Belmont Roots May/June 2020

By Meg Muckenhoupt

As of press time, many wonderful events and presentations have been cancelled this spring, and it isn’t clear when they will begin again. Habitat is closed, even to casual walkers, as the meadows and wetlands resound with the calls of wood frogs and warblers, woodcocks and owls. There are green shoots swelling, and nests filling with young. The evening air grows warmer, and the sunsets stretch into the night. But we humans are stuck inside. Instead of a list of classes, walks, and seminars, here are  some intriguing local webinars and sites that might keep you occupied until a freer, easier time.

The Belmont Historical Society has several videos and slides from past presentations, including a talk on the Spanish Influenza in Waltham and a video about the history of the Baker Chocolate Company. There are even more Historical Society videos available in the Belmont Media Archive, including a talk on the origins of McLean Hospital and a history of Boston restaurants for all of us who grow weary of eating at home. 

Grow Native Massachusetts, which seeks to “inspire people to action across the Commonwealth, on behalf of native plants and the diversity of life they support,” has past “Evenings with Experts” talks on their site. You can view videos with intriguing titles such as “The Challenge and Promise of Restoring Urban Landscapes,” “More than Just the Buzz: Finding Real Solutions to Native Pollinator Declines,” and “Sugar, Sex, and Poison: Understanding the Vital Powers of Plants.”

If you’re curious about why it’s important to protect Little Pond and the Little River, you can see other residents of the Mystic River Watershed (which drains a good chunk of Belmont along with the Alewife Brook) on the Mystic Herring Count Cam. Between now and mid- to late June, you can volunteer to count herring appearing on camera from the comfort of your own home. 

Let’s keep Belmont’s water clean so our little spawning friends can stay healthy. One way to do that is to learn more about managing stormwater and protecting wetlands. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has published a series of videos on vulnerable wetlands, including headwaters and vernal pools. Knowledge is power. 

For views of more warm-blooded creatures, the Waltham Land Trust has pictures and videos of a variety of critters sighted nearby. The Trust’s site also features a page of maps of local trails that you may not have visited, including the entire Western Greenway. 

Finally, to cure quarantine wanderlust, you can take a virtual visit to Lone Tree Hill by mountain bike, or tour Boston’s Connect Historic Boston Bike Trail. In the meantime, pump up your tires, grease your chain, and adjust your brake cables; when the all-clear comes, you’ll be ready to ride.