Friends of the Fells

Spring Events

For Babes in the Woods hikes & strolls click here.

Park Serve Day: Saturday, May 17

Meet across from Stone Zoo, at the DCR Tree Nursery, 10 am – 2 pm

Spring Calendar of events click here

Babes in the Woods program click here

August 1, 2007

July, 2007 Photos: Mike Ryan

The Department of Conservation and Recreation has completed restoration of historic Wright’s Tower.

A new slate roof, fireproofed beams, reconstructed stonework and a solid door are all now in place.

Restoration of the tower was made possible due to a supplemental budget request initiated by Fells district state legislators, Representative Paul Donato and Senator Patricia Jehlen.

We know the public joins the Friends in thanking our legislative delegation, and DCR for advancing this important project, so that once again the sentinel of the Fells has been made whole again. On weekends the tower's observation deck will once again be open for visitors to enjoy the 360 degree views.

Yet to come as the finishing touch for restoration of the Tower, which was built in 1937 by Works Progress Administration craftsmen, will be placement of a plaque honoring the man in whose honor it was built, Elizur Wright. The text will read:

IN HONOR OF ELIZUR WRIGHT

"The years of whose unceasing labor was the natural foundation of the Metropolitan Park System, and whose aim was that the Middlesex Fells should be forever preserved as a People's Forest Park." [Ellen Wright, 1896; daughter of Elizur Wright]

Photo: Paul Devaney

At noon on Christmas day Paul Devaney was rewarded with an extraordinary sight in the Fells woods - spottng five deer.! Here we see three members of the group in this fine photograph he has shared with us. With early snow this season numerous tracks have been found in the Fells but the elusive deer are seldom seen. We thank Paul for sending us this photograph.

Welcome to the website of the Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation. Our mission is to protect and preserve the natural and historic resources of the 2500 acres of the Fells through public outreach and support. Contact us: friends@fells.org 781/662-2340. It's easy to become a member. We are located at 4 Woodland Road, Stoneham, MA 02180, adjacent to the Spot Pond Visitor Center.

Park Serve Day: Saturday, May 17

Meet across from Stone Zoo, at the DCR Tree Nursery, 10 am – 2 pm

The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s second annual Park Serve Day is an opportunity for volunteers across the state to contribute to preserving and enhancing our parks and forests.
Here in the Middlesex Fells Reservation DCR is finalizing plans for volunteers to assemble and install bird and bat houses and continue work started during last year’s Park Serve Day on DCR’s North Region Tree Nursery at the Central Service Yard across Pond Street from the Stone Zoo. The DCR will provide work gloves and equipment needed for the various projects, though participants may want to bring their own work gloves. Wear sturdy shoes and work clothes, and consider bringing sunscreen and insect repellent. Drinking water and snacks will be supplied, though participants should feel free to bring their own food as well.
Park Serve Day is part of the DCR’s Great Park Pursuit program, “a team activity that connects families with the outdoors and their state parks.” For more information about all Great Park Pursuit activities, including Park Serve Day call 617-626-1450 or visit www.greatparkpursuit.

Basic Bird Box Design   US EPA

Calendar and Newsletter Issues!
Note: Calendars and Newsletters are available as easy to read Adobe® PDF files; if your computer needs the PDF Reader it is available free here

For our Spring Newsletter click here

Spring Calendar of events click here

Babes in the Woods program click here

Wright's Tower Restoration

October, 2007

August 1, 2007

July, 2007         Photos: Mike Ryan

The Department of Conservation and Recreation has completed restoration of historic Wright’s Tower.

A new slate roof, fireproofed beams, reconstructed stonework and a solid door are all now in place.

Restoration of the tower was made possible due to a supplemental budget request initiated by Fells district state legislators, Representative Paul Donato and Senator Patricia Jehlen.

We know the public joins the Friends in thanking our legislative delegation, and DCR for advancing this important project, so that once again the sentinel of the Fells has been made whole again. On weekends the tower's observation deck will once again be open for visitors to enjoy the 360 degree views.

Yet to come as the finishing touch for restoration of the Tower, which was built in 1937 by Works Progress Administration craftsmen, will be placement of a plaque honoring the man in whose honor it was built, Elizur Wright. The text will read:

IN HONOR OF ELIZUR WRIGHT

"The years of whose unceasing labor was the natural foundation of the Metropolitan Park System, and whose aim was that the Middlesex Fells should be forever preserved as a People's Forest Park."   [Ellen Wright, 1896; daughter of Elizur Wright]

                                    Photo:      Paul Devaney
At noon on Christmas day Paul Devaney was rewarded with an extraordinary sight in the Fells woods - spottng five deer.! Here we see three members of the group in this fine photograph he has shared with us. With early snow this season numerous tracks have been found in the Fells but the elusive deer are seldom seen. We thank Paul for sending us this photograph.

THE FELLS

Why have the Fells been preserved for generations of Bostonians? Read about its unique and fascinating history. This section also contains interesting facts regarding the Fells' geology and flora and fauna.

Visit www.FoundintheFells.com to help you identify the notable flowers and plants on your next Fells visit.

Comprehensive Fells plant survey under way

When Bryan Hamlin moved to this area in 2003 he made the unexpected discovery that he was little more than a stone’s throw from the Fells, a 2500 acre forest park. As a naturalist-botanist he couldn’t believe his good fortune.

As he began to take walks in the Fells he was quickly impressed by seeing several of his 'old favorite native woodland plants of New England' indicating a reasonably healthy forest. Story continues here.
Cardinal Flower Photo: Bryan Hamlin

Spring Events

For Babes in the Woods hikes & strolls click here.

It’s Your Nature
Saturday, May 10 10:00am to 11:00am

Leader: DCR Staff
A story, a craft, and a snack for preschoolers and a favorite adult at the Botume House Visitor Center, 4 Woodland Rd., Stoneham, ½- mile south of Stone Zoo. Sponsored by the DCR. For information call Lynn Hildenbrand, 781/662-5214.

Trail Maintenance Day
Saturday, May 10 9:00am to 2:00pm

Leader: Michael Arnott
Get dirty, have fun, and revel in a sense of accomplishment! Preregistration
required. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Fells and the DCR. Call 781/662-2340 or email friends@fells.org with name and contact information.

Lady Slipper Orchids & More
Saturday, May 17 10:00am to Noon

Leader: Bryan Hamlin
A modest hike to see the abundance of Spring blossoms at this time. Meet at the Long Pond parking lot in Winchester, top of South Border Rd., Winchester. For more information, go to Bryan’s website www.foundinthefells.com or call 781/854-2058.

Long Pond Nature Trail
Tuesday, May 20 9:30am to 11:45am

Leader: Boot Boutwell
The Lady Slippers should be in bloom and there are plenty of them in the Long Pond area. We will also see what else is in flower on this easy spring hike. There will be plenty of plant ID and natural history. Meet at the Long Pond parking lot, South Border Rd., Winchester. Heavy rain cancels.

Rock Circuit Trail
Saturday, May 24 10:00am to 1:30pm

Leader: Mike Doucette
We will be in the southeastern Fells for a 4½-mile loop hike. Pinnacle Rock, our lunch stop, is an ideal spot for bird watching with good views into Melrose and Malden. The trail is steep and rocky in several places. Wear sturdy shoes and bring lunch and water. Meet at the Flynn Rink at intersection of Woodland Rd. and Elm St. in Medford. Rain cancels.

Planning a visit? Click the following link to find out about the variety of activities the Middlesex Fells has to offer, from hiking to educational lectures and nature walks.

More activities and events.

GET INVOLVED!

Volunteering, trail maintenance, trail adoption; these are several of the simple and effective ways through which you can help preserve the rich heritage of the Middlesex Fells for yourself and future generations. Visit our submissions page to view photos and stories contributed by friends of the Fells. Current Volunteer Opportunities: we are looking for hike leaders, grant writers, special events assistants, and much much more.The Middlesex Fells are ours to enjoy and protect. Please look at our Get Involved page for more information!

Virginia Wood Photos Mike Ryan

Family hike at Bellevue Pond

“What we wanted in the Fells was a bit of Nature in our midst that we might watch its workings...We wanted our tree covered rocks and cliffs that these might lift themselves up by friendly trunks and swing themselves down by branches...we wanted dark, crowded places, even jungles, that we might press through them and come out upon wild pictures which we had never dreamed were there.”

[Ellen Wright, 1906]

2060 ACRES, DON'T GET LOST!

Purchase a map for your next visit and support the efforts of the Friends of the Fells.
Maps may be purchased.

Comprehensive 1995 – 2007 Middlesex Fells Reservation Bird List

Observers: Dana & Inge Jewell, Friends of the Middlesex Fells and Marj Rines, Menotomy Bird Club here

ALERT: 'LANGWOOD COMMONS' PROJECT ACTION UPDATE

Wednesday May 7th PUBLIC MEETING HELD
130 citizens gather at Melrose Memorial Hall to help protect the Fells Reservaton:

STOP “Langwood Commons” END-RUN AROUND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

photo: David Mussina

On May 7th citizens turned out in large numbers to to discuss the former hospital site owner's efforts to block environmental review of the huge "Langwood Commons" project which would add 5,000 daily vehicle trips to the Fells and our communities.

Present at the meeting were Fells Reservation supporters from each of the region's communities, including numerous elected officials. Following introductions by chairman Andrew Celentano of Friends of Fells board members and Friends legal counsel Barry Fogel, a brief slide show was presented highlighting how the Fells Reservation was set aside for public enjoyment over a century ago and how that vision is still so important today.

The importance of protecting the Fells from over-scale development impacts has been upheld by four prior Massachusetts environmental (MEPA) decisions which have said “NO” to the Gutierrez Company’s plans for creating a project so big it would turn the Spot Pond Historic Fells District into a busy, noisy, traffic-choked commercial zone.

In January of this year the developer announced that he will not comply with the 2006 MEPA ruling which required he submit and discuss a Reduced-Build plan with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Instead, the developer asserted to Patrick administration officials that the project was small enough to get by with no access or mitigation permits, and that Langwood Commons should “automatically be removed from MEPA jurisdiction altogether.”

So far, DCR has not made any indication that the state intends to continue to protect the Fells. The Boston Globe reported recently that state officials have said the following, “Regardless of the level of traffic it generates, Langwood Commons requires a review only if the developer proposes to change the parkways leading to it.”

To ensure that state officials continue to protect the Fells the meeting turned to a discussion of how to involve public support to tell officials that this is wrong!

It was stated that Massachusetts’ law requires that “the DCR shall preserve and protect the scenic and historic integrity of its roadways and boulevards.”

It is the responsibility of the Commonwealth – not developers – to determine whether a project that will generate substantial traffic on DCR parkways must propose and evaluate project alternatives and traffic mitigation. THE DEVELOPER MUST COMPLY WITH PRIOR STATE RULINGS AND SUBMIT A REDUCED-BUILD PLAN WHICH WILL SHOW THE PROJECT WILL DO NO HARM TO THE FELLS, ITS PARKWAYS, AND OUR COMMUNITIES.

New public outreach plans were outlined; to help build the statewide letter writing campaign addressed to state officials to ensure that the peace and natural tranquility of the Middlesex Fells Spot Pond Historic District is not destroyed. For key points to consider including in letters click here for a helpful outline.

Please write or send an email message today to the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and MEPA to demand the Gurierrez Co. complete the MEPA environmental review process for the huge 'Langwood Commons' proposal by submitting a smaller project for analysis of its impacts.

Thank you,

Mike Ryan
Executive Director
Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation

Please send comments to:

Rick Sullivan, Commissioner
Department of Conservation and Recreation
250 Causeway Street
Boston, MA 02114
email: rick.sullivan@state.ma.us

Deerin Babb-Brott, MEPA Director
Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Room 900
Boston, MA 02114
Email: deerin.babb-brott@state.ma.us

Ian Bowles, Secretary,
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston, MA 02114
Email: ian.bowles@state.ma.us

Honorable Deval Patrick
Office of the Governor
Room 360
Boston, MA 02133
Phone: 617.725.4005

Please send copies of your messages to us at: friends@fells.org

To find out how to contact your elected state representative click here:

To view Sierra Club MEPA letter click here.

Letter to Governor Patrick re conflict of interest click here.

City of Melrose MEPA letter click here.

Mass Historical Commission letter opposes Gutierrez Co. changes to Fells Spot Pond parkways, here

It’s Your Nature
Saturday, May 10 10:00am to 11:00am

Leader: DCR Staff
A story, a craft, and a snack for preschoolers and a favorite adult at the Botume House Visitor Center, 4 Woodland Rd., Stoneham, ½- mile south of Stone Zoo. Sponsored by the DCR. For information call Lynn Hildenbrand, 781/662-5214.

Trail Maintenance Day
Saturday, May 10 9:00am to 2:00pm

Leader: Michael Arnott
Get dirty, have fun, and revel in a sense of accomplishment! Preregistration
required. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Fells and the DCR. Call 781/662-2340 or email friends@fells.org with name and contact information.

Lady Slipper Orchids & More
Saturday, May 17 10:00am to Noon

Leader: Bryan Hamlin
A modest hike to see the abundance of Spring blossoms at this time. Meet at the Long Pond parking lot in Winchester, top of South Border Rd., Winchester. For more information, go to Bryan’s website www.foundinthefells.com or call 781/854-2058.

Long Pond Nature Trail
Tuesday, May 20 9:30am to 11:45am

Leader: Boot Boutwell
The Lady Slippers should be in bloom and there are plenty of them in the Long Pond area. We will also see what else is in flower on this easy spring hike. There will be plenty of plant ID and natural history. Meet at the Long Pond parking lot, South Border Rd., Winchester. Heavy rain cancels.

Rock Circuit Trail
Saturday, May 24 10:00am to 1:30pm

Leader: Mike Doucette
We will be in the southeastern Fells for a 4½-mile loop hike. Pinnacle Rock, our lunch stop, is an ideal spot for bird watching with good views into Melrose and Malden. The trail is steep and rocky in several places. Wear sturdy shoes and bring lunch and water. Meet at the Flynn Rink at intersection of Woodland Rd. and Elm St. in Medford. Rain cancels.

Planning a visit? Click the following link to find out about the variety of activities the Middlesex Fells has to offer, from hiking to educational lectures and nature walks.

[Ellen Wright, 1906]

2060 ACRES, DON'T GET LOST!

Purchase a map for your next visit and support the efforts of the Friends of the Fells.
Maps may be purchased.

Comprehensive 1995 – 2007 Middlesex Fells Reservation Bird List

Observers: Dana & Inge Jewell, Friends of the Middlesex Fells and Marj Rines, Menotomy Bird Club here

Wednesday May 7th PUBLIC MEETING HELD
130 citizens gather at Melrose Memorial Hall to help protect the Fells Reservaton:

STOP “Langwood Commons” END-RUN AROUND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

photo: David Mussina

On May 7th citizens turned out in large numbers to to discuss the former hospital site owner's efforts to block environmental review of the huge "Langwood Commons" project which would add 5,000 daily vehicle trips to the Fells and our communities.