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JULY 2018 PROGRAMS
 and a Lecture Series, Below
URBAN GARDENING SERIES
 
JULY 2018 PROGRAMS
at Fresh Pond Reservation
Offered by Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation and the Cambridge Water Department
These events are FREE and open to the public. Children are welcome in the company of an adult.
You will receive information on parking when you register. Registration information is below.
 
ONGOING WEEKLY OPPORTUNITIES
 
Mondays: Fresh Pond Stewards
5:30 to 7:30 pm
Meets at the volunteer trailer near the front of the Water Treatment Facility, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway.
 
Join our weed-warrior crew! We are Fresh Pond citizens dedicated to keeping invasive plants at bay for the benefit of wildlife, water and humans alike. No experience or long-term commitment necessary! All tools are provided; sturdy shoes, pants, long-sleeves and a water bottle are strongly recommended. Meets at the volunteer trailer in the lower parking lot. Contact tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov for more information.
 
 
Tuesdays: Woodland Restoration Area Gardening
Between 9:30am and 1:00pm
Meets at the Woodland Habitat (Northeast Sector)
 
Join other stewardship-minded volunteers in caretaking the native plant restoration area next to Lusitania Meadow, and learn about the diversity of native plant life! We seek dedicated participants who enjoy camaraderie and hard work that includes weeding, pruning, planting, watering new plantings, hauling wood chips and moving logs. Please email friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com if you would like to come, and for more information.
 
 
Wednesdays: Fresh Air Walks*
July 11, 18, 25
12:00 to 1:30pm
Meets at the Ranger Station, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway
 
* Does not meet on July 4th, Happy Independence Day! * These casual walks, led by Ranger Tim, will encompass Fresh Pond and take an informal look at each week in nature, life, and the city. Come alone or bring your co-workers! Rain or shine. Questions? Contact: tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov 
 
 
Thursdays: Fresh Pond Stewards
10:00am to 12:00 noon
Meets at the volunteer trailer near the front of the Water Treatment Facility, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway.
 
Join our weed-warrior crew! We are Fresh Pond citizens dedicated to keeping invasive plants at bay for the benefit of wildlife, water and humans alike. No experience or long-term commitment necessary! All tools are provided; sturdy shoes, pants, long-sleeves and a water bottle are strongly recommended. Meets at the volunteer trailer in the lower parking lot. Contact tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov for more information.
 
 
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
 
Walter J Sullivan Water Purification Facility Tour
Monday, July 9
6:00pm to 7:30pm 
Meets at the front door, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway
 
Come learn how the Cambridge Water Department purifies drinking water for your tap after it’s conveyed from nearby Fresh Pond into our facility.  You’ll have the chance to speak with water treatment staff, see the equipment in action and check out our water quality lab!  For more information, contact Ranger Tim at (617) 349-6489 or  tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov.  Please call ahead if coming with a large group.
 
 
Summer Bird Walk
Saturday, July 14
7:30 to 9:30 am
Register for parking and meeting information and for notice of cancellation due to inclement weather
 
The best time to look for birds during the summer is early in the morning, because that is when birds are most active. The air is cool and comfortable and the birds are hungry for breakfast. With walk leader Nancy Guppy, we may find adults feeding babies in the nest, and fledglings begging for food while following their parents.  As always, beginning birders are welcome.  We have binoculars to lend and will show you how to use them. Register with Catherine Pedemonti at friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com
 
 
Seasonal Walkabout at Black's Nook
Friday, July 20
10:30am to 12 noon
Meets at Maher Park (650 Concord Ave)
 
Come out for a seasonal walkabout with Ranger Jean at Black’s Nook. We will monitor wildlife by sign, track or presence, and make note of weather, state of plants, condition of water and other abiotic resources. You can help chart the seasonal changes of some of our most active wildlife spots, or simply come to enjoy the walk. Come dressed to be outdoors for the hour. All knowledge levels welcome. We will be walking off-path. To RSVP, please contact Ranger Jean at (508) 562-7605 or email jrogers@cambridgeMA.gov. Heavy rain postpones to the following Friday. 
 
 
Fresh Pond Bat Walk
Friday, July 20
8 to 9 pm
Registration Required (Rain date: Sat. July 21)
 
At dusk, bats leave their roosts to feed on flying insects. Join Pete Mellor and park staff for a walk at Fresh Pond Reservation. Aided by a detector that amplifies the bats’ otherwise inaudible high-frequency chirps, bat watchers can monitor and catalogue the species that call the City of Cambridge home. Group size is limited, please send reservation request to citybatwalk@gmail.com All Ages. Service dogs only.
 
 
 
Fresh Pond Herb Walk
Saturday, July 21
9:30am to 11:00am
Meeting place: Gazebo by Maher Parking Lot, 650 Concord Ave.
 
Learn about some of the most interesting, abundant (and weedy) plants that grow around us in our city environs. We’ll discuss the medicinal and edible uses of these herbs as we stroll around the pond, and also review tips for harvesting and preserving plants. Learn to see your urban surroundings in a whole new light, and discover the wonder of the plant world, from humble dandelions to graceful lindens. Led by Steph Zabel of Flowerfolk Herbal Apothecary. Please RSVP to Catherine Pedemonti at friendsoffreshpond@yahoo. com.
 
 
Animal Detectives: Toads and Turtles
Sunday, July 22 
11:00am to 12:00 noon
Meets at the Ranger Station, 250 Fresh Parkway (under the clock tower)
 
July’s spotlight is on the Toad and the Turtle. These happy hoppers and shelled swimmers are magnificent little animals; let’s explore together how they live. This family program is best suited for kids between 4 and 12. Accompanying adult must be present, service dogs only please, and dress appropriately as this is an outdoor program. Groups please check-in with Ranger Tim at tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov prior to Thursday, July 19th.
 
To receive monthly email program announcements, send an email to friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com
DONATIONS
Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation is an all-volunteer organization. We no longer collect membership dues as we did in the past, but we still need money to do our work. We pay professionals to lead programs, maintain this website, and buy supplies for our conservation work on the Reservation. If you would like to help us by making a donation, we would be grateful. Thank you!
 
                  You can donate online via Paypal by clicking HERE.
                  
                           Or you can mail a check to:
                           Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation
                           31 Mount Pleasant Street
                           Cambridge MA 02140-2613
 


Learn about growing Native Plants: Visit the website of
GROW NATIVE MASSACHUSETTS
 

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New England Wild Flower Society's

URBAN GARDENING SERIES

The following classes are part of our Urban Gardening Series a set of classes designed to help city dwellers grow healthy, sustainable, and beautiful urban gardens. Led by Society staff in partnership with the Cambridge Conservation Commission, these FREE classes take place in the lecture hall at the Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138.

 
 
Rain Garden Fundamentals
Date: Saturday, June 30
Time: 10:30 a.m.-12:00 noon
Meeting Place: Cambridge Public Library
449 Broadway,Cambridge, MA
Instructor: Anna Fialkoff
As more land is developed for building, space for stormwater absorption and cleaning is rapidly disappearing. Rain gardens can play a significant role in urban and suburban areas by cleaning, cooling, and slowing runoff so that it doesn’t pollute water bodies. Learn how rain gardens work, how you can create a low-tech and effective rain garden, and which durable natives you should plant there.
 
Native Lawn Alternatives for Urban Spaces
Date: Saturday, July 28
Time: 10:30 a.m.-12:00 noon
Meeting Place: Cambridge Public Library
449 Broadway,Cambridge, MA
Instructor: Mark Richardson
“Lawns are a soul-crushing time suck” cries the media. Lawn covers more surface area of the U.S. than any other single irrigated crop, according to NASA. Lawns are resource-heavy, requiring irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticides to thrive in our climate. Learn some of the best, environmentally friendly lawn alternatives for urban gardens.
 
Native Plants for New England Gardens -- Book Talk
Date: Saturday, August 18
Time: 10:30 a.m.-12:00 noon
Meeting Place: Cambridge Public Library
449 Broadway,Cambridge, MA
Instructor: Dan Jaffe
Dan Jaffe, coauthor of Native Plants for New England Gardens, wants to teach you how to create lovely, low-maintenance gardens that support biodiversity and thrive in New England. This handy guide to more than 100 great native perennials, trees, shrubs, ferns, grasses, and vines features practical information accompanied by beautiful color photography. Join him for this informative discussion about native plants and all their garden uses–from plants to use instead of mulch to tough plants for urban gardens.
These FREE classes take place in the lecture hall at the
Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138.
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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