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  JUNE 2018 PROGRAMS
 and a Lecture Series, Below
URBAN GARDENING SERIES
 
JUNE 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
 
 
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
12:00 to 1:30pm
Meets at the Ranger Station, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway
 
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
 
Fresh Pond Kids Walk
Friday, June 1st
10:00am to 11:00am
Meets at Country Kitchen, lower level of Neville Place (back building), 650 Concord Ave.
 
Join us for casual nature explorations, designed for young kids and their parents/caretakers, and play in our urban wild!  We might look for frogs and turtles at Black’s Nook, or find pill bugs and bird nests in the Butterfly Meadow. Please come dressed ready for the weather and in clothes that are OK to get a bit dirty! Feel free to contact Catherine Pedemonti at friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com with any questions or to RSVP.
 
 
Fresh Pond Nature Walk
Saturday June 2nd 
10:00 - 11:30am
Meets at the Gazebo near Maher Park, 650 Concord Ave.
 
Join us for a walk through our urban wild. We will explore together the flora and fauna of the Reservation, noting bloom and berry; birds and bugs; and beyond! Feel free to bring binoculars, field guides, a hand lens, journal, camera... or just bring yourself! Beginners are welcome, as are children. Feel free to contact 
 
 
Nesting Bird Walk
Sunday, June 3rd
8am to 10am
Register for parking and meeting information and for notice of cancellation due to inclement weather
 
Many birds choose to build their nests and raise their young at Fresh Pond Reservation, because there is an abundance of insect food and plenty of safe habitat. We may hear birds singing their territorial songs and see others gathering food for their hungry babies. Walk leader Nancy Guppy will help us look for Baltimore orioles, yellow warblers, warbling vireos, redwing blackbirds, and other migratory birds which spend the breeding season at the Pond. Beginning birders are welcome! If you don't have binoculars you may borrow a pair from us. Register with Catherine Pedemonti at friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com.
 
 
 Outdoor Water Conservation: Rain Gardens, Water Barrels, and Plants That Need Less Watering
Sunday, June 3rd 
1:00pm to 2:30pm
Meets at the Ranger Station, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway
 
As the days warm up and rain becomes less frequent but more intense, learn some ideas to consider that will keep your water usage from going up while making your surroundings more attractive and healthy. Do your part for the environment while having the healthiest plot on the block! For questions or to 
 
 
FRESH POND DAY 2018!
Saturday, June 9th
11:00am to 3:00pm
Takes place at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway
Parking at 197 Vassal Lane, Cambridge MA (Tobin School)
 
     Fresh Pond Reservation is truly Cambridge's green gem - an urban wild that protects Fresh Pond, Cambridge's in-city drinking water reservoir. Fresh Pond Day is the Cambridge Water Department's annual tribute to this unique Reservation that is a vital natural resource, an invaluable sanctuary for wildlife, and a beloved recreational escape in the City. So, let's give Fresh Pond the celebration, jubilation and love it deserves; join in the festivities! Attendees will enjoy live wildlife presentations (pond creatures this year!), a wildlife and bike parade, live music, facepainting, truck climb-aboards, tours, and more.
     Free and open to all, activities will take place around the Water Treatment Facility located at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge – at Kingsley Park, and the two parking lots. For those arriving by car, please plan on parking at the Tobin School (197 Vassal Lane). There are plenty of green transit options: the bikeway, bus routes 72, 74, 75 & 78; and Alewife T Station is 1 mile away.
     On-leash dogs are welcome. Please note that rain cancels this event. For more information or if you’d like to get involved, please email tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov, call (617)-349-6489
 
 
Now in Bloom at Lusitania Wet Meadow
Friday, June 10th
10:30am to 12 noon
Meets at the “Meeting Rocks” (where the meadow meets the perimeter road trail)
 
Cattails, wildflowers, and song birds, oh my! Come take a leisurely walk with Ranger Jean and learn how to identify the beautiful natural features we walk by every day at Fresh pond. Bring binoculars and magnifying glasses if you have them. To RSVP, please contact Ranger Jean at (508) 562-7605 or email jrogers@cambridgeMA.gov.
 
 
Walter J Sullivan Water Purification Facility Tour
Monday, June 11th
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.
 
 
Seasonal Walkabout at Lusitania Wet Meadow
Friday, June15th
10:30am to 11:30am
Meets at the “Meeting Rocks” (where the meadow meets the perimeter road trail)
 
Come out for a seasonal walkabout with Ranger Jean at the Lusitania Wet Meadow. 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. 
 
 
Animal Detectives: Dragonflies
Sunday, June 17th
11:00am to 12:00 noon
Meets at the Ranger Station, 250 Fresh Parkway (under the clock tower)
 
June’s spotlight is on the dragonfly. These predators truly are the dragons of their world, 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, June 14th.
 
 
Summer Solstice Bird Walk
Friday, June 22nd
6 to 8 pm
Register for parking and meeting information and for notice of cancellation due to inclement weather
 
If you can’t bear to get up at dawn to look at birds, this evening walk is for you! Just as people take advantage of the longest days of the year to continue their outdoor activities, so do birds: They spend the extra hours of daylight foraging for food for their hungry babies.  Led by Nancy Guppy. Beginning birders are welcome.  We have binoculars to lend and will show you how to use them.  To register and for important meeting and parking information, email Catherine Pedemonti at friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com.
 
 
 Nature Walk
Saturday, June 23rd
10:00am to 11:30am
Meets at Gazebo near Maher Park, 650 Concord Ave.
 
Join us for a walk through our urban wild. We will explore together the flora and fauna of the Reservation, noting bloom and berry; birds and bugs; and beyond! Feel free to bring binoculars, field guides, a hand lens, journal, camera... or just bring yourself! Beginners are welcome, as are children. Feel free to contact Catherine Pedemonti at friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com with any questions.
 
 
Early Summer Scaveneger Hunt: 
  Looking for Life In and Around a Small Pond
Meets at Black’s Nook
Saturday, June 23rd
1:00pm to 2:30pm
 
This is a drop-in style program, come any time between 1 and 2pm to join rangers in exploring the life in and around Black’s Nook at the official start of summer. Every age can benefit from this guided discovery! Bring binoculars and magnifying glasses if you have them.
 
 
 The Owlet Debriefed
Saturday, June 30th 
6:00pm to 7:00pm
Meets at the Water Treatment Plant, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway
 
Maybe you’ve heard the news about Cambridge’s most famous baby bird—the owlet. After a season of intrigue, danger, and drama, all worked out for the best in the natural world. You’re invited to Fresh Pond to hear the story from beginning to end about what truly went on here and how we can balance our curiosity with the needs of the wild. For more information, contact Ranger Tim at tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov.
 
 

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.

 
Native Lawn Alternatives
Date: Saturday, January 20, 2018
Time: 1 to 2:30 pm
Meeting Place:Cambridge Public Library, Main Library Lecture Hall
l1449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
 
“Lawns are a soul-crushing timesuck...,” reads the headline of a recent article on washingtonpost.com. According to NASA, more surface area in the U.S. is covered by lawn than by any other single irrigated crop. 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. Presenter: Mark Richardson
 
Rain Gardens
Date: Saturday, February 10, 2018
Time:  1 to 2:30 pm
Meeting Place:Cambridge Public Library, Main Library Lecture Hall
l1449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
 
By cleaning, cooling, and slowing runoff before it pollutes water bodies, rain gardens can play a significant role in urban and suburban areas. Learn how rain gardens work, how you can create low-tech and effective rain gardens, and which durable plants can fill them. Presenter: Anna Fialkoff.
 
Fresh Pond Reservation – Parkway Landscape Restoration
Date: Saturday, March 3
Time: 10:30 a.m.-12:00 noon
Meeting Place: Cambridge Public Library
449 Broadway,Cambridge, MA
Instructors: Kaki Martin and Zachary Navarro
Join the landscape architect and horticulture specialists as they explain the design of the Fresh Pond Reservation Parkway Landscape Restoration, a drainage and community garden project that began in 2009. The project will restore native plant communities, repurpose and improve a former rail corridor, address stormwater treatment and drainage, and update the community garden. Learn about the actions that make this project come to life!
 
Growing Food in the City
Date: Saturday, April 28
Time: 10:30 a.m.-12:00 noon
Meeting Place: Cambridge Public Library,
49 Broadway,Cambridge, MA
Instructor: Rie Macchiarolo
Even in the city, you can grow your own fresh produce. During this lecture, we will discuss garden design and installation, crop planning, plant selection, and organic and ecologically responsible pest and disease management. Whether your goal is to transform your lawn into a vegetable garden or just grow a few herbs, you will learn the techniques for producing edibles in an urban space.
 
Planting Fundamentals
Date: Tuesday, May 15
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Meeting Place: Cambridge Public Library,
49 Broadway,Cambridge, MA
Instructor: Mark Richardson
There’s a lot to consider when adding new plants to your garden. Learn how to choose healthy specimens at the garden center and how best to plant trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants to get them off to a good start in your urban garden
 
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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