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November 2011
Natural History Mystery
The Halloween storm did provide an early opportunity to track wildlife. Here are a couple to get you thinking . . .
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 This little critter is very common but tracks this clear, showing nails and the arrangement of toe, palm and heel pads, don't happen very often. Usually you just see holes in the snow, but pattern and trail width allow ID even without the detail. What is it?
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 Anyone who has gotten their Wachusett Meadow passport stamp should know the animal that made this track. If not, the four asymmetrical toe pads and the absence of nail marks is diagnostic. What is it?
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Think you know? Scroll to the bottom of this enewsletter to check your answers.
After the Storm at Broad Meadow Brook
Photos courtesy of Bernard Kingsley
 The unusual Halloween snowstorm dumped 14.5 inches of wet, heavy snow on Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. Power was lost only momentarily, but trails were blocked by a tremendous volume of fallen trees and limbs Thanks to the hard work of our property manager, caretaker, staff, and volunteers, main trails are now clear once again.
Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary received 16 inches of snow, did not lose power, and suffered relatively light damage. About 10 trees were down requiring chainsaws, but most clearing was possible by hand. All trails are now open and the cutting and clearing should be finished by the end of this week.
If you're hiking our trails and come across any storm damage that needs attention, please let us know. We hope that your homes are all safe, warm, and free of damage.
| Holiday Craft Classes at WM |
Wachusett Meadow is offering a wide range of holiday craft classes this month and next. Join us in getting in the spirit of the season and making meaningful, natural ornaments and crafts.
For All Ages: Make a decorative wreath using greens, winterberry, seedpods and ribbon during the Make a Holiday Evergreen Wreath on Sunday, November 13. Or create two wool-covered ornaments using dry felting techniques in Ornaments Made Easy on Saturday, December 10.
For Adults: Learn to use wool roving and a felting needle while making a Holiday Pillow on Friday, November 11. Then create Ornaments for the Season using dimensional needle felting techniques on Friday, December 9.
Speaking of art, be sure to pick up the 2012 Art Calendar, a collaborative effort of Wachusett Meadow and the Princeton Arts Society, on sale now. The calendar features 29 local artists and 13 works of frameable art. For prices and purchasing information, please visit our website.
| Portals--Where will it take you? |
Carolyn Lewenberg's sculptural weaving, Portals, currently on display at Broad Meadow Brook
Broad Meadow Brook is very fortunate to be hosting one of the large sculptures from this summer's Art in the Park exhibit at Elm Park in Worcester.
"Portals" by Carolyn Lewenberg graces three trees in the sanctuary's nature play area. Made of vines, tires, and stainless steel bowls, the sculpture will be on display as long as the elements allow.
Visitors may view the sculpture whenever trails are open, dawn to dusk, 7 days a week.
Children, ages 8-13, have the opportunity to take a sculptural weaving class with Lewenberg this Thursday, November 10, 1-3pm. Please call Broad Meadow Brook at 508-753-6087 for more information and to register.
For more information about Portals, Carolyn Lewenberg, and what the artist says about her sculpture, please visit our website.
Guy J. Guillemette, View from Trioano Brookside Trail
Sanctuary Walk
Saturday, November 12
9:30am - 12noon
Free for members
Enjoy the scents and scenes of autumn on this moderate-paced hike through Broad Meadow Brook. We will see what is happening on the sanctuary and stop to enjoy any interesting and unusual findings.
We will be hiking approximately 3 miles. Please bring water and dress for the weather.
Open to families with children ages 8 and up. Free for members. $5 nonmember adults / $3 nonmember children. For more information, please visit our website.
| Natural History Mystery - Solved! |
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This track belongs to . . .
a red squirrel.
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And this one was made by a . . .
bobcat.
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