crocuses

In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.                      ~ Margaret Atwood

                              
"Through all the frozen winter, my nose has grown most lonely for lovely, lovely, colored smells that come in springtime only."
an excerpt from the poem, Smells, by Kathryn Worth
    
Being on the far side of the vernal equinox means daily and rapid changes to the thawing landscape around us. The excitement of the first true sign of spring here at the Wakefield Estate -- the yellow and rust colored blossoms of the witchhazel tree -- is almost a distant memory; croqui and daffodil push to the earth's surface, while cardinals, titmice and chickadees call madly, and this week the first mating calls of the wood frogs filled the air around the pond. After months of  silence and darkness, the landscape yawns and awakens, much like a hibernating bear roused from her winter slumber.  Soon, the calls of the chickadees and frogs will mingle with the laughter and excitement of school children out on the land, enjoying and exploring the marvels of nature, all participating in the continuous cycles of the seasons...

 Mark Smith,
 Executive Director
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Archives Project Unearths Historic Treasures deed 
                                             Original 1706 Davenport Deed
Students from Simmons College involved in Phase II of our ongoing archives project recently unearthed a treasure trove of historic documents,  including the original 1706 deed to the land acquired by John Davenport.  Reading the closing sentence of the deed,  "... and in the fifth year of the reign of Anne of England, Scotland, France and Ireland...,"  one realizes how much the world has changed since the Davenports first walked this land.  Also included in the documents discovered by the students were historic maps, letters and inventories, materials that will greatly inform our understanding of the early generations of Davenports.
 
Backyard Homesteading Workshop Series 
Don't miss the last two sessions of our 2010 Backyard Homesteading workshop series!  The last two sessions will focus on two things that go together: bees and orchards. Space is limited so call to register today: 617-333-0924.

Saturday, April 24, 9:00 am-11:00 am:
Backyard Beekeeping
 bees 
Wakefield's own beekeeper Scott Harris will present an overview of what is involved in becoming a backyard beekeeper.  The workshop includes inspecting the hive and bees, sampling fresh honey, as well as information on beekeeping courses for those who want to start a hive of their own.
Saturday, May 1, 9:00 am-12:30 pm:
Backyard Compact Apple Orchard 
high densityInterested in turning a small corner of your yard into an orchard? Join us for a hands-on workshop to install a high-density 40-tree apple orchard in a 20 x 40 foot corner of the estate. Participants will learn how to plant and manage a productive orchard on a relatively small piece of land. Afterward, we will celebrate with some light refreshments.
Suggested donation $15. For more information and to register, call 617-333-0924 or RSVP by email. 
 
photo courtesy of Kuffel Creek Press
Looking for a Few Good Friends
If you are interested in getting more involved with our organization and programs, we are beginning to organize a specialized volunteer corps. These select volunteers will receive orientation and training and will help direct volunteer work days and assist us in some of our educational programs. If you are interested in hearing more about this initiative, please call 617-333-0924 or email Erica Max. 
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Mary M. B. Wakefield Charitable Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Staff:
Mark Smith, Executive Director - email: [email protected]
Erica Max, Landscape Supervisor and Educational Coordinator - email: [email protected]
Dave Cafaro, Grounds and Building Maintenance - email: [email protected]
Debbie Merriam, Horticultural Specialist - email: [email protected]
 
For more information, call us at (617) 333-0924 or check out our website at wakefieldtrust.org