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Thank you for celebrating with us!
On Sunday, October 15th, over 150 community members joined Friends of the Fells (FOF) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) on a crisp fall day to celebrate 30 years of FOF promoting the conservation, appreciation, and sustainable enjoyment of the Middlesex Fells.
FOF members, staff, board members, volunteers, and partner organizations including Earthwise Aware, Mystic River Watershed Association, Stone Zoo, Save Arlington Wildlife, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, and Feminist Bird Club Boston Chapter joined to help celebrate the day with guided hikes, fun activities, and outreach materials. The event was generously sponsored by MAVE Apartments and delicious food and snacks were supplied by MOM’s Organic Market and volunteers.
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“Love for the Fells runs deep, in our organization and in the wider community. It was really special to be able to spend the day expressing our appreciation for the Fells in so many ways, including through play, nature exploration, art, and stewardship,” said FOF executive director Chris Redfern.
At noon, kids participated in a variety of races including a sack race, run like an animal, and egg and spoon. Arts and crafts projects, including build your own bird feeder, rock painting, and scavenger hunts let kids show their creative sides.
Animals joined in on the festivities too! The Massachusetts Park Ranger Mounted Unit arrived with two of their horses, and Owlfredo the Eastern Screech Owl stopped by from the Stone Zoo for families to say hello. The DCR Forest Fire Patrol also attended with one of their trucks for attendees to learn more about their programs.
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An array of hikes departed from Greenwood Park throughout the day, including a 9 am birding hike led by the Feminist Bird Club Boston Chapter, and a family Hike ‘n’ Seek walk at 11 am to explore the wonders of our forest. Dedicated volunteers also joined forces to conduct trail maintenance to reduce erosion along nearby trails.
At 12:30 pm, Executive Director Chris Redfern, Board Chair Sandy Pascal, and Senator Jason Lewis gave remarks and FOF was presented with an official Massachusetts Citation recognizing the work of FOF. Shortly thereafter, two more hikes departed. One, led by longtime volunteer and expert naturalist, Boot Boutwell, explored the autumn colors and features of the Fells. Another longer hike trekked into Virginia Wood and around the eastern portion of the forest.
Thank you for celebrating with us!