Follow the Trail with Bill Reid,
The Last Green Valley's Chief Ranger
Remember our region’s veterans and their sacrifices
On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month 100 years ago, the hostilities of World War I ended. Originally called Armistice Day, today is Veterans Day, our national holiday to honor U.S. veterans and casualties of all wars. Veterans Day is always…
Can’t Miss the Signs of November
A couple of weeks ago I did the one act signifying I am finally resigned to the change of seasons. I did the unthinkable for mid-October and turned on the heat in the house. Any self-respecting Yankee knows Nov. 1 is the start of heating…
Pine Cone-Hoarding Red Squirrel Keeps Its Eyes On You
“There is something very human in this apparent mirth and mockery of the squirrels. It seems to be a sort of ironical laughter and implies self-conscious pride and exultation in the laughter.” From “Squirrels and Other Fur-Bearers” by John Burroughs It was one of those glorious…
Invading House Sparrow Threatens Bluebird
For the past few years I have used this column to focus on several invasive plant and insect species that are having a negative impact on our forests and fields. These invaders thrive here, in part because they inhabit an environment free of natural predators…
More Bears Seen in Our Backyards
Perfect Habitat for Forest-dwelling Bears Hardly a week goes by that I don’t hear of a black bear sighting somewhere nearby. I have seen them dart across woodsy roads and once came upon black bear scat too close to my house for comfort. During the…
Walktober Offers Something For Everyone This Fall
To be a true New Englander is to enjoy and live gladly within the essence of the four seasons. To me, no month defines New England and our seasons like October. Autumn may astronomically begin in September, but October entrances the senses. The sudden chill…
The Amazing Monarch Butterfly Can Be Raised — By You
“The caterpillar does all the work, but the butterfly gets all the publicity.” — George Carlin There is nothing quite like seeing a monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), our best-known and most popular butterfly in North America. Its large size and brilliant orange, black and white…
Autumn in The Last Green Valley Filled with Adventure
Last night, at exactly 9:45 p.m., the seasons turned with the autumnal equinox. Today is the first day of fall, the best time of year to experience New England and, certainly, a big reason why we love living here in The Last Green Valley. With…
Devastating 1938 Hurricane Not Forgotten
Here in New England, we have experienced our share of hurricanes, but it is the Great Hurricane of 1938 that is still remembered today for its devastation and destruction. When I was 4 years old my family moved to a new house in the town…
Slow Down and You’ll See More
“Nellie’s advance is always at a snail’s pace. I once timed her on a solitary circuit around the pond and found that, at that speed, it would take her eleven hours to travel a mile. Her motto, she says is: Go Slow and See More.”…
More to explore as season starts to change
September is here. Summer is slowly ripening into autumn and the bounty of the harvest is ready for picking. The seasonal cycle whispers in our ears the softer yet persistent sounds of nature. The singing birds are quiet now, their chorus replaced by the staccato…
TLGV active in keeping rivers clean, region green
Finding discarded litter along roadsides, walking trails, in rivers and streams is a major pet peeve of mine. For the life of me, I just can’t understand what could possibly being going through someone’s mind as he or she tosses food wrappings, coffee cups, cigarette…