Citizens for Lexington Conservation

Butterfly Walk, Arlington’s Great Meadows
2023-04-23 11:00 - 12:00 UTC | Arlington’s Great Meadows, Lexington Meadow, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
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. Attendees may continue on to Horn Pond Mountain in Woburn for more Brown Elfins and other butterflies. 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, tom@whelanphoto.com

ACROSS Lexington Series Session 1
2023-04-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Across Lexington- route A, Lexington Historical Society, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Begin your exploration of the ACROSS Lexington Trail System with a 2.5-mile easy walk along Route C. This loop connects Arlington Great Meadows with the western edge of the recently renovated trails at the Arlington Reservoir. There might be time to peek into LexFarm. 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 in the parking lot of the Waldorf School, 735 Massachusetts Avenue.
Leader: Bob Hausslein ~ 781-862-9102, rhausslein@rcn.com

Garlic Mustard Pull at Lincoln Park
2023-05-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Lincoln Park, Lincoln Park, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
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 crop 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, kohmart@verizon.net

Birding at Lower Vine Brook
2023-05-07 07:00 - 09:00 | Lower Vine Brook, 93 Vine Street, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
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, hwest2020@gmail.com

Lexpress Walk Series #1 North Street to Depot Square via Lower Vine Brook
2023-05-09 09:00 - 12:00 | Lexington Community Center, 39 Marret Road, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
This 2+ mile walk will explore the trail connection through the Beaver Brook North Conservation property between Brookhaven and Avalon at Lexington Hills via a portion of the Western Greenway Trail. Meet your guide in time to catch the 9 am A2 Lexpress bus in front of the Crafty Yankee on Massachusetts Avenue in Lexington Center. We will depart the bus at the intersection of Waltham Street and Concord Avenue and catch the return A2 bus at our destination at Avalon at Lexington Hills. Steady rain cancels. Registration is required – Lexington Community Center, 781-698-4840.
Leader: Keith Ohmart ~ kohmart@verizon.net

ACROSS Lexington Series Session 2
2023-05-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Across Lexington- route A, Lexington Historical Society, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Here’s another opportunity to explore the ACROSS Lexington Trail System via Route G. This 2.8 mile loop takes you to the northern reaches of Lexington and connects a section of the Vine Brook Bike Path with the upper section of Lower Vine Brook conservation area, and includes a path through Shaker Glen. 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 far end of Rolfe Rd at the entrance to Shaker Glen. Park on Rolfe Rd facing Woburn St.

Leader: Bob Hausslein ~ 781-862-9102, rhausslein@rcn.com

Lexpress Walk Series #2 Brookhaven to Avalon via the Western Greenway
2023-05-16 09:00 - 12:00 | Lexington Community Center, 39 Marret Road, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States

Goat Open House at Chiesa Farm
2023-05-21 12:00 - 14:00 | Chiesa Farm, Sedge Road, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
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 two Lexington herds, totaling 12 female dairy goats and some of this spring’s goat kids. Learn about the goats and how they 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 or park at Fiske School and walk across to the pastures. Rain date: Sunday May 21, 12-2 pm
Guides: Halé Sofia Schatz and Laurene Beaudette
Contact: laurene@iwebinsight.com

Fauna and Flora of Arlington’s Great Meadows
2023-05-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Arlington’s Great Meadows, Lexington Meadow, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Join us for a walk around Arlington’s Great Meadows. This 183-acre property is owned by Arlington and located in East Lexington. Late spring brings breeding birds, such as rose-breasted grosbeaks and orioles, and possibly a few late migrants to the meadow and surrounding woods. Depending on interest, we’ll also look for seasonal wildflowers and insects and visit Infinity Pond. 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.
Leader: Andrea Golden: andgold@comcast.net

ACROSS Lexington Series Session 3
2023-05-28 14:00 - 16:30 | Across Lexington- route A, Lexington Historical Society, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Take some extra time to enjoy the longest of the ACROSS Lexington routes with a leisurely ramble along Route A (5.2 m), the network’s first developed trail. Route A consists of both conservation and neighborhood trails, and runs through portions of Willards Woods, Chiesa Farm and Parker Meadow. Many parts of the walk are pleasantly shaded. The route 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 Lexington Depot under the Bikeway overhang. Use public parking.
Leader: Bob Hausslein: 781-862-9102, rhausslein@rcn.com

Dose of Nature Series – Willards Woods
2023-06-13 17:30 - 18:30 | Willards Woods, 44 North Street, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Summer is the perfect time to come together to enjoy Lexington’s many Conservation lands. Join a member of Lexington’s Conservation Department for a free guided tour of Willards Woods. Meet at the North Street entrance opposite 44 North Street. Heavy rain cancels. Registration is not required.

Wild Edibles of Lexington’s Waysides
2023-06-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Lincoln Park, Lincoln Park, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
(Rescheduled from June 14 due to rain forecast.) Once again, CLC is delighted 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 Lincoln Park Fitness Trail entrance at the crosswalk on Worthen Road across from the Lexington High playing fields.
Leader: Russ Cohen ~ 781-646-7489, eatwild@rcn.com

Nature Journaling, Sutherland Woods
2023-06-24 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-09-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Sutherland Woods, Sutherland Woods, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Accompany 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. More than light rain cancels.
Leader: Jan Ford ~ ford.jd@gmail.com

Dose of Nature Series – Whipple Hill
2023-07-11 17:30 - 18:30 | Whipple Hill, Winchester Drive, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Join a representative of the Lexington Conservation Department for this month’s free walk exploring Whipple Hill.
Summer is the perfect time to come together to enjoy Lexington’s many Conservation lands. Join a member of Lexington’s Conservation Department for a free guided tour of Whipple Hill. Heavy rain cancels. Registration is not required. Meet at the Winchester Drive/Johnson Road entrance.

Dose of Nature Series – Cotton Farm
2023-08-15 17:30 - 18:30 | Cotton Farm, 137 Marrett Rd, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Fall is the perfect time to come together to enjoy Lexington’s many Conservation lands. Join a member of Lexington’s Conservation Department for a free guided tour of Dunback Meadow. Heavy rain cancels. Registration is not required. Check the Conservation Department web site for meeting location.

Dose of Nature Series – Dunback Meadow
2023-09-19 17:30 - 18:30 | Dunback Meadow, 23 Allen Street, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States

Fall Goat Open House at Chiesa Farm
2023-10-08 12:00 - 14:00 | Chiesa Farm, Sedge Road, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
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 two Lexington herds, totaling 12 female dairy goats and some of this spring’s goat kids. Learn about the goats and how they 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 or park at Fiske School and walk across to the pastures.
Rain date Monday October 9, 12-2:00 pm
Guides: Halé Sofia Schatz and Laurene Beaudette
Contact: laurene@iwebinsight.com

LexFarm and Environs Tour and Conservation Walk
2023-10-14 10:00 - 12:00 | LexFarm, 52 Lowell Street, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Come learn about Lexington’s treasured organic farm, with its unique history, mission, and
location adjacent to local conservation lands. After an informative tour, including a discussion
of sustainable farming practices, the experimental garden and native planting efforts, we’ll
proceed to check out the nearby Arlington Reservoir. We’ll then walk through a few
neighborhood streets to see how Monroe Brook connects these areas with the northeast part of
Arlington’s Great Meadow (located between Mass Ave and Lowell St in Lexington.) Meet in
the LexFarm farmstand parking lot on Lowell St. More than light rain cancels; no rain date.
Leaders: Mary Rose Scozzafava and LexFarm staff
Barbara Tarrh ~ btarrh@gmail.com
Contact: laurene@iwebinsight.com

Dose of Nature Series – Wright Farm
2023-10-17 16:30 - 17:30 | Wright Farm, 241 Grove Street, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Join a representative of the Lexington Conservation Department for this month’s free walk exploring Wright Farm.

Fall is the perfect time to come together to enjoy Lexington’s many Conservation lands. Join a member of Lexington’s Conservation Department for a free guided tour of Wright Farm. Heavy rain cancels. Registration is not required. Meet at the Grove Street entrance.

ACROSS Lexington, Route K
2023-10-22 14:00 | Across Lexington- route K, Oak street and Bruce Road, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
ACROSS Route K traverses three conservation parcels on the east side of Lexington: West
Farm, where the trail follows an old cart path, and offers a view of the fields at Wilson Farm;
Sutherland Woods, which features an oak-hickory forest and 2 old farm ponds; and Liberty
Heights, a 6-acre property with a short trail through a mature woodland. Join us on this 1.9 mile
walk as we explore these lesser-known conservation parcels and the streets that connect them.
Meet on the corner of Oak St. and Bruce Rd. Parking is available on Bruce Rd. and other sides
streets in the area. Steady rain cancels.
Leader: Eileen Entin ~ 781-862-6418 eileenhome@gmail.com

Introduction to Winter Tree Identification
2023-11-04 09:30 - 11:00 | Wright Farm, 241 Grove Street, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Saturday November 4 9:30-11:00 am; rain date Saturday November 11
Come learn the basics of tree identification with no leaves. Join Conservation Land-Use Ranger
Adam Green for an introduction to winter dendrology at Wright Farm. We'll take a nice leisurely
stroll while highlighting skills and techniques to aid in your winter tree identification. Some
parking available at Wright Farm off Grove St opposite Carriage Drive. Overflow parking on
Carriage Drive.
Leader: Adam Green ~ email landstewards@lexingtonma.gov to register

ACROSS Lexington, Route F
2023-11-12 08:00 - 10:30 | Across Lexington- route F, Wood street and Old Mass Ave, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Route F connects the ACROSS Lexington trail system with the Western Greenway and the
Battle Road Trail. This walk will begin at that juncture and will take us to neighborhoods inside
Route 128 in the western part of Lexington. From there, the route runs through the Freemont
Street play area, past the Pine Meadows Golf Club and into Meagherville. If time allows, we
will access the further portions of Meagherville before returning to our starting point. Total
distance will be about 3.5 miles. Meet in the parking lot where Old Mass Ave meets Wood St.
Rain date Sunday November 19
Leader: Ruth Ladd ~ wetlandmom@aol.com

Turkey Trot Walk at Hayden Woods
2023-11-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Hayden Woods, 45-55 Hayden Avenue, Rear, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Work off the excesses of your Thanksgiving dinner by joining CLC on its annual Turkey Trot
walk. We will try and relocate a large boulder bearing a line of stone chisel marks left by an
early Lexington resident who evidently had designs on using the top for perhaps a front stoop.
Walking sticks recommended if conditions are icy under foot. Meet at the trail head behind 45-
55 Hayden Avenue. Heavy rain or snow cancels.
Leader: Keith Ohmart ~ kohmart@verizon.net

Winter Birds at Dunback Meadow
2024-01-20 08:00 - 10:00 | Dunback Meadow, 23 Allen Street, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
During winter our resident birds, such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees and titmice, are
busy finding food, and we are usually able to locate about a dozen different species of them
during the winter walk. If it’s icy please wear footwear that will provide safety while walking.
Cosponsored with Brookline Bird Club and Menotomy Bird Club. Meet across from Pitcairn
Place on the Allen St entrance to Dunback. Unless it’s raining or snowy the program is on.
Leader: Bobbie Hodson ~ 781-861-9421

Woodcock Walk at Dunback Meadow
2024-03-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Allen Street Dunback Meadow, 23 Allen Street, Lexington, MA
Join us on a search for the elusive American woodcock, whose unusual mating behavior provides a rare opportunity to observe this species. In early spring, woodcocks can be found in wet meadows performing their courtship ritual. We will listen for the male’s distinctive “peent” call while on the ground and then his “wing twitter” as he spirals upward. He will then zigzag back down toward the ground while giving his flight song. This display is repeated, so if we are lucky we will see quite a show. Meet at the Allen St. entrance to Dunback meadow. Be sure to dress in layers and bring binoculars. REGISTRATION REQUIRED (See below).
Rain Date March 24, 6:30-8 pm; If conditions are uncertain, please check the CLC website at clclex.org.
Leader: Dianna Queheillalt, clclexington8@gmail.com

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Butterfly Walk, Arlington’s Great Meadows
2024-04-21 11:00 | Arlington’s Great Meadows, Lexington Meadow, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
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 Elfin, Brown Elfin, and other early spring butterflies. Attendees may continue on to Horn Pond Mountain in Woburn for more Brown Elfins and other butterflies. Co-sponsored by the Mass Butterfly Club. Park at the marked trail access spaces entrance to Lexington Meadows townhomes at the end of Emerson Gardens Rd. (Use Emerson Gardens Rd. for overflow parking.) More than light rain cancels.
Leader: Tom Whelan ~ 781-915-9988

Spring Bird Walk, Arlington Reservoir and Lexington Community Farm
2024-04-27 08:00 - 10:00 | Rindge Avenue Playground, 32 Rindge Avenue, Lexington, United States
Join us at Arlington Reservoir to look for early songbird migrants (Warbling Vireo, first orioles, and numerous colorful Yellow-rumped and Palm warblers likely) and lingering migrant ducks (Green-winged Teal likely and maybe a Ruddy). Meet at the gym set area of Rindge Avenue Playground. We’ll do a complete circuit of the reservoir and check Lexington Community Farm also. Bring binoculars. Wear footwear for possibly damp or muddy ground.
Leader: Chris Floyd: hchrisfloyd@outlook.com

Lexpress Walk Series #1 – Turning Mill/Willards Woods/Chiesa Farm/Parker Meadow
2024-04-30 09:30 - 12:00 | Depot Lexington Center, Depot Square, Lexington, MA, 02420
Learn how to use Lexpress to expand Lexington’s walking opportunities. This 3.5 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 by foot to this location at the end of our walk. Steady rain cancels. Registration is required – Call Lexington Community Center, 781-698-4840, or visit: www.lexbikewalkbus.org
Leader: Keith Ohmart: kohmart@verizon.net

Fern Plus Walk
2024-05-04 13:00 | Hayden Woods, 45-55 Hayden Avenue, Rear, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Focus will be on identifying ferns, but we will also “botanize” on anything else that captures our interest. We can also make entries into iNaturalist! There will be several 10x magnifying glasses available, or bring your own. Meet at the Hayden Woods trailhead behind 45-55 Hayden Avenue. A few parking spaces available there, or park along the access road behind 45-55 Hayden Avenue.
Walk is limited to 8 participants, registration required – See below.
Leader: Ruth Ladd: wetlandmom@aol.com
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