All walks are free and open to the public

 

Birding Walks:

  

Monday May 1, 7:30-9 am, Early Spring Migrants at Arlington Reservoir

The Arlington Reservoir and adjacent Busa Farm fields provide one of the best areas in the Lexington-Arlington area to observe a wide range of spring migratory bird species. Come see why Marj Rines of the Menotomy Bird Club considers this area “the best birding per square inch in the state.” Meet at the Rindge Avenue playground opposite 24 Rindge Avenue. Heavy rain cancels.

Walk Leader: Chris Floyd (617-571-5841, chrisf@mitre.org)

 

Wednesday May 10, 6:30-9 am, Birding the Western Greenway

The Western Greenway consists of over 1200 acres of interconnected open space in Waltham, Lexington, and Belmont. There has been little documentation of migratory or breeding birds in many parts of the Greenway. We will choose a section in Lexington that most likely few Menotomy Birders know or bird. Meet at Cart Path Lane, off Walnut Street

in Lexington. (Co-sponsored with the Menotomy Bird Club) Leaders: Roger Wrubel (rwrubel@massaudubon.org), Keith Ohmart (kohmart@verizon.net)

 

Saturday May 13, 8-10 am, Warbler Walk in Lower Vine Brook

Warblers are small, beautiful tropical birds that fly north to breed. Over 15 different spe- cies of warbler stop off in this sheltered area during their spring migration to the forests in northern New England and Canada. Depending on the weather and the foliage, you may see a dozen species in a morning. Children with adults are welcome. Wear boots if it’s wet, and bring binoculars and a bird book. No dogs. More than light rain or lightning will cancel the event. If the weather is uncertain call the leader. Meet at the entrance to the Lower Vine Brook conservation area opposite 121 Vine Street.

Walk Leader: Harry West (671-461-9500, hwest2020@gmail.com)

 

 

Nature Walks and Activities:

 

BIKE RIDE CANCELLED DUE TO HEAVY RAIN IN THE FORECAST

Sunday May 14, 2-4 pm, ACROSS Lexington Bicycle Ride

Explore ACROSS Lexington trails by bike! This easy-to-moderate 2-hour ride will take us through a number of Lexington’s most scenic open spaces including Upper and Lower Vinebrook, Cotton Farm and Dunback Meadow, the Old Res, and Lincoln Park. We will travel via Town streets, paved bike paths and unpaved walking trails. Be prepared for somewhat rough trail conditions; a bike with sturdy tires for trail riding and a helmet are required. Bring water and a snack. Meet in the Town employee parking lot adjacent to the Minuteman Bikeway crossing at Fletcher Avenue. Bonus points for those who ride their bicycles to this event. Questions? Call Peggy at 617-308-8185.

Leaders: Peggy Enders (617-308-8185, peggyenders@gmail.com), Keith Ohmart (781-862-6216, kohmart@verizon.net)

 

Tuesday May 16, 10-11:30 am, Senior Sneaker Walk at Hayden Woods

Join us on this leisurely walk as we explore the historic and scenic byways of Hayden Woods. During our travels we will walk one of the oldest colonial roads in the Common- wealth, take a side trip a short distance off trail to marvel at an unusual example of colonial stone working, and visit one of the most perfectly sited stone benches in Town. Walking will be on well-graded woods trails with one short steep section and the usual occasional rocks and roots under foot. Sneakers are fine. Don’t forget your walking sticks if you rely on them for balance. Meet at the rear of 45 Hayden Avenue in the third parking lot on your left opposite the signed Conservation trail entrance.

Walk Leader: Keith Ohmart (781-862-6216, kohmart@verizon.net) 6

 

Sunday May 21, 2-5 pm, Extended ACROSS Lexington Walk

In celebration of Bike Walk Bus Week (May 13-21) we are offering the longer distance hiker an extended traverse of ACROSS Lexington routes C&D. This 5+ mile hike passes through two of Lexington’s largest parcels of open space, Whipple Hill Conservation area and Arlington’s Great Meadow, owned by the Town of Arlington but wholly within Lexing- ton; in addition to passing the Arlington Reservoir and the Busa Farm Fields now man- aged by LexFarm along the way. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water. Meet at the Waldorf School parking lot on Massachusetts Avenue.

Walk Leader: Bob Hausslein (781-862-9102, rhausslein@rcn.com)

 

Thursday May 25, 6-8 pm, Wild Edibles of Lincoln Park with Russ Cohen

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 the dozen or more edible plant species that are common to this prop- erty. Russ will present information on identification tips, edible portions, seasonal availa- bility and preparation methods, as well as general guidelines for safe and environmen- tally-responsible foraging. 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, eatwild@rcn.com)

 

Sunday June 4, 1:30-4 pm, Exploring ACROSS Lexington Route B

The goal of the ACROSS Lexington project is to connect Lexington open spaces with easy and enjoyable walkable routes through Lexington’s neighborhoods. Route B, which connects the Minuteman Bikeway in Lexington Center with Lincoln Park, the Old Res, and the Dunback Meadow, Cotton Farm and Upper Vine Brook Conservation properties, will be the focus of this 4.5 mile walk. Walkers will encounter a combination of paved surfaces and natural woods trails with no steep grades. Ordinary walking shoes or sneak- ers are fine. Bring your own water and a snack. Meet behind at the Depot on the Bikeway in Lexington Center.

Walk Leader: Eileen Entin (781-862-6418, eileenhome@gmail.com)

 

Saturday June 10, 1-2 pm, Family Nature Walk in Arlington Great Meadows

Bring the kids and join us for an "in-and-out" walk through a portion of Arlington Great Meadows, complete with meadow, forest, and boardwalks over wetland habitats. We will explore our surroundings and investigate whatever we find. Inclement weather cancels. Meet in the parking lot behind the Excel Assisted Living Center at the end of Emerson Gardens Way.

Leader: Millie Webster (617-686-2750, sethandmillie@gmail.com)

 

Sunday June 25, 11 am-12:30 pm, Nature Photography at Dunback Meadow

Meet naturalist and nature photographer Tom Whelan on a nature walk at Dunback Meadow. On the walk, we will find and identify flowers and insects and discuss techniques and equipment for taking close-up photographs of them. We will start at the Allen Street

entrance to Dunback Meadow. Children with adults are welcome. People attending are encouraged to bring cameras for photography. Severe weather will cancel the walk. Walk Leader: Tom Whelan (781-915-9988, tom@whelanphoto.com)