Think you never see any animals when you're out hiking? Think again. Janet Pesaturo of Nashaway Trackers will teach us to see the animals that are out there by the footprints, fur, and food they leave behind. Learn to find and identify the local wildlife by their tracks, sign, and habitat, and to interpret the clues of their behavior to piece together the animals' story. The areas surrounding Little Chauncy provide a wide array of habitats, from forests and fields to swamps and wet meadows, and we may see evidence of rabbits, deer, squirrels, coyote, and otters. Suitable for adults and older kids, beginner and intermediate trackers. No dogs, please. Pace will be slow as we pause to examine what we see, so dress warmly in bright-colored clothing. Waterproof boots or snowshoes may be useful. Park at Chauncy Hall Academy on Lyman Street on the right (look for the sign). Space is limited, so we would appreciate a heads-up if you are interested.
[This event was postponed from January 14.]
Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org

Venture onto a new trail near the Assabet River. Enjoy a winter’s walk on the Oak Bluffs Trail, recently cleared by Eagle Scout Josh Saari and crew. This is a flat, two-mile trail where we may see traces of local wildlife. Dress for winter conditions with warm clothing, boots or snowshoes if you’d like. Meet in the northwest corner of Regal Cinema at Stagecoach Plaza. If inclement weather, check the website (www.westboroughlandtrust.org)
Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org

Jennifer Forman Orth of the Mass. Department of Agricultural Resources explains the history, habits, and hazards of the Asian Long-horned Beetle. The Asian Long-Horned Beetle (ALB) has caused the cutting of 30,000 trees in the Worcester area, and satellite infestations in Shrewsbury show they are nearer to our borders. Join us to learn how to identify the beetles and infected trees and what you can do about it. Orth will describe the spread of the ALB, the tree damage it causes, and the work to date to contain the infestation.
Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org

Back by popular demand, the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team will introduce you to the world of snakes—from those sunning on our stonewalls to exotic snakes beyond New England. Have you caught a glimpse of a snake just as it disappeared and wished for a closer look? Here is your chance to meet and even touch local and exotic snakes close up. In this family Earth Awareness Program, the team will introduce some of their favorite snakes and talk about their lives and habits. Donations welcome. (Sponsored by the Westborough Cultural Council.)
Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org

Join the annual town-wide litter clean-up sponsored by WCLT! Early birds meet at 6:30 a.m. at West Meadow Plaza or Bellows Road. Families are invited at 9:30 a.m. to Lake Chauncy parking lot to be assigned a site to clean up. Wear gloves and sturdy shoes—trash bags will be provided. Rally your co-workers or neighbors to form a team to pick up litter and beautify our streets!
Contact: earthday@westboroughlandtrust.org

Paddle to the headwaters of the Sudbury River. An adventurous 1-mile paddle up the winding head of the Sudbury takes you to Cedar Swamp Pond in this 4-5 hour trip. This is the only warm-weather route to this remote pond in Westborough’s back yard. The route starts adjacent to the commuter rail line, passes through conservation property, parallels the Mass Pike, crosses under I-90 and I-495, and then heads inland into the heart of Cedar Swamp. Please bring your own canoe or kayak and personal flotation devices. Fairly strenuous trip for experienced paddlers only. Meet by the bridge on Fruit Street, about 1/8 mile southwest of Flanders Road on the Hopkinton-Southborough line. Park next to the bridge on the southwest side.
Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org

Scott Shumway, Professor of Biology at Wheaton College, leads this nature hike to explore one of the wildest places in Westborough. This large tract connects with the Libbey Reservation to create an extensive 200-acre wildlife corridor. We will see traces of historic logging and vernal pools, plus abundant ferns as we walk through lush forests of maple, oak and pine. Perhaps the song of the elusive ovenbird or wood peewee will catch our ears. Meet at end of Carroll Drive (off of West Main/Kendall/Frances Dr.) for this 1- to 2-mile hike.
Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org

Celebrate the opening of this trail network from Sawink Farm Reservation to Southborough’s Walnut Hill. This hike will explore the new trail that links Westborough to Southborough conservation properties. Park at Sawink Reservation. (Co-sponsored by Sudbury Valley Trustees.)
Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org

7:00 PM: For forty days and forty nights, naturalists Charley Eiseman and Noah Charney traveled the continent. They returned with thousands of photographs, not of Yosemite's grand vistas or Yellowstone's bison herds, but of tiny eggs stuck to flagpoles, origami made by beetles, and the artfully crafted portable houses of caddisfly larvae. The trip was field work for their new book, Tracks and Sign of Insects and Other Invertebrates, which won the 2010 National Outdoor Book Award for best nature guidebook. Egg cases, cocoons, galls, leaf mines, burrows, nests, and many other curiosities are illustrated in the book’s pages. In this talk, the authors will show images of exquisite invertebrate-created objects, discuss mind-boggling natural history, and share amusing anecdotes from their eccentric journeys. Professional entomologists and bug-haters alike have found themselves rolling with laughter and staring in horrified fascination during this entertaining presentation. Presentation followed by reception and refreshments.
8:00 PM: Annual Meeting
Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org