March 22, 2012:
Another beautiful August-like day, with the temperature hovering around 80 degrees. The grass is greening and the leaves are popping a full month ahead of schedule! It's nice, but it's not right. Believe what you want about the science of climate change and its causes; but there is no denying that the planet is warming. With climate change comes many consequences, some predicted, some not. Scientists now believe that due to a warming planet and habitat loss, we're entering a period of mass species extinction, with some estimates that we're losing - forever - some 200 species of living organisms every day! Biologist E. O. Wilson estimated in 2002 that if current rates of human destruction of the biosphere continue, one-half of all species of life on earth will be extinct in 100 years. While I'm the first to admit how much I'm enjoying the early onset of spring (rather, summer!), it comes with an uneasy sense that nature - life itself - is somehow out of balance.
During her lifetime, Polly Wakefield sought to reaffirm and strengthen the bonds we have with planet earth - believing that by deepening our connection to the natural world, we will be better prepared to re-establish and maintain the delicate ecosystems that sustain us all.
- Mark Smith
Executive Director
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Wakefield Estate Organizes Lecture Series
This year, Milton is celebrating its 350th Anniversary. In conjunction with the "sesquarcentennial," the Wakefield Estate is organizing a lecture series that will highlight the estate's history and its occupants over the past 300 years, looking at the evolution of one Milton family as a microcosm of the history of Milton. The lectures will be based on the research and discovery that has taken place at the estate over the past five years, and will include a display of material culture including rare books, documents, art, and unearthed artifacts from archaeological investigations.
The lecture series will kick-off on Wednesday, May 2nd, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Milton Public Library, with a lecture on the archaeological record by Alex Keim, a doctoral student in archaeology at Boston University who directs the estate's Summer Archaeology Institute for youth. Other lectures (dates to follow) will focus on the history of the buildings, the estate's occupants, and the material culture of the estate's earliest occupants dating to the mid-1700s. Call 617-333-0924 for more information.
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Workshops and Activities
Scheduled for April:
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. Space is limited. To register and for more information, call 617-333-0924.
EARTH ART!
Family Outdoor Art Exploration
Friday, April 20, 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
 Join us in celebration of Earth Day for a morning of nature-based art activities for all ages, including sun prints, nature collages, and nature journaling. While this event is free, pre-registration is requested. Call us at 617-333-0924 to register. Check our calendar page in coming weeks for more information.
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!
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