|
|
Laughing Brook receiving renovations
|
| |
|
Mary Shanley-Koeber, director of the Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Hampden, takes in the scenery overlooking the "Smiling Pool." Shanley-Koeber caught glimpses of a kingfisher and a great blue heron while at the site. Reminder Publications photo by Lori O'Brien-Szeplak
|
By Lori O'Brien-Szepelak
Correspondent
HAMPDEN The "Smiling Pool" is still inspiring people of all ages just as it did to the late children's author and naturalist Thornton Burgess many years ago.
During a recent tour of the Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary by sanctuary director Mary Shanley-Koeber, it is evident that the remnants of a major flood in 2005 still has ramifications in the fall of 2007, however, the "Smiling Pool" is alive and well and teaming with life. Burgess used the "Smiling Pool" in many of the settings for his story lines.
Earlier this month, Mass Audubon began major repairs to the parking lot and trails and worked on the installation of new signage at Laughing Brook. During construction work, vehicles will be parked near the Thornton Burgess cottage on Main Street, although no work is scheduled on that side of the brook, according to Shanley-Koeber.
A new trail will be dedicated to Burgess next spring since he made his home at Laughing Brook the subject of many of his children's tales. Also new for spring will be a kiosk at the entrance with trail maps and the story of Burgess, as well as a picnic area.
"Our target date is April 1," said Shanley-Koeber of Laughing Brook's spring relaunch.
Over half the parking lot and much of the trail system near the brook was washed away or blocked with flood debris during the flood of October 2005 that also did extensive damage to the center of the town, according to Shanley-Koeber. She added that Mass Audubon made a financial contribution to the town after the flood to help with emergency repairs.
"From the date of the flood, the Hampden Conservation Commission members and town staff have been patient and careful collaborators with Mass Audubon on two goals to protect the endangered species at the sanctuary and to reopen this popular sanctuary for members and visitors," she said.
The flood was the second time in five years that the 356-acre sanctuary was closed due to a disaster. In the late summer of 2004, the education center burned to the ground and the sanctuary was closed during the ensuing investigation and cleanup.
"Mass Audubon members from all over the Commonwealth and residents of Hampden are anxious to return to the Laughing Brook trails where generations of families have come to walk, to look for signs of wildlife, and to retell the Thornton Burgess stories to their children and grandchildren," said Shanley-Koeber.
Burgess is best known for his characters including Peter Rabbit, Jimmy Skunk, Bobby Raccoon, Joe Otter, Grandfather Frog, Old Mother West Wind and her Merry Little Breezes. Burgess, a naturalist and conservationist, loved the beauty of nature and its creatures and wrote about them for 50 years. Before his death in 1965, he had written more than 170 books and 15,000 stories for daily columns in newspapers.
He grew up in Sandwich and bought a home in Hampden in 1925 and made it his permanent home in 1957. After his death, the Massachusetts Audubon Society purchased his Hampden home and established the Laughing Brook Nature Center at that location.
Mass Audubon had originally planned a reopening event for mid-October, but that had to be postponed until next spring, according to Shanley-Koeber. She noted that a dedicated group of volunteers are currently working on trail maintenance and interpretative maps, as well as removing nonnative invasive plants.
"It's a big challenge," she said, adding that she welcomes area residents who are interested in joining as volunteers to help with the ongoing cleanup effort.
Despite the sawhorses across the main entrance to the sanctuary site, there are still ongoing nature programs along the stone dust pathway being offered for all ages.
Patti Steinman, education coordinator, Connecticut River Valley Sanctuaries, will present "Trees Without Leaves" on Nov. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. Steinman's presentation for adults will explain how to identify winter trees in New England since once their leaves fall, trees assume a new look. Also next month, naturalist Kevin Kopchynski will lecture on "Nature's Harvest" on Nov. 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The family program will equate the forest to a grocery store.
A pre-winter walk on Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., led by Steinman, will take participants to the Neff Woods of Laughing Brook while exploring the pines, hemlocks, winterberry and Christmas ferns along the way. The autumn walk is geared toward adults.
Kopchynski returns to Laughing Brook on Jan. 19 for a family program on "Animal Tracks" from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Participants will learn to read tracks and signs which provide both mysteries and answers.
"I want the children in Western Massachusetts to especially benefit from what we have to offer here," said Shanley-Koeber, adding, "Laughing Brook is a wonderful resource for kids."
For more information on programming and registration fees, call (413) 584-3009 or visit www.massaudubon.org.
For individuals interested in volunteering their time at Laughing Brook, e-mail Shanley-Koeber at mshanley@massaudubon.org for more details.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
