Wildlands on Wheels!

As you scroll through upcoming Wildlands Trust programs, you may see a word used with increasing frequency – biking! And, no, that’s not a typo on “hiking.” As Wildlands enters a new chapter of programming, we are looking for ways to expand to different parts of our community. With some wonderful paved bike paths and fantastic access to singletrack (narrow mountain bike trails), the South Shore is steadily becoming a biking destination. 

Our new Programs and Outreach Manager, Claire Johnston, is a passionate member of the biking community. “I’ve been an avid gravel and mountain bike rider for the last few years, primarily in the Pacific Northwest. I’ve also spent four years working in bike shops, and doing community engagement in the bike industry. I love leading group rides and holding clinics to teach at-home bike maintenance. I think, with the development we are seeing in the local biking community, there’s lots of room to bring events like this to Wildlands. I’m hoping to work with the South Shore chapter of New England Mountain Biking Association to plan some rides on Wildlands Trust preserves this fall and spring.” 

When asked about the difficulty of rides that Wildlands will be offering, Claire said, “Just like our hikes, difficulty will vary and depend on a number of factors. The most important considerations for participation are: ride type, mileage, elevation, and difficulty.” Event descriptions will always include what type of ride is planned and what type of bike or equipment you will need for the event. Descriptions will also include the ride length and any elevation changes that impact the level of difficulty. Wildlands plans to offer a variety of rides as our biking program evolves to meet the interests of our members.

To get you started, the following category descriptions will help you determine which rides will be right for you:

• Bike Paths: Riding on bike paths is safe, accessible, and generally pleasant on any type of bike. Paths are a great place to learn how to ride a bike! Difficulty of rides may vary based on length or elevation, but riders can be confident that bike path rides will be comfortable and fun for everyone, from beginners to advanced riders. 

• Road: Road riding, or riding on primarily paved surfaces, is focused on endurance and distance. Most road rides will link substantial lengths of bike lanes, and are most suitable for riders with high endurance and riding experience. Road rides require on-road safety equipment, like visibility clothing and bike lights.  

• Gravel: While gravel riding may sound like it’s exclusively on one type of surface, it really means any non-paved surfaces. Most local gravel riding is a mix of gravel, dirt, bark, and even some pavement. Gravel rides will vary in difficulty, but require comfort with riding on non-paved surfaces and tires that are wide enough to be steady (usually 30mm +).  

• Mountain: While this may not always involve going up a mountain, all mountain biking will involve lots of dirt and some technical riding. Typically, rides will involve both elevation change and some obstacles while descending. But don’t be afraid! Events will vary from beginner to advanced rides, and descriptions will clearly indicate the difficulty level. Mountain biking can be a wonderful way to explore nature on two wheels. Most riders prefer having wide tires for these rides (2 inches +).  

Sometimes, as trails transition to multi-use areas, such as hiking and biking on the same paths, there can be changes to the physical structure of trails. This is something the Wildlands programming and stewardship teams are aware of, and are ready to take on. According to Claire, “I personally am a huge hiker and biker, so I understand the need to maintain trails to be safe, accessible, and ecologically responsible for both communities. The properties where we host mountain biking or gravel programs will have stewardship plans updated accordingly. We plan to get some of the mountain biking community involved in work parties and routine trail maintenance. We will also work to increase awareness among our user base about ‘good’ and ‘bad’ times to ride on trails, based on weather conditions. Additionally, every program held on Wildlands properties will start with a safety lecture that includes the golden rule - bikers must always yield to hikers and communicate their presence! Trails are best when they are safe, friendly, and shared.”

Feeling intrigued but unsure about hopping back on your bike? If you have an old bike you need to fix up before getting out to ride, fear not! Claire is happy to assist Wildlands’ members with evaluating a bike--even if it's been in the garage for 20 years! She can take a look and give you advice on whether it's safe to ride, and suggest next steps for maintenance. If you have any questions about our upcoming bike programs (or just want to meet a fellow shredder) feel free to reach out to Claire at cjohnston@wildlandstrust.org. We look forward to seeing you on the trail! 

Davis-Douglas Farm’s Demonstration Garden Is Abuzz With Activity!

By Amy Markarian, Senior Copywriter

In 2011, when Wildlands Trust set out to transform the Davis-Douglas Farm into the organization’s headquarters, there was a plan: break the project into several phases to ensure fundraising success. First was the site work, second was the old farmhouse restoration to serve as an office, and finally, phase 3 was the construction of the Community Conservation Barn for both events and the stewardship garage. But several years later, one visible piece was left unfinished. 

In the middle of the field, at the top of the hill, lay the crumbling remains of what was once a working barn. Built in the 1890s, the old barn stood for nearly 100 years before it eventually just caved in. By the time Wildlands acquired the land, it was gone, and its beautiful, old foundation had the potential to become both a hazard and an eyesore. Knowing the value of preserving this historic artifact, Wildlands waited, and brainstormed, and waited some more. Then, in 2020 Karen Grey recruited local landscape designer Love Albrecht Howard to carry-out the new vision for the barn foundation. 

The granite foundation walls would provide the perfect natural footprint for a pollinator-friendly, native perennial garden that could serve as a demonstration and teaching space for visitors to Davis-Douglas Farm. This was IT! The garden would beautify the office grounds, promote pollinator activity that is essential to maintaining native habitats, and it would be relevant to Wildlands’ mission and the needs of the community. The Davis-Douglas Farm transformation didn’t need just any structure to occupy this once-used space. It needed something with purpose and function, that would aid Wildlands in “providing the people of the region with the tools and support to build an enduring relationship with the land and water resources that are vital to our future,” as outlined in our strategic plan. What better way to fulfill this intention than by modeling and teaching others how they, too, can play an active role in the care and protection of the environment in their own living spaces?

With a plan in place, the work began in May 2020. To start, Wildlands enlisted the help of Jerry Richmond and his team, who were important partners throughout the renovation at our new headquarters. With Jerry’s help, the necessary structural changes were made: the foundation was filled; the upper entrance and garden path were developed for accessibility; a section of the wall was removed to make room for handicapped parking; and the removed pieces of granite were repurposed to create both a picturesque stairway entrance from the lower field and bench seating in the garden.

Then, in November 2020, Love Albrecht Howard led a group of volunteers in planting the first of the perennials that would bring this vision to life. A variety of flowering native plants were selected with the help of Morrison’s Garden Center to showcase blooms throughout the year. Pollinator-friendly practices were also utilized in the garden’s creation. Among these practices, Wildlands’ gardener Kim Goggin pointed out in a previous interview, are planting a variety of heights, colors and flower shapes to attract different birds and insects; keeping plants in groupings to allow pollinators to move easily from one flower to another; and refraining from raking leaves or removing stalks before the spring warm-up to provide a safe space for various insects to survive the winter months.**

Some of the many native plants on display in the demonstration garden this year are swamp milkweed, orange butterfly weed, aster, black-eyed Susan, yarrow, Coreopsis, winterberry, cranberry viburnum, and bee balm. The carefully selected flora are hosts and/or providers of nectar for a plethora of caterpillars, bees, flies, wasps, butterflies and moths year round. And if you’ve had a chance to visit Davis-Douglas Farm this summer, you’ve seen how wildly successful our first year’s efforts have been! 

A peak under the leaves of a milkweed plant in early summer often revealed the trademark yellow and black stripes of monarch caterpillars preparing for their upcoming transformations. In the heat of the summer sun, the steady hum of insects at work greeted visitors even before they stepped inside the foundation walls. A short trip down the garden steps to the lower field delighted the senses with a cascading waterfall of color in tiered plantings that bordered the natural staircase. And a moment’s pause among the flowers was sure to offer the delight of butterflies flitting from bloom to bloom in the stone enclosure. As we approach the end of this pollinator garden’s first year, we are happy to report that it is thriving!

In pursuit of our vision to bring this old foundation back to life, Wildlands continues to work toward creating a space that is not only productive for the environment but also educational for visitors. In August, our gardeners installed copper markers throughout the garden. These markers now provide a self-guided lesson in plant identification, with each plant's botanical name on the front and common name on the back. For those with some native species experience, this offers a fun test of knowledge and perhaps some new insight into scientific names. For those who are new to pollinator-friendly gardening, visitors now have the ability to see a variety of plants in person and instantly learn what they are--a living instruction manual for anyone looking to support pollinators in their own backyards.

As we begin to look ahead to colder temperatures and what comes next for the demonstration garden, Wildlands Trust is making plans to add other native species to our collection, and we hope to begin offering educational tours next spring!

**https://wildlandstrust.org/news-blog/2020/5/5/pollinator-friendly-spring-cleanup-for-your-garden

Volunteer Spotlight: Cindy Letourneau

Recently, Land Steward Eamon Horrigan interviewed one of Wildlands’ Adopt-A-Preserve volunteers and outdoor enthusiast, Cindy Letourneau, to discuss Halfway Pond Conservation Area and her volunteer work at Wildlands:

Cindy in front of the Mashpee River at Mashpee River Reservation.

When and how did you first learn about Wildlands Trust? 

We moved to Plymouth in 2015 and I think we found out about Wildlands Trust through the local paper and became members. We first went out to a Wildlands property on a Post Feast Waddle with Malcolm. We have enjoyed that hike three times now, as have our grandchildren, who have also come twice. We definitely missed it this past year though.
 

How long have you been a part of Adopt-A-Preserve (AAP)? 

I just started in July because the pandemic finally gave me the gift of time. 

How did you discover Halfway Pond Conservation Area?

I discovered Whippoorwill and Blackmer Hill trails on my own but did not discover the Conant Storrow and Joe Brown trail sections until I walked them with Malcolm on March 15th. 

How did you discover the AAP program?

I was informed about the program by Betsy Hall, another AAP volunteer at Halfway Pond. She noticed that I came out to the trails a lot and then proceeded to tell me about the program. 
 

What is your favorite thing to do while out on monitoring visits? 

I love to pay attention to everything around me. I spend my time looking for wildlife and taking in my surroundings. 

What are some highlights for you along the Halfway Pond trail loop? 

Big Point is my favorite part of the trail because you get a panoramic view of the whole pond. It makes you feel like you are the only person in the world. I come across it right at the beginning of my hikes usually. 

 
What have been your favorite wildlife sightings at Halfway Pond? 

One of my favorite wildlife sightings has been a fox that crossed right in front of me on the trail. I have also had several close encounters with deer. I’ve seen a bald eagle over the pond from Mast Road but not while on the actual trail loop. I’ve seen evidence of coyotes too but never actually seen one. Blue herons and turtles are also some nice sightings I see along the pond. I have also frequently seen and taken pictures of a pair of swans that I was very excited to see with seven cygnets one time. I had to take a lot more pictures on that occasion. I also love to take pictures of the lady slippers that come up in May.

What is the most memorable experience you have had while at a Wildlands property?  

I remember walking out to the large European beech at Emery Preserve West on a Post Feast Waddle as being a special memory. Other than that, the aforementioned wildlife sightings are memorable experiences. 

 
What is your favorite thing about AAP? 

It feels rewarding to clean up the trails and see the difference day-to-day in having clear trails. It’s also nice to not have deadlines when you go out to the trails and have the freedom to visit them when you want. Additionally, during quarantine times, walking the trails is a good connection to the outside world because it creates an opportunity to bump into people. For example, one time in early summer, I encountered and spoke with a couple, which ended in an invitation to go kayaking with their group the following week. On other occasions, I have encountered people who have been able to share history of the area, as well as their favorite spots for wildlife sightings.

Enjoying the winter weather while snowshoeing in the Berkshires.

Do you have a favorite time of the year to visit Halfway Pond? 

I love wintertime because you can see everything from the trail without foliage blocking your view. Also, there are no mosquitoes and you don’t sweat during the winter. Spring is also great because you get to see everything in bloom, the turtles are out, as are the vernal pools. Fall is also beautiful of course. I really like the trails all year round, apart from 95 degree summer days. 

Do you have a favorite Wildlands property to walk outside of Halfway Pond? 

I mostly just walk the trails at Halfway Pond, but I have been to Emery Preserve several times because it is conveniently right here in Plymouth. 

Outside of Wildlands’ properties, are there any nature preserves in the region that you like to visit? 

Some of the other regional properties I have enjoyed are: 

Kingston: Muddy Pond (New England Wilderness Trust)
Mashpee: Mashpee River Reservation (The Trustees of Reservations)
Plymouth: Black Cat Preserve (Town of Plymouth), Hio Hill (Town of Plymouth), Center Hill (Town of Plymouth)
Rochester: East Over Reservation (The Trustees of Reservations)
Sandwich: Lowell Holly (The Trustees of Reservations), Talbot’s Point (Town of Sandwich)

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Wildlands’ Volunteer Spotlight Series showcases the interests and experiences of Wildlands’ dedicated volunteers. If you’d like more information on volunteering with Wildlands, please visit our volunteer page or contact us directly.

New Compost Units Built for Community Garden

In October 2020, Plymouth Eagle Scout candidate Zach Lyons constructed two, new compost holding units for Wildlands’ community garden at Davis-Douglas Farm. Prior to Zach’s help, there was a single-cylinder compost bin at the garden that was only accessible from above, making it difficult to turn. The new containers, built using lumber and wire mesh, are able to be accessed from the top and side of the unit, making it easier to work the compost. Each unit is also made up of two bays, allowing for the compost to be divided by how far along in composition it is.

We look forward to putting these structures to good use during the 2021 gardening season, and having a more productive composting system in place for our community gardeners. Thank you to Lowes in Wareham for donating the lumber used, and to Zach for his hard work! 

New Garden in the Old Foundation

By Outreach and Education Manager Rachel Calderara

If you have ever visited Wildlands’ headquarters at Davis-Douglas Farm (DDF) in Plymouth, you have likely wondered about the old granite foundation in the middle of the field. These blocks of granite are what remains of the 1890s barn that stood for about 100 years before collapsing. Since Wildlands acquired Davis-Douglas Farm in 2011, we have made a number of transformations to turn this land into our new headquarters, including restoring the old farm house to make a unique office building and erecting the Community Conservation Barn for community gatherings, which is complete with a three bay garage and woodshop for our stewardship needs. The foundation remained a relic of interest for staff and visitors alike, a beautiful granite structure in the middle of our headquarters that was unused and unsafe to enter.

For years we brainstormed ways to use this foundation, which would complete phase four of the Davis-Douglas Farm transformation. Finally, we found the answer when landscape designer Love Albrecht Howard came to us with the idea to build a demonstration garden with plants native to New England. We worked once more with Jerry Richmond, who has been a great partner throughout the DDF transformation. To prepare for its transition to a garden, Jerry and his team filled the foundation, removed a section of granite to create additional handicap parking, and repurposed this granite to build a beautiful staircase entrance from the lower field. The upper entrance was modified so a wheelchair can enter without difficulty and traverse the pathway that leads to a wide semi-circle seating area with granite benches.

On November 2 and 3, volunteers gathered to bring the garden to life under Love’s direction. We want to thank volunteers Caroline Chapin, Sarah Geer, Nina Pollock, Marilynn Atterbury, Charlotte Russel, Margi Delafield, Elaine Lackey, Lois Post, Lucy Hutchinson and Susan Wolfe for their help with planting, and to those who helped water the garden regularly in the following weeks. And of course, we want to thank Love Albrecht Howard, whose vision, hard work, and dedication to wild spaces was the driving force behind this project.

We encourage you to check out this new demonstration garden on your next visit to Davis-Douglas Farm. The garden is designed for there to be new plants of interest in bloom throughout the year. The plants did well establishing their new home this fall and we are looking forward to watching the garden blossom next year!