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Welcome to June! Summer officially begins on June 21st, which is the summer solstice and longest day of the year. We have had some summery weather already and with it welcome the return of the Lexington Farmers' Market and LexFarm’s farm stand and CSA. The Farm is celebrating the solstice with a Summer Solstice Yoga Retreat. Check it out below!
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This month we also highlight Energize Lexington, a site that brings together all sorts of climate solutions, in one place, with recommendations. What a great resource! Check it out and “sign in” before June 15th to be enrolled in a raffle for books, gift certificates to local businesses and more. Be sure to take a “deep dive” on topics that interest you.
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Read on to learn about all these things and more.
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In This Issue – June 2022:
- "Call of the Forest" Virtual Screening and Discussion, 6/14
- Bill McKibben "What Happened?" Presentation, 6/28
- Amber Carr Lexington Conservation Presentation, 6/7
- Track Your Climate Actions @ Energize Lexington
- CLC Nature Walks: Route G (6/5) and Whipple Hill (6/12)
- LexFarm Farm Stand Is Now Open!
- 11th Hour Calling at First Parish, 6/11
- LPS Green Team Curbside Composting Petition
- Lex Farmers' Market Open Every Tuesday!
- Four Great Bike Events/Classes, 6/4, 6/18, 6/25
- Bee Tracking Event at Wright Farm, 6/11
- "ZeroToGo" Reusable Takeout Program Kicks Off
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"Call of the Forest" - Virtual Film Screening and Discussion
Tuesday, June 14, 2022, 7:00-8:45PM
Virtual Event: Sign Up With This LINK
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Join Cary Library for a virtual screening of the documentary, Call of The Forest – The Forgotten Wisdom of Trees. The film follows Diana Beresford-Kroeger as she explores the most beautiful forests in the Northern Hemisphere and shares the amazing stories behind the history and legacy of these ancient forests.
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She'll investigate the biological and spiritual connections to the forests and explain the roles they play in protecting and feeding our planet. Her journey around the globe explores the science, folklore, and restoration challenges of this essential ecosystem.
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Diana Beresford-Kroeger is a world recognized author, medical biochemist and botanist. She has a unique combination of western scientific knowledge and the traditional concepts of the ancient world. Orphaned in Ireland in her youth, Beresford-Kroeger was educated by elders who instructed her in the Brehon knowledge of plants and nature. Told she was the last child of ancient Ireland and to one day bring this knowledge to a troubled future, Beresford-Kroeger has done exactly that.
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Her Bioplan is an ambitious plan encouraging ordinary people to develop a new relationship with nature, to join together to replant the global forest. Her books include The Sweetness of a Simple Life, The Global Forest, Arboretum Borealis, Arboretum America, and A Garden for Life. Diana Beresford-Kroeger was inducted as a Wings Worldquest fellow in 2010, she was elected as a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in 2011. More recently, in 2016, the Society named her one of 25 women explorers of Canada. In addition, in 2011 she was named one of Utne Reader’s World Visionaries.
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Please join us for a discussion directly after the film, moderated by Nancy Sofen, a member of the Lexington Tree Committee. Registration is required for this virtual event.
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This program is made possible by the generous donors to the Cary Library Foundation.
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This program is in partnership with the Lexington Climate Action Network (LexCAN).
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"What Happened? Lexington As a Microcosm of the Last Fifty Years in America" - a Virtual Event with Bill McKibben
Tuesday, June 28, 2022, 7:00-8:00PM
Virtual Event: Sign Up With This LINK
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A limited number of signed copies are available for purchase through Porter Square Books. Otherwise, you can purchase copies of the book from their bookstore.
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Bill McKibben is founder of Third Act, which organizes people over the age of 60 for action on climate and justice.
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His 1989 book The End of Nature is regarded as the first book for a general audience about climate change, and has appeared in 24 languages. He’s gone on to write 20 books, and his work appears regularly in periodicals from the New Yorker to Rolling Stone. He serves as the Schumann Distinguished Scholar in Environmental Studies at Middlebury College, as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and he has won the Gandhi Peace Prize as well as honorary degrees from 20 colleges and universities. He was awarded the Right Livelihood Award, sometimes called the alternative Nobel, in the Swedish Parliament. Foreign Policy named him to its inaugural list of the world’s 100 most important global thinkers.
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McKibben helped found 350.org, the first global grassroots climate campaign, which has organized protests on every continent, including Antarctica, for climate action. He played a leading role in launching the opposition to big oil pipeline projects like Keystone XL, and the fossil fuel divestment campaign, which has become the biggest anti-corporate campaign in history, with endowments worth more than $40 trillion stepping back from oil, gas and coal. He stepped down as board chair of 350 in 2015, and left the board and stepped down from his volunteer role as senior adviser in 2020, accepting emeritus status. He lives in the mountains above Lake Champlain with his wife, the writer Sue Halpern, where he spends as much time as possible outdoors. In 2014, biologists credited his career by naming a new species of woodland gnat — Megophthalmidia mckibbeni — in his honor.
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Registration is required to attend this virtual program. If you have not received the link after signing up, be sure to check your spam folder. Otherwise, contact [email protected] with any issues.
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LexCAN Community Meeting - Featuring Amber Carr, Lexington's Conservation Coordinator
Tuesday, June 7, 2022, 7:00-8:30PM
Virtual Event: Email [email protected] for Zoom link
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Ms. Carr will discuss Lexington's work on maintaining our conservation lands and how this helps Lexington protect our natural carbon sinks.
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Amber is a trained ecologist specializing in land management for targeted wildlife species. She has over 15 years of experience working for federal, state, and non-profit agencies throughout New England.
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Her background in wildlife biology encompasses observation and management for a wide variety of coastal and inland species including birds, herps, and mammals. She also has a strong background in establishing and maintaining cross organizational partnerships to work on collaborative goals across jurisdictional boundaries.
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Ms. Carr’s talk will be followed by a Q&A session.
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We’re excited to share with you a platform designed to help Lexington’s residents take meaningful action to address climate change. What we do now, and in the near future, will determine the health of our planet and its living systems.
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The website, Energize Lexington, offers a toolbox of best practices that people can use in their daily lives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and live more sustainably. It also enables us to monitor our progress as a community by tracking our individual actions and aggregating their total climate impact.
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And please SIGN UP as a user so we can track our collective progress toward eliminating Lexington’s greenhouse gas emissions It's free, easy and your email will never be shared.
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We need people who are already climate-motivated to help us populate the site, write testimonials about the actions they’ve taken, and help encourage other people to join.
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Sign up before June 15th and you will be entered into our Energize Lexington RAFFLE! Prizes include gift cards to Center Goods, a new local business with everyday goods, ethically sourced, and Maxima Book Center!
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ACROSS Lexington Route G Walk
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Sunday, June 5, 2022, 2:00-4:00PM
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Explore one of Lexington’s less frequented Conservation properties, Shaker Glen, along with a portion of the Lower Vine Brook Conservation property on this not quite 3 mile walk along ACROSS Lexington’s Route G. The walk will include easy unpaved trails with occasional short ups and downs, in addition to sidewalks.
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Appropriate footwear recommended. Heavy rain cancels. Meet in the rear parking lot of the Christ Revolution Church, 451 Lowell Street.
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Whipple Hill Family Walk
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Sunday, June 12, 2022, 1:30-3:00PM
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Whipple Hill Conservation Area features Lexington’s highest point, topping out at 374 feet above Boston Harbor. Whipple Hill is also home to fascinating remnants of the last glacier to cover the area some 10,000 years ago.
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The walk up and down the trails will include stopping at a vernal pool and observing typical New England woodland plants, some in bloom. Possible bonus: You can see taller spots in central Massachusetts and even a few mountains in New Hampshire on a clear day!
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Heavy rain or lightning will cancel. Parking is available on Berkshire Drive, opposite the entrance to the property. If the number of people who sign up exceeds the maximum group size, we will schedule another walk.
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LexFarm's Newly Updated Farm Stand is OPEN for the Season!
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Stop by LexFarm's newly renovated farm stand and enjoy the bright, airy space and expanded offerings of produce, fruit, dairy, meats and local food vendors. Summer hours begin in June! Starting June 8, LexFarm is open four days/week.
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Wednesday-Friday: 2 PM – 7 PM
Saturday: 12 PM - 5 PM
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Summer Solstice Yoga Retreat @ LexFarm
Tuesday, June 21, 2022, 5:30-8:00PM
Location: LexFarm (52 Lowell St); Register here.
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Join Wonder Yoga for a Summer Solstice yoga mini-retreat at the Lexington Community Farm. The event will run from 5:30 to 8:00pm at the Lexington community farm. We will celebrate the summer solstice with a mediation walk, superfood treats, a 75 minute yoga practice, and gratitude reflection. This workshop is suitable for all levels. Please bring your own yoga mat and bottle of water.
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All participants will receive a small goody bag with local products from the farm and wonder yoga. The cost is $65, and pre-registration is required. Sign up through Wonder Yoga here.
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We hope to see you there!
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"11th Hour Calling" Bell Ringing and Talk
Saturday, June 11, 2022, 11:00AM
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church
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The Climate Action Team of First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Lexington is again answering the 11th Hour Calling, an interfaith movement calling for people of all faiths to call attention to the urgency of climate justice action.
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We invite you to join us on Saturday, June 11th, at 11 am in front of First Parish Church on the Green in Lexington. After we ring out an 11th hour climate emergency warning we will feature music by First Parish singers, another inspiring poem, and brief comments.
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Take Action! Sign Our Petition for Town-Wide Curbside Compost Pickup
The LPS Green Teams invites you to view and sign their petition to promote town wide curbside compost pick up services.
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Here's the top reason to compost food waste:
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“Food waste composting is a critical and practical solution for our climate crisis and trash crisis:
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- Food scraps make up 25-40% of household trash: Every year ~2,600 of Lexington's 8,500 tons of trash is food waste. Separating it out significantly reduces trash.“
To learn about the many other compelling reasons for, and benefits of, composting, check out the LPS Green Teams website.
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Notes from the Diamond Middle School Green Team
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Earth Month: During Earth Month, the Diamond Student Green Team raised $500 for #TeamSeas by asking students to bring in their spare change during the month. The homeroom that collected the most change won a frozen treat. Check out #TeamSeas to find out how you can help.
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Congratulations Diamond Student Green Team!
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Sunflowers for Ukraine - Consider Making a Pledge! Diamond's Green Team is proud to support local Ukrainian Refugees arriving in Lexington. We have planted sunflower seeds and they have now sprouted into beautiful seedlings ready to be planted! The sunflower is the flower of Ukraine and it is also a wonderful flower to promote pollination and will produce delicious seeds for birds. Not only does the Green Team promote a green planet but we also promote a peaceful planet, one in which all can live in peace and harmony.
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The Green Team is taking orders and pledges for these sunflowers! Please consider making a pledge today by completing this Google Form. Planting a sunflower or two or even more, means that you are supporting Ukraine and the arrival of refugees to our community and helping our Planet! All proceeds will be going to the LexRAP (Lexington Refugee Assistance Program) which helps refugees arriving to Lexington to become productive and well-adjusted members of the community. Assistance includes a support network for housing, food, clothing, transportation, health care, education (especially English), employment, legal aid, and socialization.
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Thank you for spreading and planting some love! Sunflowers are limited but we have many seedlings available.
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Questions? Please email Christine Goulet at [email protected] or speak to a Diamond Green Team Student Leader.
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The Lexington Farmers' Market Has Begun!
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Along with strawberries, garlic chives and greens, June will bring the first full month of Tuesday markets. Some notable features for our 18th season include:
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- A full complement of market participants with ten new farmers and vendors
- Four local farms, bringing a broad variety of fresh produce including specialty Asian vegetables
- More globally-inspired food options
- Biweekly food truck with hummus-based healthy options
- Refreshing drinks for those hot summer days
- Local artisans, community organizations and musicians
In our ongoing efforts to create a sustainable and healthy market, the LFM is grateful to the Lexington Green Team for bringing back the Zero Waste Station to the market; you'll find it at the market exit.
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Learn more about this year's farmers and vendors and sign up for the LFM's weekly newsletter at www.lexingtonfarmersmarket.org; you can also follow us on Facebook (The Lexington Farmers' Market) and Instagram for the most recent updates. It's going to be a great season, so head on down to the Worthen Road Practice Field from 2-6:30 pm every Tuesday!
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Cycling With Confidence Group Ride
Saturday, June 4, 2022, 10:00AM-12:00PM On the Bikeway Behind Lexington Visitor Center (register)
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Join Friends of Lexington Bikeways and other older adults for a recreational ride to increase your joy & confidence in cycling. Ride will be no longer than 5 miles with a short break midway.
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Family Friendly Group Bike Ride
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Saturday, June 18, 2022, 10:00-11:30AM Front of Community Center (39 Marrett Rd) (register)
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Join with other local families on a bike ride led by a Certified Cycling Instructor and see how fun it can be to ride as a family and in a group, and feel comfortable knowing you will have skilled cycling experts joining you! The ride will begin with a quick safety overview, then proceed joyfully with family-friendly music to a kid-friendly location. All participants must wear helmets, bring bikes, and wear closed-toe shoes. All children participating must be riding with a parent or guardian. Children who ride must be able to pedal their bicycle, control it well, follow instructions from adults, and sustain riding at a jogging pace. Riding will be no longer than 30 minutes each way, with a break in between. Children who cannot ride independently may join in trailer or child seat on parent’s bike. Children under 1 may only ride in trailer. All children and adults must wear helmets, even if riding in a trailer.
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Smart Cycling
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Saturday, June 18, 2022, 1:00-4:30PM Community Center, Rm 139 Dining Room (register)
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Gain skill and confidence in bicycling! Learn rules of the road, safety tips, practice handling skills, understand best bike fit, helmet fit, basics of bike maintenance, and enjoy an escorted on-bike road ride with others looking to build their cycling confidence! Bring helmet, bike, and closed-toe shoes. Class is led by a seasoned Certified Cycling Instructor.
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Bike Rodeo (K-8)
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Saturday, June 25, 2022, 10:00AM-2:00PM Lexington Children's Place - 20 Pelham Rd (register)
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Learn all the rules of the road as a bicyclist in our obstacle course and multiple stations! A Bike Rodeo is a fun, hands-on way to learn how to handle a bike safely. Trained instructors will teach critical skills, and many stations will be available for students to gain info, education, and encouragement for bike riding. Participants will receive a Certificate of Achievement at the end and more!
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Bring a rideable bike, close-toed shoes, and a helmet. Helmets will be available if youth do not have one or if theirs does not fit properly.
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Bee-come a Citizen Scientist with Dr. Robert J. Gegear
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Saturday, June 11, 2022, 10:00AM-12:00PM
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Wright Farm (back field), 241 Grove St
(Parking is limited - park on Carriage Dr. If feasible, carpool, bike or walk)
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Wild pollinators have declined in abundance, diversity, and geographic distribution at an alarming rate over recent years. These declines pose a significant threat to ecosystem health and biodiversity, yet we currently lack critical ecological information needed to develop effective conservation and restoration strategies for threatened species.
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The “Beecology Project” aims to fill this gap by recruiting citizen scientists from across the region to digitally collect and submit ecological data on native pollinator species using our freely available smartphone and web apps.
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As a Beecologist, you will contribute valuable information on the diversity and health of pollination systems in your local area and importantly, help to keep our native ecosystems buzzing for years to come!
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Dr. Robert J. Gegear is a Professor in the Department of Biology at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
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Find out more about the Beecology Project here!
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Rain date: Sunday, June 12, 2022
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Coming Soon: "ZeroToGo" Reusable Takeout Pilot Program
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After months of planning, we’re excited to announce the launch of our ZeroToGo reusable/returnable takeout pilot program with Royal India Bistro and Dabin in the coming weeks. All 780+ stainless steel containers with silicone lids have arrived and are ready to be tracked with the USEFULL app.
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Participation in this program is limited to 120 LexZeroWaste members who will be eligible to register for one of three four-week sessions. If you’re not yet a member and would like to participate in this ZeroToGo pilot program, please consider becoming a member.
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We will email LexZeroWaste members shortly to announce the date when registration will open; participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Would you like to submit an environmental event or activity?
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Please forward to your network!
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