Past Events

On Saturday, April 27: guided tour of the newly opened Lynnfield Woodlot, 1452 Main Street, Lynnfield in celebration of Arbor Day to appreciate the trees around us and plant a birch tree. Dave Rimmer, the Greenbelt Director of Stewardship, lead us through this 21-acre conservation area with over 3,200 trees from 10 – 11 am. Following our walk a tree was planted and the Arbor Day Proclamation read. This walk was over easy terrain on a wide path that borders the Lynnfield Water District. The Town holds a permanent Conservation Restriction on this preserved open space that Greenbelt owns and manages. A children’s activity was offered during the walk.  

On Tuesday evening, April 30, from 7-8:30 pm, “Adverse Human and Environmental Effects of Light Pollution” by Dr. Mario Motta, Dark Sky Expert and Astronomer, Chair of the Committee on the Medical Effects of Light Pollution and President of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO). Dr. Mario Motta has an infectious enthusiasm for observing the night sky, an unequaled passion for preserving its natural beauty, and a dedication to sharing his experiences with others in the hopes that they, too, will come to love the stars as much as he does. Light pollution can disrupt breeding, migration, and other wildlife behaviors. Moths, for example, can congregate around streetlights to the point of exhaustion, while sea turtle hatchlings can die after becoming disoriented by artificial lighting near the shore. Humans, too, suffer because of worsening light pollution. In addition to obscuring views of the night sky, it is also a health hazard causing, among other issues, sleep disorders and depression.