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October 2011
Natural History Mystery
Can you identify these two trees by their bark? Careful - the second one looks like a sugar maple, but it's not. Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter to find a fascinating answer.
Adios, Monarch! Meet fascinating "wildlife" and hear their stories at Boo Meadow Brook this Friday and Saturday night, rain or shine.
Halloween Hike at Boo Meadow Brook
Friday, October 14, 6:30-8:30pm
Saturday, October 15, 6:30-8:30pm
Get the Bear Facts.
Hear Red Fox Tell All
Cheer for America's (Vernal Pools) Got Talent
and more!
At sundown, Broad Meadow Brook transforms into a magical forest. Follow the luminaria-lit trails to meet resident wildlife and hear their fascinating stories.
Visit our website for details, prices, and more information.
Held rain or shine. Festivities will be indoors if it rains.
| Halloween Night Hike and Hay Ride |
Enjoy Wachusett Meadow's autumn trails at night!
Halloween Night Hike and Hay Ride
at Wachusett Meadow
Saturday, October 22, 6-8pm
(Rain date: October 23, 6-8pm)
Experience the sounds of the night on a guided hike through the fields and woods. Then enjoy a hayride with friends and family. Meet our resident vulture, hear a story, and taste some goodies.
Visit our website for prices and more information.
| 2012 Art Calendar for Sale |
The first calendar produced by the Princeton Arts Society and Mass Audubon's Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary was unveiled at Hey Day on October 1st and sold to an enthusiastic crowd.
The calendar features the work of 29 local artists and includes 13 pages of frameable art. Proceeds benefit the Princeton Arts Society and Wachusett Meadow.
2012 calendars cost $12; $10 for PAS or MAS members, seniors (65+), or if purchasing 3 or more.
To purchase calendars visit Wachusett Meadow, or call Wachusett Meadow at 978-464-2712 to have one mailed to you, or contact the Princeton Arts Society.
 Despite the rain, 572 people of all ages attended Wachusett Meadow's Hey Day on October 1st and enjoyed all the offerings. Many volunteers pitched in to create a wonderful event and help the busy day run smoothly.
 The cow barn was filled with a spectacular show of art organized by the Princeton Arts Society. Over 30 artists exhibited and sold their farm and rural landscape themed pieces. The Friends of Princeton Fire Fighters again served up the popular Chicken BBQ and more. Bancroft School sponsored pony rides, Applewild School sponsored childrens activities, the Princeton Girl Scouts organized pumpkin painting, Stimpson Farm gave hay rides, and live music was provided by Patsy Mollica, Rachael Douglas, and Chuck and Mud.
Additional sponsors and supporters included Barre Savings Bank, Clear View Farm, Red Apple Farm, Stillwater Farm, Union Music, and United Metals. Thanks to all who made this event possible!
| Natural History Mystery - Solved! |
If you guessed yellow birch for the first photo you are correct. The second photo looks like a sugar maple, but it's also a yellow birch! It's an ancient yellow birch growing in old growth forests at Wachusett Mountain. It has "cryptic" bark, which doesn't look like the normal bark for its species, an effect caused by its very slow growth at this advanced age. Most trees renew their bark routinely as they grow in diameter; ancient trees grow very little in girth and their bark takes on a microhabitat, mini-ecosystem character.
Learn more at Wachusett Meadow's 12 Essential Species Old Growth Walk with Joe Choiniere on October 27.
Photos courtesy of Donna Nothe-Choiniere
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