April 2022 – News Brief
Land conservation is a year-round commitment, but Spring offers many opportunities to get outdoors and put one’s good intentions and plans into action. Please consider participating in one or more of these projects to benefit Arlington’s open spaces and natural resources.
EcoWeek, April 22-May 10
Arlington EcoWeek is an extended time of learning, reflection, and action. A wide range of activities offers something for everyone: nature, climate, biking, song, public art, green infrastructure, zero waste, pollinators, native habitat restoration. Community and student groups and Town Departments offer presentations, tours, and interactive events to inspire connection to and celebration of our natural world.
For more information and a complete calendar of events, visit EcoWeek.
ArMI Weedout Events
The Arlington-MA Invasives (ArMI), was founded in 2021 by Elaine Crowder as an outgrowth of her time spent weeding in Arlington parks during Covid. The ArMI is a volunteer umbrella organization that aims to crowdsource invasives removal. Any resident who removes invasives in their own yard is a de facto member, as is any like-minded organization
Register and find more information. Participants must sign a new waiver each year to participate. Download the waiver, print, sign, and bring it to the weedout event. Also bring water, a heavy-duty black garbage bag, and snacks. Wear garden gloves, protective clothing, repellent. Helpful tools include hand spades, hand forks, clippers and loppers for vines, shovels, and garden pitchforks.
BOW ST./FRAZER RD.
Sat, April 23, 12:30-2:30pm (Rain date Sun, April 24, 12:00-2:00pm)
Help the ArMI clear garlic mustard, English ivy, and other invasive weeds at this “Make Way for Natives” demonstration spot near the Minuteman Bikeway in Arlington Heights. Native cherry trees, joe pye weed, evening primrose, and asters are already supporting the butterflies and moths that form the basis of our native food chain. We want to ensure they thrive and spread. Park on Frazer Rd. or in the Ed Burns Arena lot, a short walk west along the Bikeway to the intersection with Frazer Rd.
HILL’S HILL & FIELDS
Tues, April 26, 10am-12:00pm and Sat, May 7, 1:30-3:30pm
Meet at the basketball court next to the Ed Burns Arena on Summer Street to remove garlic mustard along the playground fence and Minuteman Bikeway, as well as in the nearby Hill’s Hill area.
ARLINGTON RESERVOIR
Sat, May 7, 10-11:30am
Meet at the Wildlife Habitat Garden near the bridge at Mill Brook to help clear the area of garlic mustard. Park in the lot next to Hurd Field on Drake Road and walk toward the Reservoir and bridge.
Spy Pond Trails Day
Sat, May 7, 9am-1pm (Rain date Sun, May 8)
The Spy Pond Committee of Envision Arlington, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and other civic groups are hosting their 16th annual gathering to improve the scenic path that parallels Route 2, between Lake St. and Pleasant St. Projects will include maintaining access trails to the pond, pruning plants to create vistas, bagging litter, controlling invasive plants, and nursing newly planted native species to stabilize the soil and provide wildlife habitat.
Trails Day qualifies as a community service project for students. Participants should bring sturdy footwear, work clothes, a hat, sunscreen, and rain gear. Liability waivers will be available and must be signed by all participants (under 18 need approval from—and are preferably accompanied by—a parent or guardian). Equipment and snacks will be provided, but please bring your own lunch
Recommended parking: take Exit 60 off Route 2, head toward Mass. Ave. on Lake St., first left onto Colonial Drive, left onto Roanoke, left and park along Spy Pond Parkway.
Contact the Spy Pond Committee for more information.
Alewife Path Cleanup & CSO Tour
Sat, April 23, 9:15am (Rain date Sun April 24)
Save the Alewife Brook (StAB) is a growing grassroots environmental group with supporters in Arlington, Cambridge, Somerville, Belmont, and Medford who are working to address flooding and water quality problems in the Alewife Brook.
On April 23, StAB and Everywhere Arlington Livable Streets (EALS) are collaborating to gather trash along the Alewife Brook Greenway path in East Arlington, and they will offer tours of the CSOs (Combined Sewer Outfall) in the area. Volunteers will be recognized by their red Save the Alewife Brook t-shirts.
Meet at Thorndike Field Dog Park off Lake Street, where parking is available. Bring gloves, water, and a garbage picker if you have one. Trash bags will be provided.