The New England Botanical Club's (NEBC) journal Rhodora reports on a presentation made to the Club about the plant survey of the Fells. Later, this same journal will be publishing the full, detailed report of the plant survey. Read the Rhodora report here.
Promoting awareness, policies and programs
to preserve and enhance the ecological and historical
landscape of the Middlesex Fells forest Reservation.
HIKES and EVENTS CALENDAR
Bear Hill Habitats
The Middlesex Fells Reservation has a great diversity of topography, geology, wildlife and plants, and Bear Hill is one of the best places to learn about them. Read more>
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Rules for Continued Legal Review of Langwood Project
In a unanimous decision issued on August 11, 2011, the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) ruled in favor of Friends of the Fells, City of Medford and citizens on the appeal from the Superior Court's prior dismissal of all claims regarding the Langwood Development project across from Spot Pond. Read more >
DCR Park Watch:
You can help
protect the Fells
Reservation!!
Reporting problems encountered in the Fells is the first step. Call the 1-866-PK-WATCH (866-759-2824) 24 hour number to report vandalism, ground fires, dogs off leash, vandalism, dumping, motorized vehicles on trails and other problems. More Park Watch information here>
Calendar of Fells Spring Hike, Event and Volunteer opportunities click here>
Fells Reservation trail map here >
The Fells
Forever the People’s Forest Park
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. Our Board of Directors is committed to preservation and appreciation of the Fells. Contact us: friends@fells.org
781/662-2340. It's easy to become a member. Would you like to volunteer to help the Fells Reservation? Fill out this form and we will get back to you soon!
Click on any event on the Calendar for time, place and event details. Includes all Babes in the Woods listings.
Friends of Fells Chairman Dr. Bryan Hamlin featured on a video discussing extensive biodiversity found in the Fells Reservation. To view click here
See Fells Forever website for examination of bike-use impacts and exposure of RMP bike use studies.
Spring 2012
Newsletter
and Calendar
Your tax deductible support for the Friends of the Fells will go a long way towards programs for appreciation and protection of the Fells Reservation! Thank You!
Canada Mayflower in bloom
Hidden plans between DCR & NEMBA begins conversion of Reservoir Trail to mountain bike use
On March 17, 2012 DCR allowed the mountain bike group to cut an unstable bike route on a steep embankment introducing unsafe trail conditions for hikers on the Reservoir Trail.
DCR has refused to publicly share plans it developed solely with NEMBA for this, despite requests from other stakeholders. This exposes the deception behind the agency’s claims that the new trails policy will be transparent and will serve all Fells visitors.
Even more revealing is how the new trail configurations will displace hikers and other visitors who will no longer be able to experience nature peacefully and safely. This is the deceit behind DCR/NEMBA “multi-use” trail claims. What is unfolding is a mountain bike takeover of traditional Fells hiking and walking trails.
Protection of nature and visitor safety is taking a back seat to the DCR/NEMBA mountain bike conversion scheme. We urge Fells visitors to contact DCR Commissioner Ed Lambert ed.lambert@state.ma.us and tell him he must act now to halt this destruction of the Reservoir Trail and creation of unsafe conditions. DCR must uphold its promise to act in the best interest of all Fells visitors.
Save the Date! Friends of Fells Annual Meeting, Thursday, May 31. Featuring a presentation of the century old Fells lantern slides of George Davenport.
MWRA Spot Pond Covered Water Storage Project Begins
Construction activity in the coming months in the Spot Pond district will be associated with the construction of a 20 million-gallon water storage facility and pump station on the site of the former Boston Regional Medical Center. For more information click here.
Mountain bikers cutting trail through undisturbed habitat around Reservoir Trail stone steps following plans kept from public
New trail on steep slope creates unstable and dangerous hiking conditions See more here.
Medford Historical Society co-president Kyna Hamill and Friends executive director Mike Ryan will present these historic slides which played a key role in continuing the original movement to create the Fells Reservation. The meeting begins at 7pm, at the Oak Grove Community Center, 12 Island Hill Ave., Melrose (Main Street at Melrose/Malden line). The event is free and refreshments will be served. For more information call 781-662-2340