are welcome!

Directions: From the Alewife T-stop passenger pick-up area, cross the street and walk slightly north (right).

"I have not been in the reservation for many years and was so amazed by this jewel of nature right in my neighborhood…" (more)

"I wanted to tell you how impressed I was with an 'in person' visit to the cleared out (phragmites) pathway that leads to Discovery Park…" (more)

"Prolonged heat waves, rising sea water levels, flooding, and severe storms are all among the possible purviews Cambridge will be looking at in a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment…" (article)

"Friends of Alewife Reservation and its Board of Directors wish to inform you of our growing concerns surrounding the Alewife Reservation and its development proposals from The McKinnon Company and its many Firms, and any additional Firms that the City is permitting in the area…" (letter)

"We ask you to consider that the 2013 Cambridge Vulnerability Study was to be completed at the end of December, but will be completed at the end of June 2014. and that the implications may be far and wide…" (press release)

"I sat mesmerized by two silhouettes doing things I had never seen before, not over this period of time with this intensity…" (more)

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