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Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation (FFPR) is a volunteer citizens' group whose purpose is to enhance and protect the natural environment of Fresh Pond Reservation through education and community participation. Since the winter of 2001-2002, FFPR has offered a number of activity-based programs designed to develop nature observation skills and build community at the Reservation. Topics have included seasonal tree identification, migratory songbirds and waterfowl, wildflowers in bloom, insects, algae, fungi, and tours of the watershed. Inventories of birds, trees, wildflowers and pond life conducted by the group have helped to add to the State of Massachusetts biodiversity data collection. Reservation managers have used information gathered by Friends group members to help make decisions related to invasive plants control. Youth-based programs such as "1 2 Tree," "How do Animals Prepare for Winter?," and "Duck, Duck, Goose," bring adults with their children to the Reservation to explore plants and wildlife through hands-on activities. "Forty Fathoms Deep" and "Shifting Patterns, Shifting Significance" gave us a look at the Pond in the 1800's when it was privately owned. Volunteer workdays have included the spreading of Christmas tree mulch to address compaction and erosion problems, spring and fall clean ups, invasive plant removal, and staffing of information tables for Water Department and Mystic River Watershed Association events. We have also hosted events such as "Reflections on the Pond," and "The Indoor Naturalist" where participants shared their artwork, favorite nature writing, and personal reflections of their experiences on the Reservation. Maps, self-guided walks and informational flyers on birds, native plants, invasive plants, and other topics of interest have been created and distributed at events and on the Reservation. Subjects for future programs, in addition to identification of, trees, wildflowers, birds, insects, macro-invertebrates, algae, and fungi, include the historic and current uses of the Reservation and recent and upcoming restoration projects. We welcome suggestions for other activities. We invite you to join us as we expand our explorations of the land, the water and the plants, animals and people who depend on the Reservation for their lives. The modest membership fee helps support a website, the development of educational materials for our programs, funds event mailings, and the purchase of field guides and equipment. You can view photos from some of our events, plant inventories, and photo albums on our website at www.friendsoffreshpond.org. You can also print membership forms, maps, and bird lists. To learn more you may e-mail
Elizabeth at FriendsofFreshPond@yahoo.com |