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

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

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE - Maple Hill Open Space and Recreation Focus Group Meeting - March 22

DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE - Maple Hill Open Space and Recreation Focus Group Meeting

New Date and Location: Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 6 PM in Room 326A at Town Hall

The Maple Hill Open Space and Recreation Plan focus group meeting will now be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 6 PM in Room 326A at Town Hall

Please join the Conservation Commission on the third floor and brainstorm ideas for the Maple Hill Conservation Area prior to the Master Plan process. 

See you there!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/date-and-location-change-maple-hill-open-space-and-recreation-focus-group-meeting

Was previously scheduled for Thursday, Mar 23, NOW scheduled for Wednesday Mar 22

DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE - Maple Hill Open Space and Recreation Focus Group Meeting - March 22
DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE - Maple Hill Open Space and Recreation Focus Group Meeting - March 22

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

In this Making Sense of Climate episode we go from Franklin's flood plain, to the water cycle, to dealing with climate grief (audio)

FM #954 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 954 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Tuesday, February 21, 2023.  We were joined by the Town of Franklin Conservation Agent Breeka Li Goodlander and as you’ll hear, we had a great discussion.

In this episode we covered the following topics: 

  • Welcome Breeka Li to episode

  • Breeka Li provides her "road to Franklin Conservation Agent"

  • Open Space & Recreation update process underway

  • Franklin is basically a flood plain source for the Charles River

  • Role of wetlands, fragility of cycle, point source, non-point source

  • Climate grief, Skype a scientist

  • The remedy for grief is to take action, to make a difference

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

Our recording runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted and Breeka Li.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-954-making-sense-of-climate-24-02-21-23



--------------

  

Links to articles referenced


Franklin Conservation page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation 


Open Space & Recreation Plan update ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/pages/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-update 


Breeka Li’s Linkedin page ->  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bgoodlander/ 


The “Book of the Dead” that Breeki Li mentioned can be found https://therevelator.org/species-extinct-2022/ 


See the page that collects all the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

--------------


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


In this Making Sense of Climate episode we go from Franklin's flood plain, to the water cycle, to dealing with climate grief (audio)
In this Making Sense of Climate episode we go from Franklin's flood plain, to the water cycle, to dealing with climate grief (audio)

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Franklin Conservation Commission: OSRP Public Hearing Agenda - Feb 21 - 6 PM

Tuesday ->

Franklin Conservation Commission
OSRP Public Hearing Agenda 
February 21, 2023
Updated February 16, 2023
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

PUBLIC HEARING 1
 


Franklin Conservation Commission: OSRP Public Hearing Agenda - February 21, 2023 - 6 PM
Franklin Conservation Commission: OSRP Public Hearing Agenda - February 21, 2023 - 6 PM

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Thank You Franklin Future Leaders for Planting Grasses for the DelCarte Turtle Nesting Habitat

Thank You Franklin Future Leaders for Planting Grasses for the DelCarte Turtle Nesting Habitat

Last Thursday, the Franklin Future Leaders planted big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in biodegradable pots to help supply native grasses for the recently permitted turtle nesting habitat at the DelCarte Conservation Area, a component of the DelCarte Biodiversity and Buffer Zone Restoration Plan. The Leaders will be nurturing the seedlings at their respective homes until later this Spring, whereupon the Leaders will plant the grown grasses at DelCarte. The Conservation Department and Commission want to thank the group for their volunteer efforts, service, and advocacy! 

For more information on the DelCarte Biodiversity and Buffer Zone Restoration project and to follow the progress, visit here. To see how you can help, please contact the Conservation Agent at bgoodlander@franklinma.gov

Thanks again, Franklin Future Leaders!

Shared from Town of Franklin page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/thank-you-franklin-future-leaders-planting-grasses-delcarte-turtle-nesting-habitat

Thank You Franklin Future Leaders for Planting Grasses for the DelCarte Turtle Nesting Habitat
Thank You Franklin Future Leaders for Planting Grasses for the DelCarte Turtle Nesting Habitat

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Municipal Recreation Facilities and Parks (ADA Compliance Included) - Thursday Jan 26

2023 OSRP Focus Group Meeting - Municipal Recreation Facilities and Parks (ADA Compliance Included) 

- Thursday Jan 26 - 6 PM

The Conservation Commission will hold its second Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) focus group meeting this Thursday, January 26 at 6 PM

In case you'll miss the meeting or would like further discussion, you are also invited to attend OSRP Office Hours Friday, January 27 between 10 and 11 AM in the third floor training room at Town Hall. 

Bring your ideas and see you there!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/2023-osrp-focus-group-meeting-municipal-recreation-facilities-and-parks-ada

Town of Franklin begins planning to update the Open Space and Recreation Plan
Town of Franklin begins planning to update the Open Space and Recreation Plan

Monday, January 23, 2023

The Town of Franklin Open Space & Recreation Plan Overview with Breeka Li Goodlander (audio)

 FM #922 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 922 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my introductory conversation with the Town of Franklin Conservation Agent Breka Li Goodlander, CWS, PWS. We had our conversation via conference bridge.  


This session we spend time talking about the Open Space & Recreation Plan (OSRP) now being updated

  • OSRP is part of the Master Plan, a plan for a plan

  • Inventory of open space & recreation assets

  • Input from community to build plan, feedback from community on plan draft

  • Series of focus groups, public forums, survey, etc. used to gather the input


The conversation runs about 16 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Breeka Li. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-922-town-of-franklin-open-space-recreation-plan-overview-01-12-23



--------------


Open Space & Recreation plan update  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/pages/2023-open-space-and-recreation-plan-update 


Open Space and Recreation Update Launch Video  https://youtu.be/D4Xxuw3k4Z8


Schedule of focus group meetings, follow up office hours, public forums, etc. ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/case-you-missed-it-2023-osrp-first-focus-group-meeting-sports-and-rec-programming


Mass Gov OSRP website: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/open-space-and-recreation-plans


OSRP Masswoods handbook: https://masswoods.org/sites/masswoods.org/files/pdf-doc-ppt/Open%20Space%20Handbook.pdf


Mass Open Space Network: https://www.massopenspace.org/ (Many free, introductory webinars for homeowners re: Open Space, estate planning, Chapter 61, etc.)


Conservation page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation 


Contact info ->  Conservation Agent/Natural Resource Protection Manager

(508) 520-4847


For project updates and other Conservation related news and information, you may subscribe for Conservation updates  https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe 


--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Town of Franklin begins planning to update the Open Space and Recreation Plan
Town of Franklin begins planning to update the Open Space and Recreation Plan