Carlisle Nature Walks & Talks: 2023
These nature outings and lectures in Carlisle are hosted by CCF and other local organizations. Unless otherwise noted, the walks and lectures are free of charge and beginner-friendly; all are welcome. Most walks last two to three hours at a leisurely pace. Be prepared for wet conditions underfoot; bring binoculars if you have them. If you have any questions, contact the outing leader via email by clicking on their names below. Or contact CCF Board member Alan Ankers by email at alankers@comcast.net.
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Sunday, October 1 – Bird Walk, Foss Farm(CCF, Menotomy Bird Club – Alan Ankers)
Join us as we search for fall migrants such as sparrows and raptors in the community gardens and farm fields, including the old piggery and, if conditions permit, explore the wooded wetlands alongside the Concord River.
Meet at Foss Farm parking lot.
Start time 8:00 A.M. The walk will last about two hours.
Saturday, October 21 – Bird Walk, Cranberry Bog(CCF, Menotomy Bird Club – Alan Ankers)
Our final bird walk of the fall will search for newly-arrived winter visitors and late fall migrants — waterbirds, raptors and songbirds. We’ll also explore the wonders of the manure pit.
Meet at the Cranberry Bog House on Curve Street.
Start time 8:00 A.M. The walk will last about two hours.
Thursday, November 16 – Meet the Friendly Flies - Library talk at 7pm(CCF, GPL, Linda Graetz)
Stay that hand before you swat one of these two-winged wonders! We humans harbor too many fears and misconceptions about our friends the flies. Sure, some of them cause trouble, but can you think of one creature on earth that doesn’t? Learn more about our friends the flies in this visual and reflective introduction with educator and insect enthusiast, Linda Graetz. Like our fellow humans, there are thousands of flies out there ready to help us thrive on this beautiful planet. And, like our fellow humans, there are flies whose fascinating lives and sheer beauty just might fill you with awe. Flies are a complex group of insects; some we call "bad" and some we call "good". That alone leads us to reflect more deeply on our permanent and unbreakable bond to the natural world
Gleason Public Library (co-sponsored CCF/GPL)
Start time 7pm
Previous Events & Outings
Walks & talks from earlier this year.
Saturday, April 1 – Bird Walk, Greenough Land(CCF, Menotomy Bird Club – Alan Ankers)
Look for lingering winter visitors and early migrants in the varied habitats of the Greenough Conservation Land, including ducks on the pond. Depending on conditions, we may also check out vernal pools for herps.
Meet at the main parking lot opposite 811 Maple Street.
Start time 7:30 A.M. The walk will last about two hours.
Saturday, April 29 – Vernal Pool Walk, Conant Land(CCF, Trails Committee – Bryan Windmiller)
Bryan Windmiller, founder of the Headstart program for Blanding’s Turtles, will lead this walk to visit a vernal pool. Learn about some of the creatures, such as frogs & salamanders, that make use of this habitat. This will be part of the Boston Area City Nature Challenge.
Meet at the end of the Town Hall parking lot.
Start time 10:30 A.M. The walk will last about two hours.
Sunday, April 30 – Bird Walk, Foss Farm(CCF, Menotomy Bird Club – Alan Ankers)
We'll search for early migrants (sparrows, swallows, raptors & the first of the warblers) in the community gardens, farm fields, the old piggery and fields that are now part of Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (GMNWR).
Meet at the Foss Farm parking lot off Bedford Road, just west of the bridge over the Concord River.
Start time 7:00 A.M. The walk will last about two hours.
Saturday, June 10 – Dragonflies at the Bog(CCF – Alan Ankers)
Learn about the jewels of the insect world as we walk the trails of the Cranberry Bog for dragonflies and damselflies (collectively known as “odes”). We’ll also check out butterflies and anything else interesting that we come across.
Meet at the Cranberry Bog House on Curve Street.
Start time 10:00 A.M.
Sunday, July 2 – MORE Dragonflies at the Bog(CCF – Alan Ankers)
Learn about the jewels of the insect world as we walk the trails of the Cranberry Bog for dragonflies and damselflies (collectively known as “odes”). We’ll also check out butterflies and anything else interesting that we come across.
Meet at the Cranberry Bog House on Curve Street.
Start time 10:00 A.M.
Saturday, July 29 – Mushroom Walk, Conant Land(CCF, Trails Committee – Kay Hurley)
Join the search for wild mushrooms and learn about their various characteristics. Wet weather in the previous days should bring out a good variety of fungi. Feel free to bring mushrooms you have found elsewhere for identification.
Meet at Conant Land parking lot, behind Town Hall
Start time 1:00 P.M. The walk will last about two hours.
Saturday, August 5– MORE Dragonflies at the Bog(CCF – Alan Ankers)
Learn about the jewels of the insect world as we walk the trails of the Cranberry Bog for dragonflies and damselflies (collectively known as “odes”). We’ll also check out butterflies and anything else interesting that we come across.
Meet at the Cranberry Bog House on Curve Street.
Start time 10:00 A.M.
Saturday, September 2 – Bugs at the Bog(CCF, Linda Graetz)
On this Insect Walk, we will look for & observe some of the 28 or so insect orders; we’ll target species in 7 of the orders and expect to find a few more. We’ll compare beetles and true bugs; bees and bee mimics; grasshoppers and katydids. Bring a hand lens if you have one, sunscreen & water. Binoculars & camera will also be useful.
Meet at the Cranberry Bog House on Curve Street.
Start time 10:30 A.M. The walk will last about two hours.