Walks & Talks
BBC’s walk programs are free and open to the public. We ask that you register
beforehand, which will allow us to answer any questions you might have and notify you
of any changes or cancellations. To sign up for any of the following walks, please
send an email to Dave Pritchard at Registrar@BroadBrookCoalition.org. Please
check the Broad Brook website (broadbrookcoalition.org) for more information on any
of these programs, or call Dave Pritchard (413-695-8442) or Dick Wynne (413-584-
7930).
Vernal Pool Ecology
Brad Timm
Saturday, May 10, 10:00 a.m. – noon
North Farms Rd. entrance
Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area is fortunate to contain several confirmed vernal
pools just a short walk in from the North Farms Rd. entrance. Join biologist Brad Timm
as we visit these pools and discover their truly unique ecology. We’ll learn about the
wide variety of animals that rely on vernal pools for their existence – from amphibians
and reptiles to an amazing number of diverse invertebrate species, as well as some
mammals and birds. And we’ll explore the importance of vernal pools to overall
ecosystem functioning, and how climate change might impact these critical habitats. We
will also get the chance to see some of these animals in action during our walk while we
learn about their captivating life histories. All ages are welcome and encouraged! Brad
Timm is a wildlife biologist who has conducted amphibian research (typically centered
around vernal pools) in New England for over 15 years
Spring Bird Walk
Lesley Farlow and Steve Winn
Saturday, May 24, 7:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Cooke Ave. entrance
Lesley Farlow and Steve Winn, experienced birders and members of the Hampshire
Bird Club, will lead a bird walk along the Pines Edge swamp and Boggy Meadow Road
to the bird blind. We will look for breeding migrants and resident birds as we pass
through a number of different habitats. We should be able to see and hear some
migrating warblers, thrushes, vireos, swallows, herons, kingfishers and more. Bring
binoculars if you have them. We will have a few extra pairs.
Fire in the Woodland Ecosystem
Laurie Sanders
Tuesday, May 27, 10:00 a.m. – noon
Saturday, May 31, 10:00 – noon
Coles Meadow Rd. entrance
In partnership with Historic Northampton
Come explore a portion of the 50+ acres of the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area that
experienced a brush fire in November 2024 to see first-hand how the herbaceous layer
is recovering. How damaging are brush fires of this size and intensity? What are the
short-term and long-term effects of fire on the woodland ecosystem? Note: Attendance
for these walks is limited. Please register through Historic Northampton:
historicnorthampton.org
What’s Up with Invasive Plants?
Tom Annese
Saturday, June 7th, 10 a.m.– noon
Arcanum Field Parking Lot, Florence (carpool to site)
Managing invasive plants can at times be. . . well. . . depressing. On this walk, we’ll take
a more light-hearted approach to invasive plant management and focus on practical
measures to control invasive species and increase biodiversity on forest land. We’ll
review the more familiar invasive plant species and examine some invasive species
new to Northampton. We’ll discuss how to initially assess a site with invasives, develop
a simple management plan, and use realistic strategies to contain and suppress them.
Whether you’re a grizzled and experienced weed warrior or someone just starting out,
all are welcome. Note: Meet in the Arcanum Field parking lot, N. Maple St.,
Florence, where we’ll carpool to private land nearby. Contact Tom Annese at
tannese@northamptonma.gov with any questions.
Introduction to Geocaching
Ceci Flinn
Saturday, June 14
Cooke Ave. entrance
Join our board member Ceci Flinn to learn about the family=friendly international game
of geocaching. A great outdoor activity for all ages, Ceci will introduce you to this
popular game that turned 25 this year and can be played in the FLCA. Open to all ages,
it’s a great summer activity for adults and children alike. We will cover all the basics, just
bring yourselves, sunblock, bug spray, and water – especially if it’s hot.
The Role of Fungi in the Forest Ecosystem
Peter Russell
Sunday, Sept. 7, 10:00 a.m. – noon
North Farms Rd. entrance
Join mycologist Peter Russell on a foray to look at the fungi fruiting around Fitzgerald
Lake. We will use the fungi we find to consider the roles they play in the ecosystem,
especially their succession in space and time both on decomposing wood and as
mycorrhizal partners with trees. The main purpose of the foray will not be to consider
their edibility or medicinal qualities. Peter is a local resident, a member of the Pioneer
Valley Mycological Society, and has been leading mushroom forays for many years.
Workdays at the FLCA
Shrubland Habitat and Native Plants
Saturday, May 3, 9:30 a.m. – noon
Several years ago, we established three “islands” of native shrubs in Cooke’s Pasture to
provide food and habitat for shrubland birds and small mammals. We return every year
to prune the shrubs, cut back competing undergrowth, and replace plants that have not
survived the winter. Tools will be provided, though additional clippers are always
welcome. Wear long pants and bring along your favorite insect repellent. Meet at the
Cooke Ave. parking lot at 9:00 a.m. or at the Fitzgerald Lake dam at 9:30 a.m. Contact
Brad Timm at bradtimm@gmail.com for further information.
Annual Cleanup at the North Farms Road Entrance
Saturday, May 17, 10:00 a.m. – noon
This is the day for cleaning up the North Farms Road entrance to the FLCA. We’ll clear
winter debris from the path to the bridge and boardwalk, pick up trash in the parking lot,
and remove by hand invasive plants such as garlic mustard, Japanese knotweed, and
multiflora rose in the adjoining woods. Please help us spruce up this heavily used route
to the conservation area. Tools will be provided. Contact Dick Wynne at 413-584-7930
for further information.
Removal of Invasives on Boggy Meadow Road
Sunday, June 8, 10:00 a.m. – noon.
The margins of roads provide excellent habitat for the growth of invasive plants. There
are many patches of invasives along Boggy Meadow Road, which connects the old
Moose Lodge parking lot at the end of Cooke Avenue with the Fitzgerald Lake dam. We
will work our way along the road pulling, cutting, and digging invasive plants such as
multiflora rose, Asiatic bittersweet, Japanese barberry, autumn olive, and non-native
honeysuckle. Tools will be provided, but if you care to bring clippers, pruning saws, and
lopping shears, it would be appreciated. And don’t forget gloves, sunscreen, and insect
repellent. Meet at the Cooke Ave. parking lot. Contact Holly Mitchell at
mhnmitchell@yahoo.com for further information.
Removal of Water Chestnut from Fitzgerald Lake
Saturdays: June 21, July 12, August 2; Sundays August 24, September 14
9:00a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Several years ago we implemented a new approach to controlling water chestnut in
Fitzgerald Lake called “pull early, pull often.” In 2017, we removed roughly 1,100 lbs.
from the lake while in 2024 the yield was down to 90 lbs. Though we are pleased with
the results so far, water chestnut seeds can remain viable for up to ten years on the
lake bottom so we plan to continue our work again this year. We’ll organize crews in late
May, begin pulling in mid-June, and continue at 3-week intervals throughout the
summer. Volunteers should bring their own canoes or kayaks. If interested, contact Tina
White by email (broadbrooktreasurer@gmail.com) or phone (413-341-0240) for further
information.