Merrimack Valley Magazine

Trustees Partners with Big City Mountaineers to Create More Youth Access

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The Trustees of Reservations is partnering with Big City Mountaineers to provide underrepresented young people in communities that lack access to expansive open spaces with an introduction to some of The Trustees’ 120 properties.

Made possible by a $12,000 REI grant, The Trustees will work with Big City Mountaineers to provide outdoor experiences and programs to underserved youth in the form of guided half- and full-day hikes at Trustees’ properties. From hikes at Rocky Woods in Medfield to guided kayak trips at Ipswich’s Crane Beach to overnight camping experiences at Dunes’ Edge (Provincetown) and Tully Lake (Royalston), youth from Greater Boston will enjoy an introduction to the transformative power of nature.

“One of our mottos is ‘You Belong Here’ and programs like this one back up our commitment of ensuring our properties are accessible to everyone,” said Jen Klein, Director of Outdoor Experiences. “Thanks to a generous grant from REI and the help of Big City Mountaineers, we’re able to introduce young people from historically marginalized communities to this state’s most special places to foster a lifelong love of nature.”

For more than 30 years, Big City Mountaineers has been providing free, fully outfitted, and professionally led backcountry trips to youth ages 8 to 18, helping them to connect with nature and as well as their individual strengths, skills and resilience.

The first events will be a day of hiking at Rocky Woods and kayaking at Crane Beach, both taking place this month.

NoteWorthy – 7/19/20

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AROUND THE VALLEY

Trahan Concludes Farm Tour in Support of COVID Relief for Local Farmers

U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03) concluded her listening tour of farms in Littleton, Stow and Fitchburg, where she heard from farmers and workers about difficulties their businesses face because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trahan called on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to pass the Heroes Act to provide additional relief to workers and small businesses in need of more help.

“The devastating impact of COVID-19 can be seen across almost every sector of our economy, and despite their hard work in the face of incredible adversity, the 842 farms in the Third District have not been entirely immune from the pandemic’s economic toll. I’m grateful to the farmers for taking the time today to share the effects this crisis is having on their businesses. My job is to listen to their experiences and make sure they’re heard in Washington,” Trahan said.

 

Trustees Honors Front Line Workers with Free Admission 

 The Trustees of Reservations announced that it will honor front line workers who have cared for, healed, served and protected people during COVID-19 by offering them free admission to most of its 119 properties once a month. The Trustees will also create a traveling installation that visitors can sign with messages of thanks.

The series of Frontline Worker Appreciation Days will start on July 18 across the state, with the traveling installation beginning at Fruitlands Museum in August. To gain free admission, front line workers should visit TheTrustees.org/passes, choose the date and place they wish to visit, and select and reserve the Frontline Worker parking pass.

For members of the public who aren’t front line workers but wish to express their gratitude, visitors to Fruitlands Museum and other properties will be able to share their thanks for front line workers via a new, interactive installation that will be ready next month.

 

GLFHC Receives $50,000 from Direct Relief

Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC) has received $50,000 in emergency grant funding from the medical aid organization Direct Relief, in partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers. GLFHC was among 518 federally qualified health centers to receive funding this week through Direct Relief’s $25 million COVID-19 Fund for Community Health, which recognizes the profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the finances, services, staff and patients of community health centers.

 

Application for Fall Archery Deer and Turkey Hunt at Great Bay NWR

Officials have announced that the application window for the new fall archery deer and turkey hunt at Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is Monday, July 20 to Friday, August 7.  The hunt will be by permit only, with permittees selected by lottery. A total of 25 permits will be issued.

The hunt lottery application will be available on the Great Bay NWR homepage no later than Saturday, July 18. Alternatively, interested hunters can pick up the lottery application at the Parker River NWR headquarters in Newburyport or at the kiosk that is located at the Great Bay NWR visitor parking area in Newington. Lottery entries can be mailed-in, emailed or faxed to (978) 465-2807.  All entries must be received by Friday, August 7.

 

ECCF Announces Eighth Round of Grants from COVID-19 Response Fund

Essex County Community Foundation has awarded an eighth round of grants from its Essex County COVID-19 Response Fund, established in March to support nonprofits on the front lines of the pandemic response.

This eighth round of grants, which totals $590,000, is made entirely possible by the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund. The money was awarded to six nonprofit organizations to provide rent relief to families and individuals that face a loss of housing due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.

 

UMass Lowell Honored for Inclusive Education

UMass Lowell has been recognized for its inclusive educational culture with a 2020 Blackboard Catalyst Award.

Presented by Blackboard Inc., the awards salute colleges, universities and K-12 school districts around the world for innovation and excellence in online learning. As an award winner, UMass Lowell’s Division of Graduate, Online and Professional Studies has been commended for outstanding teaching methods, content, technology and educational services that are fully inclusive and supportive of learners with disabilities, Blackboard announced.

 

Greenbelt Explores Local Impacts of Sea Level Rise, Video Release

Essex County Greenbelt has just released the video Exploring Sea Level Rise and Coastal Resilience featuring vistas of Greenbelt’s Allyn Cox Reservation, the Great Marsh and the Essex River. Part of a larger project funded by a Coastal Resilience grant from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, the video includes interviews with local experts and Greenbelt staff and volunteers to explore local impacts of sea level rise and flooding, including threats to natural systems and coastal properties like the Cox Reservation, and Greenbelt’s innovative work to address climate change. View the video here.

In addition to the video, Greenbelt also produced two climate-themed story maps featuring photography, video, narrative and interactive mapping.

The Climate Partnerships story map features a diverse group of projects underway throughout Essex county that address and mitigate climate change. Climate Partnerships story map: https://arcg.is/1ePjWW1

The Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding story map tells local climate stories and allows users to explore sea level rise and coastal flooding projections in their communities. Sea Level Rise & Coastal Flooding story map: https://arcg.is/1LDfi5

 

Tsongas Center Congratulates Lowell High School Class of 2020

The Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell is saluting Lowell High School’s Class of 2020 this week on its electronic marquee with an overall congratulations message that includes each graduate’s name.

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HAPPENING IN HAVERHILL

GHCC Partners with Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Haverhill Chamber announced a strategic partnership with the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, whose mission is “to promote economic growth and viability for LGBT-owned and allied businesses, corporations and professionals throughout the Commonwealth.”

GHCC stated that the partnership supported a larger idea that inclusivity is important and drives economic development.

The Massachusetts LGBT Chamber began in 2018 as a nonprofit powered by hundreds of LGBT-owned businesses and the Commonwealth’s largest, most innovative and profitable corporations.

Coronavirus Update from The Trustees – Updated 4/8/20

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[On April 8, the Trustees, issued the following statement regarding the reopening of over 70 properties across Massachusetts.]

PROPERTY UPDATE: We are pleased to share that starting tomorrow, Thursday, April 9, we will reopen more than 70 properties across Massachusetts, for local use only, in order to offer more opportunities to spend time in nature during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been working with local and state officials to determine how to open some of the properties while keeping staff, visitors, and surrounding communities safe. The list of properties that will reopen do not require staffing in order to open and did not experience overcrowding prior to the closures in March.

In alignment with the Governor’s Stay at Home order, in which the administration encouraged Massachusetts residents to go out for walks and visit parks, for their health and wellbeing, while practicing social distancing and staying local, we strongly encourage you to visit just those Trustees properties that are in your community.

Other Trustees properties will remain closed until May 4. These are sites where staff are required to prevent overcrowding or where town officials have requested that they stay closed. Sites with narrow trail systems are also being kept closed. Although agricultural operations continue, all Trustees farms will remain closed, except for curbside food pick up at specific times, to ensure the health and safety of essential agricultural staff and the food grown on these farms. While some of the properties remain closed for the time being, we hope to safely open these with a plan for controlled access.

“Now more than ever, we recognize that offering access to our special places provides respite, solace, fresh air, and a physical outlet during this unprecedented time in our world,” says Trustees President & CEO Barbara Erickson. “At the same time, we know that it is so important that visitors follow the CDC social distancing guidelines for everyone’s safety and that they stay close to home.”

For more information including a list of all sites opening tomorrow please visit our COVID19 Response page -> http://www.thetrustees.org/covid19

 

[On March 23, Barbara Erickson, president and CEO of the Trustees, issued the following statement. It has been lightly edited to comply with AP style guidelines.]

These are unprecedented times. During these times, we must be both brave and prudent. Over the last three weeks, we have seen that our 118 special places have become sanctuaries for those seeking safe spaces to get out of their homes, to occupy their children and families, to get exercise away from gyms, to spend time with animals, to practice social distancing with acreage to spare. We are grateful to provide these opportunities, for the chance to serve in both times of leisure and in times of stress.

Thus, with today’s announcement from Governor Charlie Baker to suspend all non-essential businesses, we are saddened to announce that we will comply with this advisory by closing all Trustees properties beginning tomorrow, March 24 until April 7. All staff who are not involved in the care and maintenance of agricultural production and necessary operational care will be at home. All gates and parking lots will be closed and we ask the public to respect these barriers. The Trustees will continue to operate our agricultural operations in compliance with the guidelines issued for the care and feeding of animals, and the production and distribution of food. Our farm properties will only be available for the pick-up of food products.

We recognize that many Trustees properties are without gates or barriers and are within safe walking distance from neighbors and others and could be safely visited within the parameters of the governor’s directive. We ask that those who choose to visit those properties at this time be respectful, follow guidelines about litter, safety and dog behavior. We understand that these changes will feel dire to many who have come to rely on the daily use and enjoyment of our properties. We ask that everyone comply with the governor’s orders, that you respect the closures of our properties, and that you keep your families and others safe during this unknown and unpredictable time.

Despite our closures, we will continue to pay all staff. Our colleagues are available to answer emails and questions, can process memberships and gifts made online on our website, and we are working on creating virtual resources that you can enjoy at home. Please watch out for these resources.

Thank you for understanding how difficult this decision was. Once this crisis passes and we receive word from officials that it is again safe to gather, we look forward to welcoming all back to our special places.

Best regards,
Barbara J. Erickson
President & CEO

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coronavirus Update from The Trustees

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[On March 23, Barbara Erickson, president and CEO of the Trustees, issued the following statement. It has been lightly edited to comply with AP style guidelines.]

These are unprecedented times. During these times, we must be both brave and prudent. Over the last three weeks, we have seen that our 118 special places have become sanctuaries for those seeking safe spaces to get out of their homes, to occupy their children and families, to get exercise away from gyms, to spend time with animals, to practice social distancing with acreage to spare. We are grateful to provide these opportunities, for the chance to serve in both times of leisure and in times of stress.

Thus, with today’s announcement from Governor Charlie Baker to suspend all non-essential businesses, we are saddened to announce that we will comply with this advisory by closing all Trustees properties beginning tomorrow, March 24 until April 7. All staff who are not involved in the care and maintenance of agricultural production and necessary operational care will be at home. All gates and parking lots will be closed and we ask the public to respect these barriers. The Trustees will continue to operate our agricultural operations in compliance with the guidelines issued for the care and feeding of animals, and the production and distribution of food. Our farm properties will only be available for the pick-up of food products.

We recognize that many Trustees properties are without gates or barriers and are within safe walking distance from neighbors and others and could be safely visited within the parameters of the governor’s directive. We ask that those who choose to visit those properties at this time be respectful, follow guidelines about litter, safety and dog behavior. We understand that these changes will feel dire to many who have come to rely on the daily use and enjoyment of our properties. We ask that everyone comply with the governor’s orders, that you respect the closures of our properties, and that you keep your families and others safe during this unknown and unpredictable time.

Despite our closures, we will continue to pay all staff. Our colleagues are available to answer emails and questions, can process memberships and gifts made online on our website, and we are working on creating virtual resources that you can enjoy at home. Please watch out for these resources.

Thank you for understanding how difficult this decision was. Once this crisis passes and we receive word from officials that it is again safe to gather, we look forward to welcoming all back to our special places.

Best regards,
Barbara J. Erickson
President & CEO

 

 

 

 

 

 

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