Fall Colors of the Assabet River Wildlife Refuge, Sudbury MA, Drone Footage (Full Flight)
I flew the DJI Inspire 1 from Willis Pond in Sudbury Massachusetts over towards the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge on 10/11/15. Fall colors have bled into the park, bringing wonderful reds and oranges.
With the Inspire 1, I typically film in 1080p with 60fps. The 4K resolution option is interesting, but the low frame rate (24-30 fps) severely limits the speed at which you can rotate the camera without making the image choppy, and it also limits nearby translational speeds as well. The 60 fps options in 1080p and 720p are both pretty good, but more FPS (100 +) would be better. I know the Hero black 4 can achieve these higher frame rates.
Music used in this video was produced by NOCOPYRIGHTSOUNDS.
Artist and Song list:
Krale - Frontier (feat. Jasmina Lin & Jay Christopher)
Inukshuk - Happy Accidents
JPB - Levitate (feat. Joe Erickson)
Tobu - Life
Refuges and Sanctuaries: Concord MA Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Part 4.
This visit was in late spring and mainly visited sections of the Edge Trail that ran alongside the Reformatory Branch.
Refuges and Sanctuaries: Concord MA Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Part 5.
This excursion facet finds the observation tower for the big picture.
Great Meadows Carp Run Fills Bayou
During a period of high water on the Concord River, catfish and carp seek to swim through seasonal swamps and bayous into the shallow water embayments at the Great Meadow National Wildlife Refuge to spawn. One of the fish beached itself on the bank, and a water snake with eyes bigger than its mouth tries repeatedly swallow a small catfish. In the end, though the fish was small, it was still too big for the snake.
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge | Wikipedia audio article
This is an audio version of the Wikipedia Article:
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
00:00:33 1 History
00:01:22 2 Wildlife and protected species
00:02:31 3 Access and facilities
00:02:59 4 See also
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The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
- Socrates
SUMMARY
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The Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge is a 12-mile-long (19 km) river wetlands conservation area, in two major parcels, stretching from the towns of Billerica, Massachusetts (downstream) to Wayland, Massachusetts (upstream), along the Concord River and Sudbury River.
Part of the National Wildlife Refuge system, the park is a popular destination for bird watchers and tourists. About 85 percent of the refuge's 3,600 acres (15 km2) is freshwater wetlands.
Debbie Dineen, Conservation Coordinator, EFSB Hearing
Transcript: Debbie Dineen, Conservation Coordinator for Town of Sudbury
Facts from the Environmental Notification Form (ENF):
4.3 miles of Sudbury is along the MBTA rail line
5,930 linear feet are within in priority and estimated habitat areas for rare and endangered species
6,145 linear feet abuts protected town open space with public access
At least 8 perennial stream crossings
10 vernal pool - 5 certified and 5 with all the documentation collected for certification
ENF enumerates:
26.7 acres of trees will be cleared
12,962 square feet of fill will be placed in bordering vegetated wetland
13,794 square feed of other type of wetlands will be cleared of trees
Outside of bordering vegetated wetland, there will be, and this is a staggering figure, 756,436 square feet of tree clearing. That is over three quarters of a million square feet of trees cleared within wetland areas.
Think about that for a minute. That’s staggering. It’s staggering in a town the size of Sudbury. When you think about what that means, you’ll realize that the vastness of that area to be cleared is in excess of 20 regulation size American football fields. That is unlike anything we have seen in this town before. The amount of permanent wetland fill exceeds 12.5 acres.
**Those wetlands provide free services that commissioner Russo was talking about. It maintains our drinking water quality. It prevents flooding. These are no small issues in Sudbury. These are huge. This is unprecedented destruction of our natural resources.**
The conservation commission will be involved in the project in two diverse ways. First as a regulatory authority under the wetlands protection act and under out local bylaw. The threshold for disturbance for most types of projects is 5,000 square feet of alteration. This project far exceeds that. It is at least three times the maximum amount of permitted fill in a vegetated wetland.
**Again, this is unprecedented in Sudbury. There have been no wetland variances ever requested in Sudbury in the 40 plus years of wetland regulation in the state of Massachusetts.**
The second form of involvement of the commission is as a direct abutter, representing all residents of the town. By definition, every resident here is an abutter because we all are the public who own our Hop Brook Conservation Land (Applause).
Our Hop Brook Marsh Conservation Land is a 93 acre parcel with flood plains, meadows and forest. It was purchased by the town in 1967. It was our first parcel of conservation land that we purchased. It is our flagship property. It’s the most actively used of the town’s conservation lands and abuts more residential properties in town than any other conservation land.
The commission believes that the alternatives within the MBTA rail line property is a significantly flawed alternative, above ground or below ground. We believe other alternatives exist that will have much less impact on abutting properties and natural resources and environmental values and functions of the area.
Sudbury is extremely fortunate to be bordered in several areas of town by not one, but two, national wildlife refuges. We are bordered on the east by our Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, and to the west and north by the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge. These are irreplaceable federal resources that are there for the benefit of all humans, flora and fauna. The towns and the state and the federal government have worked for decades to expand on these protected parcels by working tirelessly to protect abutting lands.
We like electricity too. We don’t envy your job at all. We understand that to have power there might be negative impacts within the communities. But we hope the siting board takes its responsibility seriously to look at options that provide needed facilities taking environmental protection as well as cost into account. And we hope you do that not only in Sudbury but also in placing facilities in other towns that might serve the electric needs of Sudbury as well.
We hope the board members had the opportunity to walk the right of way first hand. We wonder if you heard the barred owls calling. We wondered if you heard the ovenbirds with their rising crescendo of warning calls. Did you hear the thrushes? Did you get a glimpse of the red fox? This corridor is alive. it’s not just a two dimensional line on a plan. We hope it’s not to you. It’s not to us.
This is our corner of the planet. It’s under our care and protection. In the 1960s Sudbury fought Boston Edison for 9 years to prevent transmission line towers up Goodman’s Hill Road and through the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. There is a 115kilovolt line underground instead. We fought them, we won, we will fight again. This is worth it. Thank you.
Blanding's Turtle Conservation - Local Conservation at Its Best
GWC, in partnership with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, has been monitoring and managing the Blanding’s turtle population at Great Meadows NWR in Concord, MA since 2003. Though still one of the largest populations of this Threatened species in MA, there are 60% fewer Blanding’s turtles at Great Meadows than in the early 1970’s. Working with schools, Zoo New England, and the New England Aquarium as well as many volunteers, we radio-track turtles, protect their nests, raise (“headstart”) hatchling turtles for nine months, and then release them back into their native habitats. We are also working to improve Blanding’s turlte habitat in the area. We have demonstrated that our headstarted juveniles survive and thrive at high rates after their release and, in time, we are confident that the Great Meadows Blanding’s turtle population will be fully restored as one of the largest in all New England.
Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge from above
Can you believe this is near Boston? Only 25 miles from Boston in Sudbury, MA, the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge is 2,200 of land reclaimed by nature.
In 1942 the government claimed the land for an ammunition depot and forced the current residents to move. Now the land is returned to nature and includes more than 15 miles of trails open to the public.
Massachusetts Whitetail Deer
Went outside and took some test shots on a Sony Handycam CX190 that I just picked up for this upcoming hunting season. The quality isn't perfect as I still really don't know how to use the camera, but the deer were 215 yards away with about 30 minutes of light left in the day
Debbie Dineen, Conservation Commissioner, MEPA Scoping, June 2017
Excerpts from transcript:
Comments given in the context of MEPA’s goal = no damage to the environment.
Last minute changes from Eversource = a lot to absorb in a short period of time.
⁃ MEPA regulations state that damage is addressed if the project proponent avoids, then minimizes, then mitigates any unavoidable damage. Our comments will address these MEPA requirements.
⁃ Major concerns: avoid - was not considered with the choice of the underground route. Even with the revised numbers released just before the scoping session, there will still be 13,794 square feet of tree clearing of which 12,962 square feet will have permanent fill in bordering vegetated wetlands. It’s a smaller number than it was before, but that doesn’t make it a whole lot better. That’s still a lot of fill in bordering vegetate wetlands.
⁃ There will still be a total of 5.5 acres of wetland alteration and some of that will be in BLSF, the regulatory term for flood plain. (BLSF - bordering land subject to flooding, i.e. flood plain). That to us is a big red flag. Sudbury is mostly a low lying geological lake bed. Sudbury has large areas of flooding in town near the Sudbury River, Wash Brook, Landham Brook, Dudley Brook, and Hop Brook. Four of those 5 flow under or adjacent to the proposed route along the MBTA right of way, both on the eastern and western sides of the project which accounts for our two national wildlife refuges - Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge on the east and the Assabet River Wildlife refuge on the west. These rivers all have expansive flood plains associated with them. A loss of flood storage in Sudbury is a critical issue. In 2009, when we had all those back to back floods, Sudbury virtually became an island. The state brought in the Duck Boats from Boston to ferry people across the Sudbury Wayland line. We take loss of flood storage very very seriously in town. That is a big issue for us.
⁃ It’s unclear at this point how much fill will be in a flood plain. And that brings me to MEPA’s requirements for mitigation. ***Right now there is nothing proposed. There is no mitigation. There is none.*** None that we’ve seen The ENF does not offer any wetlands replication, compensatory flood storage volumes, or any other type of replacement or offset to any of the nature services that we rely on in Sudbury. These are nature’s free services that provide quality drinking water, protect us from flood damage, provide wildlife habitat, protect State designated cold water fisheries, and provide passive recreation. They also attenuate pollutants from developed areas.
⁃ We are relying on MEPA to require the project developer to first determine the best alternative that does not result in damage to the environment. And then require the necessary mitigation for any unavoidable environmental value or function losses. This is extremely important. The town depends on this.
⁃ We request that MEPA require a complete and fair alternatives analysis. The ranking system is fatally flawed and appears to be skewed to favor a predetermined outcome.
⁃ Lastly the Conservation Commission are direct abutters to the project. Over 3000 acres of protected land that the town, the state and federal government have spent a lot of time and a lot of money preserving for passive recreation and those free services that nature provide us that we do rely on. Sudbury has spent over $25 million dollars since we adopted the Community Preservation Act in 2001, for permanent protection of open space for passive recreation. That’s a lot of money. We’ve put a lot of time and a lot of effort into what we have. And this project can come in and destry that. And it will make all of our efforts, and the state’s efforts and the federal government’s efforts really seem like they were for nothing. It’s something that the town feels very very strongly about.
⁃ So we ask that MEPA do its mandated due diligence and investigate actual damage to the environment, not only from construction, but from operation and maintenance of the project. And we are willing to work with Eversource to identify a realistic alternative that preserves the values and functions of our wetland and our environmental areas. And the conservation commission strongly encourages that the draft EIR look very carefully at the alternatives, in particular the noticed alternative, i.e. the street alternative and when you look at adding cost into that equation, please consider the cost of the free services that this environment provides us.
Female Eastern Box Turtle Nesting in Massachusetts
Credits - American Turtle Observatory
- This is F407, a female Eastern Box Turtle, nesting in Massachusetts last week. We tracked F407 using radiotelemetry from 2005–2008, and found her nesting just 200 feet from her last known nest. It was exciting to see her still cruising around the landscape 10 years later! We're hopeful her eggs will survive the summer! © Liz Willey / American Turtle Observatory
A walk through the Alewife Reservation
Ellen Mass, of the Friends of Alewife Reservation, describes the value of the area as well as the silver maple forest in Belmont, which is slated for a large housing development. Mass and others oppose the development.
490 Lexington Road Concord Ma Home for Sale
All details and photos available at:
Step out your door and into Concord history: sun-filled 12 room colonial revival on the 'American Mile!' -- West to picturesque Concord Center [train, shops and eateries] and East to Minute Man National Park and Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge. Ten minutes to Alewife. On 1.17 private acres abutting 41 acres of Town Land. Designed for easy, gracious entertaining and for comfortable family living. Created as the builder's own home with careful consideration to every detail the quality, and craftsmanship are unsurpassed! An open floor plan features gorgeous state-of-the art eat-in kitchen opening onto sunny terrace and a luxurious four room master suite. Top of the line systems including air cleaning, humidity control and security. Professional landscaping: mature trees frame the large private, flat and grassy back yard. Make this your happy home!
CONCORD MA TOWN TOUR
For more details click here:
Take a Virtual Tour of some of the highlites of the awesome town of Concord MA.
Presented By:
Steven Zippin, ABR, CRS, M. Ed, Keller Williams Realty Boston NW
978-580-9140
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Video of 151 Bedford Road | Carlisle, Massachusetts real estate & homes
Carlisle Massachusetts is a town 19 miles northwest of Boston, with a population of just over 4800 residents. Incorporated in 1805, Carlisle is mostly a residential community, with a library, a country store, a book store, a dentist office and a couple of ice cream shops. Carlisle is home to Great Brook Farm State Park an a portion of the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Sited on over 4 tranquil acres, this Sprawling & bright 5 bedroom Colonial at 151 Bedford Street sits proudly next to Carlisle’s newest Organic Farm!
The private 4-acre lot is surrounded by natural beauty, offering serene country living, yet close to town amenities and major commuter routes. The meticulous grounds feature a waterfall, stone patio, fire pit, mature plantings, sprinkler system & huge fenced yard that lends itself perfectly to endless possibilities! The soccer-sized fully fenced back yard presents a variety of possibilities for pets, gardens or agriculture. Suitable for planting your own farm-to-table crops, raising chickens/livestock or horses. You have it all here; space/flexibility for farming & sustainable living! Relax & enjoy the beautiful perennial gardens from your private master balcony, spacious deck or screened porch.
The home itself is sure to impress even the most demanding buyer. With a flowing floor plan, soaring ceilings and gleaming hardwood flooring; the rooms are spacious and well-appointed.
Formal living room and dining rooms provide the perfect place for gatherings.
The expansive chef’s kitchen has a center island & bright breakfast nook.
There is a 60 foot open deck accessible from the kitchen, family room and enclosed screen porch, to accommodate outdoor entertaining.
Upstairs, you will discover the stunning master suite w/sitting area & grand master bath. The master bedroom features a private deck overlooking the property, waterfall and acres of farmland.
The additional bedrooms are all generous sized.
The Walk-out lower level has been finished to provide a 5th Bedroom ,full bath, kitchenette, and game/media space! This isn’t just about the home- it’s about the lifestyle!
Real estate video tours and photography by
Cambridge, MA Beauty in the City
Photos of nature taken in Cambridge, MA
Bay Circuit Trail Lincoln MA: Walden Woods.
A short jaunt through a sweet section of old pine forest on the Lincoln side of Walden Pond.
Carp Fishing Concord River
First time trying my luck at Carp Fishing and sharing a video with friends.
2 Weir Meadow Path, Wayland, MA - Listed by Amy Mizner, Sheryl Simon
Contact:
Amy Mizner - Benoit Mizner Simon & Co. Real Estate
Phone: 617-851-4909
Email: amy@benoitmiznersimon.com
Sheryl Simon - Benoit Mizner Simon & Co. Real Estate
Phone: 781-910-3405
Email: sheryl@benoitmiznersimon.com
Tear down the existing cottage to build your own custom home and take advantage of extraordinary panoramic views. Two contiguous lots comprised of 6.4 acres on the Sudbury River. Two-thirds of the peninsula is surrounded by Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge & abuts protected woods. Naturalist Edwin Way Teale described this secluded setting as One of the prettiest places I have ever seen. Easy access to Boston. Spectacular sunsets, private setting, and its quiet beauty only begin to describe this inspirational land.
Website: