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Edible Plants Walk at Stearns Farm

Author of “Wild Plants I’ve Known …and Eaten” to host Edible Plant Walk at Stearns Farm,

FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Sudbury Valley Trustees is hosting an edible wild plants walk from 4:30pm to 7:00pm, Tuesday, September 9th, 2014 at Stearns Farm in Framingham.

Russ Cohen, of the MA Department of Fish & Game Riverways Program, will lead the walk to look for edible plants.

Cohen is a foraging expert and author of “Wild Plants I Have Known… and Eaten,” according to an announcement from the trustees.

Stearns Farm and its adjacent woodlands are home to more than 30 species of edible wild plants, many of which are more nutritious and/or flavorful than their cultivated counterparts.

Join Russ on a late afternoon/evening ramble through the farm (and, if time permits, the adjoining woods) to learn about at least 18 species of edible wild plants. Depending on weather conditions, several edible mushroom species may be encountered as well!

Keys to the identification of each species will be provided, along with information on edible portions, seasons of availability, and preparation methods, as well as guidelines for safe and environmentally responsible foraging.

This is a free event for Stearns Farm CSA members, in addition to SVT members, (Stearns Farm members, please check the SVT member box when registering for this program). Non-Member Fee: $10

Pre-registration is required.

For more information, visit the SVT website at: www.svtweb.org or call 978-443-5588.

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September 3, 2014
FREE Kids Summer Activities at Cochituate State Park

There’s lots to do at Cochituate State Park!

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Between the towns of Framingham, Wayland and Natick, MA, Lake Cochituate offer many recreational summer activities including swimming, boating and fishing.

Many locals may not realize that just a few hundred yards east of the Framingham/Natick town line, (on Rt. 30), the beach, picnic area, boat launch, snack bar and canoe rental shop are in “Cochituate State Park”, which is part of the Massachusetts State Park system and operated by the MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation, (“DCR”).

Throughout the months of July and August, (Tuesdays-Saturdays), the park provides fun, educational, and FREE summer activities for kids and families!

All programs are (more…)

June 30, 2013
New England Wildflower Society Photo Contest
N.E.W.F.S. Photo Contest – Prize for adult winners will include signed copy of the book ''Wildflowers'' by William Cullina

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Do you enjoy taking photos of plants and flowers in their natural habitat?

The New England Wildflower Society, (“NEWFS”), which operates the “Garden in the Woods“ on Hemenway Road is sponsoring a photo contest!

The photograph may be from any season, but the photo must have been shot between April 15, 2011 and October 31, 2011, (October 31st is the deadline for submissions).

Prizes will be awarded for photos in several categories including:
- single plants
- groups of plants
- polinators
- “scenes“ – did you capture a breath-taking scene in the Garden? Submit it! (Note: photos may not have any people in them.)
- artistic merit – photos in this category may be a (more…)
July 1, 2011
Caution! Turtles Crossing

This painted turtle may look both ways before crossing the road — but might not be fast enough to get to the other side before being run over by a car. (Photo from Jmailk, WikiMedia Commons)

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Town of Framingham Conservation Commissioner Nicola Cataldo sent out an email reminding residents that several species of turtles are currently nesting around town.

The turtles which sometimes nest hundreds of yards from the many ponds and slower moving parts of the Sudbury River where they live will frequently attempt to cross roadways.

Residents are advised to be on the lookout for the turtles and avoid running them over.

The most populace species is town is the Eastern Painted Turtle which has a (more…)

June 2, 2011
One Frog, Two Frogs, Tree Frogs

FRAMIMGHAM, MA – From the first warm nights in spring, when the air temperature is above 60 degrees, strange sounds can be heard coming from the wet woodlands around Framingham. The sounds can last through most of the summer.

Some people think birds or strange insects are making the sounds, but it’s actually a tree dwelling frog; Hyla versicolor — more commonly known as the Gray Treefrog.

In the spring and summer, Grey Treefrogs can be found near swamps, ponds, or just about any other pool of water — in this case on the deck of a swimming pool in Framingham, MA, (video shot at night using Sony Handycam in NightShot mode).

The one and half to two inch mottled grey, black and green frogs live in wet woody areas and spend the cooler months in hollowed out trees, In the winter the frogs hybernate underground, beneath insulating layers of fallen debris and leaf litter.

In breeding season, (March to August), the frogs gather near the water’s edge and the mating calls begin, (and can last until ’til nearly midnight).

As the “versicolor” portion of their scientific name implies, the Gray Treefrog can change color from almost stark white to a dark mottled greyish green.

The skin on the back of the Gray Treefrog is bumpy, (again, part of their camouflage — the texture along with the blended color make then nearly invisible as they cling to the bark or moss of a tree or log). The frog’s underside is smooth with bright yellow skin on the inside of their hind legs. It’s fingers and toes have sticky pads which make them apt climbers.

While the sounds may be annoying, it may be of some comfort to realize that frogs are one of our best early warnings of environmental danger. Acting like a “canary in a coal mine“, many species of frogs around the world lose their lives because of man. Frogs in the wild suffer from air, water and soil pollution, man made changes in temperature and other ways we alter the environment.

A healthy frog population is a good indication the environment in the area they live is healthy too. So, don’t worry when you hear them at night — instead, worry that some day you might not.

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May 17, 2010
Happenings at Garden in the Woods

This beautiful rare ladyslipper (C. reginae) is just one of the thousands of plants at the renowned New England Wild FLower Society plant sale.

FRAMINGHAM, MA – New England Wild Flower Society’s Garden in the Woods, premier native plant botanic garden and nursery is now open for the season.

View 1,500 native species in naturalistic habitat displays, including 200 rare and endangered species, and thousands of seasonal blooms on 45 acres.

All purchases and membership support the health of the natural environment. 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA. (508) 877-7630.

SPRING HOURS: Open daily, April 15-June 15; 9 a.m.- 7 p.m.;

SUMMER HOURS: June 17-October 31st daily 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Admission: $7, Seniors: $5, Children and Young Adults (6-18 yrs): $3, Members and Children under 6: Free.

Tours daily at 10 except Sundays at 2, no reservations required. Museum Shop, plant nursery and 275 special courses and events.

Upcoming Events

FREE PLANT LECTURES:

May 7 (Sun) FREE 1pm Meet Carol Stocker of The Boston Globe signing and discussing her new book, The Boston Globe Illustrated New England Gardening Almanac. Purchase copies at the Museum Shop at Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham. www.newfs.org. 508-877-7630.

Here are some of the woodland wildflowers in their Spring glory at New England Wild Flower Society's Garden in the Woods.

May 14 (Sun) FREE 1pm Tom Smarr, New England Wild Flower Society Horticulture Director lecture/demo “Great Wildflowers for the Woodland Garden” Afterwards he and his staff help with custom native plant selections.

May 21 (Sun) FREE 1pm Author and New England Wild Flower Society Nursery Director William (Bill) Cullina lecture/demo: “Top Ten Native Woody Plants for Landscaping” Afterwards he and staff help with custom native selection and book signing.

May 28 (Sun) and again June 18 FREE 1pm Tom Smarr, New England Wild Flower Society Horticulture director lecture/demo: “The best tools in the trade for planting, pruning, and plant care.”

PLAN AHEAD: PLANT SALE PREVIEW PARTY – Friday, June 9th 5-8 pm. Enjoy New England Wild Flower Society’s largest plant sale in the northeast, and an evening of earthly delights, music, tasty treats, expert advice, and perfect shopping without the crowds. $25 ticket benefits plant conservation and gains admission to an unforgettable garden evening.

Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham. www.newfs.org. 508-877-7630. Reservations at cbennett@newfs.org.

(Photos Courtesy of New England Wild Flower Society).

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May 5, 2006