Care for some cranberries with your football?

Photo by Caitlin Morrow

Football season is right around the corner and many New Englanders are setting their sights for Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place. But for the rest of us, a picturesque, quintessentially New England secret lurks just behind Bass Pro Shops at Patriot Place. For those who've had enough of sports, concerts or shopping, the Ocean Spray cranberry bog and half-mile nature trail is a great spot to take the kids to see wildlife like birds or turtles, and for strolling couples and active walkers looking for a change of scenery.

Look! A Crane!

This cranberry bog was planted in 1929. Because the flower of the cranberry looks like the crane, head, and beak of a sandhill crane, the name "crane berry" came to be. Dating back to the 17th century, these berries have been used for medicinal purposes and health benefits. Along the path, there are red signs that reveal information about cranberries and their environment. It's a perfect blend of history and nature. 

Fauna with your flora

On our recent visit, the DayTripper Divas spotted an adorable pair of turtles, perched on a small wooden plank, basking in the warmth of the sun, and an "aw, so cute" escaped our lips. A variety of other animals are await explorers of all ages here.

Photo by Caitlin Morrow

With a separate parking lot, a sign pointing you in the right direction, and a DCR "Healthy Trail" certification, this destination is a hidden gem. We visited in mid-summer, but it's also strikingly beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing and the bright-red cranberry harvest is underway!

Horsing Around at Sweet Meadow Farm

In August, we headed out to celebrate a friend's birthday party at Sweet Meadow Farm in Sherborn (where my daughter and her friend Anna blissfully attended camp this summer). Owner Patty Michaud starts birthday parties at the barn and kids get to work with ponies, then tack up the horses. Each guest gets to ride and feed the horses. Then everyone heads up to the pet store at the Michauds' house, where they can observe and handle the guinea pigs, kittens, birds, and other small animals. Finally, guests enjoy a small party at the farm house or the new indoor barn, which includes a Sweet Meadow gift for the birthday girl. It's a bit pricey at about $30 per guest, but we are huge fans of Sweet Meadow. The Michaud family gives back to their community by donating equine therapy, and they do a great job of educating kids about animal care and enjoyment. (Grownup Alert: Sweet Meadow is also near the Natick Mall if you want to drop off!)

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Drop of Hope Photography Project

The Roots & Shoots youth organization invites everyone to participate in this year's Drop of Hope Water Photography Project. There are even a couple of spaces left in a special photography workshop at Deer Island on Sunday, August 23.

The project encourages youth participation in celebrating bodies of water, building awareness about water issues, as well as creating and enjoying art. Roots & Shoots is again working with the Griffin Museum of Photography and Boston Photography Center on this project. Roots & Shoots is founded by chimpanzee researcher and environmental activist Dr. Jane Goodall.

This project involves three stages:

1. Young people take photos and briefly write descriptions about bodies of water they have visited, projects they have done with water or water issues that are of concern to them.
2. Exhibit the photos and descriptions in an online Roots & Shoots photo gallery, allowing visitors to the gallery to learn about and comment on the photos. (Anyone may submit photos for this portion of the project.)
3. The eventual exhibition of a selected number of the photos in the Griffin Museum of Photography in Winchester, MA. (Only photos taken by Roots & Shoots members can be selected for this opportunity.)

click here for more information

Meadow Magic at Garden in the Woods

New England Wild Flower Society will celebrate "Meadow Magic" Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, 2009, at Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA. Garden in the Woods is open both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., however, special Meadow Magic events are scheduled noon to 4 p.m. There is free parking on premises both days.

See peak meadow bloom from ground level and above on the new Observation Deck. This will be the inaugural event for the 12' X 24' Observation Deck which will put a whole new perspective on looking at the meadow. Be amazed at the height of the wildflowers in the meadow. This can mean native species in bloom up to 7 or 8 feet tall. Beside these "giant sized" plants are others that are quite small and delicate.

Look for butterflies, bees, ladybugs, and more as they fly from flower to flower collecting and spreading pollen. Learn about plant pollinators, play games, and more. The Bugmobile brings craft projects and live bugs to the meadow. Enjoy a scavenger hunt in the Garden too. A beekeeper will join us at the Garden to explain how bees work in the web of life. Discover what a bee hive is all about, how bees make honey, and which bees make honey. Meet some fun, costumed characters who explain their roles in our ecosystems.

Take a special walking tour of the 45-acre botanic museum, scheduled at 2 p.m. both days. Tours, included in the price of general admission, cover the Invasive Plant Jail, Idea Garden, Lily Pond, Lost Pond, and unique New England Garden of Rare and Endangered Plants.

Visit the Garden Shop and its nursery to find which plants could bring beautiful insects and wildlife to your garden. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you in a butterfly garden design, birdhouse selection, or plant combo for a great container garden. Books and eco-friendly gifts complete the Garden Shop experience. Visitors receive a special discount on merchandise at he Garden Shop on August 15 and 16; 10% off the cost of native plants, books, eco-friendly gifts, clothing, and tools.

Founded in 1900, New England Wild Flower Society, the nation's oldest native plant conservation organization, promotes the conservation of temperate North American flora through education, research, horticulture, habitat preservation, and advocacy. The Society owns and operates Garden in the Woods, a 45-acre public botanic garden in Framingham, MA, and Nasami Farm, a 75-acre native plant nursery in Whately, MA, as well as ten sanctuaries located in New England. The Society's vision is a future where vigorous native plant populations live in healthy, balanced, natural ecosystems—protected, enjoyed, and beneficial to all life. For more information, visit newenglandwild.org.

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Saddle Up for a Birthday Party!

Winter? Schminter! We're bundling up and heading out next week to celebrate my daughter's 9th birthday party at Sweet Meadow Farm in Sherborn (where she and her friend Anna blissfully attended camp last summer). At the farm, owner Patty Michaud starts birthday parties at the barn and kids get to work with ponies, then tack up the horses. Weather permitting, each guest gets to ride and feed the horses. Then everyone heads up to the pet store at the Michauds' house, where they can observe and handle the guinea pigs, kittens, birds, and other small animals. Finally, guests go upstairs at the farmhouse for a small party which includes a Sweet Meadow gift for the birthday girl. It's a bit pricey at about $30 per guest, but we are huge fans of Sweet Meadow and the party is a reward for other achievements. (Grownup Alert: Sweet Meadow is also near the Natick Mall if you want to drop off!) When we return to Lillian's, there will be a movie and "campout" in a tent in the living room. Waffles with strawberries and whipped cream on Saturday morning. Wahoo!

Save the Date for Ed-Ventures on Sept. 19-21

Join the Family Resource Center of New England for a weekend of American "Ed-Ventures" and connect with a wide variety of family enrichment and homeschooling activities. Inspired by the upcoming election—and in the spirit of fun, learning and good citizenship—this year’s theme highlights significant historical and scientific events from America’s past that will encourage students to think of ways that they too can make a difference in our country’s future. The FRC Museum & Community Education Expo 2008 runs September 19 - 21, 2008 in Boxborough, MA.

Middlesex Fells Hiking

The DayTripper Divas & families love the Fells, year-round! Click here for photos.

Go Colonial - Make it Real

It's the beginning of the school year, and we all know what that means - our kids have cracked open their history books and started reading all about Jamestown, Plymouth, and the American Revolution.This fall, take history out of the classroom and make it real with a visit to one of The Trustees' colonial homes. Located in some of the state's most picturesque towns - and with beautiful grounds to explore - these homes are a terrific way to enjoy the season's foliage outside while uncovering Massachusetts' extraordinary history inside.

The Colonel John Ashley House, Sheffield
Built in 1735, the Ashley House has ties to the American Revolution and the anti-slavery movement.

The Old Manse, Concord
Overlooking the Old North Bridge, The Old Manse is the site of the famous "shot heard 'round the world" on April 19, 1775.

The Paine House at Greenwood Farm, Ipswich
Discover the unique charm of this 1694 house on its original saltwater farm location.

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Fall Events Near You

Sea Turtle Rescue on Cape Cod

One of the great things about living on Cape Cod is the tremendous number of opportunities to get involved with ongoing work to preserve the environment and to protect wildlife, reported reader Rick Silva on the Dispatches Gather group. Rick and friends volunteer at the Humane Society's Cape Wildlife Center, and are involved in saltmarsh monitoring through the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (also see the author's recent article on fish monitoring with the APCC). On Monday, Rick was among a large crowd of spectators who came to Dowses Beach in Osterville MA to watch a group of sea turtles get released into the wild.

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A few of the turtles seemed a bit confused at first, but then slowly headed down the beach...

Nature Educates at Harvard

This week's report from Rob Gogan's Nature Watch:

COTTONTAIL RABBIT hops leisurely through the grass by the Business School's Cotting Hall.

RED-TAILED HAWKS perching on light towers hunt young rabbits hopping out from beneath the shelter of Newell Boathouse. "Only the cautious survive," notes a boatman. Another curious red-tailed cocks its head 90 degrees to peer inside Holyoke Center 10th floor windows. Up above the roof of Holyoke Center, two red tails circle together. One of them alights on a cell phone antenna about 20 feet above Holyoke staffer...Cineaste immature red-tailed calls out plaintively for its parents from the tower of Memorial Hall, where Denzel Washington's large crew films "The Great Debaters.

WILD TURKEY returns to the HBS campus. She trots outside the fenced-in children's playground at the Soldiers Field Park day care center.

DOWNY WOODPECKER inspects the trunk of a maple on the bank opposite the Weld Boat House. Meanwhile, another downy feeds in a tall maple behind Widener and another patrols the bark of a tree near the Fogg... Black and white checker of another downy flashes into an elm near Memorial Hall.

BALTIMORE ORIOLE comes to light among the plane tree leaves on the corner of Western Avenue and Soldiers Field Road.

WHIPPOORWILL calls just before dawn behind Greenough Hall.

CAROLINA WRENS sing near 5 Bryant Street.

BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE flies about in the branches of the tree in front of the Fogg, calling sweetly.

ROBIN behind Grays Hall pulls up an earthworm and arranges it in his bill before flying off to feed his fledgling in a secure spot. A robin and several STARLINGS happily share the bathing opportunities of a puddle behind Sever Hall.

WHITE BUTTERFLIES flit among the white pine in Harvard Yard, on the ivy of the brick wall in front of Lamont on Mass Ave, and flit across Quincy Street towards the Yard.

RED ADMIRAL butterfly (Vanessa Atalanta) rests on a chainlink fence post by the experimental garden by the OEB Greenhouses. Three more Admirals butterflies also cross Quincy into the Yard from the Barker Center and the Faculty Club, probably after enjoying nectar and the flower garden in full bloom.

Big BUMBLE BEE enjoys a cone flower in front of Loeb House.

Blue CHICORY and yellow EVENING PRIMROSE come into bloom up and down both banks of the Charles.

See Ryan Lynch's fabulous website mapping and identifying (nearly) every Harvard Yard tree!

Thanks to birder and Harvard facilities associate manager Rob Gogan and his "Campus Nature Watchers" including Pete Atkinson, Betsey Cogswell, Marge Fisher, Justin Ide, Sonia Ketchian, Joe Shea, Bob Stymeist and Ray Traietti!

History Comes Alive in Sturbridge

See history come alive in quiet simplicity in Old Sturbridge Village, a little southwest of Worcester. This is a settlement created by gathering together and restoring original buildings from towns throughout New England. Trained guides demonstrate colonial life in this re-creation of an 1830s New England village. There are more than 40 restored structures, including a school, a tavern, a few churches, a meeting house, a bank, some shops, and several homes. In addition, there's a working farm and a water-powered mill. The costumed staff demonstrates the making of soap, bread,shoes, tinware, and even horseshoes, all in historically accurate costumes. Map

Oceans of Fun in Woods Hole

Woods Hole makes a great day destination from Greater Boston. In the far part of Falmouth, there is the free Woods Hole Science Aquarium run by the National Fisheries Service (check hours) and a museum at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute focusing on underwater exploration and climate change.

Woods Hole and Falmouth also have some neat beaches that usually aren't overrun with tourists. Our favorite, especially for young children, is Woodneck Beach in Falmouth - part of it is a very calm marsh/sandpit area with tons of hermit crabs, and other creatures. .

There 's a fun bakery called Pie in the Sky in Woods Hole with outdoor tables, casual but nice, with great meal choices. Also Falmouth proper, near the center of town, has a brand new large playground with all kinds of cool ocean-related things; including a little
lighthouse you can climb up; it's very close to the library; by an elementary school.

We have family in Falmouth; so we go there quite often. It's about 1 3/4 hr. drive, with no traffic (we go down the 128 to Rt. 24 way). It's best to avoid rush hour, for a day trip, leaving VERY early in the a.m. is recommended.

Many thanks for this day trip tip from Jeanne Wells Hobbie, formerly of the Arlington Family Connection board, and director of Mystic River Musik.

Botanical Delights in Acton

The Day Tripper Divas recently rediscovered that Acton Arboretum, near the town's center, is an easy place to take a stroll and get a beautiful botanical education. Choose from the Orchard Loop, the Wildflower Loop, or the Highland/Bog Loop; and/or take a picnic and visit the nearby nursery. Enter via Wood Lane, Minot Avenue, or Taylor Road. Information is availalble at the website or by calling the arborists at 978-264-9631. The site is in Acton, about 15 minutes from 2/128. Many pathways are wheelchair/stroller friendly, and the Arboretum is working on making more trails accessible.

'Tripping Into Plimoth

Early one morning this week, I traveled down Route 3A in Plymouth on my way to Manomet to have breakfast with [some friends]. This is a Saturday morning ritual . . . it's a time for us to connect, share ideas and talk about the books we're reading and the places we have been during the week. After a hearty breakfast at The Three Sisters, by 8:45 I was traveling north on 3A when I saw the sign for Plimoth Plantation. Although I knew that as a Massachusetts teacher, admission would be free, I chose not to go in the Visitor's Center and check in. Instead, I took the winding staff path past the Visitor's Center to the Wampanoag Homesite. Though it was fun watching the young women in the Pilgrim costumes and imagining being a young maiden wearing layers of long skirts, but I'm glad I live in the 21st century! - adapted from a contribution by Elizabeth Mills Evans of Gather (see Golfing for Crabs)

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Organic Education

Strawberry picking with 3 kids last week at Land's Sake Farm was a great experience, and even though it was the day after their Strawberry Festival, we managed three quick pints. The farm stand offered a nice selection of early greens, shallots, jam & honey, and the promise of much more was growing nearby.

This 30-acre organic farm emphasizes education with camps like Green Power for middle schoolers going throughout the summer, programs for urban kids, and after-school and weekend educational offerings during the school year.

It's a Jungle in There!

Go ahead, take off that parka - you're surrounded by more than 1,000 varieties of exotic plants glistening with a tropical humidity that belies the date on your calendar. Short of a Caribbean cruise, the Margaret C. Ferguson Greenhouses at Wellesley College are the best pick-me-up around for frozen New Englanders. Bring a sketchbook and a folding chair, or hunt for the lone bench secreted amid one of the lushest spots in the greenhouses and read a book. Seldom crowded, the 15 interconnected greenhouses are free and open every day of the year from 8 am to 4 pm. Parking's nearby, so leave your coat in the car - you'll warm up when you get inside. Wellesley College is at 106 Central Street, Wellesley, and the website gives good directions through the campus. Tel: (781) 283-3094; 15 minutes from the intersection of Routes 2 & 128.

Childcare & Preschool Options Book

Arlington Family Connection has just released its 2006 edition of Childcare & Preschool Options in Arlington. This comprehensive booklet of preschools, daycare centers and other childcare options is a must-have resource for parents in Arlington and surrounding communities. The booklets are available for sale for $8 at the PTO Thrift Shop (basement of Fox Library, 175 Mass. Ave., E. Arlington) and at Isis Maternity (397 Mass. Ave., Arlington). They are also available for sale for $9 (includes shipping and handling) through Arlington Family Connection's website.

ROCK ON! Celebrating Stone in the Garden

New England Wild Flower Society’s Garden in the Woods features 37 stone sculptures by top New England artists in a glorious 45-acre garden setting now through October 15. Sculptural and environmental works by Curtis, Hoffman, Kuyper, Mazur, Phillips, Rudnicki, Stanley, and Wheelwright surrounded by 1,500 wildflower species on garden trails and in natural areas. Fruits, foliage, and berries highlight the season. Kids and adults can make their own sculptures at the Interactive Mini-sculpture Park. Special events like Meadow Madness on Aug. 26-27 run rain or shine throughout the show, check the website for schedule.

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North Shore Children's Museum Update

A reader discovered several changes took place during last year's move of the North Shore Children's Museum in Salem. The famous 50ft. tugboat and a few of their other old favorites were not moved to the new location, but the new spot now features a cool fire truck, some computers, a tide pool, ball activities, an indoor play structure, pretend stage complete with TV and costumes, a pretend diner, dentist office and post office. Admission is a reasonable $4.50. Thanks to Linda de Valpine for this update!

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Organic Pickings at Old Frog Pond Farm

At Old Frog Pond Farm in Harvard, a giant stone tortoise (photo) is just one of a fascinating array of installations by sculptor/farmer Linda Hoffman. This fall, visitors can pick their own organic raspberries, apples, and get a tour of Hoffman's sculpture studio (call ahead). The 2-acre apple orchard was certified organic in 2006 and raspberry certification is expected in 2007.

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