Showing posts with label conservation agent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label conservation agent. Show all posts

Friday, March 22, 2024

Save the Date: City Nature Challenge | April 26-29

The City Nature Challenge is an annual global event that encourages people in cities around the world to observe and document the biodiversity present in their urban environments using the iNaturalist app.

It's a fantastic opportunity for community scientists to contribute to understanding and coexisting with nature. Grab your smartphone, go outside, and snap photos of plants, fungi, and wildlife!

If you're interested in participating, join the iNaturalist project for your city or area and become part of this exciting global event!



Thursday, March 21, 2024

Reminder: Join the Cosmic Pizza Party on April 4

Join us on April 4 for a Cosmic Pizza Party!

All Ages Welcome

Did you know Earth Day is on April 22? 

Did you also know that Franklin is deciding to celebrate Earth during the entire month of April? If not, now you do! 

Come join us on April 4 for our Earth month kickoff with a COSMIC CELEBRATION to learn about the centennial solar eclipse, other celestial bodies, and how Earth kicks it with the stars. We'll be making box pinhole projectors to safely view the solar eclipse on April 8. 

RSVP by March 28 to bgoodlander@franklinma.gov

Join us on April 4 for a Cosmic Pizza Party!
Join us on April 4 for a Cosmic Pizza Party!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/join-us-april-4-cosmic-pizza-party

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Join us on April 4 for a Cosmic Pizza Party!

Join us on April 4 for a Cosmic Pizza Party!

All Ages Welcome

Did you know Earth Day is on April 22? 

Did you also know that Franklin is deciding to celebrate Earth during the entire month of April? If not, now you do! 

Come join us on April 4 for our Earth month kickoff with a COSMIC CELEBRATION to learn about the centennial solar eclipse, other celestial bodies, and how Earth kicks it with the stars. We'll be making box pinhole projectors to safely view the solar eclipse on April 8. 

RSVP by March 28 to bgoodlander@franklinma.gov

Join us on April 4 for a Cosmic Pizza Party!
Join us on April 4 for a Cosmic Pizza Party!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/join-us-april-4-cosmic-pizza-party

Friday, February 2, 2024

Fwd: Don't Forget to Register for the Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program!

Don't Forget to Register for the Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program!

Registration Closes February 29, 2024

The Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program is an interactive program for Franklin residents and business owners to design and create a native, biologically diverse habitat at their property. The BEE Program consists of five themed workshops and one field day giving residents and business owners the skills to:

  • Attract wildlife and plant life to their habitat;
  • Support their habitat through climate change and other ecological stressors;
  • Plan and design their backyard habitat with professional practitioners; and
  • Be considered a Backyard Ecosystem Advocate

Upon successful completion and attendance of the BEE Program, participants will be considered a "Backyard Ecosystem Advocate" and their habitats, once established, will have the opportunity to become "Certified Wildlife Habitats" through the National Wildlife Federation. Register with the QR code above or by visiting https://BIT.LY/BEEPROGRAM

Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Registration closes February 29, 2024. Registration is available to all residents regardless of ownership/rental status or living situation, all Franklin business owners, and up to five FPS high school students. The Conservation Department is currently collaborating with FPS - STEM to excuse up to five students for the scheduled field day, so students - please apply if you are interested! 

Join the Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program in 2024
Join the Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program in 2024

Workshop descriptions are listed below. Questions? Email bgoodlander@franklinma.gov.

Workshop TitleDate, Time, and LocationDescription
Wildlife

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

4p - 6p

Location TBD

Residents will learn common wildlife species that they may find in their backyard habitats and/or how to attract these wildlife species to their habitats.
Plant Life

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

4p - 6p

Location TBD

Residents will learn common native and wildlife friendly plants and common invasive plants they may plant and/or find in their backyard habitats.
Landscapes and Regional Context

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

4p - 6p

Location TBD

Residents will learn to identify what landscape they live in, its regional context, and how to design a habitat suitable for their surroundings.
Climate and Other Ecological Stressors

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

4p - 6p

Location TBD

Residents will learn how to plan their habitat for climate change, design their habitat considering climate resilience, and mitigate future environmental stressors and disturbance events.
Planning and Design

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

4p - 6p

Location TBD

Residents will be able to sit down in small groups with professional practitioners to design their own specific backyard habitat applying all lessons learned in previous workshops.
Field Day and Graduation Luncheon

Friday, May 10

10a - 2p

Location TBD

Residents will be bussed around Town for a tour of raingardens, biodiversity areas, turtle nesting habitats, regenerative forests, gardens, and more. Lunch and a graduation ceremony will be provided.

 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/dont-forget-register-backyard-ecosystem-education-bee-program


Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Join the Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program in 2024

Registration Opens January 2, 2024 - Closes February 29, 2024

The Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program is an interactive program for Franklin residents and business owners to design and create a native, biologically diverse habitat at their property. The BEE Program consists of five themed workshops and one field day giving residents and business owners the skills to:

  • Attract wildlife and plant life to their habitat;
  • Support their habitat through climate change and other ecological stressors;
  • Plan and design their backyard habitat with professional practitioners; and
  • Be considered a Backyard Ecosystem Advocate

Upon successful completion and attendance of the BEE Program, participants will be considered a "Backyard Ecosystem Advocate" and their habitats, once established, will have the opportunity to become "Certified Wildlife Habitats" through the National Wildlife Federation.

Registration opens January 2, 2024 and is on a first come, first serve basis. Registration closes February 29, 2024. Registration is available to all residents regardless of ownership/rental status or living situation, all Franklin business owners, and up to five FPS high school students. The Conservation Department is currently collaborating with FPS - STEM to excuse up to five students for the scheduled field day, so students - please apply if you are interested! 

Workshop descriptions are listed below. Questions? Email bgoodlander@franklinma.gov.

Workshop TitleDate, Time, and LocationDescription
Wildlife

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

4p - 6p

Location TBD

Residents will learn common wildlife species that they may find in their backyard habitats and/or how to attract these wildlife species to their habitats.
Plant Life

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

4p - 6p

Location TBD

Residents will learn common native and wildlife friendly plants and common invasive plants they may plant and/or find in their backyard habitats.
Landscapes and Regional Context

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

4p - 6p

Location TBD

Residents will learn to identify what landscape they live in, its regional context, and how to design a habitat suitable for their surroundings.
Climate and Other Ecological Stressors

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

4p - 6p

Location TBD

Residents will learn how to plan their habitat for climate change, design their habitat considering climate resilience, and mitigate future environmental stressors and disturbance events.
Planning and Design

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

4p - 6p

Location TBD

Residents will be able to sit down in small groups with professional practitioners to design their own specific backyard habitat applying all lessons learned in previous workshops.
Field Day and Graduation Luncheon

Friday, May 10

10a - 2p

Location TBD

Residents will be bussed around Town for a tour of raingardens, biodiversity areas, turtle nesting habitats, regenerative forests, gardens, and more. Lunch and a graduation ceremony will be provided.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/join-backyard-ecosystem-education-bee-program-2024

Join the Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program in 2024
Join the Backyard Ecosystem Education (BEE) Program in 2024

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Join the "Trek and Tales" at Riverbend! on Thursday, Nov 16 at 2 PM (Note Date Change)

Join us for Trek and Tales at Riverbend!

Thursday, November 16 from 2 PM to 3 PM

Reminder: Join the "Trek and Tales" at Riverbend! on Thursday, Nov 16 at 2 PM (Note Date Change)
Reminder: Join the "Trek and Tales" at Riverbend! on Thursday, Nov 16 at 2 PM (Note Date Change)

***NOTE: The date changed from the 9th to the 16th

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/date-change-join-us-trek-and-tales-riverbend


Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Franklin Residents: Join our iNaturalist Project!

Join our iNaturalist Project!

The Conservation Department has recently created a project in iNaturalist to help track species throughout our conservation areas and open spaces. We invite you to download the iNaturalist app on your mobile device, join our project called "Franklin, MA Conservation Areas and Open Spaces", and start documenting species! We are looking for any species that you observe - whether that be birds, mammals, amphibians, plants, native or invasive - you get the picture. You see it, we want to know about it. 

Visit www.inaturalist.org/projects/franklin-ma-conservation-areas-and-open-spaces to join the project. Visit www.inaturalist.org/pages/getting+started to learn how to navigate the iNaturalist app. Questions? Contact bgoodlander@franklinma.gov

Read more

Franklin Residents: Join our iNaturalist Project!
Franklin Residents: Join our iNaturalist Project!


Friday, September 22, 2023

Adventure Scientists - Help Protect Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Adventure Scientists - Help Protect Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Apply to this project if you are a hiker, a birder, a biker, a forager, or want to contribute to a sustainable future for our world's forests.

Do you like to travel and explore outside of Franklin? Do you frequent western and southern Massachusetts? Help further the knowledge of tulip poplar in the state until December 31, 2023 through the Timber Tracking Project

WHAT: Collect leaves, twigs, and in some cases wood cores

WHEN: Now through December 31, 2023

WHERE: Public lands (forests, refuges, reserves, parks) throughout sampling range pictured above

DIFFICULTY: Easy/Moderate. May require off-trail travel for short or moderate distances. Multiple sample types. May require accessing leaves in the high canopy; Training and tools are provided to do so.

You can collect by yourself or with as many partners as you'd like! You can apply with up to 3 partners and your team will receive one gear kit for the field sampling. There is no requirement that you organize a big group or cohort, but if you have friends that want to participate, you can each apply and sample together. 

To apply please visit the Timber volunteer page where you will be able to find the application and learn more about the project and mission. Once you apply, you will get access to the online training for how to identify and sample tulip poplars. 

Here are the volunteer qualifications:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older (minors are welcome to join sampling outings but asked not to lead data collection)
  • Able to use a smartphone to collect data
  • Have the experience and ability to travel in the outdoors with at least one partner safely
  • Previous field data collection experience is preferred, but not required
  • Adventure Scientists will supply you with the tools and training necessary to collect samples from the forest. You are required to follow all environmental, safety, and permitting protocols.

Happy trails and safe sampling!

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/adventure-scientists-help-protect-tulip-poplar-liriodendron-tulipifera

Adventure Scientists - Help Protect Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Adventure Scientists - Help Protect Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Why did the turtle cross the road?

Why did the turtle cross the road?

Across Massachusetts, spring is the season of movement. Hibernating animals emerge from their winter resting areas in search of food and mates. Turtles are no exception. >From mid-May to early July, thousands of turtles throughout Massachusetts travel to new areas to find food and nest. You may see turtles on roadways, in your backyard, or other unexpected locations as they move across the landscape to find resources they need to survive. Even if it's not apparent to you where they're headed, turtles have a keen sense of direction and may be on their way to wetlands or open, upland sites such as lawns, gravel pits, or roadsides for nesting. If you find a turtle, do not move it far away.

Why did the turtle cross the road?
Why did the turtle cross the road?

Protecting adult turtles during this vulnerable time can make a big difference. "Adult turtles can live past 80 years. Young turtles and eggs, on the other hand, have a variety of predators and a low chance of reaching adulthood," says Dr. Mike Jones, MassWildlife State Herpetologist. "This is why it's especially important to protect older adult turtles from cars, especially during this time of year when turtles are crossing roads more frequently." Losing any adult turtles, particularly adult females, is a serious problem that can lead to the eventual local extinction of a population.

What to do if you see a turtle in or near a road:

Be safe. Do not risk getting hurt or causing harm to others by unsafely pulling off the road or trying to dodge traffic. If the opportunity to safely move a turtle from the road occurs, move it in the direction it was heading and off the edge of the road. The turtle is trying to get to habitats and resources it needs and knows. Do not take turtles home or move them to a "better" location; turtles should not be moved more than 100 yards from where they are found.

Handle with care. Most turtles should be grasped gently along the shell edge near the mid-point of the body. However, snapping turtles are fast and have very powerful jaws that can inflict a bad bite. A snapping turtle can reach your hands if you lift it by the sides of its shell. If you must move a snapping turtle, use a broom to coax it into a plastic tub or box. Never lift a snapping turtle only by the tail; this can injure their spine.

Slow down, be observant. Watch for turtles on roadways bordered by wetlands on both sides. These areas are commonly used as crossing points. If you see one turtle crossing, there's a chance that others will be crossing soon as well.

Report busy crossing locations. Let the Town of Franklin - Conservation and MassWildlife know If you see multiple turtles crossing the road or if you see multiple turtles that have been hit by cars. Email location information to natural.heritage@mass.gov and bgoodlander@franklinma.gov

Spread the word and help protect our native turtles. In addition to five species of sea turtles that frequent our coastal areas, Massachusetts is home to ten native species of terrestrial and aquatic turtles. Six of the 10 species are protected under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. Learn more in our native turtles here.

MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program. "Why did the turtle cross the road?" Mass.gov, 05/03/2023, https://www.mass.gov/news/why-did-the-turtle-cross-the-road

Shared from ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/why-did-turtle-cross-road


Thursday, May 4, 2023

Earth Day at DelCarte was RESCHEDULED for Sunday, May 7 from 9 AM to 1 PM

RESCHEDULED Earth Day 

at DelCarte on Sunday, May 7 from 9 AM to 1 PM

Folks may recall, Sunday, April 23 we experienced quite a bit of rain. It had been forecast so the cancelation went out on Friday, ahead of the weekend. That event has now been rescheduled for Sunday, May 7 (and apparently we will see much better weather)!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/rescheduled-earth-day-delcarte-sunday-may-7-9am-1pm

Earth Day at DelCarte was RESCHEDULED for Sunday, May 7 from 9 AM to 1 PM
Earth Day at DelCarte was RESCHEDULED for Sunday, May 7 from 9 AM to 1 PM

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Habitat Protection, Ecosystem Restoration, Other Conservation Lands - Thursday May 4

The Conservation Commission will hold its Eighth Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) focus group meeting this Thursday, May 4 from 6-7 PM in Town Council Chambers. 

This meeting will also be available via Zoom. Zoom login information can be found here

In case you'll miss the Thursday meeting or would like further discussion, you are also invited to attend OSRP Office Hours Friday, May 5 between 10 and 11am in the third floor training room (Room 326A) at Town Hall or via Zoom. 

Bring your ideas and see you there! 

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-osrp-focus-group-meeting-habitat-protection-ecosystem-restoration-other

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Habitat Protection, Ecosystem Restoration, Other Conservation Lands - Thursday May 4
2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Habitat Protection, Ecosystem Restoration, Other Conservation Lands - Thursday May 4

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Open Space and Recreation Plan public hearing - 04/25/23 (#2 in series of 3 hearings) (video)

Instead of the School Committee meeting, Franklinites could have participated in the second public hearing scheduled for the Open Space and Recreation Plan on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at the Senior Center.  If you missed the meeting, the video replay is available here thanks to Franklin TV

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/MFMkGHXoj64?feature=share

Agenda & info for this 2nd of three public hearings ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-second-public-hearing-tonight

Additional info on the Open Space and Recreation Plan can be found on their main page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/pages/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-update


Conservation Agent Breeka Li Goodlander helps the Charles River Watershed Association assess culverts

"#DidYouKnow culverts can be climate solutions?

"Yesterday was a blast! We assessed 16 culverts and a minimum of 38 structures in 6 hours in #Natick + #Sherborn," says Breeka Li Goodlander, Conservation Agent of @TOFranklinMA."

Learn more >> https://t.co/J3gN4873m9

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/AIdbQh8PqP


Conservation Agent Breeka Li Goodlander helps the Charles River Watershed Association assess culverts
Conservation Agent Breeka Li Goodlander helps the Charles River Watershed Association assess culverts 

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for April 26, 2023 meeting

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
April 26, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers
355 East Central Street


1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM
a. Transfer of Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Parth Patel as the Manager - Marlboro Food, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven 37380B, Located at 664 Union St.  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a._1_-_7-eleven_legal_ad_application_redacted.pdf
i. See 7: License Transactions (a) below

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. Transfer of Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Parth Patel as the Manager - Marlboro Food, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven, Located at 664 Union St.   
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._1_license_transaction_-_7-eleven_transfer_of_section_15.pdf
b. Robert Vozzella / La Cantina Winery - Farmer-Winery, Farmer’s Market License   
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7b._license_transaction_-_la_cantina.pdf
 
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Discussion: Open Space & Recreation Plan Update - Breeka Li Goodlander, Conservation Agent and Natural Resources Manager   
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._1_-_memo_-_osrp_presentation_.pdf
b. Discussion: Display of Flags on Town Flagpoles or Property   
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._flags_0.pdf
9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 23-28: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds
(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-28 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._23-28_arpa_700k.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Budget Subcommittee
d. GATRA Advisory Board
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The Complete Agenda 109 page doc 

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for April 26, 2023 meeting
Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for April 26, 2023 meeting

Thursday, April 20, 2023

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Forests, Trees, Green Space, and other Conservation Lands - Thursday April 20

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Forests, Trees, Green Space, and other Conservation Lands - Thursday April 20

The Conservation Commission will hold its Seventh Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) focus group meeting this Thursday, April 20 from 6 - 7 PM in Town Hall Council Chambers.

This meeting will also be available via Zoom. Zoom login information can be found here. In case you'll miss the Thursday meeting or would like further discussion, you are also invited to attend OSRP Office Hours Friday, April 21 between 10 and 11 am in the third floor training room (Room 326A) at Town Hall or via Zoom. 

Bring your ideas and see you there! 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-osrp-focus-group-meeting-forests-trees-green-space-and-other-conservation

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Forests, Trees, Green Space, and other Conservation Lands - Thursday April 20
2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Forests, Trees, Green Space, and other Conservation Lands - Thursday April 20

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Town of Franklin - DelCarte Conservation Area and Beaver Pond - 2023 OSRP Update


2023 OSRP Update
2023 OSRP Update

This email is a reminder that the OSRP focus group meeting for the DelCarte Conservation Area and Beaver Pond is tomorrow, Thursday, April 6 at 6 PM in Council Chambers at Town Hall, on Zoom, and FranklinTV. Can't make it tomorrow? No worries! We will also be hosting OSRP office hours on Friday, April 7 at 10a in Room 326A to recap what was discussed at tomorrow's meeting. 

Looking toward the horizon, the next focus group meeting is on Forests, Trees, Greenspace, and Other Conservation Lands. 

DelCarte Conservation Area and Beaver Pond - 2023 OSRP Update
DelCarte Conservation Area and Beaver Pond - 2023 OSRP Update

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow and, as always, don't forget to take and share this OSRP survey - now available until April 30!

Until next time,

Breeka LÍ Goodlander, CWS, PWS, CERPIT
Conservation Agent/Natural Resource Protection Manager
Town of Franklin
Office: 508.520.4929

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Vernal Pools - An Important Part of the Franklin Landscape

Vernal Pools - An Important Part of the Franklin Landscape

Vernal pools play an integral part in the function of our Franklin ecosystem and are commonly found throughout the entirety of the landscape. In fact, it is quite hard to travel around Town without being at most one mile away from a vernal pool. Many vernal pools are found in wooden areas near our homes, schools, and businesses; and can be found during the spring months by following the calls of spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) and wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus). Keep reading for more vernal pool information and remember - due to the delicate nature of the vernal pool egg masses and wildlife, please do not contain, pick up, carry, or remove them. It is unlawful and causes undue harm and stress to the egg masses and animals. 

What are Vernal Pools?
(excerpted from www.mass.gov)

Vernal pools are temporary bodies of fresh water that provide important habitat for many vertebrate and invertebrate species. "Vernal", meaning spring, are filled by spring rains and snowmelt, after which they dry during the summer months. Spring aside, many vernal pools are also filled by autumn rains (i.e, "autumnal pools") and persist throughout the winter. These autumnal pools are semi-permanent and do not dry every year.

Vernal pools are often very small and shallow; in fact, many vernal pools that support rich communities of vertebrate and invertebrate animals may measure only a few yards across! However, vernal pools of several acres also occur throughout Massachusetts.

Where are Vernal Pools found?
(excerpted from www.mass.gov)

Vernal pools are common throughout Massachusetts and occur in almost every town in the state. Vernal pools are found across the landscape where small woodland depressions, swales, or "kettle holes" collect spring runoff or intercept seasonally high groundwater tables. Although it's common to associate vernal pools with dry woodland areas, vernal pools also occur in meadows, river floodplains, interdunal swales, and large vegetated wetland complexes. Vernal pool habitat can occur where water is contained more than two months in the spring and summer of most years, and where no reproducing fish populations are present. Can you guess why this is?

Why Are Vernal Pools Valuable?
(excerpted from www.mass.gov)

Vernal pools constitute a unique and increasingly vulnerable type of wetland. Vernal pools are inhabited by many species of wildlife, some of which are totally dependent on vernal pools for their survival. Vernal pools do not support fish because they dry out annually or at least periodically. Some may contain water year round, but are free of fish as a result of significant drawdowns that result in extremely low dissolved oxygen levels. The wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) and the four local species of mole salamander (Ambystoma spp.) have evolved breeding strategies intolerant of fish predation on their eggs and larvae; the lack of established reproducing fish populations is essential to the breeding success of these species. Other amphibian species, including the American toad (Anaxyrus americanus), spring peeper (P. crucifer), and gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor), often exploit the fish-free waters of vernal pools but use a variety of different wetland types. Vernal pools also support rich and diverse invertebrate faunas. Some invertebrates, such as the fairy shrimp (Eubranchipus spp.), are also dependent upon vernal pools. Invertebrates are both important predators and prey in vernal pool ecosystems. Vernal pools are an important habitat resource for many birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, including many species listed under the MA Endangered Species Act (M.G.L c.131A).

The Vernal Pool Boundary
(excerpted from www.mass.gov)

The shallow edges of vernal pool habitat represent one of the most ecologically valuable portions of these habitats. These areas are generally the first to thaw in the spring and provide access to the pool for the earliest breeding species. These shallow water zones also tend to be significantly warmer than the deeper portions of a vernal pool throughout the spring. Egg masses of early breeding amphibians benefit from the warmer water temperatures at the pool edges that promote rapid egg development.

For more information on Vernal Pools, please see here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/guidelines-for-the-certification-of-vernal-pool-habitat/download

To report a Vernal Pool near you, please contact the Conservation Agent via email at bgoodlander@franklinma.gov or via phone at (508) 520-4847.

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/vernal-pools-important-part-franklin-landscape

Vernal Pools - An Important Part of the Franklin Landscape
Vernal Pools - An Important Part of the Franklin Landscape

Monday, March 27, 2023

Town of Franklin: Franklin land owners are encouraged to attend our Converse and Conserve workshop - Mar 29

"Franklin land owners are encouraged to attend our Converse and Conserve workshop on 3/29/23 from 4 PM - 6 PM at Town Hall. Come learn more about applicable tax incentive programs for your land, resource management and endowment!

Learn more and RSVP here: https://t.co/jz4DeI9egH"

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/tkVsFuFKLu

Town of Franklin: Franklin land owners are encouraged to attend our Converse and Conserve workshop - Mar 29
Town of Franklin: Franklin land owners are encouraged to attend our Converse and Conserve workshop - Mar 29

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Save the Date! Earth Day Celebration at the DelCarte Conservation Area - Apr 23, 2023

Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 9am to 1pm

An event for children and families! Come join the Franklin Conservation Commission, Department of Public Works, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Agricultural Commission, and others to celebrate our shared Earth on Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 9 AM to 1 PM at the DelCarte Conservation Area at 459 Pleasant Street. 

Celebrate with us by signing up for compost bins, learning about stormwater and rain gardens, enjoying a woods walk, exploring vernal pools, and more!

Overflow parking is available at 337 Pleasant Street and other side streets. Service Hours validated upon request and stewardship. See you there!

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/save-date-earth-day-celebration-delcarte-conservation-area

Save the Date! Earth Day Celebration at the DelCarte Conservation Area - Apr 23, 2023
Save the Date! Earth Day Celebration at the DelCarte Conservation Area - Apr 23, 2023

Converse and Conserve Workshop - Come Learn About Programs That Allow Your Property to Work for You and Create a Family Legacy

Converse and Conserve Workshop - Come Learn About Programs That Allow Your Property to Work for You and Create a Family Legacy

Tax Incentives | Resource Management | Land Endowment

Your land is a part of your legacy. Deciding what will happen to your land after you are gone is the next critical step of being a good land steward and furthering that legacy. Who will own your land and how will it be used? What will your legacy continue to be? These are questions that the "Converse and Conserve" workshop on Wednesday, March 29 from 4p-6p at Town Hall, Room 326A can answer for you.

Join the Franklin Conservation Department, Franklin Assessor's Office, Franklin Agricultural Commission, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Metacomet Land Trust, and DDCRW Law in learning about your options. Come learn about applicable tax incentive programs for forestland, agricultural land, and open space; learn about resource management for your natural environment; and even learn how to endow your land to ensure its lifelong protection. Estate planning, whether for now or for the future, is not just for the wealthy or for those who own "estates" – if you own land, then estate planning is a necessary and valuable step to ensure that the legacy of your land is a positive one!

Food and beverages will be provided by Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen.

RSVP for a free gift. 

For more information or to RSVP contact bgoodlander@franklinma.gov/(508) 520-4847.

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/converse-and-conserve-workshop-come-learn-about-programs-allow-your-property-work

Come Learn About Programs That Allow Your Property to Work for You and Create a Family Legacy
Come Learn About Programs That Allow Your Property to Work for You and Create a Family Legacy