May 4th, 2013: 7th Hometown Cleanup

Contact Patrick at pfarah@townhall.plymouth.ma.us or 508-747-1620 x204 to sign up.  Click here for a list of cleanup locations, here for more information, and here for a summary of the last cleanup.  Look for Plymouth Girl Scout Junior Troop 80018′s public service announcement about the cleanup on PACTV!

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May 1st, 2013: Next Network Meeting

11:00 am, in the Plantation Room at Town Hall.  First Wed. of the month as usual.

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 April 27th, 2013: Live Nature Expo

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April 26th, 2013: Free Earth Day Film in Hyannis

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April 22nd, 2013: TNC’s “Future of Nature” Series starts

“The Future of Food” at 5:30 at Artists for Humanity EpiCenter, South Boston. Buy tickets
online at nature.org/futureofnature. Michael Leviton, chef, Lumière and Area Four, Chefs Collaborative Oran Hesterman, founder, Fair Food Network
Paul Greenberg, author of Four Fish: The Future of the Last
Wild Food David Cleary, director of agriculture, The Nature Conservancy
Moderator: Sacha Pfeiffer, WBUR, host of All Things Considered

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April 20th, 2013: Learn about Vernal Pools

Marla Isaac of New England Reptile & Raptor Exhibits will be at the Soule Homestead Education Center Saturday 6:00 to 7:30 pm, to explain what vernal pools are, their functions and why we should protect them. She’ll explain the species that use vernal pools and their connection to the ecosystem. The class will explore the vernal pools at Soule & seek turtles, frogs and salamander eggs. Participants are welcome to bring rubber boots, dip net and buckets. $5 per person – space is limited. Pre-registration and payment is required by Friday, April 19th.

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April 20th, 2013: MA Park Serve Day

Join thousands of volunteers across the state. This day of service and fun is dedicated to cleaning coastlines, clearing trails, planting flowers, painting picnic tables and more. A great way to meet your neighbors and to make a difference in the community!

Myles Standish State Forest – assist with trail cleanup 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
508-866-2526. Meet at Park Headquarters Parking Lot.

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April 19th, 2013: Free Earth Day Film in Hyannis

7:00 pm at Unity of Cape Cod, 7 Walton Ave. “Hungry for Change” ~ Leading nutrition experts expose the food industry’s efforts to entice us with addictive food-like products. Get inspired to choose real food that can pamper your taste buds and protect your health. Followed by Q & A with Kumara Sidhartha, M.D. and Andrea Lyonnais, P.A.

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April 13–20, 2013: Marine Animal Discovery Center Open

National Marine Life Center open for April Vacation, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. 120 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, MA, 02532 For information, questions or directions, see www.nmlc.orgor contact (508) 743-9888 or nmlc@nmlc.org. Daily Themes: Sat., Apr. 13: Seals/Sea Lions; Sun., Apr. 14: Turtles; Mon., Apr. 15: Manatees; Tues., Apr.
16: Sharks’ Wed., Apr. 17: Dolphins/Whales’ Thurs., Apr. 18: Seals/Sea Lions; Fri., Apr. 19: Turtles; Sat., Apr. 20: Sharks. Daily Education Schedule: 11:00
a.m. ~ Little Flippers Club, 12:00 p.m., 2:00 & 4:00 ~ Patient Update, 1:00 p.m. ~ Marine Animal Medical Mystery, 3:00 p.m. ~ Marine Animal Exploration

April 13 only, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Spring Splash Open House! Explore the Discovery Center, make a marine animal craft project, enjoy games and refreshments, tour our new marine animal hospital and view our four sea turtle patients. Education programs during Open House are FREE with Admission. Cost: $5/person; Members free.

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 April 13: Household  Hazardous Waste Collection

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Plymouth DPW, 169 Camelot Drive.  Bicycles will be collected by Bikes Not Bombs.  Oil based paint, propane tanks, motor oil, antifreeze, auto and  rechargeable batteries and fluorescent lamps are collected regularly by  some towns and some retailers. Residents should use those services if  available. Go to ssrcoop.info. Latex paint and driveway sealer are  messy, but not hazardous. If not recyclable, absorb liquid with cat  litter and dispose in trash. Usable leftover latex paint will be  accepted and recycled into new paint products at The Paint Exchange LLC  of North Scituate for a fee of $2. To see if your paint qualifies for  recycling, and for hours of operation, go to ssrcoop.info/ and click on  “latex paint.” Residents who turn in a toxic mercury thermometer, thermostat or other  mercury item may swap it for a digital thermometer. For more  information, call the South Shore Recycling Cooperative at 781-329-8318.

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April 12th, 2013: Free Earth Day Film in Hyannis

7:00 pm at Unity of Cape Cod, 7 Walton Ave. “Ocean Frontiers – the Dawn of a New Era in Ocean Stewardship”  Unlikely allies learn to collaborate in different situations coast to coast to protect and restore our watersheds, coastlines and oceans. One location depicted is our own Stellwagen Bank. Interconnectivity of land use and its effect on waterways is a focus of the film.  Co-sponsored by the Cape Cod Wildlife Collaborative.

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Apr. 11th, 2013: Plymouth Movie Night!

Is your life too plastic?  See the movie “Bag It” at Plimoth Cinema, at 7:00 pm.  Tickets are $7.50 and can be purchased by calling (508) 746-1622 ext. 8346 or through www.eventbrite.com/event/5443804566#.  Click here to see the trailer.  Arrive early to shop at Plymouth Farmer’s Market (until 6:30), check out displays by local environmental groups in the lobby, and purchase reusable shopping bags made by Plymouth Girl Scouts.  Co-sponsored by the Plymouth Network of Open Space Friends, Plymouth League of Women Voters, Goldenrod Foundation, Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, Wildlands Trust & Plymouth Farmer’s Market.

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April 9th, 2013: Cleanup at Nelson Park

Led by Ann Byron, CSI Plymouth: 774-773-5320, byronred19@yahoo.com

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 April 7th, 2013: Girl Scout Service Event

Girl Scouts from all over Plymouth will meet at the library 1:00-4:00 to make cloth shopping bags, to help reduce the use of plastic bags, and raise money for reusable signs that will announce future semi-annual Hometown Cleanups.  Donations of cloth and cloth ribbon needed.  They will sell the bags at the Plymouth Farmer’s Market, and at Plimoth Cinema on the 11th.

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April 5th, 2013: Free Earth Day Film in Hyannis

7:00 pm at Unity of Cape Cod, 7 Walton Ave.  “A Fierce Green Fire” ~ This new, award-winning documentary provides an overview of the leading movements to protect the environment in the last 50 years. Stunning and inspiring, it’s a quick way to understand how we got to where we are now and how to move forward. Narrators include Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, Van Jones, Ashley Judd and Isabel Allende.  Discussion follows led by Rev. Robert Murphy, UU Church of Falmouth and Chairman of local Sierra Club Group.

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Apr. 3rd, 2013: Next Network Meeting

11:00 am, in the Plantation Room at Town Hall.  First Wed. of the month as usual.

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April 1st: Application deadline to help stranded marine animals

The New England Aquarium Rescue Department responds to reports of live and dead stranded seals, dolphins, whales and sea turtles.  They rely on a network of trained volunteers to be first responders at stranding sites.   Learn more &/or apply to be a 2013 So. Shore Field Stranding Response Volunteer  here.

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Mar. 9th, 2013: Wildlands Trailblazers

Maintain trails with Wildlands Trust staff from 10:00-1:00 pm at O.W. Stewart/Person Preserve Kingston.  Click here for directions and more information.

Don’t forget to turn your clocks forward tonight!

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Mar. 6th, 2013: Next Network Meeting

11:00 am, in the Plantation Room at Town Hall.  First Wed. of the month as usual.

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Mar.  3^rd, 2013: Winter Greens Walk

1:00pm – 2:30pm - Join a DCR forester and a DCR naturalist for a fun and frosty trek exploring our winter trees, shrubs, and groundcover.  After the hike, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and a snack.  Meet at Headquarters parking lot at 194 Cranberry Road in South Carver.  Walk is about 2 ½ miles; weather and ground conditions will determine route. Rain, snow, or icy trails will cancel. Call (508) 866-2580 x164 for more information or for weather cancellation info.

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Mar. 2nd, 2013: Nature walk

Wildlands Trust is leading a walk at Great River Preserve in Bridgewater from 10-11.

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Feb. 27th, 2013: Conservation Lecture

“New Approaches to Solving Conservation Problems on a Really Big Scale” by Charles Duncan, Director of Manomet’s Shorebird Recovery Project, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at the Duxbury Free Library. Register at http://manometconservation.eventbrite.com/#.

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Feb. 24th, 2013: Full Moon Hike on Long Beach

Join Friends of Myles Standish State Forest for a 2.5 – 3 mile hike around the end of Long Beach, 6:30-8:30 PM.  For more info. & to register click here.

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Feb. 13th, 2013: Girl Scout Service Event-canceled due to blizzard

Girl Scouts from all over Plymouth will meet at the library to make cloth shopping bags, to help reduce the use of plastic bags, and raise money for reusable signs that will announce future semi-annual Hometown Cleanups.

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Feb. 9th, 2013: Wildlands Trailblazers

Cut new trails with Wildlands Trust staff from 10:00-1:00 pm at Hedges Pond Recreation Area preserve in Plymouth.  Contact Lianna at 781-934-9018 for more info.

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Feb. 6th, 2013: Network Meeting – Canceled

11:00, Plantation Room, Town Hall

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Feb. 4th, 2013: Free presentation on land protection in Plymouth

Lianna Lee, Community Outreach Coordinator at Wildlands Trust, will speak at the library, in the Otto Fehlow Meeting Room from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.

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Feb. 2 & 3, 2013: “Focus on Feeders” Bird Count

Anyone can participate.  Contribute to over 40 years of winter bird feeder sighting information by recording the birds that visit your
your yard.  Click here for more information from MA Audubon.

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Until Jan. 31st, 2013: Recycle your Christmas tree

Take your tree to Balboni’s at 135  Camelot Drive free of charge, & receive $40 in Balboni’s coupons for products or future disposal. Proof of residency is required. Hours are 7-4 Mon-Fri, and 8-1 Sat. All ornaments, tinsel & lights  must be removed. The trees will be ground into mulch which will eventually break down and enrich the soil.

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 Jan. 27^th, 2013: Yoga Retreat at Plymouth Long Beach

Experience the stillness of Long Beach in winter.  1:00 – 3:30pm at Goldenrod Field Station. Led by Gail Belaief, Certified Yoga Teacher & Occupational Therapist. Retreat includes a vinyasa practice, time for tea and journaling, or a meditative walk on the beach.  Pre-Register $40. Meet at the Field Station or end of the beach parking lot @ 12:45pm to carpool.  Contact Gail @ 508-736-8682 or gailyoga@gmail.com Snow date: Sat., Feb. 2^nd

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Jan. 26th, 2013: Cross-country Skiing

Join Wildlands staff for Cross Country skiing in our beloved Willow Brook Farm Preserve, Pembroke. BYOGear.  10-12 PM. Please sign up in advance.

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Jan. 23rd, 2013: Trail Walkers

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Jan. 20th, 2013: Where the Birds Go: Imagining Summer in Arctic Alaska

The Friends of Ellisville Marsh and  Sagamore Highlands Association are pleased to announce that Brad Winn of the  Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences in Plymouth will present a talk on Sunday, Jan. 20th, from 4:00-6:00 pm. Brad is a Conservation Specialist with the Shorebird Recovery Project.
This event is free of charge. Space is limited, however; please register by  sending an email to ArcticBirds@EllisvilleMarsh.org.

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Jan. 19th, 2013: Wildlands Trailblazers

Learn how to maintain trails with Wildlands Trust staff from 10:00-1:00 pm at Great Neck Conservation Area, Wareham. Click here for directions and more information.

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Jan. 5th, 2013: Christmas Tree Pickup & Recycling

Boy Scout Troop 64 of Plymouth Center will pick up Christmas trees anywhere in Plymouth, & recycle them, for $8 per tree. Call or text Jonathan Edson at 508-728-5282 or email imjedson@aol.com and leave your name, address and phone number.

Cub Scout Pack 1620 will pick up Christmas trees , recycle them, and plant two new trees next spring for each tree recycled, for $10 per tree. Call 508-759-3457 or email Scout1620@gmail.com and leave your name, address and phone number.

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Jan. 2nd, 2013:  Plastics Committee Meeting

11:00, Plantation Room, Town Hall

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Jan. 1st, 2013: Christmas Tree Pickup & Recycling

Boy Scout Troop 47 of So. Plymouth will pick up Christmas trees anywhere in Plymouth, & recycle them, for $8 per tree. Call Simon at 508-746-7349 or email trees@troop47plymouth.org and leave your name, address and phone number.

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Dec. 23rd, 2012: URGENT – SEA TURTLES NEED RIDE

If you have a minivan, cargo van, or SUV and are willing to donate your time & gas Sunday to drive the first leg of an emergency turtle transport, please e-mail or call Kathy of the National Marine Life Center at kzagzebski@nmlc.org or 774-313-8850.
Due to unseasonably warm water, sea turtles have become disoriented and stuck in Cape Cod Bay.  More emaciated, cold-stunned turtles have stranded on MA beaches this year than ever before.  New England Aquarium, NMLC & other area facilities are full. Six loggerheads are being transported to Baltimore in a relay down the coast. Driver needed from NEAQ in Quincy to Mystic, CT, or possibly farther.

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Dec. 19th, 2012: Christmas Bird Count

Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences is holding a bird count at 6:45 a.m. To participate, contact Trevor Lloyd-Evans at tlloyd-Evans@manomet.org.

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Dec. 5th, 2012: Network Meeting

11:00, Plantation Room, Town Hall

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Nov. 17th, 2012: Friends Network Conference for MA Forests & Parks

9:30 – 2:00 in Worcester.  Meet other MA Friends! Hosted by the MA Forest & Park Friends Network.  Find out more at http://www.networkingfriends.net/, and register for the conference at http://www.networkingfriends.net/registration.html.

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Nov. 7th, 2012: Next Network Meeting

11:00 at the Plantation Room, Town Hall

Nov. 3rd, 2012: Next Hometown Cleanup

Raindate is Sunday, Nov. 4

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Oct. 29, 2012: Fall cleanup of Wildland Trust’s Community Garden

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Oct. 21st, 2012: Daffodil planting along Town Brook

Meet at 10:00 am just downstream of Jenny Grist Mill to help plant 6,000 bulbs along the Pilgrim Trail.  Bring gloves & bulb planter or trowel.  Then check out the show next spring!

and: Wildlands Trust Open House

12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Davis-Douglas Farm Learn about our plans to relocate our headquarters to the property and to establish a new conservation center focused on land protection, land stewardship and passive outdoor recreation.  Light refreshments will be served.  The Davis-Douglas Farm is a beautiful ten-acre property on Long Pond Road, long a beloved scenic landmark in south Plymouth.  Please call (781) 934 – 9018 with questions or visit www.wildlandstrust.org

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Oct. 20th, 2012: MBTA Community Recycling Event

        The MBTA will be holding a Community Recycling Event  at the Kingston Commuter Rail parking lot on Marion Drive from 10:00 AM to 2:00PM.  The event is open to the residents of Kingston and the surrounding communities such as Bridgewater, Duxbury, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth. Dispose of everything from refrigerators to lawnmowers in a responsible way so that they will eventually be dismantled and have zero landfill  impact. TV’s at a cost of 35 cents a pound – Everything else is FREE!  The following list is what will be accepted:

Electronics: computers,  monitors, VCRs, cell phones, keyboards, printers, copiers, faxes, modems,  cabling, wire, cords, cameras, videos, scanners, walkmans, ipods, hard drives,  stereos, speakers, etc.  Metal: all types, all kinds,  swing sets, fencing, rebar, pots, pans, file cabinets, etc.  Electrical: wires, cables, motors,  batteries, power tools, enclosures, panels, light fixtures  Toys: plastic, metal,  electronic  Textiles: clothing,  household linens, shoes, belts, stuffed animals, in any condition (must be  dry)  Appliances: washers, dryers,  AC units, stoves, refrigerators, microwaves, trash compactors,  etc.  Small Appliances: vacuums,  irons, blenders, toaster, food processors, lamps, humidifiers Yard & Power Equipment:  mowers, weed wackers, tillers, chainsaws, etc (please empty fuel &  oil)

Will not accept: wood, glass,  hazardous materials, liquids, tires, mattresses, carpets, upholstered  furniture, styrofoam, fluorescent bulbs, toilets, no household  trash   For more information please  contact:tlasker@mbta.com or 617-222-5750

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Oct. 17th, 2012: Learn about Wildlands Trust Ambassadors

Love telling people about Wildlands Trust and great local conservation areas? Join us for 30 minutes at 10am or 4pm to learn more about becoming an Ambassador.  Call 781-934-9018 for more information.

Oct. 13th, 2012: Daffodil planting along Town Brook

Meet at 10:00 am at Jenny Grist Mill to help plant 6,000 bulbs along the Pilgrim Trail.  Bring gloves & bulb planter or trowel.  Then check out the show next spring!

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Oct. 12th, 2012: Trailblazers at Emery East Conservation Area

Meet at 10 am at the parking area on Ship Pond Road, located on Emery West.  Plan on 2-3 hours. Hand tools, training, and water will be provided. Please send RSVPs and any questions to admin@wildlandstrust.org

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Oct. 6th, 2012: 2nd Annual South Shore Celebration

A premier event celebrating the fall harvest, local foods and sustainable living. Join us for good food and green fun, 10:00-4:30 at Marshfield Fairgrounds.  We’ll be offering many accessible and practical demonstrations on going throughout the Celebration! Look for our special tables in both the Food and Green Tents. Learn about such diverse topics as ways to preserve the harvest, how to make your holidays more sustainable, ways to green your home, alternative uses for plastic bags, and why and how to ferment food.  We’ll also have workshops on the super popular topics from last year: chicken keeping, goat keeping, and bee keeping. http://www.southshorecelebration.com/

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Oct. 4th, 2012: 5 Gyres passes through

Members from the 5 Gyres expedition to ocean garbage patches are bicycling from Boston to Charleston, SC, to highlight plastic in the ocean.  See www.5gyres.org.

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Sept. 30, 2012: Ye Old West Trail Ride, Bike or Hike

8:30 AM at Myles Standish State Forest Equestrian Parking Area.  There will be coffee, tea & pastries in the morning, a guided hike, music by Crusin’, a lunch of beans, hot dogs & cornbread, ribbons, prizes, and lovely raffle items.  See www.fmssf.org for more info.

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Sept. 29, 2012: Household Hazardous Waste Collection

9 am – 1 pm, rain or shine (unless hurricane conditions) at DPW, 169 Camelot Dr.

AND^: 6^th Annual Take Me Fishin’ Family Event

10:00am to 2:00pm. Presented by The Friends of Myles Standish State Forest, the Department of Conservation & Recreation and MassWildlife.   Fishing poles and bait will be provided, or bring your own. MA fishing license is not required.   Join us for fishing contests and fun nature activities for all ages. Event will take place at Fearing Pond which is stocked with trout. Come for an hour or stay the whole day; bring a picnic lunch!  This free family fishing event is accessible, free and open to the public.   For more information visit www.friendsmssf.com. Find a park map at http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/mssf.htm.

AND:  Wildlands Trust Open House

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  at Davis-Douglas Farm. Learn about our plans to relocate our headquarters to the property and to establish a new conservation center focused on land protection, land stewardship and passive outdoor recreation.  Light refreshments will be served.  The Davis-Douglas Farm is a beautiful ten-acre property on Long Pond Road, long a beloved scenic landmark in south Plymouth.  Please call (781) 934 – 9018 with questions or visit www.wildlandstrust.org
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Sept 26, 2012: Network Meeting

11:00 at the Plantation Room, Town Hall

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Sept. 23, 2012: Green Energy Expo

The Energy Expo is a community networking event designed to bring the public together with local companies and organizations that focus on “green” building, renewable energy, recycling and other energy efficient methods of living. It will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Plymouth North High School, which was built with energy efficiency in mind, & will include tours of the building, vendor displays, and a silent auction. Presented by Energy Star, Plymouth Public Schools, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Plymouth, & The Town of Plymouth Energy Committee; proceeds will benefit Habitat, which builds affordable, green housing for qualified families in Plymouth, Plympton, Carver, Middleboro, Kingston and Lakeville.

We will be there, talking about litter and how to avoid “single-use” or “disposable” plastic.  The Litter Lady may even grace us with her presence!

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Sept. 15, 2012: Free wildlife festival

The Cape & Islands Wildlife Collaborative is holding the third annual wildlife festival on Saturday, 9-15, from 10-3 at the Mass Audubon Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, at 345 Bone Hill Road in Barnstable.  Birds of Prey show by Norman Smith at 1:00 pm.  Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society of Plymouth will be there, other Plymoutheans welcome!  Stop in to see what our neighbors over the bridge are doing to protect our environment.  There will be exhibits, activities, food, wild entertainment and a beautiful view of Barnstable Harbor.  Exciting new books by local authors will be available for signing, including Theresa Barbo (Cape Cod Wildlife), Bill Sargent (Beach Wars, Crab Wars), Susan Baur (The Turtle Sisters of Cape Cod Pond), Lorri Devlin (Cape Cod Critters), Jonathan Way (Suburban Howls).  The event is free for all.  Raindate: Sun., Sept. 16.

Read all about it and the raptors who starred: http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120916/NEWS/209160346

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Sept. 13, 2012: Meeting

Joint meeting of Network’s plastics sub-committee & League of Women Voters’ sustainability committee, 10 AM

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Aug. 19, 2012 (rain date): Free Concert—A Sense of Place

Erica Wheeler is an award winning singer/songwriter whose performances combine story, humor, history and a love of nature to connect local people to their own special place.  DCR, Wildlands Trust, Luna-C Arts, and Friends of MSSF are sponsoring this free concert to renew your “sense of place” and help you get in tune with nature.  Join us for an afternoon of music, inspiration, laughter and an optional guided hike. Children, teens and adults will enjoy this event. Bring blankets and a picnic lunch or dinner and stay the whole day.  1-2:30 pm: Family Concert and interactive Sense of Place activity.  3-4:30 pm: Interpretive Hike: Pine Barrens—A Forest at Risk.  At MSSF Headquarters Amphitheater, 194 Cranberry Road, S. Carver, MA.

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August 16, 2012:  Network Meeting

11 a.m., in the Plantation  Room at Town Hall

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Aug. 15, 2012: A Great Evening with NASA in The Forest

Another great free activity from the Friends of Myles Standish State Forest!  Enjoy the following: NASA Astronaut presentation: “Experiences in Orbit”, US Forest Service presentation “USFS and NASA Connections and Moon Trees?”, Meet DCR Forest Fire Control, DCR’s Smokey Bear and the special little bear who flew with NASA Astronaut Joseph Acaba on a mission to the International Space Station, Explore activity centers, including “Train Like an Astronaut”, Stay till dark to stargaze with an astronaut—take photos and get autographs! Cookies and cocoa provided by Friends of Myles Standish State Forest.  The event is free, accessible and perfect for children accompanied by adults.

6:00 – 10:00 pm, MSSF Headquarters Amphitheater, 194 Cranberry Road, S. Carver

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July 31, 2012: Input welcomed for Pedestrian & Bicycle Connectivity Study

The Old Colony Planning Council will be hosting a public input session at the Plymouth Public Library, Otto Fehlow Room at 7 pm.

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JUNE is Rivers Month

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June 30, 2012: Pine Barrens – A Forest at Risk

3:00pm – 4:30pm.  Myles Standish State Forest is home to one of the Earth’s largest  remaining pine barrens.  This large forest consists of pitch pine and  scrub oak woodlands and plentiful ponds that are home to many species.   Join us on this hike through the pine barrens and learn about kettle  holes, frost pockets, and more.  Bring water, bug spray, and wear good  hiking shoes.  Meet at Parking Lot 2 on Upper College Pond Road.

AND/OR: Night Hike

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June 28, 2012: Off The Beaten Path Hike

June 24, 2012: Pine Barrens – A Forest at Risk

9:00am – 10:30am. Myles Standish State Forest is home to one of the Earth’s largest  remaining pine barrens.  This large forest consists of pitch pine and  scrub oak woodlands and plentiful ponds that are home to many species.   Join us on this hike through the pine barrens and learn about kettle  holes, frost pockets, and more.  Bring water, bug spray, and wear good  hiking shoes.  Meet at Parking Lot 2 on Upper College Pond Road.

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June 23, 2012: Cannonballs & Cranberries

AND/OR: Night Hike

June 21, 2012: Off The Beaten Path Hike

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June 19, 2012: Explore Nature – Insect Safari

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June 18, 2012: Swamp Tromp!

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June 17, 2012: Cannonballs & Cranberries

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June 16, 2012: Pine Barrens – A Forest at Risk

AND/OR: Night Hike

8:00pm – 9:15pm.  What happens in the forest as night approaches?  Join in on a guided  walk through the night woods atMyles Standish State Forest to listen to and discover how nocturnal  birds and animals use their senses to survive at night. This is a  moonlight thrill for all ages.  No flashlights allowed on this walk and  bring your insect repellent. Meet at the Interpretive Center next to  Headquarters.

9:00am – 11:00am.  Join the Park Interpreter on a hike through Myles Standish State Forest.   This hike travels along different trails each week and is about 3 to 4  miles in length.  Please wear bug spray, sunscreen, and supportive  shoes.  Bring along water and a snack.  We’ll meet at the Fire Tower  Parking Lot #6.

June 13th, 2012: Next Network meeting at 7:00

Call Nancy at 774-283-4484 for directions

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June 12, 2012: Explore Nature – Signs of Spring

2:00pm – 3:00pm:  Take a walk in Myles Standish State Forest looking for the signs of spring.  Will we hear songbirds  singing and maybe find a newly constructed nest?  Or perhaps come across  some spring wildflowers on the forest floor?  We’ll take a nice ramble  through the woods and see what we signs of spring we come across. Meet  at the Interpretive Center next to Headquarters.

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June 9th, 2012: Wildlands Trust’s 2nd Annual Run for
Conservation

at Myles Standish State Forest, Plymouth

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June 8th, 2012: World Oceans Day

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 June 2nd, 2012: National Trails Day

Did you know it is now possible to walk from Plymouth Harbor to Myles Standish State Forest?  Today would be a great day to try it!  Free parking at Jenny Grist Mill.

Summer Star Hop

Join the Friends of Myles Standish State Forest at 7:30 p.m. for a free starry night adventure. We will be learning about the night sky with local astronomer Mike Thompson-Renzi. He will begin the evening with a slide show about the world above.  We are fortunate to have dark skies in the forest, perfect for spending the rest of the evening looking through telescopes at Jupiter and other various Messier objects. We welcome you to bring your telescope or share ours. We hope to have a clear night. If weather doesn’t cooperate, we will reschedule.
Location: Myles Standish State Forest, Conference Building, just up the hill from the Headquarters. Look for a sign at the MSSF Headquarters parking area.

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May 22nd, 2012: Hike Meetup

Try the lower end of the new wishbone trail!   Meet in the parking lot at Myles Standish State Forest to hike the ~15 miles to Ellisville State Park.

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May 19th, 2012: Spring Hometown Cleanup

Trash talk:  litter…you see it.  It’s at the waterfront, it’s in the park, on the beach, in the grass, on the sidewalk, in the road, in the cemetery, by the pond.   Let’s work together to pick it up.  Let’s make Plymouth beautiful.  Click here for more info.

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May 16th, 2012: Friends of Myles Standish State Forest Annual Meeting

7:00 pm at East Bay Grill at the Pinehills Golf Club, Ryder Cup Room, open to all.  Learn about new research on local archeology! Arrive early for happy hour (5:30), dinner (6:00), &/or dessert (6:30).  More info at www.fmssf.org

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May 14th-20th, 2012: Bay State Bike Week 2012

It’s an annual celebration of human-powered, two-wheeled transportation; a cornucopia of film screenings, bike breakfasts, festivals and more.  Last year there were over 180 events around the state, and we’re hoping for even more this year!   Stay tuned to the calendar for more information about this year’s events.

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May 12th, 2012: Three events today!

1. Municipal elections – Don’t forget to vote!

2. Early cleanup

Fresh Pond Area – Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the shack in the parking lot.  Marilyn Byrne | MByrne@townhall.plymouth.ma.us 508-224-1967

  3. 3rd Annual Welcome Spring! Bird Walk at Ellisville Marsh

Tour the marsh perimeter, tidal flats, barrier beach and inlet.  One group will be led by Dr. Rebecca Harris, former director of MA Audubon’s Coastal Waterbird Program & Adjunct Professor at Brandeis & Tufts.  The other group will be led by Brad Winn, conservation specialist at the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences’ Shorebird Recovery Project & wildlife photographer.

Attendance is limited to fifty persons. To attend, you must register in advance by sending an email to: birdwalk@ellisvillemarsh.org. Bring binoculars or spotting scope. 12:30-3:30 pm, meet in parking lot of State Park. Will be held unless heavy rain or lightning is forecast.

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May 4th, 2012: Wildlands Trust’s Free Trailrunners & Walkers at Wynn Preserve

Starts at 9:30 am.  RSVP to admin@wildlandstrust.org or 781.934.9018

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May 3rd, 2012: Ocean Frontiers: The Dawn Of A New Era In Ocean Stewardship

6:00 pm at Maxwell Theater in Plimoth Plantation’s Welcome Center

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April 28th, 2012: MA Audubon Statewide Volunteer Day – Work For Wildlife

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April 27th, 2012: Arbor Day – 140^th anniversary!

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Apr 25th, 2012: Wildlands Trust’s Volunteer Coffee Hour

10:00 – 11:00 am Come meet other volunteers, catch up with friends, and learn about our new volunteer opportunities! Bring a friend if you’d like! (Rain date is May 2nd) You’ll be able to sign-up for upcoming volunteer opportunities related to: community gardening, trail work, office work, and more!  Please R.S.V.P. by April 23rd by contacting Sarah Kugel at 781-934-9018 or skugel@wildlandstrust.org

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April 25th, 2012: Next Network Meeting

7:00 pm @ Plymouth Public Library, 2nd Floor Board Room

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April 22nd, 2012: Earth Day – how will you affirm your citizenship of our beautiful planet?

Get involved!

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April 21st, 2012: Massachusetts Annual Park Serve Day – Three events in Plymouth!

Join us at Myles Standish State Forest to improve trails for all to enjoy.   We’ll meet at the MSSF Headquarters between 9:30 & 10:00 AM for coffee, registration, & project descriptions.  At 10:00, MSSF Supervisor John Roberts will present welcome remarks, and we’ll split into two groups.  One group will work at the Charge Pond Equestrian Camping Area and trails.  The other group will work at the “Bentley Loop”, the trail that begins at Parking Lot 2 on Upper College Pond Road. We’ll be trimming back trails, improving trail signage and doing general maintenance. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own tools, as DCR has a limited supply to lend out.  Suggestions include loppers, clippers, bow saws, steel rakes; please mark all tools for easy identification. All ages are welcome. Friends of MSSF will supply water and snacks in the morning and host a BBQ lunch for workers at the Headquarters around 1:15 PM.

Sign up at the DCR website http://parkserv.env.state.ma.us/ or at the FMSSF Hiking and Birding Meetup.com group: http://www.meetup.com/Friends-of-Myles-Standish-SF-Hiking-Meetup-Group/

OR:

Join us from 9:00 to 12:00 at Ellisville Harbor State Park and Shifting Lots Preserve  & environs. Tired of cleaning up the same mean streets? Why not pick up nips & MaryLou’s cups in an unfamiliar and beautiful location? It’ll be like being on holiday! Friends of Ellisville Marsh is conducting their annual litter-picking day, coordinating with Ellisville Harbor State Park & the Town of Plymouth. The beach and marsh are in better shape each year, which will give us the opportunity to creep up Ellisville Rd, State Rd and area, depending how many folks show up.  Bring gloves, etc.  Trashbags provided by the Town; snappy vests provided by the Network of Open Space Friends.

OR:

April 21st, 2012: IS YOUR LIFE TOO PLASTIC?

That’s the question asked in the award-winning documentary, “Bag It”, presented by the Cape Cod Wildlife Collaborative.   What started as a documentary about plastic bags evolved into an investigation into the effect of plastics on our waterways, ocean, and even our bodies.A free screening will take place Saturday, April 21st at 2pm at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Auditorium in Buzzards Bay.Please visit the CCWC Facebook page, http://facebook.com/CapeCodWildlifeCollaborative, for more information.

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April 14th, 2012: Six Ponds East Preserve “Trailblazers” Day

Help care for properties & trails with Wildlands Trust from 10am to 12 or 1pm. Tools, training, and water provided. Children over the age of 13 are welcome when accompanied by an adult.  RSVP to aetkind@wildlandstrust.org

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April 3rd, 2012: Ocean Frontiers, The Dawn of a New Era in Ocean Stewardship

Free film at NE Aquarium IMAX Theatre 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.  Celebrate the east coast premiere of an exciting new film featuring ocean success stories from across the country, including a collaboration to move shipping lanes to Boston to protect endangered whales.  For more information visit: www.ocean-frontiers.org

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2012: The Birds of Plymouth Beach

Check out these slide shows of gorgeous photos by The Goldenrod Foundation’s 2012 Artist in Residence, Edmund Prescottano.  We look forward to seeing more of the birds at Long Beach through his lens.

Snowy Owls, Long Beach in April, Long Beach in March

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April 1 – May 31, 2012: The Herring Are Here!

The old dams on Town Brook are coming down, and the fish are coming up!  Collect valuable data by simply counting fish that swim out of the culvert at Jenny Grist Mill for ten minutes, and help bring back the alewife & blueback herring on which Wompanoag and Pilgrims depended.  Contact dgould@townhall.plymouth.ma.us or 508 747-1620, ext. 134.

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The Network of Open Space Friends would like to thank everyone who  joined us at the Library on March 14 for “Beyond Plymouth Rock – a  Forum on Biking and Hiking in  Plymouth”. The turn-out was tremendous – more than we ever imagined. It just goes  to show that people realize the importance of open spaces.  The most heartwarming sight of all was  the make-up of the crowd and of what they represent. It wasn’t just a bunch of  tree huggers!  Jordan  Hospital, who had last year won a government grant to promote Healthy  Communities, helped plan this forum knowing that fresh air and outdoor exercise  is the best preventative medicine there is.  The Council on Aging took part for the  same reason.   Many hiker and  biker groups were there and meet-up groups of both – we overheard comments such  as “I don’t need to travel New Hampshire to find great trails and beautiful  vistas, I can just walk out my front door.” The Scouts turned up – in their handsome uniforms – offering to help (as is their way) with  trailblazing and stewardship.There were numbers of people and groups at the Forum representing “friends of” groups who already volunteer helping the town keep specific open  spaces clean and beautiful; more volunteers were signing up throughout the  evening. The Chamber of Commerce was represented. They realize that beautiful,  healthy towns attract good businesses and industries. What’s more, ecotourism is  now a big business, and partners well with historic tourism. Our wonderful restaurants, hotels and  existing businesses will benefit as visitors prolong their stays to take  advantage of activities on well laid out trails, ponds, and beaches. The Wildlands Trust, who has protected  more than 7000 acres of land, much of it in Plymouth, and is about to move its  headquarters to the center of Plymouth was represented, as well as The Nature  Conservancy. Plymouth’s Community Preservation Committee was there to thank the  people of Plymouth for supporting the CPA, which has preserved, on this its tenth anniversary, over 1000 acres of open space, much of it with outside funds  from state, federal and other agencies that CPA money has leveraged. Special  thanks to Senator Murray and Representative deMacedo for their inspiring words  and wholehearted support. Stay  tuned for where we go from here. We know there will be communication with the  Planning Board, the Board of Selectmen and the Old Colony Planning Council. With  so many people coming from such varying sectors, we believe there will be a  wonderful outcome. ~Joan Bartlett   Click here for a summary of issues and projects by Town Planner Valerie Massard.

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 March 14, 2012: Join us for the forum on Plymouth’s Developing Hiking & Biking Trails Network at the Plymouth Public Library:  Plymouth: Beyond the Rock

or…GET UP – GET OUT – GET MOVING!

Check out this great article about the event at http://www.wickedlocal.com/plymouth/news/x872930985/Indoor-forum-offers-window-on-Plymouth-s-outdoor-challenges#ixzz1p175nCXF

Evelyn Strawn, Denis Hanks, Therese Murray & Vinny DeMacedo gathering before the presentations

6:30 – 7:00: Visit display tables & chat with representatives of area groups

A.D. Makepeace, Eastern Mountain Sports, Frank Werny, author, Friends of Center Hill Reserve, Friends of Myles Standish State Forest, Friends of Ellisville Marsh, Gilly’s Cycles, MA Dept. of Fish and Game, Mayflower RSVP, NE Mountain Biking Association, Network of Open Space Friends, The Nature Conservancy, Town of  Plymouth, Trustees of  Reservations, Wildlands Trust

 7:00 – 7:30: Speakers: Joan Bartlett, Community Preservation Committee; Therese Murray, MA Senate President; Vinny deMacedo, MA Representative; Denis Hanks, Chamber of Commerce; Malcolm MacGregor, Open Space Committee; Valerie Massard, Planner, Town of Plymouth

 7:30 – 8:30  Discussion with facilitator William Kirkwood, Vice-president Organization Development, Jordan Hospital

What hiking trails need improvement?  Where else could there be trails?  Panelists Malcolm MacGregor & Linda Rudnick

How do we want to promote Plymouth as a destination for more than just the Rock?  Where do we want people to go?  How do we get them there without getting in a car?  Panelists Denis Hanks & Joanne Laferrara

What can we do to improve the open space we have?  What else can open space be used for?  Are there particular populations or user groups that we should reach out to?  Panelists Joan Bartlett & Jim Dehner

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Feb. 29 & Mar. 4, 2012: Attention Birders! Snowy Owl Walks

It is a banner year for spotting Snowy Owls.  Join Scott Hecker of the Goldenrod Foundation for either or both walks on Plymouth beach to look for owls & other birds.  It is a 3 hour excursion, meeting at the north end of Plymouth Beach parking lot.  Please call (781) 934-5500 to RSVP (including number in party) & learn details.

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Nov. 5, 2011 – Fall Town-wide Cleanup

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9-17-11 Thank you Plymouth Coastsweep volunteers!

Plymouth Harbor, Nelson St. Beach, Gurnet Point & Saquish Beach

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9-17-11 Free Wildlife Festival

Come meet Gracie, and fellow turtle stars Rocky, Bart and Spike!

The Cape & Islands Wildlife Collaborative is holding the second annual wildlife festival on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 10-3 at the Long Pasture Audubon Sanctuary in Cummaquid.  Stop in to see what our neighbors over the bridge are doing to protect our environment.  There will be activities for kids and a show featuring live turtles at 1:00 by the Turtlesinger of Cape May, NJ.   The event is free for all.

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8-2011 Progress on Public Lands Preservation Act – Contact Your Prepresentatives Today!

Recently, the Environmental League of MA and several other organizations sent a letter to all members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in support of the Public Lands Preservation Act (PLPA – House Bill 3438, aka the Article 97 no-net-loss bill). This important bill would put into place commonsense safeguards to ensure that public conservation lands, which are supposed to be protected by Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution, are actually protected. The bill would require that an honest analysis of alternatives to developing public conservation land takes place before any development is possible. The bill would also require compensation when public lands are developed to help defray costs of securing replacement lands. These provisions would put a halt to frequent abuses involving development of public lands after, at best, perfunctory discussions and, at worst, blind rubber stamping of such proposals by the Legislature. Members of the House of Representatives need to hear from their constituents on this important issue. August is a great time to meet in person with your representative – the Legislature is in recess and members are in their districts. As always, phone calls and emails are important too. –From ELM & Mass Land Trust bulletins

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5-7-11 Forum on Protecting the Land We Save

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Otto Fehlow Meeting Room Plymouth Public Library, 132 South Street Illegal riding. Illegal dumping. Fuel build-up. Conservation groups are losing ground! Join conservation-minded citizens, state and local officials, Plymouth Police Captain John Rogers, MA Department of Conservation and Recreation Chief Fire Warden David Celino, MA State Police Trooper Jeffrey Diotte, MA Environmental Police District Officer Bill Costello and Sgt. Rick Sylvia for an open discussion of the issues threatening the viability of Plymouth’s conservation lands. The Forum is free and open to the public. Refreshments provided by the Plymouth Network of Open Space Friends. -From Sharl Heller, Friends of Myles Standish State Forest

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4-2011 SUCCESS! THANK YOU!

The Network of Open Space Friends initiated a third town-wide litter cleanup this spring. Word spread. Citizens came together to make Plymouth look fresh and clean. First, one man challenged fellow citizens by picking up litter from the fourteen Town-owned parking lots. Then the Litter Lady was born. New to town, she was outraged at trash downtown and along the waterfront. She made two memorable speeches at Selectmen’s meetings. Meanwhile, Friends groups rolled up their sleeves. Friends of Morton Park worked alongside local boy scouts. Six Ponds Association, which has cleaned their neighborhood since the 1950’s, daringly picked up along busy Long Pond Road. Friends of Stephens Field beautified the park and then celebrated with a pot luck picnic. Friends of Jenny Pond, Brewster Gardens, and Nelson Park, all under one able leader, carried out a massive downtown-area pickup. The recently formed Friends of Burial Hill picked up, raked, and swept while planning gravestone repairs and national historic recognition. One anonymous angel collected twenty large bags of trash near the Hedges Pond recreation area. The Litter Lady and friends took care of the waterfront, the jetty, and on down to the sundial. The Sands of White Horse Beach Association cleaned up their area. And then there were private groups and singles, families, neighbors and friends, who quietly picked up trash on their own. The Network is overjoyed at the response. Plans are now underway to find ways to keep the town clean. Litter must be stopped before it lands. The Network hopes to work with organizations and schools to EDUCATE, with businesses (especially food-related) to PREVENT, with the press to INFORM, and with the town to ENFORCE. Please send your ideas and suggestions and offers of help.

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3-2011 Invitation to Count Fish

The Network of Open Space Friends has been contacted by David Gould, Environmental Resources Manager for the Town of Plymouth. He is offering anyone who might be interested the opportunity to help out this spring with ten minute fish counts at Town Brook. It is very simple but invaluable data that is collected. Gary Nelson from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries just recently released a very impressive program that he designed that allows for the input data and the program calculates not only a population estimate but the strength of the estimate based upon the amount of data that is collected. The more data we collect this spring, the better. This would be used to continue the town’s recent work over the last three years in which used daily counts, the electronic fish counter and the video counting system to develop a population estimate for the herring run. According to David there would be some very easy training in March and counting to start at the end of March. Contact him at dgould@townhall.plymouth.ma.us or 508 747-1620, ext. 134.

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1-20-11 Opportunity to Discuss Local Water Issues

The League of Women Voters is holding its fourth public forum on sustainability on Thursday, January 20 at 7:00 PM in the Mayflower Room, Plymouth Town Hall. The topic is Water, Water, Everywhere, but….Our Water Supply — Is it clean? Who owns it? Will it last? Is it protected? The program consists of a panel of experts: Introduction: Senator Therese Murray Main Speaker: Scott Horsley, Consulting Hydrologist and President of Horsley Witten Panelists: George Crombie -‐ Norwich University Senior Faculty Member and President, American Public Works Association Valerie Massard -‐ Plymouth Town Planner Marc Garrett -‐ Plymouth Planning Board Chair Malcolm MacGregor -‐ Professor, Marine Safety and Environmental Protection at Mass. Maritime Academy. This important forum is open to the public.  A question and answer period will follow.  Everyone is invited to attend, listen, discuss, learn and act. More information can be found in the flyer: Sustainability Forum on Water Flyer

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11-2010 Plymouth Town Cleanup – Call to Action