Events - Week View

The HFA is partnering with Fruitlands for another fun, artistic installation on their trails. Last summer, Fruitlands launched what became known as Hope Quest -- a particular trail where staff and visitors placed painted rocks that bore hopeful and inspirational messages and designs. They would like to expand the Hope Quest this spring, and would love to have the HFA participate.

Rocks may be painted at home or at member gatherings, and then either dropped off at Fruitlands for volunteers to place, or small groups of members are welcome to bring their rocks out onto the trails to place themselves. Fruitlands just asks that we give them a heads-up when groups are coming by, and then they won‘t need to go through the process of registering for grounds access.

They are planning for an informal "relaunch" of the Hope Quest in their materials and social media around May 15, but rocks can be placed at any time before or after then! The purpose is to have fun, and to engage the community and our visitors to participate and add their own messages along the way.

They are also thinking of adding a collection of pocket or healing stones that visitors can take with them. These would be small, smooth stones with a single word or phrase that one can put in their pocket, so that they carry that inspirational message with them, or bring it home and put it somewhere that they see it regularly and are reminded of the sentiment. They will have a little sign encouraging visitors to the trails to take a stone with them and/or contribute their own. They would love to have a bunch of these, as well, and they‘re quick & easy to paint!

Join us for a playground meetup at Pirone Park in Ayer. Masks are required for all aged 2 and up. Hope to see you there!

Join us for a Cinco de Mayo/Mother‘s Day combo celebration where we‘ll be eating guacamole and sipping on Margaritas. Weather permitting, we will meet outdoors @ Anabel‘s home. If raining the event will be held virtually, where we‘ll have fun making delicious recipes together.

Please join us for a walk - weather permitting. We may change the location closer to the date if the trail proves to be too muddy or icy/snowy. Masks are required for this event.

Bring your family down to Barba‘s Point, and join biologist and Harvard resident, Bob Douglas, for an educational exploration of vernal pools! Discover how this essential ecosystem, brimming with flora, fauna and amphibians comes to life each year at this time.

This one-hour event will take place on May 1st (10 am and 12 pm) and May 8th (10 am and 12 pm) at the vernal pools along the trails at Barba’s Point, 14 Massachusetts Avenue in Harvard (directly behind the high school). This learning session is appropriate for most school age children and inquisitive preschoolers with their caregivers. Viewing sleds and some nets will be provided, and families are welcome to bring their own too. Masks are required. We encourage you to pack a snack and finish the hike to the end of the Barba‘s Point Peninsula to take in the beautiful views of Bare Hill Pond.

The walk is approximately one mile roundtrip. You will find parking behind the Bromfield School near the tennis and basketball courts. Volunteers will greet your family and guide you to the event location.

How to Register:
Spots are limited!
Register for the Vernal Pools Visit here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vernal-pools-visit-tickets-150842675503e.

Priority will be given to Harvard Conservation Trust members. Not a member? To ensure that your family enjoys this and other events throughout the year, visit https://harvardconservationtrust.org/join/.

Stephanie has offered to host a playgroup for 5 Families on Saturday. RSVP below to register. Masks required for ages 2 and up. Hope to see you there!