Rally for the Highland Communities:
A Call to Action with Tom Wessels in Ashfield

(Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)

Mark Wamsley of the Highland Communities Initiative writes:

Generations of residents have shaped the Highlands– stone by stone, farm by farm, and trail by trail. What role can you and your family play in its future? The Highland Communities Initiative invites you to rally for our region at the Bullitt Reservation (332 Bullitt Rd.) in Ashfield on Saturday, September 17th from 9AM to 2PM. Come and celebrate the towns we call home, deepen your community connections, learn new ways of protecting the special places that you care about…and have fun doing it!

We’re calling the rally  “a really fun conference, or a country fair with an important purpose.”  We’ll kick things off with a keynote speech by ecologist Tom Wessels.  Already noted for his keen eye on New England’s rural past, this time Tom will offer insights on the road ahead, illuminating lessons the natural world holds for creating resilient communities and economies.

(Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)

Afterward, those looking to lend a hand can connect with the many local groups showcasing their work at the rally (including Hilltown Families), hear inspiring stories of communities uniting together, or learn more about the positive steps you can take on their own property.  Free consultations with home energy or land conservation experts will be available, but sign up early!  If you’re just looking to revel in the sun on a beautiful (hopefully!) fall day, fun, family-friendly activities and demonstrations will abound as you explore the vibrant farm landscape at the Bullitt Reservation.

Activities perfect for families include:

• 10:30-12:30—Planting For Fall in the Demonstration Kitchen Garden (Kid Friendly)
  Join School Sprouts, an educational gardening organization in harvesting the Bullitt garden’s crops and preparing the beds for fall.  We’ll harvest our heritage wheat grains, build a hoop house, plant frost-tolerant plants, and mulch the beds for the winter.

• 10:45 and 11:30—Find the Invader!  (Kid Friendly)
  This fun treasure hunt will teach kids how to identify troublesome plant and insect invader in their local landscapes.

• 

  (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)

  Anytime—Pebble Discovery Hike (Kid Friendly)
  Take a moderate, ¾ mile hike to the giant  “Pebble.”  Sit on the bench at the top of the field and enjoy the view of Mount Owen.  Or, take the self-guided Discovery Hike and find signs of ancient glaciers and recent wildlife.

• For the complete rally schedule, click HERE.

Guests may bring their own lunches or purchase one at the rally offered by Elmer’s General Store, Pre-registration is encouraged and some consultations have limited space. For more information and to pre-register call 413-628-4485 or email mwamsley@ttor.org. We hope to see you there!

– Mark Wamsley, Program & Outreach Coordinator, Highland Communities Initiative, The Trustees of Reservations

Saturday, September 17, 2011 | 9AM-2PM | TTOR Members and Children under 12: FREE. Nonmembers: Adult $5. Bullitt Reservation, 332 Bullitt Rd. Ashfield, MA 413-628-4485