Tent Caterpillars

Here's a photo of tent caterpillars on a black cherry tree along the Charles River Path near Bridge Street. Other highlights of our walk included silver maple (a floodplain species associated with large rivers), and yellow warblers in abundance.

Don't Miss Vernal Pool Day!

Hope to see you tomorrow (Saturday) at Newton's Vernal Pool Day. See turtles, tadpoles, and more... For additional information click here.

For information on a Mother's Day bird walk, click here.

Mosquito Season

Those of us who have been out in the woods lately have been enjoying essentially mosquito-free conditions. This is about to change! These are some photos I took of mosquito larvae & pupae in a puddle in some woods in the area (4/26/08). The small woodland pools are absolutely teeming with mosquitoes. In the closeup shot below, you can see the larvae (longer, with a distinct head) and the pupae (black cylinders). The larvae are sometimes known as "wrigglers" because the swim by twisting sideways and spinning. The pupae swim by somersaulting. Mosquitoes are flies (Class Insecta, Order Diptera, Family Culicidae). I believe that these are spring mosquitoes in the genus Aedes or Ochlerotatus)? Mosquitoes are fascinating creatures on many fronts... For information about mosquitoes in Massachusetts, including a citizens quiz, click here.

Red-bellied Woodpeckers Mating

Source: Ken Thomas

Red-bellied Woodpeckers observed mating, south Newton, 4/26/08. This species has expanded its range north in recent decades. Global warming?

Spicebush

Flowering Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a sure sign of spring. As of last Saturday (April 19) it was blooming at Hammond Woods in Newton. For a closeup photo of flowers, click here. The plant has brilliant yellow foliage and bright red berries in fall. The leaves are fragrant, when crushed (hence the name). This is a wetland plant, but, as a garden plant, it adapts well to drier soils. It's a great native shrub to include in your garden!

Getting Our Feet Wet!

Vernal Pool Day

Saturday, May 10

Join Newton Community Farm & The Newton Conservators as we celebrate spring and Newton's vernal pools. Vernal pools are incredibly diverse ecosystems, supporting a wide array of amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. Join us as we explore vernal pool life, and discuss conservation issues facing Newton Vernal Pools.

Schedule of Events

10 - 12 Vernal Pool Walk, meet at west end of Saw Mill Brook Parkway, at trailhead to Charles River Path. We will visit several vernal pools; for those of you who attended the walk last year, we will visit different pools. Flat terrain, fairly easy walk. Adults & children welcome.

12 - 1 Take a break, or picnic at the farm

1 - 4 Vernal Pool Extravaganza at Newton Community Farm - Adults & children welcome.

Located at corner of Winchester & Nahanton

Life in the Pond Water - come and see vernal pool critters under the microscope

Frog calls - Learn to identify frog & toad calls by ear

Frog calling contest - imitate a frog and win a prize!

Animal Display - turtles and more

Maps of Newton vernal pools

Vernal pool clothing, posters, field guides for sale

And More!

Event canceled by heavy rain - to receive cancellation notice or for additional information, email berkowitz.regosin@verizon.net