Spring is here! And that means white water rafting on the Concord River! Click here to learn more about white water rafting!  Join the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust for upcoming events that include our 2014 Eco-Film Series, April Vacation Week Programs, Arbor Day Celebration, and of course rafting on the Concord!  For more information or to RSVP for any event, Contact Us, or call (978)934-0030 x3.

Events are made possible through membership support. Please consider making a donation to the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust and become a member today. With your help we'll continue to deliver the types of programs and projects that continue to protect and shape our landscape, provide recreational activities, and reach new stewards of the places we love today. 

Jane Calvin, Executive Director, honored with "Because of Her Award"

The Because of Her Award is given out annually during Women's Week in recognition of women who demonstrate a strong commitment to the Lowell community through courage, generosity, compassion, and activism.   Jane's leadership, commitment, and dedication has shaped her vision to improve the quality of life for the people of Lowell.  Jane's impact on the quality of life in Lowell is visible through the Concord River Greenway, the protection of Hawk Valley Farm, the preservation of the Spalding House, a growing after-school environmental education program, and the planting of thousands of trees.   Jane also volunteers outside of work for several organizations.  As the award says, "Because of her, community members of all ages have been inspired, engagede, and educated to seriously invest in the preservation of our local environment and wildlife."    Congratulations, Jane!

Next Phase of Greenway Construction

              The City of Lowell has received $1,350,000 in PARC and Gateway grant funds to enable completion of the Concord River Greenway Park.  A new bridge will be placed at the end of the Lawrence Street section, crossing over the Concord River to Centennial Island.  From there this multi-use recreational trail will travel on the Lawrence Street side of the Concord River down to Jollene Dubner Park at Rogers Street, then cross the river and travel down the eastern bank of the river to Andover/Church Street.  Wopo Holup’s stone carvings and three additional multi-lingual informational signs are ready to be installed.  We’ll keep you posted as construction progresses!

On December 9th, 2013, state officials confirmed the presence of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in  the town of North Andover. Previously, EAB had only been found in Massachusetts in Berkshire County. Although Emerald Ash Borer only attacks ash trees, it kills them within just 3-5 years of infestation, making it a very destructive pest. As you enjoy the outdoors this winter season, be on the lookout for these three signs of EAB infestation, and report any possible sightings of damaged ash trees.  Look for upcoming trainings nearby! To read the full article, click here. Signs of the Emerald Ash Borer include:

• “Blonding” of ash trees, caused by woodpecker damage as they remove bark to eat the larvae/pupa, exposing blond wood.
• S-shaped galleries under the bark, caused by EAB larvae feeding on the wood, visible when bark falls off or removed.
• Tiny, D-shaped exit holes in the bark of ash trees, left when the adult beetles emerge from the tree in the summer.

At left: Adult emerald ash borer in larval tunnel. Photo courtesy of the Virginia Cooperative Extension.