With your support, we’re making great strides in caring for the Fells and making it safe and welcoming to everyone. Below are a few highlights of our accomplishments over the past six months.
90mm Meadow Restoration Kicks into High Gear
Earlier this year, Friends of the Fells broke ground on the most ambitious habitat restoration project in our history at the 90mm site, hiring Essex Horticulture to begin management of approximately five acres of invasive plants on the site.
This multi-year project builds on years of community effort by volunteer groups like ours, Girl Scout Troops, and others.
Our $100,000 investment in the project has been funded by generous donors who care deeply about the vision for and sustainability of the Fells. If you’d like to know more about the history of the 90mm site and tour this project site first-hand, consider joining FOF board member Kyle McGrath on September 20 at 10 am (register here).
Making the Fells More Accessible
On May 22, Friends of the Fells was awarded a $100,000 MassTrails grant to develop a feasibility study for establishing an accessible trail in the Middlesex Fells.
The study will evaluate proposed trail locations in Greenwood Park in Stoneham and Bellevue Pond in Medford, and will analyze trail alignments and amenities to establish trails that adhere to accessibility guidelines.
We’re grateful for letters of support from more than 10 local disability commissions, senior centers, and recreation departments who share our excitement to make the Fells more welcoming and accessible for everyone.
Meet Our New TerraCorp Service Member, Dani!
Dani is from central Pennsylvania and recently graduated from Susquehanna University with a B.S. in Earth and Environmental Sciences. She has previously worked seasonally to maintain riparian buffers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and restore native vegetation in forested habitats at a local sanctuary near her home. She enjoys going for hikes, exploring new places, listening to groovy jazz, and whittling spoons in her free time. Dani is excited to join the team at Friends of the Fells and make a positive impact on the environment!
Check Out the “Caring for Nature” Art Show at the Beebe
On August 28, Friends of the Fells co-hosted an Open House for the art show, “Caring for Nature”, which features artwork inspired by the Fells.
You can still visit the show at the Beebe Estate at 235 West Foster Street in Melrose on Saturdays, September 12th, 19th and 26th from 11 am to 3 pm.
Friends of the Fells is also hosting a “Restoration in Action” walk September 19 in conjunction with the show – more details here.
Electrically Powering More Work in the Fells
Thanks to support from a generous donor, we purchased our first FOF vehicle, a fully electric Ford F-150 Lightning! This truck will help us sustain our mission by reaching volunteer sites more efficiently, keeping tools accessible and dry, and transporting plant debris safely.