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Weekend-long Events
Orange markers indicate events taking place thoughout the weekend of June 12th &13th
Billerica
Middlesex Canal Exhibits.
Spend the afternoon learning about the construction and function of the Middlesex Canal, one of the oldest functioning canals in the U.S. and one which played a role in the development of Boston. The Middlesex Canal Museum, 71 Faulkner Rd, North Billerica. Saturday & Sunday, 12-4pm
Bedford
Concord River Pontoon Boat Tours.
See the Concord River from a new angle. How many times have you crossed the Concord River & wondered what's around the bend? Here's your chance to see a little bit of this Wild and Scenic River. The boat will be leaving the Bedford Boat Landing and tour the river for about 1 hour. For more info, or to book a seat, call 978-667-1632 or email betsy.gallagher@comcast.net. Leave your info, which trip you'd like to be on & how many in your party & I will call you back to confirm. These trips have been known to fill up quickly, so call soon. Saturday & Sunday, 10-1pm
Concord
Exploring Concord: A Film about Concord's Rich History and Landscape.
The Concord Museum joins in the Riverfest celebration! Stop by the Concord Museum to enjoy a free screening of a 15-minute award-winning film, "Exploring Concord", and a complimentary copy of the accompanying self-guided tour brochure. This outstanding and evocative film looks at five specific natural and cultural landscapes in the town, uncovering their many layers of historical significance. Saturday & Sunday, 9am-5pm
Concord
Some Were Making a Stand.
Join a ranger from Minute Man National Historical Park at benches by the North Bridge along the banks of the Concord River. Learn about the opening battle of the American Revolution on April 19, 1775 and the legacy of this event in American history. Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am, 2:30, 3:30 & 4:30pm
Concord
History, Music, Art and Gardening at the Old Manse.
Join the Trustees of Reservations for a festive weekend. The Old Manse is located at 269 Monument Street, next to the Old North Bridge. Call 978-369-3909 for details and times. Look below for additional events scheduled for Saturday or Sunday. Saturday & Sunday, 10am-6pm
Interpreted Landscape Tours. Discuss connections to literature, nature, the river, and urbanization.
Attic Tours: Climb the stairs for new tours of the Manse attic.
Lecture and discussion: The rivers' role in the writers' lives and work. The Old Manse Bookstore book sale will be ongoing.
Landscape and Wildlife Painting Exhibit. Artist Tom Wilson will be displaying his works.
Tours of the Old Manse Gardens. Manse gardener, Gaining Grounds' Alec Ellsworth, will give tours of the Old Manse Garden, a recreation of the garden first planted in 1842 by Henry David Thoreau for Nathaniel and Sophia Hawthorne. Gaining Ground grows organic produce for hunger relief with the help of community volunteers of all ages and abilities. 10am-12pm
Sudbury
Photo Contest Winners Display.
Come to the barn at Wolbach Farm to view the winners of the Sudbury Valley Trustees 7th annual juried photo contest. Photographs will be recognized in three categories: 'The Rivers and their Tributaries', 'Flora and Fauna in the Watershed', and 'People Enjoying the Rivers', plus an overall 'Best In Show.' Saturday & Sunday
Framingham to Concord
Sudbury River Paddle from Framingham to Concord, Overnight at Fairhaven Bay
Join Bill Fadden to canoe/kayak the Sudbury River from Framingham to Concord with camping at Fairhaven Bay. New moon should permit good stargazing if the weather cooperates. Bring food and camping equipment. Total trip about 12 miles. Leader will supply s'mores and sanitary facilities at the campsite. Call SVT at 978-443-5588 to register. Saturday & Sunday, 10am Saturday to 2pm Sunday
Billerica
Saturday, June 12th, 2010 Events
Blue markers indicate events taking place Saturday, June 12th
Lowell
Come to the Concord River Greenway in Historic Downtown Lowell for a Day of Education, Art, Music and Fun!
Spend the day with your family enjoying fun activities and learning about Lowell's long relationship with its rivers and canals. Take a boat ride or a guided nature tour, listen to live music, participate in recycled art-making activities, and more! Concord River Greenway, just off 30 East Merrimack St. Info: www.lowelllandtrust.org or contact jcalvin@lowelllandtrust.org or 978-934-0030. Saturday
Live Music from The River 92.5 FM. Featuring River Rising Stars and family entertainers, join the fun and meet The River's street team and DJ Rita Carey.
Explore the Concord River Greenway. Enjoy the newly finished recreational space and newly installed public art.
Art Work for the Whole Family. Join Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust in creating some wearable art with a nature theme! Bring a t-shirt for nature painting.
Recycled Fashion Show. Browse fashions created at the Revolving Museum using unconventional materials.
Face Painting for the kid in all of us!
Live Animal Presentation Learn more about the animals that call the river home in presentations by MassAudubon
Recycled Art Bazaar and Activities Explore the intriguing items local artists create from found objects and learn how to make some of your own.
Green Art Activities with the American Textile History Museum.
River Clean Up Tables. Talk to the Lowell Canalwaters Cleaners about how you can help make our waters safer for animals and people across the region.
Canal Boat Tours. Get up close and personal with some of Lowell's canals in a guided boat tour led by the Lowell National Historical Park.
Billerica
Nature Walk in Dudley Park.
Join the Billerica Conservation Department for a fun, interpretive walk along the Concord River. Explore the natural beauty of this area while learning about the river habitat and wetlands. Meet at the entrance of Dudley Park. Info: Aimee Garman at 978-671-0966. Saturday, 10am
Carlisle
A Sunrise Canoe/Kayak Paddle for Bird and Wildlife Observation on the Concord River.
Join Ken Harte, wildlife specialist for a sunrise paddle along the Carlisle section of the Wild and Scenic Concord River and Great Meadows NWR. Meet at the Bedford Boat Landing on Rt. 225 at the Carlisle/Bedford town line. Stop at a casual riverside restaurant for breakfast. Bring your boat, life jacket, weather-appropriate clothing, binoculars, money for breakfast, drinking water and guide books. Unmotorized boats only. Cancelled if bad weather. Info: 978-369-0336. Saturday, 5:15am
Concord
A River Blessing.
Come to Egg Rock to honor the spirit of the river and the river of life. Mary Elizabeth Wheeler and Caroline McCloy conduct a simple early morning ceremony of music, song, poetry, silent reflection and prayer. They will be joined this year by Unitarian Universalist minister Christina Sillari. Park on Nashawtuc Rd and follow signs to Egg Rock, or come by boat! Join the Concord Land Conservation Trust for a guided walk along the river following the river blessing. Saturday, 8am
Concord
Assabet River Walk.
Join the Concord Land Conservation Trust for a walk to explore the varied riparian landscapes along the Assabet. Park along the Nashawtuc Rd causeway and meet at the corner of Nashawtuc and Musketaquid Roads. Saturday, 9am
Concord
Assabet River: Fishing Class for Kids!
Would your kids like to learn how to fish? Concord Outfitters will run a fishing class for children ages 6-13 years old on the banks of the Assabet River in West Concord. Pre-registration is required. Call 978-318-0330 or email andy@concordoutfitters.com by 6/11 to register. This event is sponsored by OAR and made possible by the generosity of Concord Outfitters. Saturday, 9-11am
Concord
Mill Brook Explorations Along the Thoreau Amble.
Take a guided natural history tour along the Mill Brook with Thoreauvian naturalist Walter Brain. The walk will explore portions of the Emerson/Thoreau Amble, a trail winding through wetlands, fields and woods in the Concord Town Forest. Meet at the Town Forest parking lot on Walden Street. Call 978-318-3285 to sign up. Saturday, 10am
Concord
From History to Wildlife.
Join Merrimack River Watershed Council for an easy paddle which passes under the Old North Bridge replica, (part of the Minute Man National Historical Park) and proceeds through the Great Meadows NWR. Meet in Concord at Lowell Rd bridge. Info: Julie Smith 603-891-0267 or cantdog@comcast.net. Saturday, 9:30am
Concord
On the Grounds of the Old Manse.
The Old Manse will be host to many fun events for the whole family. Come for one, or stay for a part of the day. There is something for everyone. Saturday
Wet and Wild. Join Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary naturalists along the banks of the Concord River and learn who depends on healthy river habitats for their home. Meet native wildlife and discover what lives in the water using magnifying glasses and other scientific tools. Family fun for all ages -- in the field behind the Old Manse. 10:30am-1:30pm
Family Picnic. Join Organization for the Assabet River and League of Women Voters for an informal picnic on the lawn at the Old Manse. Fun for all, including face painting and art projects for the kids. Bring a lunch and save room for dessert which will be provided. 12-2pm
Music Al Fresco. Relax and listen to the beautiful sounds of the Concord Chorus, singing a capella under the tent. Their repertoire will include some river songs to inspire us, as well as other pieces. 1pm
Two for the Show will perform a program of folk, swing, country, blues, and originals featuring guitar, bass, and vocals. For information call 978-369-8090. 2-4pm
Wayland
History Paddle.
Do you know when the Wayland Sewer Commission was attacked by an armed protest mob in Billerica? Why was the river "dammed at both ends and cursed in the middle"? Celebrate the River with Brian Donahue, Professor of History at Brandeis and expert on the history of our river, for a Paddle. Meet at Sherman's Bridge launch site (Sherman Bridge Road) with your canoe. We will paddle to the new Route 20 boat launch through the wide meadows, with frequent stops to hear stories of a fascinating and sometimes lurid past. Cars will ferry you back to the launch site. If you choose, you can bring a lunch and continue by car or by canoe) to Greenways to join the Sudbury Valley Trustees Riverside Picnic (See below). If you have space in your boat, or if you need space in someone else's boat, or have any questions, call 508-358-2980. Saturday, 9-12pm
Wayland
Riverside Picnic.
Celebrate Riverfest with a picnic alongside the Sudbury River at Greenways Reservation in Wayland. Bring a picnic of your choice. Join Ron McAdow, Executive Director of SVT who will provide some history of Greenways, the Sudbury River, and the Wild and Scenic designation. Saturday, 11:30-1:30pm
Wayland
The River Comes Out Of Your Faucet.
Water, wildlife, and wonders! Join us for an exploration of the Sudbury River and the SuAsCo watershed. Learn how water comes and goes and what water flows from your faucet! Meet native wildlife from Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm and discover the plants and animals (including humans) that depend on the health of the Sudbury River. Presented by the Wayland Wellhead Protection Committee and supported by a grant from the Wayland Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. At Old Town Bridge, off Rt. 27 at Wayland Country Club. Turn left and follow old road 600 ft. to end; park along side. In case of inclement weather, will be held at Wayland Public Safety Building, 38 Cochituate Rd (Rt. 27). Saturday, 2-4pm
Sudbury
Fishing Event & Family Festivities at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.
Join us for a fun-filled day of hands-on activities! Event will be held rain or shine at Great Meadows NWR, 73 Weir Hill Rd. 978-443-4661 x34. Saturday
Calling All Anglers beginners and experienced! Join refuge staff and MassWildlife's Angler Expert -- Jim Lagacy for a day filled with fishy fun! Learn how to fly-cast, spin-cast, and even tie your own fly. All equipment will be provided. 10am-2pm
Family Fun for Everyone! Join in games, movies, music, canoeing, crafts, and face painting as well. 10am-2pm
Wildlife: Up Close and Personal. Join Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm naturalists at Great Meadows NWR for some family fun. Visit with native wildlife, birds and reptiles that live along the banks of the river and depend on a healthy habitat. 10am-12pm
Alien Attack! Join NWR staff on the Sudbury River and help us combat the attack of the invasive water chestnut! This is a great opportunity to get out on the river, as well as a chance to make a difference for wildlife. Registration preferred, call 978-443-4661 x34 (limited to 20 people -- all ages welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult). Canoes and life jackets provided. Please wear old clothes, appropriate water shoes, gloves and bring sunscreen, water and snack. 2-5pm
Sudbury
Rubber Duck Race.
The Hop Brook Protection Association and the Sudbury Ponds and Waterways Committee are sponsoring a kids' Rubber Duck race in Hop Brook at the Grist Mill by Sudbur's Wayside Inn. The race will be preceded by a brief history of the Grist Mill and Hop Brook. Cheer for your duck as it makes its way down the canal, over the waterwheel and across the finish line! Gift certificates will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes. For registration, meet by the canal at the Grist Mill at 1 p.m. on Saturday. This event is free and is open to kids 12 and under. Info: 978-443-9638. Saturday, 1pm
Southborough
Family Fun on the Sudbury River.
Join Southborough Open Land Foundation and the Southborough Recreation Department for an afternoon of free canoe rides, a nature scavenger hunt, fairy house building, fishing, a chance to meet Children's Author/Artist Gordon Morrison and just relaxing by the river! Behind #6 Wood St. Info: 508-481-6837. Saturday, 2-5pm
Sunday, June 13th, 2010 Events
Orange markers indicate events taking place Sunday, June 13th
Concord
Discover the 'Secret' Great Blue Rookery.
Join Peter Alden, well known naturalist and author, for an exploration of a newly established rookery. Look for Great Blue Herons, Green Herons and other water birds and wildlife. Meet at Verrill Farm for a cup of coffee and then walk or car pool to this undiscovered and unadvertised spot. Be ready for some walking and bring binoculars. Sunday, 8:30am
Concord
A Sense of Place: Exploring the Spring Landscape at Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.
Join naturalist Cherrie Corey to explore the landscape along the Concord River floodplain and the refuge trails. Meet in the parking lot, Great Meadows NWR in Concord (Monsen Rd, off Rte. 62, driveway on left where road curves right). Questions? email cherrie.corey@verizon.net or call 978-760-1933. Sunday, 9-11am
Concord
Musketaquid: The People of the Marsh Grass River.
The people living here before the Europeans came called the Concord River 'Musketaquid.' In the Algonquian language this means 'marsh grass river.' Join Park Ranger Joan Laxson to learn about the original inhabitants of the place we now call Concord. At benches by the North Bridge, Concord. Sunday, 12:30pm
Concord
Concord Band: A Solstice Celebration.
An entertaining array of summer-themed music will be performed on the beautiful grounds of the Old Manse, Adjacent to Minute Man National Historical Park and the Old North Bridge. Bring a picnic and a chair and spend the afternoon celebrating summer with us. (Rain date, June 20th at the Performing Arts Center, 51 Walden St. Concord) at the Old Manse. Sunday, 2pm
Lincoln
The Great Lincoln Steeplechase Trail Run
Join in the 13th running of this fun 6.7 mile cross country trail run through the Town of Lincoln's conservation land, and through the Sudbury River watershed. Meet at St. Anne in the Fields'Church parking lot on Rt. 126, near the intersections with Codman Road. Info: 508-358-7639. Sunday
Sudbury
Bike Nature Tour: Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge.
Join NWR staff for a leisurely bike ride around the Refuge, stopping along the way to check out the wildlife and habitats and scenic Assabet River. Meet at the Hudson Rd gate, 680 Hudson Rd, Sudbury, MA. Make sure to have water and bug spray! For questions, email Jason at jason_stsauver@fws.gov or call him at 978-443-4661 x23. Sunday, 10am
Sudbury
Spend the afternoon at Wolbach Farm in Sudbury.
Bring a picnic, view the winners of the Riverfest Photo Contest, walk the nature trails or explore the butterfly garden. Here's what's going on: Sunday
Who Is Hiding in Vernal Pools? Join staff from the Walden Woods Project and the Vernal Pool Association to explore the hidden treasures of SuAsCo watershed -- vernal pools! In these important habitats for wildlife you'll find salamander larvae, frog tadpoles, beetles, bugs, and much more! Great for adults and kids over the age of 7. Please wear footwear appropriate for walking in the woods. In case of a rainy forecast, call 781-259-4707 the night before the event. For more information and to make reservations visit www.walden.org or call 781-259-4707. 12:30pm
Snakes of Massachusetts and the World. Do you ever wonder what kind of snakes live in your yard, the woods, fields and waterways nearby? Here is your chance to see a variety of local snakes close up, and a few exotic ones too. Rick Roth, Director of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team will bring some of his favorites to Wolbach Farm and will talk about their lives and habits. 2:30pm
Place for Frogs. Author Melissa Stewart will share with young readers the behavior and beauty of frogs and describe specific ways people can protect them. Children will learn basic facts about frogs, where they live, what they eat, and how they benefit other plants and animals. 4-5:30pm
Changes in our Flora and Fauna. Join naturalist and author Peter Alden for an informative and entertaining slide lecture about how humans have affected the local environment since the time of Thoreau. 5:30pm
Sudbury
Sunset Paddle.
End Riverfest weekend with a paddle along the Sudbury River as the sun sets and the moon rises. Tom Arnold plans this easy paddle and then rafting together under the starlight. Feel free to bring and share a dessert, a suitable cold beverage. Cameras are recommended. Starting and ending at River Road, off Rt 27. Call 978-443-5588 to register. Sunday, 7-9pm
Framingham
Bird Walk, Sudbury River/Carol Getchell Nature Trail.
Walk the Carol Getchell Nature Trail with expert birder and bird song identifier, Michele Grzenda. For experienced and novice birders. Wear boots. Bring bug spray! Bring binoculars and a field guide if you like. Meet at the end of Little Farms Rd, off Elm St in Framingham. Sunday, 7am
Stow
SuAsCo Open House.
Visit the headquarters of the SuAsCo Watershed Community Council -- look through our resource library, learn about the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord Rivers, view the 'Stormwater Matters' displays, study maps, pick up literature, and enjoy some refreshments. 118 Great Road, Sunday, 12-3pm
Berlin
It Takes a Green Village
Residents of brand new Sawyer Hill EcoVillage in Berlin, MA, will take you on a tour of its wooded conservation land, homes and common facilities. They will talk about their water and land stewardship and how the two cohousing neighborhoods were built for a more sustainable community. Directions: take 495 to exit 26 to Berlin; Rt 62 west for mile, left onto Sawyer Hill Road, go 1.4 miles to Village Lane on right. Info: 508-425-4080 or www.sawyerhill.org. Sunday, 12:30-4pm
Monday, June 14th, 2010 Event
Lincoln
Wild Plants I Have Known…and Eaten.
Join Russ Cohen, expert forager and author on a two-hour ramble through the Blue Heron Organic Farm, adjacent woodlands to learn about at least two dozen species of edible wild plants. Pending favorable weather conditions, several edible mushroom species may be encountered as well. Keys to the identification of each species will be provided, along with information on edible portions, seasons of availability and preparation methods. Blue Heron Organic Farm, Route 117. Monday, 6-8pm