Trail Running on the South Shore

A trail at the Norris Reservation in Norwell.

I started jogging earlier this year. Approaching forty, I felt pathetic because I couldn’t run a mile. So I set off around the block, determined to make it all the way, and I was surprised to discover that I was in better shape than I expected. Since then, I’ve slowly been extending my route.

They say it runs in the family (Yes, it’s a pun). My father started jogging when he was in his late twenties, to combat the stress of supporting our family of four. For me, the sneakers went on when I realized my marriage was falling apart. All that time pounding the pavement afforded me some much-needed time to think, especially when the divorce negotiations got tense.

My dad, who progressed from running 10Ks, to marathons, to 50 and 100-mile ultra marathons and endurance events, knows a little bit about jogging. When I told him about my route around the neighborhood (I like the challenge of the hills), he said, “Take it from me. Your knees will last a lot longer if you stay off the road. Why don’t you run down the trail instead?”

We are fortunate to have a large conservation parcel right here in our neighborhood, one with a long flat trail (it used to be a railroad bed) plus a loop off to one side that traverses some challenging hills. Conveniently, Dad even knew the mileage. “It’s 0.9 miles from our driveway to the end of the trail, the same as running around the block.”

So on my next running day, I tried it. And – no surprise here – Dad was right. It WAS easier on my knees, and a lot more peaceful, ambiance-wise, than our busy subdivision. Plus it was fun: skirting puddles and fallen trees gave my run an adventuresome quality.

Jogging on trails is nothing new, and lately it is seeing an increase in popularity here on the South Shore. Like many fitness trends in the United States, trail running has migrated here from the west. It’s been big in California and the mountain states for years, and now East Coasters are catching on. The Western States 100, which my father attempted twice in the 1990s is a trail run through challenging mountain terrain.

Here on the South Shore, our options are a lot less diverse, although a jaunt to the Blue Hills will satisfy the needs of those seeking a rugged experience. Otherwise, there are plenty of conservation areas with trails well-suited for a run, as opposed to a walk. Before you go, just make sure that the property doesn’t prohibit joggers (if it’s a dedicated wildlife sanctuary, running may be discouraged because of its potential to disturb the fauna).

The Norris Reservation in Norwell has been popular with joggers for years, as has Bay Farm on the Kingston-Duxbury line. Both include sections of trail that are wide and mostly flat, as well as narrower, trickier areas. Burrage Pond in Hanson, a huge expanse of former cranberry bogs now managed by the state’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, offers a number of flat, clear trails well-suited for the sneaker set. On a recent Sunday morning visit I encountered a number of runners there.

If you’d like to try trail running, I recommend starting on a property with wide flat trails (think decommissioned railroad beds, or old fire roads and cart paths). Once your feet get used to moving quickly on uneven terrain, you might progress to a more challenging route.

Earlier this fall, the Duxbury-based Wildlands Trust of Southeastern Massachusetts initiated a low-impact trail running program. Every week they host an event at one of the lands they manage, where walkers and runners of all ages and abilities can gather to exercise together. The next few are as follows:

Thursday, December 1, 9:30 AM – Willow Brook Preserve, Pembroke

Wednesday, December 7, 9:30 AM – Tucker Preserve, Pembroke

Sunday, December 18, 10 AM – Emery Preserve, Plymouth.

You can find more information on their website, www.wildlandstrust.org.

by Kezia Bacon-Bernstein, Correspondent
November, 2011

Kezia Bacon-Bernstein's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, restoration, maintenance and conservation of the North and South Rivers and their watershed. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 15 years of Nature (Human and Otherwise) columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com

Favorite Fall Walking Places

Autumn vegetation at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield.

Every fall, it seems that someone asks me about the best places to take a walk on the South Shore. We have so many! Each town has numerous conservation parcels, large and small.

Even after writing this column for more than 15 years, I have yet to visit them all. Why? Because I have my favorites -- the places I return to time and again, the ones that offer a lengthy circuit trail and a view of the water.

Give me the choice of catching up with a friend over coffee or on the trail, and I’ll choose the latter every time. Walks in the woods invite good conversation. Plus you get a healthy dose of Vitamin D and the satisfaction of having ambled for an hour or two through a place of beauty.

Six weeks into autumn, the leaves have begun to turn. I find myself relishing this last burst of color, and bracing for the inevitable drab of winter. Already the sun seems weaker. It’s time to get out and enjoy our local conservation parcels before the ice and snow begin.

Here’s a list of my favorites, in no particular order. Perhaps I’ll see you out there!

Nelson Memorial Forest / Phillips Farm Preserve / Union Street Woodland: One of my favorite autumn walking places, this expansive set of properties offers views of both the North River and Cove Creek, access to the salt marsh and plenty of wide walking trails. Combined acreage: 211. You’ll find parking and a trailhead on Union Street in Marshfield, between Short Street and Hunter Drive.

The Norris Reservation: A perennial favorite, this 129-acre parcel features an old mill pond, a restored boat house overlooking the North River, boardwalks, trails both narrow and wide, and close-up views of Second Herring Brook. Managed by the Trustees of Reservation, the Norris offers a large parking area on Dover Street in Norwell, across from the post office.

Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary: This Mass Audubon property includes a total of 507 acres, made up of both meadow and woods. Also known as Dwyer Farm, this sanctuary, located at the end of Winslow Cemetery Road in Marshfield, includes wildlife observation blinds, boardwalks and bridges, trails through both woods and grasslands, and views of the Green Harbor River.

World’s End: If you’ve never been to this jewel in the crown of South Shore open spaces, do yourself a favor and visit this 251-acre property on Martin’s Lane in Hingham, managed by the Trustees of Reservations. Featuring rolling hills, rocky shores, and spectacular views of Boston Harbor, the Weir River, Hingham, and Hull, the narrow trails and tree-lined carriage paths of World’s End are a treat at any time of year.

Indian Head River Conservation Area / Luddams Ford Park / Tucker Preserve: Beginning at Luddams Ford Park in Hanover, you’ll find a former railroad bed that has been converted to a walking trail, portions of which run along the banks of the Indian Head River. On the other side is the 78-acre Tucker Preserve. If you’re in the mood for a long walk, you can go up one side and down the other, but check the map because the twists and turns aren’t always easy to navigate. Park on either side of the river: Elm Street in Hanover, or West Elm Street in Pembroke.

Willow Brook Farm Preserve: My favorite feature of this 73-acre property in Pembroke is the observation tower. Climb to the top and peer out over the Herring Brook Valley, and the wetlands at the confluence of Pudding and Herring Brooks. How to find it? Follow the woodland trails and old farm roads to the rear of the property. Parking is available via a small lot on Barker Street (Route 14) in Pembroke.

Do you have your own favorites? Please shoot me an email at aroundmfld@verizon.net and tell me which conservation parcels I should explore next!

by Kezia Bacon-Bernstein, Correspondent
October 2011

Kezia Bacon-Bernstein's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, restoration, maintenance and conservation of the North and South Rivers and their watershed. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 15 years of Nature (Human and Otherwise) columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com

What Is Sustainability?

Taking greater advantage of solar energy is one way to promote sustainability on our planet.

There’s been a lot of talk about sustainability lately – but what exactly is it? The word has become part of the lexicon, but I know I’m not the only one scratching my head wondering what it means.

Sustainability is a concept that addresses the overall well-being of the planet and the creatures that inhabit it. It’s about adopting or maintaining ways of life that lead to long-term benefit – for everyone, and everything. Basically it comes down to this: How do we make people happy and comfortable without destroying the planet?

The solution is multifaceted, with social, economic, and environmental aspects that intertwine and reinforce one another. It involves making sure that basic human rights are met worldwide, that resources are managed responsibly, and that economic growth is not tied to environmental degradation.

Yes, we can be stewards of the earth while still making money and enjoying the quality of life to which we have become accustomed. Sustainability asks us to look toward the future and determine not just how we can increase productivity in the short term, but how we can remain productive over time. For example, if our economy runs on fossil fuels, and fossil fuels are becoming both scarcer and more costly, it’s time to turn to more renewable sources of energy.

The term “sustainability” refers primarily to the actions of human beings. How can we meet the demands of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs? The Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy says it well: “In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.”

How we live today impacts how our children and grandchildren -- and their grandchildren -- will live tomorrow. If we do not make the right choices now, our descendants will have far fewer – and bleaker -- options in the future.

But it’s not just about people. Our actions affect the rest of the planet – the animals and plants with whom we share the earth, as well as the rivers, the oceans, and the atmosphere. And vice-versa. Our lives are inextricably bound to what happens around us – be it a hurricane, a drought, or a surge in mosquito population.

Sustainability asks us to think about things like this. If we dam all the rivers in the American West to irrigate desert cities like Las Vegas, then the farmers downstream won’t be able to water their crops. Over time, this will lead to regional, and perhaps national food shortages, which in turn will increase the price of food, and pose further economic challenges for the average family. Reduced flow in those same rivers alters the habitat of plants and animals. So for example, if – due to lack of water -- there are no longer enough clams in those rivers to satisfy the population of crabs and birds, then those populations will migrate elsewhere, in turn reducing sources of food for human and other animal inhabitants. It’s an endless cycle.

The wise words of Chief Seattle of the Duwamish (1854) serve as an apt reminder. “Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.”

Proponents of sustainability seek ways to balance environmental management with our consumption of resources such as water, oil, and natural gas. They consider topics such as urban planning, transportation, technology – and the ways we do, grow, and use things – and look for innovations that might serve the common good. No one wants to reinvent the wheel. This is not about completely overhauling the way things are done, but instead reconfiguring these systems in smaller ways, so that we use less energy and rely not-so-much on non-renewable resources.

A common fear when associated sustainability is Does This Mean I Have To Make Do With Less? No one wants to be forced to give anything up. Bearing that in mind, proponents of sustainability posit that while reducing consumption is important, so is making the full cycle of production, use and disposal more sustainable. How can we tweak these processes to make them more streamlined, less wasteful, less harmful to the planet? Can we introduce more solar energy, which has no by-products and pull back on nuclear energy, which creates waste for which we still have no foolproof method of disposal?

Major change will only come when our leaders choose sustainable methods. Can the government shift to more sustainable practices? How about corporations? Can investors take the long view and put their money behind enterprises that promote sustainable production, use, and disposal of food, energy, materials and water?

Meanwhile, there is a lot we can do at home. Our individual lifestyle choices and spending patterns do make a difference. Sustainable South Shore, the GoGreen Web Directory, and edible South Shore magazine will host the first-ever South Shore Celebration this weekend (Saturday, October 8) at the Marshfield Fairgrounds from 10 am to 4:30 pm. The event will showcase alternative energy services, green products, garden and landscaping services, and transportation innovations as well as local foods, plus a variety of workshops on sustainability-related topics. It’s a great opportunity to learn a little bit more and have some fun in the process. Visit www.southshorecelebration.org for details.

by Kezia Bacon-Bernstein, Correspondent
September 2011

Kezia Bacon-Bernstein's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, restoration, maintenance and conservation of the North and South Rivers and their watershed. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 15 years of Nature (Human and Otherwise) columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com.

Biking and Other Changes

Dedicated readers of this column will remember that, when last mentioned, my bicycle had been languishing in a dark corner of the barn for more than a decade. Last fall I wrote about the cycling paths along Scituate’s Driftway, and how maybe someday I’d resurrect my decaying mountain bike and check them out. But to be honest, that just didn’t seem likely.

Life can have all sorts of unexpected twists and turns, can’t it? I am happy to report that my bike has indeed been rescued from an early grave. This spring, I asked a friend to fix it for me, and this summer I’ve been back on the road again, after a ten-year absence. Boy, does it feel good.

You know when you have a pebble in your shoe? Let’s say you’ve just set out on a run, or a walk, or a bike ride, and you can feel that tiny little stone in there. You think, “I’m moving at a good clip here. I don’t want to stop and ruin my momentum. The pebble’s a little bit uncomfortable, but I can live with it.” And then you let that tiny stone grind into your foot and distract you from an otherwise pleasant experience . . .

The alternative? You can just stop. Take off your shoe. Remove the pebble. Sure, you’ll wreck your momentum. But you’ll get it back. And you’ll be much happier.

Those unexpected twists and turns I mentioned? My own life has been full of them this year. To help myself cope, in the spring, I started jogging. Yeah, I’m a yoga teacher, and my daily practice of stretching and breathing really does help to keep my stress level down, but these particular twists and turns needed stronger medicine. And for me it was running. Even though my father is one of those crazy people who competes in 100-mile endurance races, I’ve never had the strength – or will – to run even a mile. Until now. This spring, I found the energy to do that – and more.

But when it’s ninety degrees and humid outside, does it really make sense to go for a jog? Not so much. (Not for me at least – I’m not training for a triathlon . . . yet). So on the hotter days, when I need a change of pace or when I can’t make it to the air-conditioned gym, I’ve been riding my bike instead.

We are so lucky to live where we live. It’s beautiful here, especially in summer. So far my cycling routes have included only parts of Marshfield and Duxbury – I haven’t ventured any farther, but I am slowly building up the distance from home that I am willing to travel on two wheels (Norwell is looking good, as are Pembroke and Scituate). But even in my currently-limited geography, I have been seeing some gorgeous scenery. One day I made my way down 3A and over to Powder Point, crossing the bridge and heading back through Green Harbor on my way home. It was high tide, and the late afternoon sun reflected on the waters of Duxbury Bay, casting a golden light over everything.

Another route took me along the back roads that connect Temple Street in Duxbury and Old Ocean Street in Marshfield, crossing the unassuming upper portion of the South River at least twice. At seven on a Sunday morning, there were only a handful of cars on the road. In fact, I encountered more bikes than cars. The world seems so serene in the hours just after sunrise – the only sounds are the chattering birds, the wind in the trees, the clicking chain and the hum of narrow rubber tires against pavement.

One of the many treasures of the South Shore is the network of back roads and scenic vistas that make for an ideal morning bike route. At this time of year, everything is green – the trees, the shrubs, the marsh grass -- so lush and full of life! It feels good to be out in it, taking in great lungfuls of fresh air, powering myself forward. There is a very useful website, MapMyRide.com, which not only suggests routes, but also calculates your speed and distance on them.

When I began writing this column 15+ years ago, friends jokingly called me The Nature Girl. This was funny because I knew so little about nature itself. Sure, I loved to experience the outdoors – walking in the woods, kayaking the rivers, getting to know as many of our local conservation lands as possible -- but I had no great knowledge of flowers or trees, no ability to identify a bird or a bug without first consulting a field guide, and even then I had difficulty.

This hasn’t changed much. My enthusiasm for the outdoors does not include taxonomy. In nature, for me, it’s more about experiencing The Big Picture, rather than developing expert knowledge of minutia. I’m inspired by How It Feels, not so much by What It Is.

This past decade – so busy with work and family obligations – has pulled me away from my Nature Girl persona. It seems that I became separated, in some ways, from my true self. Separated, but not completely disconnected. Always, in the back on my mind, there was that voice, reminding me, not always gently, “Your kayak is filling with cobwebs; your bike is getting rusty; your hiking boots are starting to rot.”

I finally took the pebble out of my shoe. I’m getting to know The Nature Girl all over again. She’s older now, and wiser too.

by Kezia Bacon-Bernstein, Correspondent
July 2011

Kezia Bacon-Bernstein's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, restoration, maintenance and conservation of the North and South Rivers and their watershed. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 15 years of Nature (Human and Otherwise) columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com.

Celebrating the Summer Solstice

photo courtesy Alex Pevzner

For more than a year now, my mother has participated in a twice-monthly drum circle, led by Alex Pevzner, at the Porcello Gallery in Marshfield. The size of the group varies. It generally includes men and women ages 30-ish to 70-ish, with drumming experience ranging from novice to professional. Alex and some of the others bring extra instruments so that those without can still play along.

These are hand drums, for the most part – not the snare/tom tom/bass set-up you see in rock bands. Think of tribal drums and native cultures.

June 21 was the solstice, the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer here in the northern hemisphere. My mother wanted to celebrate this important day in the season cycle, so she asked Alex to co-host a special drum circle, this time in a different location. In honor of the solstice, the gathering would take place in the Rexhame Dunes, right on the banks of the South River. Since the circle would begin at 7pm, the group would be able to watch the sun set over the water.

It was a perfect summer evening -- comfortable but not too warm; with a light breeze and only a touch of humidity. And miraculously, there were no bugs (‘til the very end, after sunset, when the no-see-ums arrived). The participants brought beach chairs of blankets. They gathered first in a circle, and then in two concentric circles, with Alex at the head. Alex introduced a drumbeat, and the others joined in, on their own drums and on other percussion instruments.

Drumming, especially with a group, evokes a primal energy. It helps you feel connected with the others in the circle, with the landscape around you, with the cycles of time and of the seasons. I went into the circle expecting just to relax, sit back and enjoy the rhythms. Instead, I found the experience to be both meditative and inspiring, evoking all sorts of insights.

And my son! At my mother’s request I brought Abel along, expecting that he would last about 20 minutes. At age five, so close to bedtime, I didn’t expect him to have much interest in the drumming. But I was so wrong! Abel has spent a lot of time experimenting with my mother’s collection of drums, rattles, and chimes. He loves to perform for the family, and recently announced the formation of his own, band, “The Marshfield Rocks.” Well, Abel sat down in the circle, selected a drum, and joined right in on the rhythm. There were moments where he wasn’t in sync with the rest of the group, but for the most part, he found the beat, and played along well. I was amazed at how easily he could follow the rhythm (a skill many adults lack). There were other children in the circle – Alex’s son and daughter, plus a couple of other families with girls ranging from ages three to ten. They all seemed to be enjoying themselves, just as much as the adults.

Over the course of two hours, the group grew from an initial circle of 15, to close to 40 participants. A couple who had been strolling through the dunes between Rexhame and Humarock stood at a distance, just listening, but eventually, were coaxed closer and handed instruments of their own. A few individuals who had been walking on the beach wandered over and joined in. There was a strong sense of unity, of community, even though each person was there for his or her own personal reasons. A visible ripple of gratitude passed through the group when it was announced that a soldier just back from serving in Iraq had joined us.

And the setting! The tide was going out, and so the river, flowing slowly by, provided a sense of serenity. The salt marsh, still the vibrant green of late June, danced in the gentle breeze. And the sun -- first gold, then orange-red, then pink – set in a gradual yet majestic way in the western sky. Beautiful.

In his new book, The Nature Principle, Richard Louv (who wrote The Last Child in the Woods and coined the phrase Nature Deficit Disorder), discusses the connections between creativity, mental acuity, and spending time in nature. Studies indicate that time spent in the natural world can restore attention, help us recover from mental fatigue, and reduce such anti-productive qualities as irritability, impatience, impulsivity and distractibility. Plus, being outdoors in a natural setting can restore and stimulate the brain, actually creating new neurons.

You don’t have to know the science to understand why being outdoors is good for you. After all, for most people, it just makes us feel better.

To honor the solstice, this group of drummers brought their circle outdoors, to the banks of the South River. The new setting created a sense of global connection: the drumbeats resonated off the water and the stones and sand at our feet; the rhythms pulsed out in all directions, upstream and down, and across the dunes to the ocean. In that remote corner of Marshfield, we felt as if we were part of an earth-wide ritual, gathering to celebrate this stillpoint in the solar year, acknowledging our place in the natural world.

photo courtesy of Tricia Ward

By Kezia Bacon-Bernstein, Correspondent
June 2011

Kezia Bacon-Bernstein's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, restoration, maintenance and conservation of the North and South Rivers and their watershed. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 15 years of Nature (Human and Otherwise) columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com.

The Great American Backyard Campout

On June 25, 2011, the National Wildlife Federation will sponsor The Great American Backyard Campout, encouraging families all over the country to spend the night outdoors. You don’t even need a backyard to do it – NWF suggests options such as parks, campgrounds, and even balconies.

Why camp? The best reason is that it gives you the opportunity to spend more time outdoors. Plus, it’s fun, and it’s an adventure. Do it on your own, or gather a group of friends, family or neighbors to join you. All generations can benefit from taking some time to connect with nature.

Does this sound good to you? If so, go find your tent and camping gear -- or borrow some, or rent it from REI or your local outfitter -- and start planning your night. Think about what you’ll need to bring – gear, food, activities, and so on. Even in your own backyard, pitching a tent, gazing at the stars, perhaps building a campfire, and otherwise being outdoors after dark can be a wonderful opportunity to do something different with your friends and family. The NWF’s website offers a number of tips on what to bring and what to do (including safety tips, recipes, songs, stories and games) while you’re camping. Visit http://online.nwf.org/site/PageNavigator/gabc_GetReady_landing

The website also offers a number of reasons why spending time outdoors is beneficial for your family. It says that children with regular experiences in the natural world have the following qualities.

More Creative: Kids who spend lots of time outdoors are more likely to be inventive, imaginative and creative while playing.

Better Grades: The healthy bodies and minds that come with outdoor play increase cognitive focus in school and yield measurably better grades.

Improved Eyesight: Recent studies find that children who spend time outdoors have less nearsightedness and less of a need for eyeglasses.

Better at Making Friends: Children playing together outdoors relate directly with one another, create games together, choose sides, and improve their people skills by learning the tools needed for compromise and negotiation.

Better Health: An hour of play a day is what doctors say is a basic tool in the effort to ward off childhood obesity and diabetes.

A Longer Lifespan: Doctors estimate that sedentary and obese children lose three to five years from their life expectancy.

If you wish, the National Wildlife Federation offers a fundraising aspect to this Great American Backyard Campout event. By collecting sponsors, you can raise money for NWF, a nonprofit organization that, among other things, helps children connect better with the outdoors through programs such as Wildlife Watch and Trees for the 21t Century. For details, visit http://online.nwf.org/site/PageNavigator/gabc_details_landing

Don’t know where to camp?
Check out the Massachusetts Camping Guide, available online for free at http://www.campmass.com/

Campsites listed for our area include:

Boston/Cape Cod KOA Kampground, 438 Plymouth Street, Middleboro (508-947-6435)
http://koa.com/campgrounds/boston/

Indianhead Resort, 1929 State Road (Route 3A), Plymouth (508-888-3688)
http://www.indianhead-resort.com/

Jellystone at Maple Park, 290 Glen Charlie Road, E. Wareham (508-295-4945)
http://www.mapleparkfamilycampground.com/

Pinewood Lodge Campground, 190 Pinewood Road, Plymouth (508-746-3548)
http://pinewoodlodge.com/

Sandy Pond Campground, 834 Bourne Road, S. Plymouth (508-759-9336)
http://www.sandypond.com/

Shady Acres, 20 Shoestring Road, S. Carver (508-866-4040)
http://www.shadyacresinc.com/

Myles Standish State Forest, Cranberry Road, S. Carver (508-866-2526)
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/mssf.htm

Wompatuck State Park, Union Street, Hingham (781-749-7160)
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/womp.htm

Can’t Camp Out on June 25?
Consider NSRWA’s Overnight at Couch Beach on the North River, Saturday/Sunday, August 13/14. You bring your tent; we provide the food and kayaks! The event includes an on-land kayaking skills lesson, then on-the-water expeditions, plus a BBQ on the beach. Breakfast will be served in the morning, with an early morning paddle. Presented by Coastal Kayak Educators. The cost is: $65 per person or $55 per person in a group of 4 - non-members. Add $25 for NSRWA non-members. To sign up or for more details contact paula@nsrwa.org.

By Kezia Bacon-Bernstein, Correspondent
May 2011

Kezia Bacon-Bernstein's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, restoration, maintenance and conservation of the North and South Rivers and their watershed. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 15 years of Nature (Human and Otherwise) columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com.

Earth-Friendly Tips for Families

A rain barrel.

This month, in honor of Earth Day (April 22), I spent some time explaining to my son Abel, who is almost five, why it’s important to take care of the earth. The issues are hard for a preschooler to grasp, but the practical applications make a least a little bit of sense to him. What follows is a list of some of the things our family does to be eco-conscious. Abel is involved in all of these in one way or another.

Hand-Me-Downs
Before Abel was born, a few of my friends, who were finished having children, very generously offered us some of their castoffs. Baby clothes, strollers, exersaucers, all sorts of gear . . . It was wonderful not to have to go out and purchase these things new, especially since they would only be in use for a few months. To return the favor, in a sense, I decided that I would distribute our own hand-me-downs the same way. So I made note of the people I knew with children younger than mine, and began asking who needed what. To this day, there are a number of families to whom I occasionally bring bags of clothing, toys, books – anything we no longer need. And my own benefactors continue to keep us in their “network” as well. So we are delighted when we receive a big bag of Size 5 Boys clothing, for example, or some well-loved Transformers. Sharing clothes, toys and gear is good for the earth in a number of ways – it keeps usable items out of the landfill, cuts down on the demand for the production of new things, and provides countless opportunities for reuse. Plus who doesn’t love free stuff?

Freecycle
Speaking of free stuff, do you know about freecycle.org? If not, you should check it out. Freecycle hosts local message boards where you can post notices about things you would like to give away, for free. So maybe you bought a new couch and would like to pass along your old one to someone who doesn’t mind the faded upholstery or outdated color. Or maybe you have a closet full of odds and ends that you know you’ll never use . . . but someone might. Post a notice on Freecycle, and very likely someone will contact you to see if he or she can come pick it up. You can make requests there too. Need a size 6 Batman costume in January? Someone out there is probably itching to get rid of his. On the South Shore, there are Freecycle networks based in Kingston, Hingham, Holbrook and Quincy. Go to the website to sign up for daily emails.

Composting
Want to cut down on the amount of trash your household produces? Start composting! If you set aside all of your vegetable waste -- think fruit pits and peels, stale bread, half-eaten meals, things like that (no meat or dairy products) – you can put it in your backyard composter and turn it into soil. We bought an odor-resistant stainless steel compost crock, which we store under the kitchen sink. All of our appropriate food waste goes in, and when it’s full, we add water and bring it out back to the black plastic Earth Machine we purchased at a discount from our town hall. Over time, this waste breaks down into beautiful, nutrient-rich, dark brown soil, which we add to our raspberry patch and our tomato pots. One of the best things about this process: our kitchen trash doesn’t smell like rotting food!

The Rain Barrel
Every year the North and South Rivers Watershed Association makes large plastic rain barrels available at a discounted price. Some town halls offer them as well, and of course you can buy them from garden/yard supply companies too. What do you do with a rain barrel Place it under a gutter downspout, and collect the runoff. There’s a tap on the side of the barrel, so you can fill a watering can anytime the barrel is sufficiently filled. This is a great way to cut down on the amount of municipal water your household uses, which in turn drives down your annual water bill. Plus little kids love to play with the tap. To order yours ($82.95) through NSRWA, call N.E. Rain Barrel at (877)- 977-3135 or purchase online at www.nerainbarrel.com. Pickup will be at the NSRWA office in Norwell between 4 and 7 PM on June 9th or after.

By Kezia Bacon-Bernstein, Correspondent
April 2011

Kezia Bacon-Bernstein's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, restoration, maintenance and conservation of the North and South Rivers and their watershed. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 15 years of Nature (Human and Otherwise) columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com.

Welcoming Spring with the Family

Approaching the summit of Turkey Hill in Hingham.

On the first warm Saturday in March, my husband, son and I arranged to meet several other families at the town playground. After enjoying quiet afternoons there for much of the winter (when it wasn’t covered with snow), I was shocked to find the place nearly full to capacity. It seemed like everyone had the same idea that day: get some fresh air.

I was happy to see Marshfield’s new, state-of-the-art community playground getting so much use, but to be honest, it’s exhausting trying to keep track of one’s child among a sea of other children and parents. The kids had fun that day, but the grown-ups all seemed to feel a bit dizzy when it was time to leave.

Warm, sunny days will become more and more frequent as we move into spring. If you, like me, are looking for alternatives to crowded playgrounds, consider some of these outdoor “adventure places” to visit with your family. In the woods, shrubs can become forts, and sticks are easily transformed into jousting swords. Nature preserves are an ideal environment for the imagination to come alive.

Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary – Winslow Cemetery Road, Marshfield. This historic former farm is comprised of 506 acres of meadow and forest, with boardwalks through several types of wetlands, plus two walking bridges over the Green Harbor River. Children love the varied habitat, as well as the two wildlife observation huts and the pavilion atop Fox Hill, which is an ideal place for a mid-visit picnic. Admission is free for Mass Audubon members; $3 for adults and $2 for children and seniors. Open daily, dawn till dusk.

Willow Brook Farm – Barker Street, Route 14, Pembroke.
Follow woodland trails and ancient farm roads through this 73-acre property at the confluence of Pudding and Herring Brooks, where you’ll see some very large trees, and maybe a river otter or beaver. One of the property’s most interesting features is the observation tower, which affords unique views of the surrounding woods and adjacent freshwater tidal marsh. Our favorite adjunct to a trip to Willow Brook is a stop at Dairy Twist, open April through October), not far away, on Route 53. Open daily, dawn till dusk, Willow Brook Farm is managed by the Wildlands Trust of Southeastern Massachusetts. Admission is free.

The Norris Reservation – Dover Street, Norwell
One of the most popular nature preserves on the South Shore, this 129-acre property, managed by The Trustees of Reservations, has diverse offerings for curious youngsters. You can observe the seasonal flow of Second Herring Brook on the site of an old mill pond, where many families like to fish for trout. You can follow a boardwalk trail around Gordon’s Pond, and see what’s growing in the wetlands that surround it. You can trek through forests of pine and oak following two miles of loop trails and old carriage roads, pausing at benches that overlook the salt marsh, or at the boathouse on the banks of the North River.
The Norris is open daily, sunrise to sunset, with free admission.


North River Wildlife Sanctuary – Mass Audubon Regional Headquarters 2000 Main Street, Route 3A, Marshfield
This 184-acre parcel on the banks of the North River offers one of the most scenic vistas on the South Shore, looking out over the majestic river mouth and estuary. One side of the property includes an open meadow that slopes down to the water’s edge, with a boardwalk through the woods and down to a platform overlooking the salt marsh. The other side features trails through a forest comprised of oak, pine, beech and holly, with views of Hannah Eames Brook. Admission is free for Mass Audubon members; $3 for adults and $2 for children and seniors. Open dawn till dusk.

Weir River Farm and Turkey Hill – Turkey Hill Lane, Hingham
Originally part of a country estate, this 10-acre working farm – home to horses, cows, pigs, sheep and chickens – is surrounded by woodlands of oak and red cedar. Children will enjoy strolling the wide pasture paths and viewing the resident animals. Seasonal Open Barnyard days invite families into the barnyard itself, to see up-close how the livestock are managed. Diverse trails border the property; one leads to the top of Turkey Hill, where you’ll find expansive views of Hingham Harbor, with Boston in the distance. Managed by The Trustees of Reservations, the 1.5 miles of trails are open year-round, dawn to dusk, with free admission. For the barnyard, open seasonally, there is a small fee for non-members.

The Rexhame Dunes – Standish Street, Marshfield
The “hidden” part of one of Marshfield’s public beaches, the Rexhame Dunes are rich with history and ecology. Just over 100 years ago, this sandy stretch of land, tucked between the South River and the beach, was the North River’s outlet to the sea. But after the river breached the sand between Third and Fourth Cliffs during the Portland Gale of 1898, this section began to fill in. Now it’s a mostly-flat, scrubby expanse that feels somewhat haunted, even on the sunniest days. Trails weave around small stands of cedar and beach grass, connecting the town parking area to the southern tip of Humarock. Parking is free in the off-season, and by permit or admission ($10 resident/$15 no-resident) in the late spring and summer. Open dawn till dusk.

By Kezia Bacon-Bernstein, Correspondent
March 2011

Kezia Bacon-Bernstein's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, restoration, maintenance and conservation of the North and South Rivers and their watershed. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 13 years of Nature (Human and Otherwise) columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com.

Where Does Maple Syrup Come From?

“Mom, where does maple syrup come from?” my son, who is four, asks me.

“Maple trees,” I answer.

“Nuh-uhhh . . . “

“Really, it does.”

We have these discussions all the time. Milk comes from cows?

“You mean like pee?”

“Not quite.” And luckily there is a demonstration cow in the 4-H barn at the Marshfield Fair that helps to explain the milking process.

Eggs come from chickens? Carrots grow from seeds? Where does chocolate come from?

I really enjoy answering these questions (most of the time) and teaching Abel about food sources. It’s especially fun if we can actually go somewhere and see food production in action. So we have visited farms throughout the growing season, greenhouses, chicken coops and dairy barns. Next on our list: Matfield Maple Farm in West Bridgewater.

It’s maple season here in Massachusetts. As the weather warms, the frozen sap inside maple trees begins to melt. Pressure builds up inside the trees, and before long it’s ready to burst out . . . through any fresh wound in the tree.

Maple producers know that freezing nights and warm sunny days create optimal conditions for harvesting sap. In February, they tap their sugar maples by drilling a small hole in each trunk and inserting a spout. Then they attach something under the tap to catch the sap – generally a bucket or a tube. The sap, which is clear, drips from the tree.

Later, maple growers bring the sap to the sugarhouse, where they boil it in an evaporator. Much of the water content is removed and what’s left is the concentrated, sweet, brown syrup that we like to pour on our pancakes. It takes about forty gallons of sap to make a single gallon of syrup.

You can see all of this first-hand at Matfield Maple Farm in West Bridgewater. On weekends in season, the farm offers walking tours – a quarter-mile hike through their woods, where the trees are tapped and plumbed and sap is collected in tanks. On the tour, you’ll learn about old and new maple sugaring traditions, as well as the history and science of maple production. You can also visit their resident llamas, and purchase tree taps, syrup, and maple candy at their gift shop. Be sure to wear your boots, as it can be muddy.

Tours, which begin promptly at 12 and 2 PM, are offered on Saturdays and Sundays in February and March for $5 per person. Reservations are not required. Matfield also welcomes groups of any age. Visit www.matfieldmaplefarm.com for details.

You can also learn about maple sugaring at the South Shore Natural Science Center’s annual Maple Day, held this year on Sunday, March 13 from 11 AM to 4 PM in Norwell. Drop in anytime to learn about maple history and culture, and to taste different varieties. You will be invited to walk through the woodland, help tap the Science Center’s maple trees, and watch as the sap is boiled into syrup. The event also includes crafts and activities for children. Admission to the EcoZone is included in the price ($5 for members, $8 for non-members, with a maximum of $32 for non-member families). For more information, visit www.ssnsc.org.

By Kezia Bacon-Bernstein, Correspondent
February 2011

Kezia Bacon-Bernstein's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, restoration, maintenance and conservation of the North and South Rivers and their watershed. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 13 years of Nature (Human and Otherwise) columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com.

In Praise of Sledding

Sledding at North Hill circa 1978.

Although my natural inclination in winter is to hibernate, I’m also determined that my son, who is four, gets some fresh air every day. So we bundle up, and we try to find things to do outdoors, despite the cold. This year it seems we’ve had snow on the ground every single day, which somewhat limits the options. Except for sledding: we can go sledding pretty much anytime we want to!

I don’t remember there being quite so much snow in winter when I was a kid. Or perhaps my mother, who hates the cold, just managed to get my sister and me to avoid noticing it. I would have gone sledding every day, if given the option. There’s really nothing like it.

Here on the South Shore, everybody has access to a hill -- perhaps not in his or her own yard, but somewhere in town. Many school playgrounds have suitable sledding hills, which are accessible to the public after classes have ended for the day. Plus, some towns have other open space parcels that welcome sledders: think Coast Guard Hill in Marshfield or the Pembroke Community Center. Then there are the unofficial sledding spots – country clubs and other large spaces that don’t actively solicit sledders, but also seem to turn a blind eye to their presence. We all have our favorites. Of all things, the fenced-in section between the on- and off-ramps of the rest area at Exit 5 in Plymouth is now a popular sledding spot.

Now that I’m a mother, I’m thinking a lot more about the safety aspects of riding a molded sheet of plastic down a hill dotted with adrenaline-fueled children. Sometimes it’s just plain scary. Few people can steer a sled effectively. Even those who can have to watch out for those walking back up the hill – people who may be tired and thus taking a meandering route. The experts now recommend that sledders wear a helmet. I try to be a conscientious parent, but I’m still wrestling with that one.

Some of the other sledding guidelines are easier to follow. Those below are provided by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Have fun out there! Winter will be over before we know it . . .

Simple Rules For Sledding
1. Sit face-forward (never head-first or standing).
2. Go down the hill one at a time (one person per sled).
3. Keep arms and legs within the sled.
4. If you fall off the sled, move out of the way.
5. Walk up the side of the hill, leaving a sled path for others.
6. Roll off a sled that won’t stop.
7. Never ride a sled being pulled by a moving vehicle.

Location For Sledding
1. Choose a hill with a manageable slope and a long path.
2. Avoid slopes that end in a street, parking lot, pond or other hazards.
3. Make sure the hill is free of jumps, bumps and obstacles, such as trees or fences.
4. Never ride into a snow bank – it may have a hidden object (rock or tree stump) within it.
5. Choose snowy hills and avoid icy surfaces.
6. Sled in the daylight when visibility is good.
7. Know the outside temperature – it can be too cold to sled.

Clothing For Sledding
1. Wear a helmet.
2. Wear sensible clothing for the winter (hats, mittens, waterproof clothes and footwear).
3. Clothes should be dry (if wet, change them).
4. Choose appropriate clothing to prevent strangulation (no scarves or drawstrings).
5. Avoid inflatable inner tubes or sled substitutes such as trays, cardboard boxes, or automobile hoods – they are difficult to steer, stop and secure (wooden sleds are preferred).

Adult Supervision
1. A responsible adult should be present.
2. Children under 12 years of age should be actively watched.
3. Children under 5 years of age should have an adult sled with them.


By Kezia Bacon-Bernstein, Correspondent
January 2011

Kezia Bacon-Bernstein's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to the preservation, restoration, maintenance and conservation of the North and South Rivers and their watershed. For membership information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168 or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 13 years of Nature (Human and Otherwise) columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com.