Wakefield Estate

"Late February, and the air's so balmy snowdrops and crocuses might be fooled into early blooming."

 - Gail Mazur

As we worked in the woods today removing invasive plants, we saw the first beautiful sculptured form of a skunk cabbage plant, only three inches tall, reaching upward through the semi-frozen land and adding its bright green and burgundy colors to the monochrome landscape surrounding it.  In the coming days and weeks, this small, delicate plant will become one of the most conspicuous with its tell-tale aroma and significant size.  There's an unmistakable energy bursting from the land -- an energy so powerful that revives the slumbering giant oak, and so gentle to awaken the insect larvae that has clung to its bark for six months.  The "winter that wasn't" slowly gives way to spring, and although I did not get my fill of snow this season I too feel the power of this energy and anticipate its world-changing force.

- Mark Smith

Executive Director

 
  

  


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Calling All Teens! 

Want to have a great summer? Apply for one of our two great programs: 

 

2012 Summer Archaeology Institute

Session I: July 9 - July 20

Session II: July 23 -August 3

Participate in a real on-going archaeological excavation here at the historic Wakefield Estate. The Summer Archaeology Institute is for high school-aged students and college freshmen who love history and want to know what archaeology is all about. Have fun outside this summer making new friends and unearthing the past. The Summer Archaeology Institute is one of the few programs of its kind in the entire country! Fee $200 per session; scholarships are available. For more information and to obtain an application, call us at 617-333-0924, check our website or email us..

  

2012 Summer

Landscape Internship

July 5 - August 17, 2012

We are currently accepting applications for our 2012 crew. To be eligible, you must be a responsible, capable, and energetic 16-20 year-old student interested in nature, horticulture, history and/or community service. Experience working in the landscape is of value, but not required. You will need the ability to focus on and complete tasks and an ability to work with others. Applicants must be able to work all six weeks. Interns receive a weekly stipend. For more information or to apply, contact us at 617-333-0924 x22, check our website or email us.

Upcoming Backyard Homesteading Workshops: 

Creating Your Own Compact Orchard

March 24, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Become a backyard orchardist and grow your own fruit! Even in a small backyard, you can enjoy fruit from your own trees with minimal effort and cost. This step-by-step workshop, co-sponsored by the Arnold Arboretum, will teach you all you need to know to plan and create a compact orchard for years of enjoyment. No experience necessary. Participants will spend part of the workshop outside in the orchard for a pruning demonstration, so dress accordingly. Suggested donation $20. Space is limited; pre-registration required. Register online or call the Arnold Arboretum at 617-384-5277 or our office at 617-333-0294. 

Pruning Your Backyard Trees and Shrubs 

April 7, 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. 

Jen Kettell, horticultural technologist at the Arnold Arboretum, will lead this session on pruning with an emphasis on trees, shrubs and vines you might find in your own backyard. The session will begin with a 45-minute overview of the theory and practice of pruning followed by outdoor learning and practice on some of the Wakefield Estate's trees. Participants should dress accordingly and are welcome to bring their own work gloves, safety glasses, bypass hand pruners and/or saws. For more information this workshop or to register, call 617-333-0924.

Backyard Beekeeping 

Sunday, April 22,

1:00 - 3:00 p.m. 

The Backyard Beekeeping workshop provides a general overview about starting and managing your own backyard bee hive. Wakefield Estate's bee keeper Scott Harris will include a beehive examination and tending of the bees, as well as review of the hive equipment and bee tools needed. Samples of fresh honey for all! .

 

 

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]
For more information, call us at (617) 333-0924 or check out our website at wakefieldtrust.org