05-02-2008, 08:18 PM
Despite an inclement weather postponement, a concentrated eagle count for the Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey finally took place on January 16, 2008. The preliminary statewide reports from this effort by MassWildlife staff and volunteer observers resulted in 72 American Bald Eagles sighted. This event was part of a two week nationwide Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey conducted annually in January. Eagle sightings from observers and other interested citizens are still trickling in to the Westboro office. Sighting reports will be compiled and analyzed at a later date. Anyone who spotted eagles in the Bay State from between January 1 and January 16, 2008 is encouraged to report their observations to MassWildlife by email at mass.wildlife@state.ma.us or by postal service to "Eagle Survey", MassWildlife, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Be sure to provide date, time, location and town of eagle sightings, number of birds, juvenile or adult, and observer contact information.
A tally of eagle sightings by area from the January 16th survey are as follows: 36--Quabbin Reservoir (20 adults, 16 immature); 9--Connecticut River ( 8 adults, 1 immature); 5--Wachusett Reservoir (2 adults, 3 immature); 5--Royalston; (3 adults, 2 immature); 1--Nashua River, Groton (adult); 8--Merrimack River (4 adults, 4 immature); 4 --Lakeville/Middleborough (3 adults, 1 immature); 4--Watuppa Ponds and Westport River area (3 adults, 1 immature).<br />
Dr. Tom French, MassWildlife Assistant Director of Natural Heritage and Endangered Species, commented that the high number of juvenile birds seen is an indicator of healthy eagle reproduction. He also expressed gratitude to partners in the eagle project. "We appreciate National Grid's continuing partnership and flexibility in providing a heliocopter for surveying the Quabbin Reservoir and Connecticut River. We also want to acknowledge the efforts of the volunteers who were flexible enough to change their schedules and braved cold temperatures."
Eagle restoration efforts have been funded over the years from a number of sources; major funding has come from the former Bank of Boston, and hunting and fishing license fees (Massachusetts' Inland Fish & Game Fund), the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund, support from National Grid, federal aid from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Citizens who wish to contribute to other protection and restoration efforts for rare wildlife and their habitat can donate directly to the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund or contribute on the "endangered wildlife conservation" line on the Massachusetts income tax form with all such contributions being deposited into the Fund. To those who have donated over the years: Thank You! For those who haven't, please consider supporting this important wildlife conservation effort.
A NEW DIRECTION TO PONDS AND LAKES IN MASSACHUSETTS
Looking for directions to public ponds and lakes for fishing or boating in Massachusetts? A new feature that has been added to MassWildlife website in the very popular Pond Maps area which "map" you to the boat ramp or access that you are seeking! Pond maps are organized by MassWildlife District and include a link to both the individual pond map and a Google map that provides a map to the boat ramp/access location. Users are reminded that the maps provided by MassWildlife are only of those ponds or lakes to which the public has a right of access. The bathymetric pond maps indicate water depths and a few other relevant features helpful to anglers and other boaters.
MassWildlife would also like to remind boaters about another useful website for locating boat access points on rivers, lakes, ponds and coastal areas. This information, along with detailed information on access parking facilities, type of boating access and the agency or municipality which manages the access can be found at the Office of Fishing and Boating Access website at: www.mass.gov/dfwele/pab/index.htm . A companion booklet by this agency, Public Access to the Waters of Massachusetts, is a full-color publication that includes 90 individual site maps and descriptions of more than 200 access points to state waterways. The 150-page guide also includes information about sportfishing piers, fishing in fresh and marine waters, boating law, rights of access, and information about boating and fishing programs in the Department of Fish and Game. Contact the Office of Fishing and Boating Access at 617/727-1843 or write to their office at 1440 Soldier's Field Rd., Boston, MA 02135.
BROODSTOCK SALMON USHER IN THE NEW YEAR
Massachusetts anglers can greet the New Year with trophy sized salmon now that MassWildlife has recently completed the final broodstock salmon stocking for the season. The majority of fish came from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's White River National Fish Hatchery in Vermont and the remainder from MassWildlife's Roger Reed Salmon Hatchery in Palmer. These fish are all retired from broodstock service and were released into lakes and ponds across the Commonwealth. Dr. Ken Simmons expressed appreciation to MassWildlife district and hatchery staff in getting the fish out in some difficult weather conditions. "Anglers may not realize this but our people put in many hours and miles to get the fish from Vermont and stock them in Massachusetts." Each MassWildlife District received an equal number of fish, stocked in waters determined by the District Fisheries Biologist. An updated list of stocked waters that includes stocked water bodies from the early fall stocking, is posted in the Fishing/Stocking area of the MassWildlife website: www.mass.gov/masswildlife.
FRESHWATER SPORTFISHING AWARD CEREMONY- FEB 9, WORCESTER
The Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Ceremony to be held on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 4 PM during the Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Expo in the Worcester DCU Centre. Adult and youth anglers will receive their gold pins and the 2007 Angler of the Year, Roy Leyva of Hyde Park, will also be honored. This is a great opportunity to see some of the biggest freshwater fish caught in Massachusetts in 2007! Information about the 2007 youth and adult winners will be posted in the Fishing area of the MassWildlife website soon after the awards ceremony in February. For more information about the Expo, go to www.sportshows.com.
2007 PRELIMINARY ALL SEASON DEER RESULTS
Preliminary deer season figures for the 2007 archery, shotgun and muzzleloader seasons have been calculated. The initial figure for a statewide total is 11,132 deer. This includes the 7 deer taken during the special 3 day season for paraplegic hunters. The total harvest figure does not include the 149 deer taken during the controlled hunt at Quabbin Reservoir.
A breakdown by season and district follows. There are still some check stations that have yet to report their information. A detailed breakdown will not be known until sometime in the spring of 2008. Final figures will be posted in the Hunting area of the website when available.
Archers bagged a statewide total of 3,223 deer. Of these, the stations in the Western district checked 373 deer, Valley District stations checked 485, Central District stations checked 695, the Northeast District stations checked 631 and the Southeast District stations checked 1,039.
During the shotgun season, a statewide total of 5,745 deer were taken. In the Western District 901 deer were checked, Conn. Valley District recorded 1,098, Central District checked 1,525, Northeast District checked 831 and the Southeast District checked 1,390 deer.
Muzzleloader enthusiasts took advantage of snowy conditions and harvested a total of 2,157 deer across the state. 358 deer were checked by Western District stations, 388 in the Conn. Valley, 555 in the Central District, 437 in the Northeast District and 419 in the Southeast District. Information on past deer harvest seasons information can be found on MassWildlife's website at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/hunting/deer/deer_harvest_info.htm.
OUTDOOR SHOW SEASON UNDERWAY!<br />
MassWildlife is participating in a number of outdoor oriented shows in February. At most of these venues, licenses will be sold and sporting information and opportunities will be available to show attendees. The first show of the month is the Southeastern Sportsmens Show on February 2-4 , at the Standish Sportsmen's Association on 1 Burr Lane in East Bridgewater. For more information about the show, contact Hugh Hurley 508/588-9327 or John Fabroski 508/378-7696.<br />
The Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Exposition at the DCU Centre in Worcester will be held Feb 7-10. This is where the Freshwater Fishing Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday, February 9 at 4PM near the casting pool. For information about the Worcester show, visit www.sportshows.com or call 603/431-4315.<br />
Next on the calendar is the Springfield RV, Camping and Outdoor Show at the Big E, Feb 15-17. MassWildlife and Department of Conservation & Recreation staff will be sharing space and information to camping enthusiasts. For more information, call 413/781-CAMP or visit www.springfieldrvcampingshow.com.<br />
The final show for the month is the Springfield Sportsmen and Boat Show at the Big E Feb 21-24. For specific information about this show, call 413/467-2171 or visit www.osegsportsmens.com.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
January 22--Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Westborough --The January meeting of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board will be held Tuesday, January 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, (off North Drive) in Westborough. Please Note: In case of inclement weather the meeting will be held the following day January 23, at 11:00 a.m. This meeting is open to the public. The Field Headquarters is handicapped accessible. Phone is 508/389-6300.<br />
February 14--Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee Meeting, Westboro Field HQ-This is a meeting open to the public. Topics on non-game and endangered species will be covered, an update on agency activities will be part of the agenda. The Committee makes recommendations on these issues to the MassWildlife staff and the Fisheries & Wildlife Board. 1:30 - 4:00 PM. Phone is 508/389-6360.<br />
NEWS & NOTES<br />
Fall Turkey Tally--Final figures for the fall 2008 turkey season have been compiled. Hunters harvested 149 turkeys during the six-day season. The total included 69 toms (males) and 80 hens (females). Last year's fall total was 107 birds. Breaking the figures down by county, 47 turkeys were taken in Berkshire, 1 in Dukes, 39 in Franklin, 7 in Hampden, 24 in Hampshire, 7 in Middlesex, 1 in Norfolk, and 23 in Worcester. MassWildlife Turkey Project Leader Jim Cardoza noted that fall turkey harvests have varied considerably over the years. "This harvest is not particularly surprising," said Jim Cardoza, Turkey Project Leader, "Due to a successful late hatch, poult production and survival was good. Hunter effort and participation is also important, and can vary with participation in other hunting activities. Weather conditions during the fall hunt and the abundance and distribution of fall foods are also important factors in turkey hunter success."<br />
Environmental Education Awards Nominations Needed-- A terrific opportunity to nominate a deserving individual, group or organization involved in outstanding Energy and Environmental Education is available. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is now accepting applications for the 2008 Secretary Awards for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education. Deadline for submitting the application is March 18, 2008 by the close of business. All K-l2 Massachusetts schools are eligible for cash awards. The application is electronic and can accessed by going on the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs homepage under "Conduct Business" and the direct link is http://www.mass.gov/envir/ee/default.htm. Contact Meg Colclough in the Energy and Environmental Affairs Office at 617/626-1110 or by email: meg.colclough@state.ma.us.<br />
Calendar of Events-For a complete listing go to: www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/calendar/calendar_home<br />
January 25 - 27 Becoming an Outdoorswoman at the Women's Wellness Weekend, Becket--This weekend workshop, sponsored by the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA at Chimney Pond Camp in Becket offers a wide range of programs including - for the first time this year - an ice fishing workshop and an animal tracks and signs workshop which will be the Massachusetts Becoming an Outdoorswoman program's contribution to women's wellness. Registration for this event is being handled by the YMCA. For information on the weekend and registration call Nicole Cabelka at 413/623-8991 or visit their website www.bccymca.org/seasons/programs/adult/women.htm.<br />
January 30 -- The Plymouth Pine Barrens, Rare Species, and the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act, Plymouth -- Staff from MassWildlife's Natural Heritage Program will present an informative program at the Plymouth Main Public Library. Dr. Michael Nelson, Invertebrate Zoologist, will talk about the pine barrens and unique freshwater ponds of Plymouth and neighboring towns, and highlight the species that depend on these habitats for survival. Dr. Jonathan Regosin, MassWildlife Regulatory Review Manager, will then review state regulation under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA), and discuss how these regulations affect development proposals in areas inhabited by endangered species. Free and open to the public. No registration required.<br />
February 2--Project WILD/Aquatic WILD Workshop for Educators, Dorchester -- The Franklin Park Zoo (FPZ) invites all K-12 educators to participate in an exciting eight-hour interdisciplinary workshop focusing on terrestrial & aquatic wildlife The Project WILD/Aquatic Project WILD workshop is a series of wildlife activities designed for all educators who work with kids of all ages and who want hands-on, activities focusing on wildlife, people and the environment. Participants receive the Project WILD and Aquatic Project WILD Guides as well as other wildlife materials. Educators of all kinds find the materials and workshop experience valuable. Hours at this workshop may be used toward obtaining PDPs. Workshops are led by MassWildlife's Project WILD volunteer facilitators. Pre-registration is required by calling Rachel at FPZ 617/989-3742. FPZ is accesible by MBTA.<br />
February 9-Massachusetts Turtles, Worcester-As part of its Wildlife of Worcester County series, MassAudubon's Broadmeadow Brook Sanctuary on 414 Massasoit Street will host MassWildlife Turtle Conservation Biologist Lori Erb who will be talking about turtles and turtle conservation efforts in the Bay State. The program will run from 7PM - 8:30 PM. A nominal fee will be charged, pre-registration is appreciated. For more information, contact Broadmeadow Brook Sanctuary at 508-753-6087.<br />
February 9-Project WILD/Aquatic WILD Workshop, Wellesley--The Massachusetts Horticultural Society at Elm Bank invites interested k-12 educators to participate in an exciting eight-hour workshop wildlife. The Project WILD/Aquatic Project WILD workshop is a series of wildlife activities designed for educators who work with kids of all ages and who want hands-on, interdisciplinary activities focusing on wildlife, people and the environment. Participants receive the Project WILD and Aquatic Project WILD Guides as well as other wildlife materials. Educators of all types find the materials and workshop experience valuable. Hours at this workshop may be used toward obtaining PDPs. Workshops are led by MassWildlife's Project WILD volunteer facilitators. Pre-registration is required. Call Elizabeth Hoyt 617/933-4983 or Monique Cafarelli at 617/933-4995.<br />
February 16-Junior Duck Stamp Workshop, New Bedford--Interested in trying your hand at entering the 2008 Junior Duck Stamp contest? Get inspired by the Junior Duck Stamp exhibit at Buttonwood Park Zoo and join artist Maura Conron for this free workshop (included in zoo admission fee) for students in grades K-12. Space is limited and you must pre-register at 508/991-6178 x 22. You will be given the start time of the workshop when you register.
A tally of eagle sightings by area from the January 16th survey are as follows: 36--Quabbin Reservoir (20 adults, 16 immature); 9--Connecticut River ( 8 adults, 1 immature); 5--Wachusett Reservoir (2 adults, 3 immature); 5--Royalston; (3 adults, 2 immature); 1--Nashua River, Groton (adult); 8--Merrimack River (4 adults, 4 immature); 4 --Lakeville/Middleborough (3 adults, 1 immature); 4--Watuppa Ponds and Westport River area (3 adults, 1 immature).<br />
Dr. Tom French, MassWildlife Assistant Director of Natural Heritage and Endangered Species, commented that the high number of juvenile birds seen is an indicator of healthy eagle reproduction. He also expressed gratitude to partners in the eagle project. "We appreciate National Grid's continuing partnership and flexibility in providing a heliocopter for surveying the Quabbin Reservoir and Connecticut River. We also want to acknowledge the efforts of the volunteers who were flexible enough to change their schedules and braved cold temperatures."
Eagle restoration efforts have been funded over the years from a number of sources; major funding has come from the former Bank of Boston, and hunting and fishing license fees (Massachusetts' Inland Fish & Game Fund), the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund, support from National Grid, federal aid from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Citizens who wish to contribute to other protection and restoration efforts for rare wildlife and their habitat can donate directly to the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund or contribute on the "endangered wildlife conservation" line on the Massachusetts income tax form with all such contributions being deposited into the Fund. To those who have donated over the years: Thank You! For those who haven't, please consider supporting this important wildlife conservation effort.
A NEW DIRECTION TO PONDS AND LAKES IN MASSACHUSETTS
Looking for directions to public ponds and lakes for fishing or boating in Massachusetts? A new feature that has been added to MassWildlife website in the very popular Pond Maps area which "map" you to the boat ramp or access that you are seeking! Pond maps are organized by MassWildlife District and include a link to both the individual pond map and a Google map that provides a map to the boat ramp/access location. Users are reminded that the maps provided by MassWildlife are only of those ponds or lakes to which the public has a right of access. The bathymetric pond maps indicate water depths and a few other relevant features helpful to anglers and other boaters.
MassWildlife would also like to remind boaters about another useful website for locating boat access points on rivers, lakes, ponds and coastal areas. This information, along with detailed information on access parking facilities, type of boating access and the agency or municipality which manages the access can be found at the Office of Fishing and Boating Access website at: www.mass.gov/dfwele/pab/index.htm . A companion booklet by this agency, Public Access to the Waters of Massachusetts, is a full-color publication that includes 90 individual site maps and descriptions of more than 200 access points to state waterways. The 150-page guide also includes information about sportfishing piers, fishing in fresh and marine waters, boating law, rights of access, and information about boating and fishing programs in the Department of Fish and Game. Contact the Office of Fishing and Boating Access at 617/727-1843 or write to their office at 1440 Soldier's Field Rd., Boston, MA 02135.
BROODSTOCK SALMON USHER IN THE NEW YEAR
Massachusetts anglers can greet the New Year with trophy sized salmon now that MassWildlife has recently completed the final broodstock salmon stocking for the season. The majority of fish came from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's White River National Fish Hatchery in Vermont and the remainder from MassWildlife's Roger Reed Salmon Hatchery in Palmer. These fish are all retired from broodstock service and were released into lakes and ponds across the Commonwealth. Dr. Ken Simmons expressed appreciation to MassWildlife district and hatchery staff in getting the fish out in some difficult weather conditions. "Anglers may not realize this but our people put in many hours and miles to get the fish from Vermont and stock them in Massachusetts." Each MassWildlife District received an equal number of fish, stocked in waters determined by the District Fisheries Biologist. An updated list of stocked waters that includes stocked water bodies from the early fall stocking, is posted in the Fishing/Stocking area of the MassWildlife website: www.mass.gov/masswildlife.
FRESHWATER SPORTFISHING AWARD CEREMONY- FEB 9, WORCESTER
The Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Ceremony to be held on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 4 PM during the Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Expo in the Worcester DCU Centre. Adult and youth anglers will receive their gold pins and the 2007 Angler of the Year, Roy Leyva of Hyde Park, will also be honored. This is a great opportunity to see some of the biggest freshwater fish caught in Massachusetts in 2007! Information about the 2007 youth and adult winners will be posted in the Fishing area of the MassWildlife website soon after the awards ceremony in February. For more information about the Expo, go to www.sportshows.com.
2007 PRELIMINARY ALL SEASON DEER RESULTS
Preliminary deer season figures for the 2007 archery, shotgun and muzzleloader seasons have been calculated. The initial figure for a statewide total is 11,132 deer. This includes the 7 deer taken during the special 3 day season for paraplegic hunters. The total harvest figure does not include the 149 deer taken during the controlled hunt at Quabbin Reservoir.
A breakdown by season and district follows. There are still some check stations that have yet to report their information. A detailed breakdown will not be known until sometime in the spring of 2008. Final figures will be posted in the Hunting area of the website when available.
Archers bagged a statewide total of 3,223 deer. Of these, the stations in the Western district checked 373 deer, Valley District stations checked 485, Central District stations checked 695, the Northeast District stations checked 631 and the Southeast District stations checked 1,039.
During the shotgun season, a statewide total of 5,745 deer were taken. In the Western District 901 deer were checked, Conn. Valley District recorded 1,098, Central District checked 1,525, Northeast District checked 831 and the Southeast District checked 1,390 deer.
Muzzleloader enthusiasts took advantage of snowy conditions and harvested a total of 2,157 deer across the state. 358 deer were checked by Western District stations, 388 in the Conn. Valley, 555 in the Central District, 437 in the Northeast District and 419 in the Southeast District. Information on past deer harvest seasons information can be found on MassWildlife's website at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/hunting/deer/deer_harvest_info.htm.
OUTDOOR SHOW SEASON UNDERWAY!<br />
MassWildlife is participating in a number of outdoor oriented shows in February. At most of these venues, licenses will be sold and sporting information and opportunities will be available to show attendees. The first show of the month is the Southeastern Sportsmens Show on February 2-4 , at the Standish Sportsmen's Association on 1 Burr Lane in East Bridgewater. For more information about the show, contact Hugh Hurley 508/588-9327 or John Fabroski 508/378-7696.<br />
The Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Exposition at the DCU Centre in Worcester will be held Feb 7-10. This is where the Freshwater Fishing Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday, February 9 at 4PM near the casting pool. For information about the Worcester show, visit www.sportshows.com or call 603/431-4315.<br />
Next on the calendar is the Springfield RV, Camping and Outdoor Show at the Big E, Feb 15-17. MassWildlife and Department of Conservation & Recreation staff will be sharing space and information to camping enthusiasts. For more information, call 413/781-CAMP or visit www.springfieldrvcampingshow.com.<br />
The final show for the month is the Springfield Sportsmen and Boat Show at the Big E Feb 21-24. For specific information about this show, call 413/467-2171 or visit www.osegsportsmens.com.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
January 22--Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Westborough --The January meeting of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board will be held Tuesday, January 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, (off North Drive) in Westborough. Please Note: In case of inclement weather the meeting will be held the following day January 23, at 11:00 a.m. This meeting is open to the public. The Field Headquarters is handicapped accessible. Phone is 508/389-6300.<br />
February 14--Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee Meeting, Westboro Field HQ-This is a meeting open to the public. Topics on non-game and endangered species will be covered, an update on agency activities will be part of the agenda. The Committee makes recommendations on these issues to the MassWildlife staff and the Fisheries & Wildlife Board. 1:30 - 4:00 PM. Phone is 508/389-6360.<br />
NEWS & NOTES<br />
Fall Turkey Tally--Final figures for the fall 2008 turkey season have been compiled. Hunters harvested 149 turkeys during the six-day season. The total included 69 toms (males) and 80 hens (females). Last year's fall total was 107 birds. Breaking the figures down by county, 47 turkeys were taken in Berkshire, 1 in Dukes, 39 in Franklin, 7 in Hampden, 24 in Hampshire, 7 in Middlesex, 1 in Norfolk, and 23 in Worcester. MassWildlife Turkey Project Leader Jim Cardoza noted that fall turkey harvests have varied considerably over the years. "This harvest is not particularly surprising," said Jim Cardoza, Turkey Project Leader, "Due to a successful late hatch, poult production and survival was good. Hunter effort and participation is also important, and can vary with participation in other hunting activities. Weather conditions during the fall hunt and the abundance and distribution of fall foods are also important factors in turkey hunter success."<br />
Environmental Education Awards Nominations Needed-- A terrific opportunity to nominate a deserving individual, group or organization involved in outstanding Energy and Environmental Education is available. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is now accepting applications for the 2008 Secretary Awards for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education. Deadline for submitting the application is March 18, 2008 by the close of business. All K-l2 Massachusetts schools are eligible for cash awards. The application is electronic and can accessed by going on the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs homepage under "Conduct Business" and the direct link is http://www.mass.gov/envir/ee/default.htm. Contact Meg Colclough in the Energy and Environmental Affairs Office at 617/626-1110 or by email: meg.colclough@state.ma.us.<br />
Calendar of Events-For a complete listing go to: www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/calendar/calendar_home<br />
January 25 - 27 Becoming an Outdoorswoman at the Women's Wellness Weekend, Becket--This weekend workshop, sponsored by the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA at Chimney Pond Camp in Becket offers a wide range of programs including - for the first time this year - an ice fishing workshop and an animal tracks and signs workshop which will be the Massachusetts Becoming an Outdoorswoman program's contribution to women's wellness. Registration for this event is being handled by the YMCA. For information on the weekend and registration call Nicole Cabelka at 413/623-8991 or visit their website www.bccymca.org/seasons/programs/adult/women.htm.<br />
January 30 -- The Plymouth Pine Barrens, Rare Species, and the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act, Plymouth -- Staff from MassWildlife's Natural Heritage Program will present an informative program at the Plymouth Main Public Library. Dr. Michael Nelson, Invertebrate Zoologist, will talk about the pine barrens and unique freshwater ponds of Plymouth and neighboring towns, and highlight the species that depend on these habitats for survival. Dr. Jonathan Regosin, MassWildlife Regulatory Review Manager, will then review state regulation under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA), and discuss how these regulations affect development proposals in areas inhabited by endangered species. Free and open to the public. No registration required.<br />
February 2--Project WILD/Aquatic WILD Workshop for Educators, Dorchester -- The Franklin Park Zoo (FPZ) invites all K-12 educators to participate in an exciting eight-hour interdisciplinary workshop focusing on terrestrial & aquatic wildlife The Project WILD/Aquatic Project WILD workshop is a series of wildlife activities designed for all educators who work with kids of all ages and who want hands-on, activities focusing on wildlife, people and the environment. Participants receive the Project WILD and Aquatic Project WILD Guides as well as other wildlife materials. Educators of all kinds find the materials and workshop experience valuable. Hours at this workshop may be used toward obtaining PDPs. Workshops are led by MassWildlife's Project WILD volunteer facilitators. Pre-registration is required by calling Rachel at FPZ 617/989-3742. FPZ is accesible by MBTA.<br />
February 9-Massachusetts Turtles, Worcester-As part of its Wildlife of Worcester County series, MassAudubon's Broadmeadow Brook Sanctuary on 414 Massasoit Street will host MassWildlife Turtle Conservation Biologist Lori Erb who will be talking about turtles and turtle conservation efforts in the Bay State. The program will run from 7PM - 8:30 PM. A nominal fee will be charged, pre-registration is appreciated. For more information, contact Broadmeadow Brook Sanctuary at 508-753-6087.<br />
February 9-Project WILD/Aquatic WILD Workshop, Wellesley--The Massachusetts Horticultural Society at Elm Bank invites interested k-12 educators to participate in an exciting eight-hour workshop wildlife. The Project WILD/Aquatic Project WILD workshop is a series of wildlife activities designed for educators who work with kids of all ages and who want hands-on, interdisciplinary activities focusing on wildlife, people and the environment. Participants receive the Project WILD and Aquatic Project WILD Guides as well as other wildlife materials. Educators of all types find the materials and workshop experience valuable. Hours at this workshop may be used toward obtaining PDPs. Workshops are led by MassWildlife's Project WILD volunteer facilitators. Pre-registration is required. Call Elizabeth Hoyt 617/933-4983 or Monique Cafarelli at 617/933-4995.<br />
February 16-Junior Duck Stamp Workshop, New Bedford--Interested in trying your hand at entering the 2008 Junior Duck Stamp contest? Get inspired by the Junior Duck Stamp exhibit at Buttonwood Park Zoo and join artist Maura Conron for this free workshop (included in zoo admission fee) for students in grades K-12. Space is limited and you must pre-register at 508/991-6178 x 22. You will be given the start time of the workshop when you register.