Events Update
Dave Small
http://www.millersriver.net/abnc/abncform.html
Your extra donation will help keep our
Center open this winter
More than 200 friends and neighbors have already become members
Thanks to all for your continued support
Sunday, October 11, 7
a.m. "Early Bird" Birding
with Jeff
Join Jeff as he explores the North Quabbin area for fall
migrant birds. Come for as long as your schedule allows. Meet at the Center.
Severe weather cancels. Info: Jeff Johnstone,
978-249-9052.
Tuesday, October 13, 8-10
a.m. Accessible Birding with
Joe
Join Joe Superchi on the 2nd Tuesday of the month visiting local
sites. Open to birders of all abilities. Meet at the Center. Call ahead for
wheelchair van access, 978-248-9491.
v Wednesday, October 14, 7
p.m.
Wednesday, October 14, 7
p.m.
"Insect Field Guides: Present Limits, Future Possibilities" Eric R.
Eaton
Eric will talk about his experience writing his
indispensable field guide to North American Insects and some of the interesting
insects he has encountered along the way. He will also discuss the future of
field guides, just where are they heading? Eric is a professional writer and
entomologist, principal author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North
America. Eric has built a loyal following as a volunteer for AllExperts.com,
Bugguide.net, and WhatsThatBug.com. Eric is a Tucson Resident on temporary
assignment at UMass Amherst. At the Center 100 Main Street
Athol
Sat., October 17, 8 a.m. Searching the
Valley for Sparrows
Join Jacob Morris Seigel for a sparrow trip in
the Connecticut River Valley. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Center for
carpooling or
at 9 a.m. at the Norwottuck Rail Trail parking lot on the Northampton side of
the Coolidge Bridge. Jacob Morris-Seigel, 413-658-5968 or dendr...@yahoo.com
.
Sunday, October 18, 7 a.m. "Early Bird"
Birding with Jeff
Join Jeff as he explores the North Quabbin area
for fall migrant birds. Come for as long as your schedule allows. Meet at the
Center. Severe weather cancels. Info: Jeff Johnstone, 978-249-9052.
v Wed., Nov. 4; 7:00 p.m.
- 8:30 p.m. Moose: Life History, Ecology and Current Research (at Northfield
Mountain)
Join us for a fascinating evening exploring moose
in Massachusetts. Dr. Stephen DeStefano, one of the foremost experts on
moose in the Northeast, will share highlights from his current research focusing
on their habitat use, distribution and movements. Steve will discuss how
he and his graduate students tag area moose and use high tech equipment to
monitor their movements throughout central and western Massachusetts. The
current population estimate is over 1,000 moose in Massachusetts! This is
a great opportunity to learn more about the largest mammal of our Massachusetts'
forests and how it uses the landscape. This free program is co-sponsored
with the Athol Bird and Nature Club.
Stephen DeStefano is Leader of the
Massachusetts Cooperative Research Unit and a research professor at the
University of Massachusetts in Amherst. He directs a program of research,
education and service focused on fish and wildlife ecology, as well as
human-wildlife interactions and the impact of human activities on wildlife
populations. His work has numerous implications for wildlife management,
conservation biology, and recovery of endangered species. For ages 12 and older
Fee: FREE No Pre-registration required. Location:
FirstLight Power's Northfield Mountain Recreation & Environmental,
Center 99 Millers Falls Road Northfield, MA
01360
Tuesday, November 10, 8-10
a.m.
Accessible Birding with Joe
Join Joe Superchi on the 2nd Tuesday of
the month visiting local sites. Open to birders of all abilities. Meet at the
Center. Call ahead for wheelchair van access, 978-248-9491.
v Wednesday, November 11, 6
p.m. Tom Wessels, "Reading the Forested Landscape"
Join
us at 6 p.m. for dinner meeting and at 7 p.m. for our featured speaker, Tom
Wessels, author of Reading the Forested Landscape. The dinner (lasagna with all
the
fixings) is for members only and is $10 per person; the meeting is free
and open to the public. (Note: Volunteers are needed to provide food. Please
respond to one of the board
members with your choice dish by November 5th.
Members are also encouraged to donate items for a silent auction.) This program
is supported in part by grants from the Athol
and Orange Cultural Councils.
Location: Liberty Hall, Athol Town Hall, 584 Main Street Athol
Ma
Sat., November 28, 7:30 a.m. Birding Plum Island and
Vicinity
Search for late fall and early winter migrants, then enjoy
a warm-up meal and camaraderie at the end of the day. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the
Center for carpooling or call ahead to meet the group at 9 a.m. at Burger King
on Rt.110, Salisbury. Joan or Larry Duprey, 978-249-4964.
v Wednesday, December 10, 7
p.m. Members' Night at the
Center
Come to the Center to share your experiences, trips
and photographs with other members. Plan for about 10-15 minutes, so we'll
have time for everyone!
December 19, all
day Christmas Bird Count.
Join
this "Citizen Science" project, the longest continuously running bird data in
the area. Contact Dave Small for additional information and to participate in
this nationwide annual event: 978-413-1772 or da...@dhsmall.net .
OPEN HOUSE Silvio O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Center
Saturday, October 17, 2009 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM USGS Earth Science Week - Sturgeon, fish ladders, models and research techniques 1 Migratory Way is South of "G" Street after you cross the 11thStreet Bridge Turners Falls, Massachusetts. Groups larger than 6 must have chaperones and call (413) 863-3800 before the 17th. RAIN OR SHINE
Second Annual Massachusetts
Wildlife Trackers Conference
Saturday, November 7, 2009 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Doyle Conservation Center, Trustees of Reservations, Leominster,
MA
9:00
AM doors open, coffee $30 per person (please pre-register: www.masswildlifetrackers.org)
Keynote speaker: Peter G. Mirick of MA Fish and Wildlife “Wildlife
Trends: A Century of Success in Massachusetts Wildlife Conservation”
And
other featured speakers:
Janet Pesaturo, Measuring Marks of Mammals with a
Mission
Chris Wood, Ecology and Food Habits of American
Mink
George Leoniak, Track and Sign
Certification
Richard Wolniewicz, Field Guide to Skulls and
Bones
Jon Sargent, Tracking Ivory-billed
Woodpeckers
Andy Finton, Connecting and Protecting Land in MA
·
See more details, find directions, and REGISTER at
www.masswildlifetrackers.org.
Space is limited. Sign up now.
·
Come meet old friends. Find out ways trackers have been
applying their tracking skills.
·
BYO lunch. Coffee and bagels at sign-in. Drinks and snacks
are provided.
Contact Information:
Bob Metcalfe 978-361-7569 or on www.newenglanddiscovery.com
Lydia
Rogers 978-371-2905 or lydia...@earthlink.net
Jane
Winn 413-442-6815 or ja...@thebeatnews.org
Dave Small
Athol, Massachusetts
da...@dhsmall.net
http://dhsmall.blogspot.com/
978-413-1772
Dave Small
http://www.millersriver.net/abnc/abncform.html
Your extra donation will help keep our
Center open this winter
More than 215 friends and neighbors have already become members
Thanks to all for your continued support
v Wednesday, October 14, 7
p.m.
"Insect Field Guides: Present Limits, Future Possibilities" Eric R.
Eaton
Eric will talk about his experience writing his indispensable field guide to North American Insects and some of the interesting insects he has encountered along the way. He will also discuss the future of field guides, just where are they heading? Eric is a professional writer and entomologist, principal author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America. Eric has built a loyal following as a volunteer for AllExperts.com, Bugguide.net, and WhatsThatBug.com. Eric is a Tucson Resident on temporary assignment at UMass Amherst. At the Center 100 Main Street Athol
Sat., October 17, 8 a.m. Searching the
Valley for Sparrows
Join Jacob Morris Seigel for a sparrow trip in
the Connecticut River Valley. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Center for
carpooling or
at 9 a.m. at the Norwottuck Rail Trail parking lot on the Northampton side of
the Coolidge Bridge. Jacob Morris-Seigel, 413-658-5968 or dendr...@yahoo.com
.
Sunday, October 18, 7 a.m. "Early Bird"
Birding with Jeff
Join Jeff as he explores the North Quabbin area
for fall migrant birds. Come for as long as your schedule allows. Meet at the
Center. Severe weather cancels. Info: Jeff Johnstone, 978-249-9052.
v Wed., Nov. 4; 7:00 p.m.
- 8:30 p.m. Moose: Life History, Ecology and Current Research (at Northfield
Mountain)
Join us for a fascinating evening exploring moose
in Massachusetts. Dr. Stephen DeStefano, one of the foremost experts on
moose in the Northeast, will share highlights from his current research focusing
on their habitat use, distribution and movements. Steve will discuss how
he and his graduate students tag area moose and use high tech equipment to
monitor their movements throughout central and western Massachusetts. The
current population estimate is over 1,000 moose in Massachusetts! This is
a great opportunity to learn more about the largest mammal of our Massachusetts'
forests and how it uses the landscape. This free program is co-sponsored
with the Athol Bird and Nature Club.
Stephen DeStefano is Leader of the
Massachusetts Cooperative Research Unit and a research professor at the
University of Massachusetts in Amherst. He directs a program of research,
education and service focused on fish and wildlife ecology, as well as
human-wildlife interactions and the impact of human activities on wildlife
populations. His work has numerous implications for wildlife management,
conservation biology, and recovery of endangered species. For ages 12 and older
Fee: FREE No Pre-registration required. Location:
FirstLight Power's Northfield Mountain Recreation & Environmental,
Center 99 Millers Falls Road Northfield, MA
01360
Tuesday, November 10, 8-10
a.m.
Accessible Birding with Joe
Join Joe Superchi on the 2nd Tuesday of
the month visiting local sites. Open to birders of all abilities. Meet at the
Center. Call ahead for wheelchair van access, 978-248-9491.
v Wednesday, November 11, 6
p.m. Tom Wessels, "Reading the Forested Landscape"
Join
us at 6 p.m. for dinner meeting and at 7 p.m. for our featured speaker, Tom
Wessels, author of Reading the Forested Landscape. The dinner (lasagna with all
the
fixings) is for members only and is $10 per person; the meeting is free
and open to the public. (Note: Volunteers are needed to provide food. Please
respond to one of the board
members with your choice dish by November 5th.
Members are also encouraged to donate items for a silent auction.) This program
is supported in part by grants from the Athol
and Orange Cultural Councils.
Location: Liberty Hall, Athol Town Hall, 584 Main Street Athol
Ma
Sat., November 28, 7:30 a.m. Birding Plum Island and
Vicinity
Search for late fall and early winter migrants, then enjoy
a warm-up meal and camaraderie at the end of the day. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the
Center for carpooling or call ahead to meet the group at 9 a.m. at Burger King
on Rt.110, Salisbury. Joan or Larry Duprey, 978-249-4964.
v Wednesday, December 10, 7
p.m. Members' Night at the
Center
Come to the Center to share your experiences, trips
and photographs with other members. Plan for about 10-15 minutes, so we'll
have time for everyone!
December 19, all
day Christmas Bird Count.
Join
this "Citizen Science" project, the longest continuously running bird data in
the area. Contact Dave Small for additional information and to participate in
this nationwide annual event: 978-413-1772 or da...@dhsmall.net .
OPEN HOUSE Silvio O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Center
Saturday, October 17, 2009 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM USGS Earth Science Week - Sturgeon, fish ladders, models and research techniques 1 Migratory Way is South of "G" Street after you cross the 11thStreet Bridge Turners Falls, Massachusetts. Groups larger than 6 must have chaperones and call (413) 863-3800 before the 17th. RAIN OR SHINE
Second Annual Massachusetts
Wildlife Trackers Conference
Saturday, November 7, 2009 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Doyle Conservation Center, Trustees of Reservations, Leominster,
MA
9:00
AM doors open, coffee $30 per person (please pre-register: www.masswildlifetrackers.org)
Keynote speaker: Peter G. Mirick of MA Fish and Wildlife “Wildlife
Trends: A Century of Success in Massachusetts Wildlife Conservation”
And
other featured speakers:
Janet Pesaturo, Measuring Marks of Mammals with a
Mission
Chris Wood, Ecology and Food Habits of American
Mink
George Leoniak, Track and Sign
Certification
Richard Wolniewicz, Field Guide to Skulls and
Bones
Jon Sargent, Tracking Ivory-billed
Woodpeckers
Andy Finton, Connecting and Protecting Land in MA
·
See more details, find directions, and REGISTER at
www.masswildlifetrackers.org.
Space is limited. Sign up now.
·
Come meet old friends. Find out ways trackers have been
applying their tracking skills.
·
BYO lunch. Coffee and bagels at sign-in. Drinks and snacks
are provided.
Contact Information:
Bob Metcalfe 978-361-7569 or on www.newenglanddiscovery.com
Lydia
Rogers 978-371-2905 or lydia...@earthlink.net
Jane
Winn 413-442-6815 or ja...@thebeatnews.org
Land Conservation and Land Stewardship volunteer positions, with stipend
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust has received a
grant from the Commonwealth Corps Grants Program to fund stipends for four
volunteer positions in land conservation. Positions require time
commitments of 800 or 1,600 hours over the course of a year and carry stipends
of $5,000 or $10,000. Mount Grace is now accepting applications for each
of the four positions. The positions run from November to the end of
August 2010, and are available to Massachusetts residents only. Interested
candidates should send a resume and cover letter to David Kotker at
kot...@mountgrace.org. Resumes must be received by Friday, October 23rd.
Call 978-248-2055 x 19 for more information.
Regional
Partnership Conservationist
The North Quabbin Regional
Partnership Conservationist works directly with the North Quabbin Regional
Landscape Partnership Coordinator to assist with managing regionally important
land conservation projects, planning and recruitment for educational land
conservation forums, organizing Partnership executive committee meetings, and
assisting with land conservation grant writing.
Applicants should
be familiar with Microsoft office programs and have strong writing and
communication skills, as well as a strong interest in working with landowners
and municipalities to protect the important farms, woodlands and natural areas
of the North Quabbin region. Experience in local government or civic
organizations, or experience in land use planning, grant writing, computer
mapping (GIS), real estate transactions or event planning, is a plus. This
full-time position requires a time commitment of 1,600 hours and carries a
stipend of $10,000, plus benefits including health insurance and a $1,800
end-of-term bonus paid on satisfactory completion of the
program.
This past year, Gary Howland held the regional
conservationist position:
"After 30 years in the computer and
telecommunications industry, I found myself out of work and with no desire to
search for employment within my field when this opportunity to participate in
the Commonwealth Corp presented itself to me. For the last 10 months I have
served the North Quabbin Regional Landscape Partnership as their Regional
Conservationist. As an active member of a small all volunteer land trust,
I decided it was time for a career change and I wanted to do something to help
preserve the environment. The Regional Conservationist position has given me my
first position in my new career. It was a wonderful experience to work with the
truly kind group of people at the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust
facility. Working to support small land trusts, town conservation, open
space, and agricultural committees in the North Quabbin's 26 town area was very
rewarding and challenging. I have been involved with over 31 projects,
ranging from providing assistance in the formation of Agricultural Commissions,
GIS mapping, the revitalization of Open Space Committees, identification of
conservation projects and working with landowners in the protection and
stewardship of their properties. I would encourage anyone with the desire
to make a difference within our communities and in their own lives to consider
applying to this volunteer posting."
Community Outreach
Coordinator
The Community Outreach Coordinator works with
community groups to encourage use of land protected by Mount Grace. The
coordinator will strengthen existing networks of organizations, volunteers and
supporters in each community that benefit from, and support local conservation
projects. Responsibilities include planning and promoting community events
on Mount Grace lands and other public lands, working to identify conservation
projects that meet community needs, and planning service projects for community
volunteers.
Applicants should have a strong background in
community organizing, including experience managing projects to completion,
planning and promoting events, and networking to build coalitions. Strong
identification with the goals of land conservation and stewardship is also
important, as is a familiarity with the cultural resources and existing
community networks of the region. This full-time position requires a time
commitment of 1,600 hours and carries a stipend of $10,000, plus benefits
including health insurance and a $1,800 end-of-term bonus paid on satisfactory
completion of the program.
Service Learning
Coordinator
The Service Learning Coordinator designs,
develops, and delivers service learning experiences to school children and youth
groups. The coordinator will establish long-term working program
relationships with teachers, farmers, foresters and conservation professionals,
develop informational and presentation materials, make classroom presentations,
and facilitate service learning projects on farms and in
forests.
Applicants should be experienced in outdoor education and
in designing informative text and graphic based presentations with Microsoft
software. Applicants should understand and be able to interpret natural
history and have strong communication and project management skills.
Experience in land conservation, organic farming or gardening, forest
stewardship, trail design and maintenance, or teaching children and young adults
is also a plus. This full-time position requires a time commitment of
1,600 hours and carries a stipend of $10,000, plus benefits including health
insurance and a $1,800 end-of-term bonus paid on satisfactory completion of the
program.
Regional Land
Steward
A part-time Regional Land Steward will work with
the Stewardship Biologist to assist town conservation commissions and local land
trusts with baseline documentation reports and annual monitoring visits on
conservation lands. The steward will also develop relationships with
landowners and, set up workshops to train volunteers from town boards and local
land trusts to do baseline reports. The position requires a volunteer time
commitment of 800 hours and carries a stipend of $5,000 plus a $900 end-of-term
bonus paid on satisfactory completion of the program.
Minimum
requirements for this volunteer opportunity include 2 years of college in a
natural resource or scientific field or equivalent work experience.
Applicants must be experienced with computer mapping (ArcGIS 9.2) and with
capturing data using GPS units. Applicants must be experienced at outdoor
navigation with map and compass and comfortable working independently outdoors
in a range of weather conditions. Applicants should be able to identify
local plants and wildlife and also be capable of writing detailed technical
reports using Microsoft software.
Stewards must have a
reliable vehicle.
All Massachusetts residents are eligible for
stipends through this project. Towns served by this project are:
Ashburnham, Athol, Barre, Bernardston, Erving, Gardner, Gill, Greenfield,
Hardwick, Hubbardston, Leverett, Leyden, Montague, New Salem, Northfield,
Orange, Pelham, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Shutesbury, Templeton,
Warwick, Wendell, Westminster, and Winchendon.
Mount Grace Land
Conservation Trust is a regional land trust that serves 23 towns in Franklin and
Worcester counties. It protects significant natural, agricultural and
scenic areas and encourages land stewardship for the benefit of the environment,
the economy and future generations. In 23 years through collaborations and
partnerships, Mount Grace has protected more than 23,000
acres.
Volunteer postings can also be viewed at
http://volunteer.united-e-way.org/mass-service/volunteer/search-2.aspx?zip=01331&radius=0&term_id=&x=25&y=15
and at www.mountgrace.org
Information about Commonwealth Corps is
available on the Massachusetts Service Alliance website at
www.mass.gov/?pageID=gov3subtopic&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Key+Priorities&L2=Civic+Engagement+%26+Strong+Communities&L3=The+Commonwealth+Corps&sid=Agov3
