With spring in full tilt and racing quickly toward summer, all manner of creatures - flies, worms, moths, creepers and toads, just to name a few -- compete to re-establish their niche in the complex order of nature. This year's early, dry and very warm spring must have caught a few off guard, now racing to catch up in an environment unlike previous years. I too feel like we're playing catch-up; trying to combat many of the invasive plants and pests that in a normal year we do not see for several more weeks or months. And what to expect going forward? Will the lilacs and dogwoods bloom early? Will the dried up vernal pond create havoc for those that live within its ecosystem? This spring, I think it's safe to say, all bets are off; past experience seems irrelevant. This feels like uncharted territory...
- Mark Smith
Executive Director
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 Wakefield Estate Lecture Series: The History of a Milton Founding Family
In conjunction with Milton's 350th anniversary, the Mary M. B. Wakefield Charitable Trust presents three lectures on the history of the land and occupants of what is today known as the Wakefield Estate, named after its most recent occupant, Mary ("Polly") Wakefield. Based on scholarly research and on-site discovery, the lectures will highlight the origin and evolution of one of Milton's founding families as a microcosm of the larger history of Milton over the past 350 years.
The lecture series kicks off at the Milton Public Library on Wednesday, May 2 at 7:00 p.m. with a presentation by Boston University professor Claire Dempsey titled "The Davenport Farm: An overview of its history, evolution and occupants from 1707-2012." Click here for a full description of the lecture.
The other two lectures in the series will focus on the archaeological research on the estate and the material culture of its occupants. On Tuesday, May 15, Boston University Doctoral candidate Alex Keim will speak on the ongoing archaeological investigations taking place at the Wakefield Estate. For more information, click here. The third and final lecture will take place on Wednesday, June 13 and will discuss and display items collected by the families who have occupied the Estate for the past 250 years. Both lectures will take place at the Milton Public Library at 7:00pm.
During the months of May and June, The Mary M. B. Wakefield Charitable Trust will exhibit at the Milton Public Library a collection of historic documents, books and personal items that help reveal the long history of these early Miltonians. The Friends of the Milton Public Library is pleased to be hosting this historically important lecture series.
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Workshops and Activities
 THIS SUNDAY: 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 beehive. One of the Wakefield Estate's beekeepers Scott Harris will repopulate his hive and there will be samples of fresh honey for all!
COMING IN MAY!
Spring Shearing Day
Saturday, May 12, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
With the arrival of spring, it is time for the estate's three sheep to be sheared for the first time. Maisey, Daisey and Binney are now one year old and have
thick fleeces. We've invited Kevin Ford, America's foremost "blade" (hand) sheepshearer to shear the three small Shetland ewes. Kevin will demonstrate traditional techniques of shearing. In fact, back in the 90s, Kevin sheared the twenty-five Dorset sheep Polly Wakefield kept here at the property. There will also be a demonstration of the steps it takes to go from fleece to yarn and participants will have an opportunity make their own drop spindle and learn to hand-spin lamb fleece into wool. Pre-registration is requested. For more information and to register, please call 617-333-0924.
SAVE THE DATE!
Dogwood Days and Open House!
Saturday and Sunday, June 2nd & 3rd, 10 a.m - 3:00 p.m.
More details to follow.
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