View or download the November/December 2018 issue as a color PDF here, or read single articles below.

 

Articles in this issue:

Belmont: Town of Homes and Trees

An overview of the status of town trees, past and present

by Lucia Gates

In Belmont, we hold our trees in esteem for their beauty, shade, and the value they add to our property. Our magnificent copper beeches grow throughout town. A wonderful example of these trees stands just east of Cushing Square, along Trapelo Road. Moreover, Belmont has all of the standard Eastern urban trees—callery pears, ginkos, Norway maples—as well as the standard Eastern forest trees—maples, oaks, and pines. What we often don’t consider when admiring this bounty of trees is the current status of our town trees and what might impact them in the future. Read more.

 

Tree Stewardship

by Carolyn Bishop

When surrounded by beauty, we often take it for granted until we notice its decline. So it may be with our town trees. Many Belmont streets are distinguished by a canopy of large, gracious trees. But are we protecting this valuable asset? What silent threats should we be aware of to preserve this beauty? Read more.

 

LimeBikes: We Tested One for You

Two engineers analyze the pros and cons of Belmont’s bike-share pilot program

by Sumner Brown and David Chase

LimeBikes are not great bicycles, but they may be the best bike for you. They came to Belmont this past July, seemingly in plentiful supply. You probably noticed them. They are bright green and yellow and designed to be noticed. Read more.

 

Bike-Share Comes to Belmont: A Conversation with Belmont Town Planner Spencer Gober

Total rides: 2,291
Average rides per day: 24
Total unique riders: 1,065
Total distance traveled: 1,895.7 miles
Read more.

 

Where Your Drinking Water Comes From

by Ria Convery

Have you ever wondered where your water comes from? Well, it’s kind of a long story. The short answer is that Belmont, like most of eastern and central Massachusetts, gets its water from two reservoirs of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA): the Quabbin Reservoir in Belchertown and the Wachusett Reservoir in Clinton. Read more.

 

Environmental Events, Nov/Dec 2018

Owl Prowl, Turkey Time, Fells BioBliss, StreetTalk, Cimate Change, and more. Read more.