"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."

- John Muir

Leaves, leaves and more leaves! The quote from John Muir got me thinking about leaves this week. Muir was an incredibly mindful person, with a keen appreciation of the works of nature. "What would Muir say about leaves?" I asked myself while raking this week. I immediately pictured Muir penning a book titled "Zen and the Art of Leaf Raking" -- a kind of citizen's guide about being mindful of leaves. In an instant, rather than cursing the millions upon millions that needed to be raked up, I was suddenly grateful for leaves - for their shade in the summer heat, for their beauty in their autumn brilliance, for taking carbon out of the air, and for their return to dirt in the form of nutritious compost. Leaves do so much for us!

 

 Mark Smith

Executive Director
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Help us get more kids into the woods!
Order a hand-crafted holiday wreath today! 
We are taking orders for hand-crafted holiday wreaths made with greens from the estate! The wreaths are 18 inches in diameter and can be hung or used as a holiday centerpiece. The deadline to order a wreath is Monday, Dec 2; order by calling 617-333-0924. Wreaths will be available for pick up during the week of Dec. 9-14, or earlier if arranged. The wreaths are $35; all proceeds benefit the Wakefield Charitable Trust's educational programming.
Save the DATE(s)!
4th Annual Holiday Open House
Thursday, December 12th, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 14th, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Join us for some holiday cheer at our fourth annual holiday open house! This year, the holiday open house will be held on two dates: Thursday, December 12th from 4:00-8:00 pm and Saturday, December 14th from 1:00-4:00 pm. The 1794 Isaac Davenport Mansion will be in spectacular holiday display and hand-crafted wreaths will be available for sale. Tickets are $10; free for members. Annual memberships will be available for purchase; refreshments provided. Please RSVP by calling 617-333-0924 if you plan to attend or reply by email.

Volunteers from Dunkin' Brands pitch in (again) to help with fall clean-up at the estate

Last Friday, volunteers from Dunkin' Brands helped us rake up those "millions upon millions" of leaves --and we are so grateful! This group was one of several from Dunkin' Brands that have volunteered at the Wakefield Estate. Over the next few months, the Wakefield Estate will be launching a formal volunteer program to support visitation, garden maintenance and our educational programs. If you are interested in deepening your involvement and becoming a volunteer, contact Erica Max, Program Director at 617-333-0924 x22 or by email at [email protected].

Mary M. B. Wakefield Charitable Trust is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Staff:
Mark Smith, Executive Director - email: [email protected]
Erica Max, Program Director - email: [email protected]
Dave Cafaro, Grounds and Building Maintenance - email: dave@dogwoodlanefarm.org
Deb Merriam, Landscape Director - email: [email protected] 
For more information, call us at (617) 333-0924 or check out our website at wakefieldtrust.org