Happy Valentine's Day!

"Thanks for LOVING nature." -Conservation George

Here's the scoop on Conservation George:

-2ft tall

-orange eyes

-enjoys long walks on Wildlands Trust protected properties

Conservation George is an ambassador to Wildlands Trust -- helping us spread the conservation message one photo at a time.  For years he's been passed around our office, often collecting dust and feeling somewhat neglected.  But recently George has been on the go... he's visited local farmers markets, numerous Wildlands Trust protected properties, and even took a bus to NYC to visit Central Park (America's first major urban park)!

Some may ask WHY Conservation George does this and the answer is quite simple: he LOVES NATURE!  Today he was photographed outside our office in Duxbury, MA by a fence with beautiful heart-shaped metal work.  We've been watching the snow creep up and down this fence all winter.  At one point (before this recent melting), the hearts were completely buried!  It sure has been a snowy winter and we'd like to invite you to join us this Friday night and/or Saturday morning to enjoy what may be the last of winter!  These special events could be perfect outings for you and your Valentine:

On Friday night we will be leading a 2 mi guided Snow Moon Walk at our Willow Brook and Fleetwood Farm Preserves in Pembroke, MA.  And on Saturday morning we will be leading a Snowshoe Walk at the Great River Preserve in Bridgewater, MA.  Eastern Mountain Sports will be bringing snowshoes. So, if you don't have your own pair - this is an opportunity to test some out for FREE!  Click on the hyperlinks to learn more about each of the events.  Conservation George will likely be at both of them!  If you haven't met him yet, these could be your lucky chances!  

Please don't hesitate to contact our Community Outreach Coordinator at skugel@wildlandstrust.org if you have any questions & Happy Valentine's Day from all of us at Wildlands Trust! <3

by Sarah Kugel, Community Outreach Coordinator, skugel@wildlandstrust.org

Save the Date!

Writing, Revising and Implementing Your Town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP)


Sponsored by:

Ask all of your OSRP questions at this FREE workshop 

with Melissa Cryan, Division of Conservation Services, EOEEA

March 16, 2011, 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Middleborough Town Hall

10 Nickerson Avenue, Middleborough, MA

Agenda:

1:00-1:15: Welcome and Introductions
1:15-1:45: Open Space and Recreation Plans and the Planning Process (a presentation by Melissa Cryan)
1:45-2:30: Q&A and Discussion with Melissa Cryan. Topics will include: ADA Reporting, Section 5 of the Open Space and Recreation Plan, Mapping/GIS, Goals and Objectives- Making plans practical and realistic
2:30-2:40: Break (Refreshments will be provided)
2:40-3:30: Open Space and Recreation Plan Implementation and Funding Sources. Topics will include: the Community Preservation Act, available state grants and other funding sources, plus case studies from local communities on advancing their Open Space and Recreation Plans
3:30-3:50: Moderated Discussion of Regional Open Space Planning (time permitting)
3:50-4:00: Wrap-up / Feedback / Next steps

There is no charge for the event. Please RSVP so that we can plan for handouts and refreshments: bnap@srpedd.org / (508) 824-1367/1368