Have you spotted new life on the MRG this Spring?
These flowers are Alder catkins with elongated male catkins on the same plant as shorter female catkins. They often emerge before leaves appear and are mainly wind-pollinated, but also visited by bees.
The Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission (UVLSRPC) has finished compiling and analyzing the data for the Mascoma River Greenway. Survey results are hosted here at www.uvlsrpc.org/rail-trails. Many thanks to Colin Smith for his work on the dashboard. #railtotrail #MRG #railstotrails #railstotrailsconservancy #connectlebtowestleb
“Until the first big snowstorm, I usually walked the length of the MRG every morning from 0430 to 0630. I usually have a headlamp on so that I can watch out for skunks, fallen tree limbs and crazy bicyclists who don’t use any headlamps even though it’s pitch black out. I also like the headlamp because you can then see what’s in the woods looking back at you. A week before I took the Owl shot, I was about to cross the wood bridge going downhill from Renihan Meadows area. It was pitch black out and I heard a rustling in the trees right above my head. I looked up with my headlamp and there was a Barred Owl looking back at me right over my head. It was sooo cool. Then about a week later, I was out on the Trail, halfway between the powerline cutout and the P&C access road. I just happened to look right up the ridge line and saw a Barred Owl. Next thing I know, the owl flies right down to the edge of the trail and perched himself on a limb only about ten feet from me, and just sat there. I couldn’t believe it. I took the shot.” – Dan Moriarty
For more of Dan’s 2020 wildlife sightings on the MRG see https://mascomagreenway.com/mrg-wildlife/
Posted in Animal Life on the MRG, Good News!
It was a pleasure meeting this friendly couple on the Greenway today. She was riding her new trike, a gift from her husband a few days ago. They are recent transplants from Alaska and are enjoying easy access to the MRG. Jogging, biking, triking, skateboarding, rollerblading, dog-walking, traveling on cross-country skis or snowshoes . . . many ways to enjoy the MRG!
Posted in Uncategorized
Work on the tunnel this Spring destroyed the MRG pollinator garden on the Goss Logan hillside. Only the hardiest of perennials survived. Red bee balm was one of the survivors . . . and it attracted this tiny hummingbird moth. These Dr. Seuss-like creatures have hummingbird energy, hovering and darting about. The proboscis and antennae are like those of butterflies. The furriness and striping are like bumble bees. The tail is like that of a lobster.
The caterpillar stage of the hummingbird moth looks much like a tomato hornworm. Hard to believe that this creature that looks so much like a hummingbird could emerge from such a caterpillar!
.
Hummingbird Moth Caterpillar Stage
Posted in Pollinator Corridor, Pollinators
Rain refreshed the various pollinator gardens along the MRG today – there were pollinators aplenty!
Silver Spotted Skipper on Echinacea
Tiny bees on Black-eyed Susan
Bee on Bee Balm
Silver Spotted Skipper on Liatris
Sweat bee on Echinacea
Posted in Pollinator Corridor, Pollinators
The City will be performing sewer cleaning and lining on the Sewer Interceptor starting July 20th continuing until mid October. The work will cause minor traffic delays on Mechanic Street (between Carpet Mill and Maplefields) and Glen Road (from the underpass to Seminary Hill).
Work will also be taking place along the parts of the Mascoma River Greenway from Glen Road to behind Entertainment Cinemas. The Mascoma River Greenway will remain open but at times be narrowed to accommodate construction vehicles.
For additional information or questions please contact Erica Brittner at 603-442-6147 or brittner@Lebanonnh.gov.
Posted in Uncategorized
Thanks to all who have responded to the MRG Survey. If we haven’t already heard from you, there is still time. The survey deadline is Sunday July 12, 2020.
https://mascomagreenway.com/mrgsurvey/
The survey is now closed – thanks to all who responded!
Posted in Visioning the Future
Working on the MRG pollinator gardens each day offers an opportunity to meet some of the MRG “regulars”. This is Chris who roller blades daily. She covers many miles as she skates back and forth, sometimes at least 10 miles. Since much of the MRG is in the shade of trees, it offers respite on these hot, muggy days. It’s a joy to see so many different people, in so many ways, enjoying this beautiful community resource.
Posted in Greenways for Health
We want to your hear about your experiences using the Mascoma River Greenway. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts. The survey can be accessed here:
https://mascomagreenway.com/MRGsurvey
Survey now closed – thanks to all who responded!
Posted in Visioning the Future
