FIREWISE-Day 2- CHIPPER DAY 2008

FIREWISE CHIPPER DAY 2008
We couldn’t have asked for better weather on Chipper Day, Saturday November 29th. Residents were asked to have their brush curbside, “butt end out” by 8 am. Residents and volunteers from the previous Saturday had gathered large piles of brush along the Forest Corridor. We assisted a few more homeowners that morning as the chipper rolled up the street; together a total of 37 properties were cleaned.

The Firewise Task Force wishes to thank the many homeowners who participated along with the following hardworking volunteers: Tim Grow (CCD), Matt Lewis (CCD) and Eric Kenneally (CCD), Tom McMann (Cub Scouts), Jen Crosby (Friends of the Forest) and Dave Dingledy (Town Forest Committee).

We are grateful to Holbrook Fire Chief O’Brien, and his Department, for their input and ongoing support. Thank you, too, to the Department of Public Works for their assistance and the extra watchfulness of the Holbrook Police Department.

Many thanks go to Norfolk County Forest Fire Patrolman Mike Marquardt for his enthusiasm and for sharing his wealth of knowledge and expertise in helping do the job right; under his guardianship we all worked safely. We are also indebted to Michele Steinberg and the support staff at the National Fire Protection Association, who never left us hanging, and gave us access to lots of wonderful informational tools.

And we could not have had a “Chipper Day” without John West, and his son John, of West Tree Service. John’s continued involvement and tireless support for Holbrook, and the Firewise mission are an extraordinary example of giving back to the community. Thank you, John.

All in all over 35 cubic yard of chips and debris was removed by Mr. West and a few more yards were removed after we finished sweeping the streets.

The day was a great success; and we achieved our Turkey Hill Firewise goal for 2008, making all of our homes, and the Holbrook Town Forest, safer from the threat of wildfire. This wonderful group of people worked together with neighbors and community members to potentially help save lives, reduce property damage, and save fire fighting resources for our town.

Thank you all,

Dale Lewis and Pat Greely
Co-chairs, Turkey Hill Firewise Task Force
Holbrook, Massachusetts

FIREWISE -Day 1- HELP YOUR NEIGHBOR

On the blustery Saturday morning of November 22, a group of dedicated hardworking community volunteers braved the cold and wind to help their neighbors in need.
The Turkey Hill Firewise focus mission for 2008 was to continue to clear the homes surrounding the Town Forest of brush, as we believe this will have the most impact in keeping our homes and forest safe from the spread of wildfire. This helps save lives, property damage, and potentially fire fighting resources for our town.

Last Saturday we got a head start on Chipper Day (to be held this coming Saturday, Nov 29 at 8am), by helping some of the neighbors who needed a little help in getting their brush, and fallen debris curbside. Knowing your actions can help save the lives of a neighbor or firefighter is a very rewarding incentive.

The extraordinary volunteers who pitched in on Saturday November 22 were Tim Grow(CCD), Kyle Kenneally, Matt Lewis(CCD & Troop 56), Chris Vogel(Troop 153), Nicholas LaForge(Troop 56), Dan Lewis(Troop 56), Nick Duggan(Troop 56),Andrew Cummings(Troop 56), and Eric Kenneally(CCD). These young men are to be commended for the hard work , teamwork, and the sense of community they exhibited, as they worked along side Norfolk County Fire Patrolman Mike Marquardt, Bill Goodwin(Troop 153), Dale Lewis(Troop 56), and myself under tough weather conditions.

Everyday real citizens do real things to help their neighbors and community, and these young men showed extraordinary efforts. On behalf of the Holbrook Town Forest Committee, The Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest, and the Firewise Task Force, thank you!
If you live along the Weymouth and Pine Street “Forest Corridor”, please help our efforts by putting out your brush by 8 am on Saturday Chipper Day November 29th .

Today's Boston Globe!

Globe South Community Briefing

HOLBROOK CHIPPER DAY - The National Fire Protection Association is hosting another Firewise Chipper Day on Saturday to help people who live near the forest corridor clear brush and dead branches from their property. Officials from the association, which is based in Quincy, say that the dead brush is a fire hazard, and its removal can potentially prevent house fires. The Turkey Hill Firewise program will focus on the properties along Pine and Weymouth streets, and the chipper will be run at the old town fire site in the neighborhood. The chips, produced from emulsifying the branches and brush, will be recycled by the Department of Public Works. People are invited to gather for a cookout and hot chocolate as well.
- Franci Richardson Ellement
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/11/23/50_years_ago_in_abington/?page=2

Algonquin Pipeline Hearing at Con Com Monday Night

This 3 foot wide Pipeline is proposed to go through part of the HOLBROOK TOWN FOREST!!

Appeared in: The Patriot Ledger on Friday, 11/07/2008

Pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 131, Section 40, the Wetlands Protection Act and the Town of Holbrook Wetlands Protection by-law, the Holbrook Conservation Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, November 17, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in Holbrook Town Hall to consider a Notice of Intent. Project description: Notice of Intent for the construction of 1.81 miles of the I-10 Extension, a new 36-inch diameter natural gas pipeline which is part of Algonquin Gas Transmission's Hubline/East to West Project. Within Holbrook, the proposed project is located between the Holbrook/Braintree municipal boundary east of Pine Street and runs east to the Holbrook/Randolph municipal boundary near Centre Street, within and adjacent to the existing NSTAR transmission line easement on multiple parcels.
Applicant: Algonquin
Project Location: multiple lots in Holbrook, MA 02343.
HOLBROOK CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Brinsley Fuller, Chairman
11/7/08

Firewise means survival

This photo is from firewise.org , and shows that your home can survive a wildfire. Check out "The Difference" Public Service Announcement http://www.firewise.org/newsroom/psa.htm . It explains that isn't random that some homes burn and others survive; "the difference" is making your home firewise, which included clearing away all the brush, and combustible material. If you live in the area surrounding the Holbrook Town Forest, we hope you'll join us for Chipper Day, November 29th. Meanwhile, our thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved in the current Southern California wildfires.

Ben clears the way!

Sometimes we have to cut down a tree or two for public safety, or the safety of the forest.


Recently, we had an old rotting tree fall over the Wiggins Trail, and get hung up on another tree. The second tree bent over, and was spring loaded, creating a dangerous situation, for passersby and volunteer forest workers. Fortunately, Ben from the Dept of Public Works was able to cut these trees down, leaving the Wiggins Trail safe for all. Thank you Ben!

CHIPPER DAY is Saturday November 29

Turkey Hill Firewise 2008

CHIPPER DAY Saturday Nov 29th, 2008
Clearing brush and dead branches from your property greatly reduces the chances of a fire spreading to your house. To protect the Holbrook Town Forest and surrounding homes (along Pine and Weymouth Streets) from the threat of wildfire, we are having another Chipper Day. Mr. West will run a chipper up the street. The DPW will use the chips.
In April 2007 we had a very successful day, read our story at http://www.firewise.org/usa/turkey_hill.htm

To be included call 781-767-6000 today & have brush out by 8 am


If you can help on Nov 22nd (Help your neighbor day) or Nov 29th(Chipper Day), or if you need help clearing brush from your yard please call 781-767-6000.

We still need volunteers, and we hope to have a little cookout with hot chocolate at the old fire tower site, and we will need people to pick up and sweep behind the truck after he is finished.
Firewise is a national program, based in of Quincy, MA. The program recognizes communities for taking action to protect people and properties from the risk of Fire in the wildland/urban interface.
Community contact- Pat Greely 781-767-6000 & Dale Lewis 781-767-9674

National Fire Protection Association-Michele Steinberg (617) 984-7487

Thanx!

The Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest wish to thank all those who participated in the Town Forest Trail Work Day on Saturday October 11, 2008. We especially wish to thank Tom McMann and Dan Ryan for their efforts. With your help we were able to clear large logs from large sections of the Wiggin and Long Trails. Without such strong and hardworking volunteers, we would still be hopping over those logs! Your efforts have helped keep the Town Forest Accessible and “User Friendly”!
Thank you,
The Friends of Holbrook Town Forest

Turkey Hill 1949

(Click on picture to see detail)

A map from 1949 shows the area where the Holbrook Town Forest and Cranberry Brook ACEC . Note the "Fire Tower" which was dismantled in June 2006 on request of the building Inspector. http://ledger.southofboston.com/articles/2006/06/20/news/news06.txt

Although unmanned for the previous few years, the Turkey Hill Fire Tower provided a vital link in the protection of a large part of Massachusetts, and of course, our own Town Forest!

Town Forest Trail Work Day

Scheduled by the Friends of the Forest

Saturday October 11, 2008
8:30 am- Noon AND 2:00 pm-5 pm

Two shifts, please meet at Sodergren-McKay/Park Dr entrance at 8:30 am or 2 pm

This is a “Grown ups, mostly event”, as we will be using heavy equipment.

Please bring your own equipment: such as brush cutters, loppers, chain saws, gloves, water, and bug spray.

Call Pat 781-767-6000 if you have questions.

Fall Lantern Walk

Come enjoy an evening stroll in the Holbrook Town Forest
Saturday November 1st at 4:00 pm
(Raindate Sunday November 2nd)
Sodergren-McKay Entrance (Park Drive)

Bring your own non-flammable lantern, or
Make a glow stick lantern with us on Oct 15th at the Holbrook Town Hall at 7:30 pm.

Please bring water and bug spray.
Sponsored by
Holbrook Friends of the Forest,
Holbrook Town Forest Committee,
Holbrook Conservation Commission,
Braintree Conservation Commission,
Cub Scouts Pack 56, Boy Scouts Troops 56 & 153,
Holbrook Girl Scouts
South School Ecology Club
http://holbrooktownforest.blogspot.com/ or call 781-767-4312

Town Forest Harvest Hike

Saturday October 18th
2:00 pm
(Rain date Sunday October 25th)

Come enjoy the beauty of autumn in the
Holbrook Town Forest

We will depart from the Sodergren-McKay (Park Drive) Entrance, travel north on Wiggins Trail, cross into Braintree and circle Cranberry Pond before heading back down Wiggins Trail. This will be a little longer than the usual organized hikes.
We hope you can join us.
Please bring water, bug spray and a snack.

Sponsored by
Holbrook Friends of the Forest,
Holbrook Town Forest Committee,
Holbrook Conservation Commission,
Braintree Conservation Commission,
Cub Scouts Pack 56, Boy Scouts Troops 56 & 153,
Holbrook Girl Scouts
South School Ecology Club
http://holbrooktownforest.blogspot.com/ or call 781-767-4312

New Land and Water License Plate- Will help protect our Town Forest!

The Massachusetts Environmental Trust has launched a new “Land and Water Conservation” license plate to support the conservation of land critical to the protection of the state's water resources. From their website:

"Development near our lakes, ponds, rivers and coasts - and the fertilizer, storm water run-off and other non-point source pollution it brings - is the greatest single threat to Massachusetts waters.

Conservation and protection of supporting land is the most effective strategy for protecting the region’s water quality, fish and other rare aquatic species and habitat. Protecting buffers along our rivers, lakes and ponds is essential to keep these waters clean for drinking water, recreation and wildlife.
Proceeds from the new Land and Water Conservation license plate will be segregated in a separate fund dedicated to the acquisition, stewardship and restoration of land affecting 9,000 miles of streams and rivers, 1,100 lakes and ponds and over 1,500 miles of coastline - of which many thousands of acres are unprotected. By purchasing this plate, you help protect core terrestrial and wetlands habitat and other priority watershed areas as identified on the State’s Natural Heritage Biomap, Living Waters, and Statewide Land Conservation Plan.
The Massachusetts Environmental Trust protects the lakes, rivers and coastal waters of Massachusetts." http://www.masslandandwater.info/

Forest Land Still Not Protected

On May 20th, Town Meeting accepted the above article, thereby voting to correct the deeds of 3 parcels, totaling about 29 acres to read "Public Domain/ Town Forest". (For more info see the May 21st posting below.) As of today, the change has not been recorded. That means, those parcels are still not protected. Currently much of that land is deeded "Tax title/ Town of Holbrook" , so the land isn't really protected, is it? There is no good reason for the delay; it is a breach of trust, and shows a lack of commitment to the town meeting process.

The following response was received from the Town Administrator regarding the delay: "Town Counsel (aka Arthur George) has indicated that actions of Town Meeting are not required to be recorded. " So much for the Town Meeting process. (You'll remember that the initial petition by 200plus citizens to deem the land conservation was "struck down as improper" by Mr. George,and Town Moderator Patrick Cullhane, and not even allowed to be voted on at the previous town meeting).

What's up with that?

Fall Meeting Schedule

The Holbrook Town Forest Committee has meetings scheduled on the following Wednesdays at 7:30pm at Town Hall.

September 17
October 15
November 19
December 17

Please join us. Your help is needed to maintain, preserve and enjoy this wonderful public asset.

Committee To Meet This Wednesday

The Holbrook Town Forest Committee will meet Wednesday August 20th at 7:30pm at Town Hall.

Regional Magazine Sights Town Forest

A July 2008 article in South of Boston's "Living Well"Magazine lists the "Cranberry Pond Conservation Area in Holbrook" as a great local pick with great walking trails. We agree, and hope you have been out there lately. It is a great local destination which saves on gasoline!
(The Holbrook Town Forest is part of the Cranberry Ponds Conservation Area.) Also listed were the Blue Hills and Boston's Skyline Trail.

The Official Trail Book of the Holbrook Town Forest Committee

A couple of years ago the Forest Committee voted to use the book "Appalachian Mountain Club Complete Guide To Trail Building and Maintenance" as a guide for their work in the Town Forest. It has helped the committee maintain consistent standards and methodology for any work in the Forest.
The book has been recently updated(the 4th edition was published May 2008, ISBN# 9781934028162)and provides lots of clear, information on maintaining, planning, laying out and marking trails. And has received many accolades:
“An excellent reference for woodland owners and foresters alike.”—New England Forestry Foundation “The how-to-do-it reference book for anyone, anywhere, who is responsible for trail work.”—Maine Sunday Telegram “This book talks about trails, their effect on the hiking experience, and the joy of trail tending. Clear and comprehensive, this is the guide for working on trails in the Northeast.”—Lars Botzojorns, Green Mountain Club
The Holbrook Public Library hopes to be carrying the book in the future. The Friends of the Forest recommend this book as a wonderful and helpful resource for anyone interested in lending a helping hand.

Pipeline news-Algonquin pipeline proposed in Holbrook Town Forest

Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board Public Hearing

August 14th at 7 pm in Stoughton

as part of the environmental review process

to provide an opportunity for residents to offer comments

on the East to West Algonquin Gas Pipeline Project.

Residents and town officials are encouraged to attend.

Vernal pools: What's the big deal?

Picture of Salamander November 2008 on upland of Wiggin Trail.

Did you know there are lots of vernal pools in the Holbrook Town Forest?

What is a vernal pool?

In Massachusetts, vernal pools are defined as confined basin depressions with no permanently flowing outlet, which DO NOT contain an established reproducing fish population and which DO provide habitat for certain vertebrate and/or invertebrate wildlife species. Vernal pools are (in almost all cases) temporarily flooded (hence the reason for no fish). They are filled with water in the spring (vernal means "spring") and early summer and are usually completely dry by late summer. Vernal pools typically hold water for more than 2 months of most years. Vernal pools occur in upland and wetland areas and range in size from a few yards to several acres. http://www.massnature.com/Wildlife/Vernalpoolcreatures/vpinfo.htm

Why are they important?
The Environmental Protection Agency's web site explains the importance of vernal pools:
The isolation and their periodic drying keep them free from populations of predatory fish. This reduced-predator environment is essential for the breeding success of many amphibian species, such as spotted salamanders and wood frogs, and the survival of unique invertebrates, such as fairy shrimp. Additionally, they support local and regional biodiversity by serving as important breeding, nursery, and feeding grounds for wildlife, including amphibians, invertebrates, turtles, snakes, mammals, and birds. http://www.epa.gov/bioiweb1/html/vernal_pools.html

What else should we know about vernal pools and surrounding forested landscapes?
In a publication of Forestry guidelines published by the University of Maine, the importance of conserving the Upland Forested areas around vernal pools is explained: The surrounding upland forest supports vernal pool amphibians during the 11.5 months in which they are not using breeding pools. These areas not just "buffer zones", but are actually "life zones".
http://www.maineaudubon.org/resource/documents/VernalPoolHMG-final.pdf

Another wonderful Massachusetts based web site with lots of great info about vernal pools is http://www.vernalpool.org/

Our Neighbors in Braintree

Here is a map submitted to us by the Braintree folks showing the continuation of the Cranberry Pond trails to the north of the Holbrook Town Forest. Recently the volunteers have been busy remarking the trails up there as well. Check out this area when you can, it offers another opportunity to hike close to home! Thank you for sharing this map with us, Braintree!

3rd Annual
Holbrook Town Forest Day
Saturday, May 31st , 2008 @ 1 pm

Come walk the trails and enjoy the day
As we Celebrate Holbrook’s Biodiversity
Events include
Blessing of the Forest by Rev. Ed Riley
Visit from Smokey the Bear
Dedication C. Leslie Mann Trail Head

Meet at Park Drive/ Sodergren-McKay Entrance
(Take Pine Street to Forest Road)

Sponsored by Holbrook Town Forest Committee, Cub Scouts Pack 56,
Boy Scout Troops 56 and 153, Holbrook Girl Scouts,
South School Ecology Club and the Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest

For information and details
Web site: http://holbrooktownforest.blogspot.com/
Email: forest@holbrookmassachusetts.us 781-767-4312
Rain date June 1st @ 1pm

3rd Annual Town Forest Day--May 31st!

Smokey is expected to visit the town forest on Saturday May 31st! Join us for a hike and meet the great hero http://www.smokeybear.com/

The Town Forest is a little safer today;Article 19 is approved!

Thank you Town Meeting Members!

On Tuesday May 20th, Town Meeting voted to correct the deeds of 3 parcels, totalling about 29 acres to read "Public Domain/ Town Forest". This means a 2/3 vote at Town Meeting is required to change the use of these parcels from Town Forest.
The Holbrook Town Forest has 115 acres, and is 12 parcels.Five parcels were already deeded "Conservation" which means they are the most protected, and require both a vote at town meeting and the state legislature. With the three added last night that leaves 4 parcels to go. Our thanks go to all those who helped make this happen, and continue to support and work for this local treasure.

Mocassin Valley

The Lady Slippers are beginning to bloom! This picture was taken on Monday in the heart of the Town Forest. Pretty soon the entire area known as Moccasin Valley (named after the Indian name for the lady slipper, the moccasin flower ) will be flushed out with blossoms. We hope you can check it out! It is truly one of the finest sights in Holbrook! According to the Conservation Planning Botanist at the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (Mass Div of Fisheries and Wildlife ):"The orchid in the photo is pink lady’s slipper (Cypripedium acaule), a very common native wildflower in our area, found in a variety of well-drained wooded sites, including white pine, hemlock, and hardwood forests. They will be in bloom for the next few weeks."

Enjoy!

Making a DIfference- The Friends of the Forest

"Never doubt that a group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead, American Cultrual Anthropologist, 1901-1978

The Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest is dedicated to preserving and enjoying the beautiful Holbrook Town Forest.

Join us, and help make a difference. You can email this site, or sign up at Town Forest Day, May 31st.

Massachusetts Park Serve Day--Act Locally

Massachusetts Park Serve Day is Saturday May 17th http://parkserv.env.state.ma.us/.

"Last year, volunteers planted a total of 580 trees and flowers, removed 48.6 tons of trash, and provided invaluable assistance on building maintenance and trail projects."

While officially this event is for Massachusetts State Parks, why not help out here at home. A cleanup is planned the following day. Together we can make a difference!

UPCOMING ACTIVITES

TRAIL CLEAN UPS:
Saturday April 5, 9 am - Sodergren-McKay Entrance, Forest Rd
Saturday April 12, 9 am - Caroline Long Entrance, 255 Pine St
Saturday May 3rd 9 am - Sodergren-McKay Entrance, Forest Rd,
Sunday May 18th Noon - Caroline Long Entrance, 255 Pine St
MONTHLY MEETINGS:
Wednesday April 16th 7:30 pm-Town Hall
Wednesday May 28th 7:30 pm - Town Hall
Wednesday June 18th 7:30 pm Town Hall
ANNUAL TOWN FOREST DAY:
Saturday May 31- 3rd Annual Town Forest Day 1pm Rain date Sunday June 1st 1 pm - Sodergren-McKay Entrance, Forest Rd

We hope to see you in the Forest!

3rd Annual HOLBROOK TOWN FOREST DAY

Saturday, May 31st, 2008 @ 1 pm

(Rain Date June 1st, 1 pm)
Come walk the trails and enjoy the day
As we Celebrate Holbrook’s Biodiversity

Meet at Park Drive/ Sodergren-McKay Entrance
(Take Pine Street to Forest Road)

Sponsored by:
Holbrook Town Forest Committee
Boy Scout Troops 56 and 153 and Cub Scouts Pack 56
the Holbrook Girl Scouts
South School Ecology Club
Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest

Light's out in the Town Forest!

Tonight, all across the globe is Earth Hour!

This is a way to reduce your impact our planet's resources.

It turns out, every night is earth hour in the forest! Because the Town Forest is a low impact enviromental site!

Unplug, unwind, and join the many visitors to your town forest!

For information about Earth hour, visit http://www12.earthhourus.org/

Let's Save the Forest

The Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest, together with the Town Forest Committee, and the Conservation Committee have been working to legally protect the land we all love and know as the Holbrook Town Forest. After the Town Forest was established various parcels were donated, or taken, and added to it, until it reached its current 112 acre size. Some of these parcels are better protected than others. Last year a citizen petition was submitted with over 200 signatures to correct the deeds by having all the parcels protected equally at Town Meeting. Citizens were overwhelmingly in support of having the deeds all reflect "conservation" to protect this open space recreartion area. However, this met with opposition from Town Counsel, which was upheld my the Town Moderator. We have continued to work to this end. Chairman of the Selectmen, Paul Currie, has been helping to move the issue forward.

Following a March 6th article on the front page of the Holbrook Sun (www.wickedlocal.com/holbrook/homepage/x691144340) the following was posted on the Sun’s blog:

Jim Dombrowski, former Conservation Agent of the Town of Holbrook, wrote to the Holbrook Sun blog on March 15th, 2008

Past research that was done in an attempt to create a Town of Holbrook Open Space Plan revealed that some parcels of the "Town Forest" were deeded to the Town with a Conservation Restriction pursuant to MGL chapter 40 section 8c in which management and control of certain parcels were deeded to the Town of Holbrook and the Conservation Commission. Parcel #1 Map 10 Lot 65-41-67 containing 13.446 acres book 4764 page 94 "1971" donated by Boston Edison. Parcel #2 Map 4 Lots 13 and 13-1 containing 29.5 acres book 4516 pg 355 "1968" is also under MGL c40, s8c. Parcel #3 Map 11 Lot 11 containing 42.7 acres book 4700 page 506 "1970" donated by Norfolk County is also under MGL c40, s8c. Parcel #4 Map 11 lot 28 containing 67 acres I could locate no deed indicating it was under c40, s8c and found that it was listed in past submittals to the state for recreational/open space lands. It is believed that this land was taken in Tax Title. The maps and lots referenced were the ones available for that period of the investigation and may have changed in reference numbers since then. Hugh Smith and Shirley Austin assisted in providing this information at that time. I hope that this information is of help to someone as that Open Space Plan didn't get the support to continue its efforts for a complete and comprehensive review. This was one of the many efforts that was attempted as Conservation Agent/Officer for the Town of Holbrook.

Pat Greely, chairman of the Forest Committee, responded:

The 67 acre parcel #11-028, is the bulk of what we all know as the Town Forest, containing Wiggins Trail and Elfin Pond. It has recently been researched by the Norfolk County title examiners, and it is actually 5 parcels. Two of these are tax title, and Chairman Currie agreed at the last selectmen’s meeting to have Mr. Yunits write an article for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting to transfer them two other parcels (#05-001, a 1.9 acre parcel off the end of Forest Rd and #10-038, a 1/5 acre parcel opposite the old Fire Tower site which is the head of the Wiggins Trail and was donated by the Mann family) the into Town Forest/ Public Domain. This intermediary step will provide at least minimal protection until we can resolve the conservation (GL C40 Sec 8c) versus town forest issues the current town counsel seems to have. Also part of parcel 11-028 is another parcel from the Mann family, the Wiggins family, and the Diman family; all intended to remain Town Forest (in fact we have the Diman and Wiggins Trails, and the new Mann entrance to honor their donations to the Public open space and recreation of Holbrook. As you stated the remaining "Town Forest" parcels were deed to the town as "Conservation" under MGL C 40 Sec 8C). Hopefully, we can get this land better protected at the upcoming Town Meeting, and preserve the special part of Holbrook for the next generation, as was intended.

We are looking forward to working with the Selectmen to protect this precious public resource; correcting the deeds is a necessary first step.

It Could Be A Big Night in Holbrook

Hello, and Happy Spring!

We just received an email that it is time-the vernal pools are becoming active! Observed last night, 3/4/08 in Holbrook: Salamanders, and Wood Frogs!!! The Spotted turtles can't be far behind. Since the Town Forest is home to many vernal pools, we consider this an especially important event. Often called a "Big Night", all the critters are looking to mate in the warm spring rain. See the following 2006 article from the Boston Globe: http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/03/16/big_nights_for_nature_buffs/

Have fun, but watch out if you are driving tonight! And if you are out exploring, please be careful to avoid stepping on the eggs.

The Sights & Sounds of Spring!

An Almanac of Nature in Holbrook's Town Forest:

JANUARY
3rd Watch for fox tracks in fresh snow.
8th New moon.
13th Observe your shrubs and fruit trees after the first snows. Nipped-off twigs with ragged edges are a sign of deer. Rabbits chew the twigs off cleanly.
14th Depth of the natural year; very little activity. This was the traditional hunger season of the Eastern Woodland Indians.
15th Look for the bright stems of red osier dogwood along stone walls and roadsides, like Spanish dancers against the snow.
19th A general warming trend known as the January thaw occurs about this time. Look closely and you may see flights of bees and listen for the possible chirp of spring peepers.
22nd Full moon. The Hunger Moon.
28th Great horned owls begin to nest about this time. Listen for their hooting from deeper woods. Bald eagles are beginning to build nests.


FEBRUARY
2nd Groundhog Day. In Europe, the remaining days of cold were forecast on this day by the emergence of hibernating badgers or bears, not by groundhogs.
6th New moon.
9th If there is a snowmelt, look for the traces of tunnels dug by voles and shrews.
11th Skunks emerge to mate about this time of year. Listen for their fights and squabbles late at night. Look skyward for red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks beginning to mate.
14th Starlings begin their spring whistling about this time. Listen also for the spring songs of chickadees and titmice.
17th On warm sunny days, look for signs of snowfleas at the bases of tree trunks. They look like a sprinkling of pepper on the snow.
20th Full Moon. The Snow Moon.
24th Maple sap begins running. Watch for little icicles at the tips of sugar maple twigs.
26th Purple finches begin singing their spring songs.
29th Holbrook’s Birthday

MARCH
5th On warm days watch for flights of mourning cloak butterflies, among the few hibernating insects. They emerge to sip the running sap. be heard a mile away.
9th On rainy nights in March when temperatures reach at least 40° F, Salamander migrations begin. Watch for them crossing roads in wooded areas on the first warm rainy nights. Spring peepers are beginning their annual chorus to attract mates. The Spring peeper is a barely an inch, but their mating call can be heard a mile away. They light brown or gray with a distinctive x mark on their back, and hibernate under leaf litter until the spring weather warms. The males emerge and will gather at small pools by the hundreds, each establishing a small territory. Each begins calling quite frequently, about one peep per second, to attract their mates. The breeding period lasts from until June, with 800 - 1000 eggs per female laid in shallow ponds, called vernal pools. The eggs hatch within 6 to 12 days, and tadpoles transform to adults during July, although many of their eggs will be food for salamanders and other creatures.
12th Pussy willows are fuzzed out.
14th Woodcock nuptial flights begin about this time, as the snow melts in open fields.
Listen for the nasal, peent call preceded by a soft took-oo and the whistle
of their wings.
16th Skunk cabbages have emerged in wet areas by this date.
19th Red-winged blackbirds are back.
Watch also for flights of grackles and cowbirds.
20th Vernal equinox, first day of spring. Days and nights are equal length.
Full moon: The Worm Moon so called because earthworm casts appear now,
heralding the return of the robins!

From http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/almanac.php

Remember When

We all remember what it was like when we were young. We used to "go out to play". No Child Left Inside is a special initiative designed to encourage Massachusetts families and visitors to enjoy all the recreational resources and outdoor activities that Massachusetts state parks have to offer. http://www.mass.gov/dcr/gpp/index.htm This is part of a bigger movement to get kids outside to play in nature. Lots has been written on the subject; there are significant physical, emotional and intellectual benefits. We all want our kids to "turn off the tubes" and go out and play. A recent article offered 10 ways to help kids get interested in outdoor activities: http://www.cnaturenet.org/news/detail/newspaper_offers_arizona_parents_outdoor_ideas/
Nature clubs and activities, or just exploring in our Town Forest are a great way to get more nature time!

Firewise USA

Last year we joined forces with local residents, the scouts, the fire department and West Tree Service to help make the community safer from wildfire. Read all about it on the link at left. We are looking to do something each year, with the TurkeyHill Firewise group, and particpation is the key to success. In the event of a forest fire, we can all be safer, if we take certain steps to mitigate the risk of the fire spreading into our homes. Working together, we can protect ourselves, our neighbors and our Town Forest. Please consider pitching in to help make Firewise 2008 a reality for Holbrook.

Here is the last map we have of the Town Forest. It also maps the trails on the Braintree side, although they have not been marked recently. The map was made by a frequent visitor, using GPS. It shows most of the trails: Wiggins(red squares), Sawyer(white triangles), Long(blue circle) and Estes (orange squares), missing are the the Boundary Trail(orange circles) and the reclaimed Elfin Pond Trail(yellow squares). The Diman trail has not yet been marked, but is shown on the left side of the map, running north to south. The plan is to mark Diman trail with yellow diamonds in the spring. Crews are working on an updated GPS map, which will hopefully include all the trails, and landmarks. Until then, this should keep us on course.

Upcoming events Winter 2008

January 16 7:30 pm Monthly Committee meeting @ Town Hall
February 20 7:30 pm Monthly Committee meeting @ Town Hall

Hikers and nature lovers from one to ninety-nine, if you'd like to get exercise, contribute to the community, help the environment, and meet others who like the outdoors, please attend a meeting or email the forest committee. Volunteers are always needed for light trail work, and input is always welcome.

We hope to see you there!

Welcome!

Welcome to the Holbrook Town Forest Blog! This is a place to learn, share and enjoy the features, events and history of this precious public resource.
The Town Forest is a beautiful part of Holbrook Massachusetts. This undeveloped land is part of Cranberry Brook Watershed Area of Critical Environmental Concern, a major important contributor to the Ricardi Reservoir. It contains large, rare sphagnum quaking bogs surrounded by Atlantic White Cedar Swamps. The 112 acre Town Forest is protected by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage Program (part of the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife), as it is home to a number of rare and endangered species. The Town Forest is managed by the three member Holbrook Town Forest Committee (forest@holbrookmassachusetts.us), who are appointed by the Selectmen of the Town of Holbrook. In the weeks ahead the Friends of the Holbrook Town Forest hope to post a calendar of natural occurrences, and sitings, photos and events and pertinent links. We hope to see you in the forest!