On Saturday, April 25th, twenty-four volunteers joined Friends of the Fells staff and lead volunteers for our first ever Volunteer Kick-off and Orientation.
We spent the morning getting to know everyone and learn more about Fells history, Friends of the Fells’ mission, and the awesome flora and fauna that inhabit the Fells. Volunteers had a chance to chat with one another while discussing some common challenges the Fells faces, including how Fells users can help the space remain a resource for both humans and wildlife alike.
Then we split into two groups to start the workday. One group learned about garlic mustard: how it got here, why we’re removing it, and how to remove it from a meadow near Greenwood Park. This site has been a focal area for Friends of the Fells and DCR for the past three years.
The second group worked on a project to help keep some unofficial trails closed in order to restore habitat and reduce fragmentation in the forest. These unofficial trails were closed in December 2024 with the help of Stoneham High School students and volunteers and have been monitored since then to ensure they remain closed. Unofficial trails fragment the landscape and, in this particular location, cut through sensitive habitats.
After breaking for lunch, the groups switched their focus so the volunteers could experience both types of work and learn more about each project. Volunteers got to experience a variety of different tools and explore new areas of the Fells at the same time.
It was an excellent day full of both new and returning volunteers, all of whom helped us launch into the growing season with energy and enthusiasm.
Missed orientation but are still interested in volunteering? Don’t worry–you can still fill out our Volunteer Application and we will be in touch with you!