Nature Sighting

Vernal Pool Critters

Photo of probable hybrid/jefferson blue spotted salamander was taken on March 18, 2021 near a vernal pool in Westford by Diane Duane. To learn more about salamanders, wood frogs, peepers and other critters in vernal pools, check out this info from Littleton Conservation Dept. If you want more info on vernal pools in general, there … Read more

Coyote

This picture was taken in the morning on October 31st by Jeff Morse at a small nearby pond at the corner of Vose road and Old Lowell Rd in Westford To learn more about Coyotes in MA, check out Mass Audubon at https://www.massaudubon.org/learn/nature-wildlife/mammals/coyotes

Late Summer Visitors

Here are a few recent sightings of Monarch Butterflies along with a Tiger Swallowtail, Fritillary and Hummingbird Moth. All enjoying some nectar from Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) which can aggressively reseed so best to keep an eye on where you plant this butterfly attracting shrub. These were all seen in late summer – August and … Read more

Marsh Marigold

Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) seen next to Vine Brook April 21, 2020, South Westford – photo courtesy of Ron Gemma NATURE NOTES* By ANNIE REID Westborough Community Land Trust Marsh-marigolds in our streams and swamps The branches are still bare and the day is chilly, but you know it’s spring when you see a bouquet … Read more

Skunk Cabbage – Tom Paul Trail (lower section)

One of the newly emerged skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) seen next to the extensive bog bridges on the lower section of the Tom Paul Trail – photo by Bill Duane, March 27, 2020 From New England Wildlife Center, Weymouth, MA – Native to eastern North America, skunk cabbage prefers to grow in wetlands. This plant … Read more