What's New
Hike to Wachusett's Vernal Pools
Everyone learns something at Wachusett's annual hike to vernal pools. Here the participants see a dragonfly nymph (aquatic phase) up close.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
We had a good turnout at the vernal pool hike with nearly 20 people at the first pond. As we got closer to the top of the mountain and the weather got worse, we lost most of the starting lineup, but ended up with 5 that made the entire trip.
All in all a good success.
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Interpretive Program Events
Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Interpreters create enriching educational programs, signage, printed materials, exhibits, as well as provide formal and informal educational opportunities for students and teachers and special events for residents and visitors. If you haven't already, go on an interpretive walk, talk with the interpreter, or just stop by the visitor's center, we promise you'll like what you find!
Interpretive Program details ...
All programs are free and open to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information call (978) 464-2987.
June 2008 Calendar
0608calendarDCR.pdf (84 kB)
0608calendarDCR.doc (56 kB)
All 2008 calendars ...
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New Research
Natural Resources Practicum: A Fish Species Survey at Wachusett Mountain State Reservation
Jeremiah Driscoll
Natural Resources Technology
Professor Tom Montagno
Spring 2007
Native Brown Bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus)
Abstract
The natural resources practicum began 1 year in advance of completion. The idea of doing a fish sampling resulted from brainstorming with Wachusett Mountain State Reservation Ecologist, Doug Williams. Once the topic was chosen, much research was needed to identify bodies of water that were to be sampled. A list was made of the locations to be sampled on a collection permit application.
Once a permit was obtained sampling begun at the selected sites: Bolton Brook, Bolton Pond, Echo Lake, the Greene Pond, West Wachusett Brook and the Summit Pool. Minnow trapping was done at all six locations first, and then an electroshock backpack was then used by Division of Fisheries and Wildlife biologist, Mark Brideau at applicable sites. The method of gillnetting was also done at two larger bodies of water: Echo Lake and Greene Pond.
Much of the findings of minnow trapping were mirrored by the methods of electroshock and gillnetting. The species of fish found throughout the Reservation waters were: Eastern Brook Trout, Brown Bullhead, Golden Pond Shiners, Chain Pickerel, Pumpkinseed and Goldfish. All of the species present are native to Massachusetts with exception to the Goldfish, which were introduced into the Summit Pool.
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Join today!
Join the Friends of Wachusett Mountain today! An annual Family Membership is only $20, and an Individual Membership is $15.
Download a Membership Application either PDF or Word format:
FWMembership.pdf (195 kB)
FWMembership.doc (255 kB)
Please make checks payable to Friends of Wachusett Mountain and mail completed membership application and check to:
Friends of Wachusett Mountain
PO Box 301
Princeton, MA 01541-0301
Thank you for your contribution! If you have any questions or comments please e-mail us at scott@friendsofwachusett.org.
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