Conservation & Environment

Anne Sobol, Director

 
4-13-23

Ann and Belinda suggest a few books.

Wilding: Returning Nature to our Farm, Isabella Tree

Perilous Bounty, Tom Philpott

Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses, Robin Wall Kimmerer

1-11-23
Lincoln Garden Club is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Conservation and Environment
Time: Jan 17, 2023 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81441227454?pwd=OVVlZEhnTmFkb0ExMzNlS1hlL2hnQT09

Meeting ID: 814 4122 7454
Passcode: 280431
1-9-23

Happy 2023! I would like to have a meeting for anyone interested in Conservation and Environment in the LGC. It would be wonderful to see all of you again!. I’d like to hear what you have learned over the last year. We should plan what native plugs to sell at the plant sale so we’ll  discuss this.  If anyone has ideas about speakers and workshops for 2023/2024 it would be great to share.
I’ve just had a bout with Covid so I’m not too worried about catching it for a bit but xbb seems to be going strong.  We should probably meet on Zoom but we could do a hybrid if you would like. Please fill out the Doodle poll or contact me if you are interested in joining a discussion.

 

 

Interview with Mary Roach and Heather McCargo sewing native seeds in the winter.

12-1-22

The Peabody Essex Museum will be hosting Doug Tallamy Live to talk about his new book The Nature of Oaks on December 9th at 7:45. To watch the Zoom go to https://massbird.org/ecoc/
letter to support Climate Action Lincoln to secure an MVP grant for development of an action plan.

 

4-21-22

 

No Mow May articles

Jennifer and Belinda send The following links to articles you may find interesting. Give them a read.

Interesting Q&A on No Mow https://beecityusa.org/no-mow-may-qa/

 

There is also the NYT article  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/28/travel/no-mow-may-wisconsin.html?searchResultPosition=1

 

Newton:  https://greennewton.org/tip-of-the-week-help-pollinators-with-no-mow-may/

 

3-28-22

The LLCT is having an Earth Day celebration with a trash pick up on Friday April 22 from 10-12. We are welcome to pick garlic mustard instead. If anyone is interested in forming a LGC team, that would be great!

 

Here’s the link to sign up for the event.https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfy4SS44ouEJUzaTR42HhwCbzaRKfEKp5Sbt9gI89eso0rOlw/viewform?usp=sf_link

 

3-10-22
This was a good webinar on the importance of soil. Definitely worth watching.

We are meeting on Thursday March 3rd at 1pm, 2022 to talk about jumping worms and soil as our gardens wake up. Contact belinda.gingrich@gmail.com about meeting location or zoom link.

 

2-14-22

Two Great programs to watch this winter in preparation for spring!

Like Moths to the Flame by James Lowenthal funded by the LLCT

The Language of Flowers by Rebecca McMackin funded by the Lexington Library

 

10-26-21

We would like to track the native plants you add to your garden in Lincoln from June 1, 2019 – May 31, 2023 Please click the button below with the Mayflowers on it to add your natives plants, planted since June 2019, to the Google form.

Check out the Federations suggestions for ground covers and native plants: https://www.gcfm.org/president-s-project

 

Dear Environmental and Conservation advocates,

 

What a great time to be gathering seeds to share. If anyone would like seeds from my garden please let me know. I have wing stem, penstemon digitalis, swamp milkweed, butterfly weed, flat topped aster, woodland aster, and globe thistle (not a native). This is a great way to share without spreading worms!

 

It is time for the Lincoln Garden Club Environment and Conservation Committee to gather and discuss issues that need addressing and emphasizing to the club and town. In addition we should talk about possible speakers, field trips, and workshop ideas to investigate and promote.
  • We will meet on Zoom Monday, November 8th at 10 am.

     

    Some items we could talk about are below. I’m sure there are more. Please send me issues and ideas you would like added to the agenda. Please collect ideas to share.

     

    Thanks so much,
Gardeners “En Garde”!

 

I heard about jumping worms several times this year, but I hadn’t seen any in my yard, so they took a back seat in my mind as the gardening season progressed. We brought in large quantities of new plants, compost, and wood chips this year, and the garden was looking happy and healthy.

 

In June I noticed a funny bare patch on my front lawn, but was unconcerned. I might have left a pot there for too long. It was only ajuga that had
died anyway.

 

In mid-August, I looked again and the bare patch had grown. Rapidly. Now it was about 10’ long. Upon close inspection, there were excessive worm castings, the hallmark “coffee ground” sign of jumping worms. The ground was mushy and sunk under each step. Alright, I thought, I’ll just quarantine this area and contain the spread. A foolish thought! An inspection of the front yard the following day revealed worm castings throughout most of the front garden.

 

Some ID tips:

 

Jumping worms are larger and stronger than the “usual” earthworms seen in our gardens. The encircling band or clitellum is milky-white or gray (rather than pink or the same color as the body). It is also closer to their head. Telling signs include the abundant castings and overly aerated
ground.
Worms in general are not native to our Northeastern ecosystem. After the last ice age, colonists introduced them to New England and they spread through the cultivated landscape.

 

Likewise, jumping worms are spreading very quickly as fishing bait or through sales of plants and soil. The egg cocoons are very small and easily transported on boots and gardening tools. Although the worms die in the winter, their cocoons survive and hatch in the spring. Jumping worms reproduce asexually, so it only takes one to start an infestation!

 

Some suggestions:
  • Compost “in place” to slow the spread of worms around your garden
  • Carefully source compost and mulch. Studies have shown that heat over 100 degrees Fahrenheit will kill the jumping worm cocoons.
  • Trade/Give seeds rather than plants, or if moving plants, strip the dirt from the roots and repot with sterile potting soil.

 

Since I discovered the infestation in my yard, I’ve heard from several other LGC members about their battles with jumping worms. Please take the above precautions so that we can slow the spread of the worms through town and keep them out of our forests.

 

http://rocklandcce.org/environment/invasive-pests/jumping-worm

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkreYjDEp9Q

 

**Also for your information, Kathleen Nichols has generously donated poseys of penstemon digitalis that are dry and can be tossed into the garden for the seeds to overwinter. Please let me know if you would like some.belinda.gingrich@gmail.com

Also she has Miracle Grow fertilizer which she would love to pass on. Please let me know if you can use this.  belinda.gingrich@gmail.com

Native Plant Challenge Update

The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts has extended the date of their Native Plant Challenge. The also posted some great resources. I bought lots of perennials from Bagley Pond after getting their flier.

Where to find Native Plants
Prairie Moon Nursery –    prairiemoon.com
High Country Gardens –    highcountrygardens.com
Prairie Nursery –   prairienursery.com
Bagley Pond Perennials – https://bagleypondperennials.com/
Central Mass Nursery – http://www.centralmassgardens.com/

 

From Allison Goodwin, Gaining Ground

I wanted to let you know that we’re offering an upcoming educational tour of Gaining Ground which I thought might interest your garden club. The details are below:

Have you ever wondered how Gaining Ground grows so much food on such a small piece of land? Do you know how many people are experiencing food insecurity in Massachusetts? Would you like to learn how Gaining Ground organically manages pests and weeds to maximize yields? We have a great opportunity coming up for you to have all of your questions answered! Join our Farm Education Manager on an educational tour of Gaining Ground. On the tour you’ll be guided through our three acres of vegetable fields, greenhouses, and farm structures, enjoy the sights and sounds of a diversity of wildlife, observe over 50 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers growing, and engage in conversation about local food insecurity and Gaining Ground’s role in hunger relief. This educational farm tour will take place on Thursday, July 29, at 6:00 p.m. Space is limited, so please RSVP to take part (rsvp@gainingground.org). Participants must be at least 16 years old to attend.

Warm wishes,
Allison

Allison Goodwin (she/her)
Program Manager
Gaining Ground
office (978)-610-6086
mobile (518)-321-3857
www.gainingground.org

Growing food, growing community.

 

 

Attracting Birds, Butterflies, Bees,

and Other Beneficials

Zoom Presentation:  Wednesday, June 9 at 7:00 PM

John Root, a Landscaper and Naturalist presents Attracting Birds, Butterflies, Bees an other Beneficials to your garden. This presentation was made possible through a grant from the Mashpee Cultural Council. About pollinators.

 
Wednesday, June 9 at 7:00 PM (Zoom presentation)
“Attracting Birds, Butterflies, Bees and Other Beneficials,” a power point presentation offered by naturalist and landscaper John Root, describes the essential roles played by birds, pollinators, and other beneficial wildlife and provides guidance on meeting their needs for food, cover, and water. A variety of plants that nourish these organisms throughout their lifecycles is discussed, and organic methods for establishing wildlife habitat are also presented. Handouts are downloadable, and comments and questions will be welcome at the conclusion of the program. A recording of this event will be scheduled for multiple broadcasts by Harbor Media and will be made accessible at their website via YouTube.
This program is supported in part by the Hingham Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
**********
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 834 7173 2254
Passcode: 290622
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 834 7173 2254
Passcode: 290622

Gardening for Life by Doug Tallamy

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Doug Tallamy discusses how so much of our country is now owned and has law that it is our responsibility as land stewards to provide for the insects and the birds by developing a Home Grown National Park. Read more here.

Gaining Ground is a farm on Virginia Rd just over the Concord line.

 

They grow fresh food for the hungry and use organic sustainable practices. They are on the forefront of no-till gardening which allows the soil microbiology to flourish so they are able to produce more crops per acre.

 

The farm has a vital volunteer program. I thought it would be fun for a group  of us volunteer to work at the garden for a couple of hours and learn about their program. The dates are filling up fast. Right now they are scheduling in July. Please let me know if you would like to join our group.

 

Native Plant Challenge Update

The Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts has extended the date of their Native Plant Challenge. The also posted some great resources. I bought lots of perennials from Bagley Pond after getting their flier.

Where to find Native Plants
Prairie Moon Nursery –    prairiemoon.com
High Country Gardens –    highcountrygardens.com
Prairie Nursery –   prairienursery.com
Bagley Pond Perennials – https://bagleypondperennials.com/
Central Mass Nursery – http://www.centralmassgardens.com/

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust, LLCT, is starting a new project of two wildflower/native shrub gardens.

 

One will be at the island at Codman Rd. and 126 and they have started working with the roadside committee on the project. The second project is at Harrington/117 parking lot.

 

Both would be demonstrations of what can be easily replicable and highly visible. Of course they would be roadside beatification as well as to encourage future public space and roadside beautification.

 

They are still sourcing plant material and working on design.

 

The LLCT is wondering if anyone in the garden club would like to help in this project and if there would be a member who lives close to each of the projects who might be willing to be an ambassador for it?

 

The LLCT is hiring two interns for this summer who will help with the initial planting and summer maintenance/watering. But the LLCT needs someone who would check on the project in the long term and let them know for example if the monarda needs replacing or a buckthorn forest has started to take root. These areas are to be less manicured and more wild so they shouldn’t need weeding and watering once established.

 

 

 

3-29-21

 

 

Environment & Conservation Committee meets to discuss 2021-202

 

Sue Seeley shared some of her favorite websites with information about ecological gardening:

Elizabeth Cherniack shared her favorite websites:

  • www.unitedplantsavers.org 

    It promotes the conservation of N.A. medicinal plants;  preserving endangered plants e.g. American Ginseng;  promoting and supporting Botanical Sanctuaries; organizes The International Herbal conference at Wheaton College (Mass) held every other year.

  • www.strictlymedicinalseeds.com

    Making plant medicine and growing at-risk medicinal herbs.  Great Catalogue, native and (many) non-native seeds and plants.  Geared to herbalists but relevant if we are going with “Back yard gardens”.

Bernadette Quirk shared this site.

  • www.thespruce.com

    They have great gardening topics, best plants to plant where,  invasives, organic disease control, etc.

Green Holiday Ideas from GCFM
Check out these Holiday gift ideas and budding new traditions for a holiday makeover!

Check out this article from the Christian Science Monitor sent by Molly Gayley about our Lincoln bumble bee project!

Carpenter bee

Bumble bee

 

Photos by Maria Muller

Let’s All Pitch in to Help Green the Planet and  get Paid to do it too!

Good for your wallet and your planet!  Join physicist and businessman David Green as he discusses the financial benefits he experienced as he brought his home carbon footprint to zero. David will walk us through his analysis of the incentives and carbon reduction of different home systems from heating to windows.

This is a webinar held on Zoom on October 15th at 7pm. Free, but registration is required. Geared to Lincoln residents and open to all. Each attendee will receive an e-book copy of his book, Zero Carbon Home. 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/zero-carbon-zero-bills-free-webinar-by-david-green-tickets-121405857187

 

10-22-20

 

Please find below a link to view the recording of the presentation from LLCT’s August 11th Monarch Program with Martha Gach. 

 

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/7sZ5f7qpqjs3H9OUsASDUP

Z8W9W5J6OshCkZ86VcmEnkWnMHO1amMLdHMfmWqoA8ytSJpb7hP7Fp18E

Additionally, Martha is the President of the Massachusetts Butterfly Club (MBC). She has provided this information on how  to report butterfly sightings, including monarchs, and how that data is entered into a statewide database. You can sign up for the MassLep Listserve:    https://www.naba.org/chapters/nabambc/   and receive periodic emails and report your own sightings. The listserve is also a platform for asking and answering questions about butterflies.  

 

You can also join the Massachusetts Butterflies Facebook Group. 

 

Lastly, the MBC has a Monarch Guardians Program if you raise caterpillars and release Monarchs back into the wild. Contact MBC for more information about that program. 

8-12-20

 


We would like to track the native plants you add to your garden in Lincoln from June 1, 2019 – May 31, 2023

Please click the button below with the Mayflowers on it to add your natives plants, planted since June 2019, to the Google form.

For the annual meeting I bought native plugs of Chelone glabra (white turtle head) and Solidago graminifolia (grass-leaved goldenrod) which are very popular with pollinators. If you received some please complete the google form by clicking the flower button above.