September is an exciting month for birders; its hawk migration time. Broad-winged hawks head south to Central and South America between September 1 and September 30. None of these hawks stay north in the winter. Mid-month sees the majority of broad-wings circling and gliding their way south. Broad-winged hawks migrate over land, avoiding flying over…
Heat waves! Westford is experiencing a heat waves this summer, and so is much of the country, Europe, and other parts of the world. Some of us are fortunate in that we can turn on an air conditioner if we want to; not everyone is so lucky. But this ability to cool ourselves is putting…
Each year the Trust presents college scholarships to Westford seniors going to college with an interest in environmental science or related field, demonstrated by coursework and volunteer/community service. Education and conservation are foremost in the minds of the Trust directors and we hope to encourage the youth of Westford to follow this same passion. We…
7/2/22 – From trust President Dave Ebiston: Picture taken with an IPhone which was enlarged , he lives under my shed and mows my lawn for me. Per Mass Audubon, Massachusetts is home to two species of wild rabbit—the native New England Cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis) and the non-native Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus). The latter was introduced…
Summer is here, and most forest wildflowers have bloomed and set seed. If you enjoy identifying plants on your walks, may I suggest ferns? These are a fairly easy group of non-flowering plants to learn, as there are only 100 or so fern species in the northeastern area of the U.S. In most of our…
In This Issue A Capstone Event – by David Ebitson Abbot School Trail – by Bill Harman Ecologies – A Game Review by Mark Minnucci Nip The Knotweed – A Manual Control Method O’Brien Farm Gets a New Footbridge – by David Ebitson Tom Paul Memorial Guided Walk Spring 2022 Newsletter
Have you been woken up in the morning by an insistent, clear whistle, “peter-peter-peter” coming through your open window? The singer is one of our most common birds, the Tufted Titmouse. This cute little gray bird with the perky crest often proclaims his territory with this “morning song”. He may sing this song at other…
WCTrust BirdWalk at Emmet Land May 14, 2022 7:30-9:15 a.m. Led by Lenny Palmer Bird & wildlife ID assist by Marian Harman A beautiful day–warm, sunny, very few biting insects Birds Ovenbird, 2-3 Baltimore Oriole, 2-3 Warbling Vireo, 2 Common Yellowthroat, 1 Yellow Warbler, 1 Rose-breasted Grosbeak, 1-2 Prairie Warbler, 1 Yellow-rumped Warbler,…
Spring migration–the most exciting time of the year! April and May see the influx of southern birds into our yards and open spaces. We hear bird song from our resident and from our migratory birds. I love hearing their songs and like to try it identify them. I have spent many years learning bird songs…
Thanks to all who stopped by our Trust table at the Earth day event on our town common! Thanks to Westford Climate Action and co-sponsors who helped make this such a successful Earth day and Earth Month! We were able to give out 70 young native tree and shrub seedlings at this event. If you…
Do you frequent trails in town? Explore new areas beyond the same old trails! Become a frequent hiker! The Westford Conservation Trust now has a recognition program for dedicated hikers like you. At the urging of Trust member Andy Mallio, two levels of recognition are supported. If you visit every one of the hiking areas…
Late winter/early spring is the time to look out for activity near your local vernal pool on the first rainy, warm nights of spring. Here are some photos from areas near a few Westford vernal pools from Saturday, MARCH 12th Any day now, when we get a big soaking rain with a nighttime temperature…
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