Fall Walks
Mindful Walk and Sit, Willard’s Woods
Saturday September 17, 8:30-10 am NOTE EARLIER START TIME
This walk combines a mindful meander with a meditative sit-spot in Willards Woods. With nearly 3 miles of trails, Willard’s Woods provides an opportunity to explore a variety of areas, including a former farm pond and a peaceful pine grove. After a brief introduction to mindfulness and mindful breathing, we will proceed slowly along the northern section of the property and will stop at a suitable spot for a 10-to-15-minute quiet meditation. Meet at the rear Diamond Middle School parking lot off Hancock St. Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather along with sturdy footwear. Foam blocks will be provided for sitting. More than light rain will cancel. Limit 10; registration is required. Email walk leader to register.
Leader: Barbara Tarrh ~ [email protected]
Fall Insects at Arlington Great Meadows
Walk Cancelled
Join us on a late September exploration of the northeast corner of Arlington Great Meadows. We’ll sample the insects in a meadow area with sweep nets, take in the resurgent plant community on a hill that burned over a decade ago, look for signs of that fire and others, and walk across a large, dry vernal pool. Wear long pants and have bug spray in reserve. Meet at the end of Emerson Gardens Rd. off Maple St. in Lexington. Some public parking is available just past the entrance to Lexington Meadow townhomes. (Use Emerson Gardens Rd for overflow parking.) More than light rain cancels. Registration is required. Email Barbara Tarrh to register: [email protected]
Leader: Roger Wrubel ~ contact CLC walks coordinator above with questions
Nature Journaling, Sutherland Woods
Thursday September 29, 10-11:30am; rain date Thursday October 6, 10-11:30am
Join Arlington artist and naturalist Jan Ford on an inspirational walk around Sutherland Woods. She will work with you to establish what a nature journal can look like. Tree variety and leaf shapes will be the theme. Artists of all skill levels are welcome to share ideas and techniques. Please bring a drawing pad with a sturdy back, and several pencils with erasers. Park along the west side of Sutherland Rd and meet at the entrance to the ball field/playground area. Limit 8; registration is required. Email walk leader to register. Note rain date.
Leader: Jan Ford ~ [email protected]
Fall Sparrows at Waltham St Fields
Saturday October 1, 9-10:30 am
Look for seasonal fall migrants including sparrows and perhaps raptors, in addition to a full array of our resident bird species in one of Lexington’s most reliable locations for open field bird watching. Beginners and families welcome. More than light rain cancels. Meet at the parking area near the tennis courts at Clark Middle School, Brookside Avenue off Waltham St.
Leader: John Andrews ~ [email protected], 781-382-5658
Fall Goat Pasture Walk at Chiesa Farm
Saturday October 8, 12-2:00 pm; rain date Sunday October 9, 12-2:00 pm
Come join the local Lexington goats for their daily pasture walk through the fields and woodland at Chiesa Farm. Each season provides them with diverse plant life. The goats are very specific as to what they need to eat depending on many factors. We will have 2 Lexington herds, totaling thirteen female dairy goats, including new goat kids born spring 2022. Learn how these goats are working to keep invasive plants from taking over. All adults and children are welcome. No dogs please. Please park at Fiske School parking lot to avoid Saturday activities at Diamond School. Meet us in the pasture. Note rain date.
Goat Guides: Laurene Beaudette and Halé Sofia Schatz
Contact: Laurene Beaudette ~ [email protected]
Fall 2022 Lexpress Walk Series #1
Tuesday October 11, 10 am-12 noon
Let Lexpress continue to expand Lexington’s walking opportunities without relying on your car. This 2.5+ mile/2-hour walk will traverse parts of 3 Lexington Conservation areas including Dunback Meadow, Cotton Farm and Upper Vine Brook before joining the Minuteman Bikeway. Meet your guide Keith Ohmart in time to board the 10 am Lexpress A2 bus in front of either Crafty Yankee or Cary Library, depending on Center construction activity. We will return to Lexington Center on foot at the end of our walk. Steady rain cancels. Registration is required – Lexington Community Center, 781-698-4840.
Leader: Keith Ohmart ~ [email protected], 781-862-6216
Parker Meadow: New Accessible Trail Opening
Saturday October 15, 3:00 – 4:00 pm. Note Change in Time.
Celebrate the grand opening of the upgraded universally accessible trail system at Parker Meadow. Join the thoughtful people who were inspirational and instrumental in making Parker Meadow’s new accessible trail and parking area a reality for refreshments and a tour of the new trail system. The event will take place at the parking area for the property on Revere St. adjacent to the Minuteman Bikeway crossing. Expect to park on adjacent Ledgelawn Street or walk or ride a bike if possible. Please check CLC website closer to the date for more information. More than light rain will cancel.
Fall 2022 Lexpress Walk Series #2
Tuesday October 18, 9:30 - 11:30 am
This week’s 2.5 mile/2+ hour walk will explore Willards Woods, Chiesa Farm and the newly upgraded universally accessible trail system in Parker Meadow before returning to the Depot in Lexington Center via the Minuteman Bikeway. Meet your guide, Keith Ohmart, at the Depot in time to catch the 9:30 am A1 Lexpress bus. Steady rain cancels. Registration is required. Call the Community Center at 781-698-4840.
Leader: Keith Ohmart ~ [email protected], 781-862-6216
Fall Ducks at Arlington Reservoir
Saturday November 19, 9-11:00 am
Join local birder John Andrews to explore the autumn variety of ducks and other waterfowl that may be found at the Arlington Reservoir, which straddles the Arlington/Lexington border. In addition to migrant duck species, there may be migrant sparrows to find at the pond’s border with LexFarm. More than light rain will cancel the walk. Meet in the reservoir’s new lot on Lowell St.
Leader: John Andrews ~ [email protected], 781-382-5658
Turkey Trot at Willard’s Woods & Chiesa Farm
Saturday November 26, 1-3:00 pm
Walk off some of those Thanksgiving calories with a tour of Willard’s Woods and Chiesa Farm. Meet at the Willards Woods parking lot on North St. opposite 38 North St. The route will wind through the meadows and woodland on the Willards Woods property, through the Diamond Middle School parking area, and then through Chiesa Farm before looping back to the starting point. Steady rain cancels. Hiking poles maybe useful for some, especially if the ground is frozen.
Leader: Keith Ohmart ~ [email protected], 781-862-6216
Spring Walks 2022
City Nature Challenge 2022
Lexington iNaturalist Event
Friday April 29 - Monday May 2
Seeking naturalists town-wide for bioblitz challenge…
This international event has grown in scope since its beginning in 2016, when San Francisco and Los Angeles issued a friendly challenge to one another to find and document the greatest number of species in their cities, and to mobilize the highest number of people to participate. During the period from April 29th to May 2nd, Lexington residents can use their smartphones and the iNaturalist app to find and record wildlife in their neighborhoods, including animals, plants and any other evidence of living things (how about a robin’s nest, or deer scat??)
See the town’s website to sign up: https://www.lexingtonma.gov/conservation/events/199916
Butterfly Walk, Arlington’s Great Meadows
Sunday May 1: 11 am
This 183-acre wet meadow is the largest piece of undeveloped land in the Arlington/Lexington area. The meadow is home to host plants for many overwintering insect larvae/pupae. Target species: Henry’s and Brown Elfins. Co-sponsored by the Mass Butterfly Club. Park at the entrance to Lexington Meadows townhomes, end of Emerson Gardens Rd. (Use Emerson Gardens Rd. for overflow parking.) More than light rain cancels.
Leader: Tom Whelan: 781-915-9988, [email protected]
Garlic Mustard Pull at Lincoln Park
Sunday May 1: 2-4 pm
Garlic mustard seeds can take up to seven years to sprout, requiring repeated efforts to control and eradicate this aggressive invasive species. Come join CLC’s multi-year effort to pull this year’s progeny from along the pathways in Lincoln Park. Bring gardening gloves. Steady rain cancels. Meet at the Fitness Path entrance on Middleby Rd across from the entrance to Bridge School, where you may park.
Leader: Keith Ohmart: 781-862-6216, [email protected]
Birding Lower Vine Brook
Saturday May 7: 8-10 am
Lower Vine Brook can be a fantastic area to see a nice selection of warblers, beautiful small tropical birds that migrate north at this time of year. They will eventually reach the forests of northern New England and Canada to breed, but if weather and foliage are right, you may see a dozen species here in a single morning. Dress for the weather (boots if it’s wet) and bring binoculars and a bird ID book, or app. Children with adults are welcome. No dogs please. Rain or lightning will cancel the event; if conditions are uncertain, please call the walk leader. Meet at the entrance to Lower Vine Brook conservation area opposite 93 Vine St.
Leader: Harry West: 617-461-9500, [email protected]
Birding Paint Mine
Sunday May 8: 7-9 am
The Paint Mine conservation area between Grove St. and Turning Mill Rd. is comprised of nearly 50 acres and contains a variety of habitat types including forested land and boggy ponds, along with disturbed open land under power lines. This edge area can be a reliable stopping place for spring migrants, including the possibility of prairie warblers. Please join us in looking for warblers and other migrating and nesting birds. Dress for the weather and be prepared to walk along some moderately steep trails. Bring binoculars and a bird ID app if you have one. Heavy rain or lightning will cancel. Meet in the parking lot of Estabrook School, 117 Grove St.
Leader: Dianna Queheillalt, [email protected]
Spring 2022 Lexpress Walk Series #1
Wednesday May 11: 9:30-12 noon
Learn how to use Lexpress to expand Lexington’s walking opportunities. This 3+ mile/2.5 hour walk will traverse parts of 4 Lexington Conservation areas including Turning Mill, Willards Woods, Chiesa Farm and Parker Meadow. We will board the 9:30 am Lexpress bus at the Depot in Lexington Center, and return to this location at the end of our walk. Steady rain cancels. Registration is required – Call Lexington Community Center, 781-698-4840.
Leader: Keith Ohmart: 781-862-6216, [email protected]
Mindful Walk and Sit, Hayden Woods
Saturday May 14: 9-10:30 am
This walk combines a mindful meander with a meditative sit-spot in Hayden Woods. Hayden Woods are an interesting mix of dry and wet woodlands, including a vernal pool. A series of sensory activities along the way will cultivate a level of enhanced awareness and bring a sense of calm. The loop will end with a 10-to-15-minute silent seated meditation in the Valleyfield Play area. Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather along with sturdy footwear. Foam blocks will be provided for sitting. More than light rain will cancel. Limit 12; registration is required. Email walk leader to register and to confirm meeting spot.
Leader: Barbara Tarrh: [email protected]
ACROSS Lexington Route N Walk
Sunday May 15: 2-4 pm
Explore Route N, the newest addition to the ACROSS Lexington Trail System. This three plus mile route connects Chiesa Farm with Willards Woods and Turning Mill Pond. The walk will include easy unpaved trails as well as paved streets and sidewalks. Some trails may be wet, so wear appropriate shoes. Heavy rain cancels. Meet at the Diamond Middle School parking area off Hancock St.
Leader: Bob Hausslein: 781-862-9102, [email protected]
Spring 2022 Lexpress Walk Series #2
Wednesday May 18: 9:30 - 11:30 am
This week’s 2.5 mile/2-hour walk will wend its way along the Arlington Reservoir, and through Arlington’s Great Meadows, and Tower Park before ending at the Community Center. Meet your guide, Keith Ohmart, at the Community Center in time to catch the 9:36 am C Lexpress bus, or board in the Center at 9:30 am or along the route. Steady rain cancels. Registration is required – Call Lexington Community Center, 781-698-4840.
Leader: Keith Ohmart: 781-862-6216, [email protected]
Wild Edibles of Lexington’s Waysides
Monday May 16: 6-8 pm
CLC is pleased to have Russ Cohen return for another walk to teach us about wild edible plants! Lexington is home to over 70 species of edible wild plants, both native and non-native, including plants considered to be weedy or invasive. Some are more nutritious and/or flavorful than their cultivated counterparts. Join Russ Cohen, expert forager and author of Wild Plants I Have Known…and Eaten, on a two-hour ramble in and around Lincoln Park to learn about at least eighteen edible species. Russ will present information on identification tips, edible portion(s), season(s) of availability and preparation methods, as well as general guidelines for safe and environmentally-responsible foraging. Steady rain cancels. Meet at the Fitness Trail entrance at the crosswalk on Worthen Road across from the Lexington High playing fields.
Leader: Russ Cohen: 781-646-7489, [email protected]
Peak Migration Birding at Dunback Meadow
Saturday May 21: 7-9 am
The Dunback Meadow property is Lexington’s largest town-owned piece of conservation land. With multiple habitat types, the trails provide the opportunity to look for a variety of migrants and breeding birds: warblers, flycatchers and many more. Meet at the Allen St. entrance opposite Pitcairn Place. Rain will cancel. Co-sponsored with the Menotomy Bird Club.
Leader: Bobbie Hodson :781-861-9421, [email protected]
Natural History at Paint Mine
Sunday May 22: 1:30-3:00 pm
The Paint Mine Conservation area is comprised of nearly 50 acres and includes a natural ochre deposit that provided pigment for paint in the 19th century. Explore this and other historic remnants along trails that weave through open areas and woods, where there are interesting former muskrat ponds. Join us in a quest for the orchid-like fringed polygala and other spring wildflowers. Heavy rain or lightning will cancel the walk. Meet in the parking lot of Estabrook School, 117 Grove St.
Leader: Fran Ludwig: 781-861-7231, [email protected]
Goat Open House at Chiesa Farm
Note Event change to Rain date Sunday May 29: 12-2 pm
Come and join the local Lexington goats for their daily pasture walk through the fields and woodlands at Chiesa Farm. Each season the land provides them with diverse plant life. The goats are very specific as to what they need to eat depending on many factors. We will have 2 Lexington herds, totaling twelve female dairy goats. Learn how the goats in town are working to keep invasive plants in check. All adults and children are welcome. No dogs please. Park at Diamond Middle School using the Hathaway/Sedge Road entrance. Follow the signed trail entrance and meet us in the pasture. Note rain date.
ACROSS Lexington Route G Walk
Sunday June 5: 2-4 pm
Explore one of Lexington’s less frequented Conservation properties, Shaker Glen, along with a portion of the Lower Vine Brook Conservation property on this not quite 3 mile walk along ACROSS Lexington’s Route G. The walk will include easy unpaved trails with occasional short ups and downs, in addition to sidewalks. Appropriate footwear recommended. Heavy rain cancels. Meet in the rear parking lot of the Christ Revolution Church, 451 Lowell Street.
Whipple Hill Family Walk
Sunday June 12: 1:30-3:00 pm
Whipple Hill Conservation Area features Lexington’s highest point, topping out at 374 feet above Boston Harbor. Whipple Hill is also home to fascinating remnants of the last glacier to cover the area some 10,000 years ago. The walk up and down the trails will include stopping at a vernal pool and observing typical New England woodland plants, some in bloom. Possible bonus: You can see taller spots in central Massachusetts and even a few mountains in New Hampshire on a clear day! Heavy rain or lightning will cancel. Parking is available on Berkshire Drive, opposite the entrance to the property. If the number of people who sign up exceeds the maximum group size, we will schedule another walk. Each person needs a (free) ticket. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-walk-at-whipple-hill-tickets-302912809367
Leader: Fran Ludwig