Mount Grace ED Emma Ellsworth Appointed to MassWildlife Board
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust is pleased to announce their Executive Director Emma Ellsworth has been appointed as a member of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) Board. This appointment was made official July 18th and she will begin serving the Commonwealth with seven other board members at monthly public meetings.
The Board is responsible for supervising and controlling the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, has hiring authority over agency staff, and makes decisions concerning the acquisition and protection of land and water for wildlife.
"We are extremely proud that Emma has been chosen to serve on the Board of such an important conservation partner. As a long-time collaborator in the NQRLP [North Quabbin Regional Landscape Partnership], MassWildlife has been a valuable ally in our work conserving land and fighting climate change, helping to inform our understandings of wildlife management and natural heritage. Emma's love of the land and her experience as an outdoorswoman will be a benefit to MassWildlife and will strengthen the partnership between Mount Grace and MassWildlife long into the future," said Max Feldman, President of the Mount Grace Board of Directors.
The MassWildlife Board's mandate is to protect and manage the wildlife of the Commonwealth as an essential public natural resource for the use and enjoyment of all citizens who hunt, fish, trap, and enjoy nature study and observation.
Commissioner Ron Amidon announced the Governor's appointments and introduced the new members at the Board's July monthly business meeting. "All four citizens joining the Fisheries and Wildlife Board are lifelong outdoors-people and conservationists," the Commissioner said, "and I and MassWildlife Director Mark Tisa look forward to working with the new members and the entire Board to continue to advance the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, and habitat in the Commonwealth."
As Executive Director of Mount Grace, Ellsworth leads the 36-year-old land trust in achieving its mission to benefit the environment, the economy, and future generations by protecting significant agricultural, natural, and scenic lands and encouraging land stewardship in northern and central Massachusetts.
The goals of both Mount Grace and of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Board have clear overlap, allowing Ellsworth to effectively work toward the shared goals of both organizations.
"My hope as Executive Director of Mount Grace and a member of the MassWildlife board is to help bridge differences between people who love the land, so we can collaborate more and come together as a community in the face of so much urgent pressure from development and climate change. Whether we are hunters, anglers, bird watchers, hikers, or just people who breathe air and drink water, we have a common purpose and common need," said Ellsworth.
September 2022 Events at Dunn State Park
All programs are free and open to the public, a parking fee may apply. Bring water, wear sunscreen/bug spray, and dress for the outdoors. Sturdy footwear is strongly recommended for hiking programs. An adult must accompany all children. Inclement weather cancels hiking programs. For more information call (978) 632-7897 or visit: www.mass.gov/locations/dunn-state-park
Dunn State Park is located at 289 Pearl St., Gardner, MA 01440.
EXPLORE NATURE HIKE
Mondays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Take a hike with us through the woods as we explore the Natural World with guided walks, games, and activities. Each week we will cover a different topic from creepy crawlies to trees, to birds.
Meet at the Visitor Center. Appropriate for ages 6 and above. Approximately one mile over easy to moderate terrain.
FITNESS HIKE
Saturdays, 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Why pay for a gym when you can exercise outdoors? Hike with us and use the exercise equipment along the way.
Meet at the Visitor Center. Appropriate for ages 16 and above. Talk to a doctor before starting any exercise routine.
KIDLEIDOSCIPE
Fridays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Join us each week for Kidleidoscope! We will read a short book, followed by a light outdoor activity or a hike. Afterwards, enjoy a kid-friendly craft that relates to the story. Each week has its own theme, so stop by often!
Meet on the Visitor Center deck. Deigned for ages 3 to 6. Siblings are welcome. During inclement weather, this will be held in the Visitor Center.
MOBILE NATURE CENTER
Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
We bring the nature center to you! Check out pelts, skulls, and other items related to the animals that live in the park. Stay for five minutes or an hour! Bring your questions.
Meet on the path next to the beach. Suitable for all ages.
MUCKING ABOUT
Saturdays, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Take a peek under the surface of the Dunn Pond! Explore the bugs, tadpoles, newts and other creatures that live here. We'll use nets and buckets to catch (and then release!) some cool critters. Stay for five minutes or the whole time.
This program takes place at the northeast corner of the pond. Follow the signs to get there. Appropriate for ages 6 and above.
SUPER SENSES HIKE
Saturdays, 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Come join us as we walk the Woodland Trail and explore our 5 senses. See how our senses relate to the animals that call the woods home.
Meet at the Visitor Center. Appropriate for ages 4 and above. An Alternate program will be held at the Visitor Center during inclement weather.
THE FALLEN LOG
Sundays and Fridays, 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
It's amazing how many things live in and on rotting logs. We will take a close look at some fallen logs and see what kind of insects we can find. Be ready to get your hands dirty!
Meet at the Visitor Center. Appropriate for ages 6 and above. About one mile over easy terrain.