DIY Lowell and the Lowell National Historical Park are changing the meaning of PARKing spaces on Merrimack Street--if just for a day!   Visit this pop-up park to participate in this national discussion on public spaces, enjoy some trees provided by LP&CT, play games, swap books, and just relax while enjoying our city.      

Learn more on Facebook here.

If you missed our Concord River clean-up in August, not to worry-- we're teaming up with the Lowell Canalwater Cleaners again on Saturday, September 24!  The river is still quite low, giving us another opportunity to remove the tires, bricks, bikes, etc. that many of you have been noticing.  Come out with us and get muddy!

RSVP to Carolyn at cmeklenburg@lowelllandtrust.org. 

Join us at the Luna Theater on September 26 for the film Urbanized to tie-in with Pollard Memorial Library's "Lowell Reads" pick for 2016, Happy City: Transforming Our Lives Through Urban Design.  A great opportunity to connect with our community and reflect on what makes a city happy and healthy.

Description from the Pollard Memorial Library: Urbanized is a feature-length documentary about the design of cities, which looks at the issues and strategies behind urban design and features some of the world's foremost architects, planners, policymakers, builders, and thinkers. Who is allowed to shape our cities, and how do they do it? By exploring a diverse range of urban design projects around the world, Urbanized frames a global discussion on the future of cities. (2011) NotRated | 85 min.

Bring your binoculars to observe fall migrants that use the water of the Concord River and the trees of the Lowell Cemetery for food and shelter as they make their way south for the winter.  We will also look for birds that breed along this restored riparian habitat. This two-hour walk is suitable for beginners and those with limited mobility. Led by LP&CT member and expert birder, Mike Baird. Meet at the Lawrence Street entrance to the Lowell Cemetery.

RSVP to Carolyn at cmeklenburg@lowelllandtrust.org  

Join our executive director Jane Calvin and Lowell Walks' Richard Howe for a tour of the Concord River Greenway! Whether you've joined us for a clean-up along the CRG, seen it as you've rafted down the Concord, or have never been before, you'll learn something new about this trail network through the city. No RSVP required. Meet at the Lawrence Street entrance to the Lowell Cemetery.

You're invited to celebrate the Lowell National Historical Park's 100th birthday at Hawk Valley Farm as a part of its "Bringing the Park to the People" initiative!  Join us for a tour led by LP&CT's Executive Director Jane Calvin and Lowell Walks' Richard Howe.  You can also participate in LNHP's community weaving project! For more information, please visit the LNHP page here.  

Did you know that you can make beautiful natural dyes from plants found right here in Lowell?  Join us at Hawk Valley Farm to learn about the dyeing process and how you can use black walnut, madder, and more to make colorful fabrics!  For knitters, naturalists, and anyone interested in this fascinating process.  No RSVP required.       

Photo from http://www.dharmatrading.com/home/natural-dyes-101-with-cochineal-and-ma...                 

Join LP&CT and the Lowell Canalwater Cleaners at Jollene Dubner Park to clean up the Concord!  The current drought has left the Concord at HALF it's record low in 79 years, so we can get rid of all of the debris that's been revealed by the low water.  And we've got some waders!

                         

Teens Representing Environmental Excellency and Stewardship (TREES) want to spread the word about Lowell’s parks! A dedicated group of juniors and seniors from Lowell High School, TREES will have environmentally-themed crafts and games at Mack Plaza from 5:30-7:30 pm to celebrate the green spaces in our city. Be sure to stop by to learn about this student-led project and their favorite parks, as well as what they have been doing in their environmental after-school program run in partnership through the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust and Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm. Their project, “Urban Parks: The Best of Both Worlds,” is funded through a Massachusetts Cultural Council grant written by this outstanding group of students. 

                         

Where: Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market St., Lowell, MA

Narrated by actor Liam Neeson, Love Thy Nature explores the connection between humans and the natural world: although we often think of ourselves as separate from our environment, science is beginning to bring us closer to our natural roots in inspiring ways (74 min).

To read about the rest of our films this season, see the 2016 Film Series brochure here.

Thank you all for another successful season of eco-films! See you next season :)

         

It's that time of year again! Join us on Saturday, June 18 at the home of Matthew Donahue and Lisa Gwiazda to mark the summer solstice.  Catch up with old friends, meet some new ones, and celebrate the beauty of summertime in Lowell.  Tickets are $60 and can be purchased online here (just make a $60 "donation" and email us to let us know it's for a ticket), or mail a check to: Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust, PO Box 7162, Lowell, MA 01852. 

To view the invitation, click here.

To view the reply card, click here.

Join our beloved rafting guides from Zoar Outdoor for an adventure along a seldom-traveled flatwater section of the Concord River.  We'll kayak from Billerica down the Concord River to Muldoon Park in Lowell. No previous kayak experience necessary! 

Fee: $25/person with kayak rental (sit on top, 12 yrs +);  $15/person if you bring your own kayak or canoe; 12 and under free, but must ride with parent (children must be 5 or older).

RSVP required, as space is limited! Contact Carolyn at cmeklenburg@lowelllandtrust.org or call 978-934-0030.      

         

Where: Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market St., Lowell, MA

The Salt of the Earth is a stunning visual journey through Sebastio Segaldo’s lens as it follows his new project: caputring the beauty of our planet. Seglado has been photographing people around the globe for forty years to draw attention to social injustices and natural resources. This film is a 2015 Academy Award nominee (110 min).

To read about the rest of our films this season, see the 2016 Film Series brochure here.

         

Meet with Jane Calvin, LP&CT's Executive Director and Eric Hutchins of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) to discuss ways to bring fish populations back to the Concord River. The meeting will be in the cafeteria at Middlesex Community College, which is located on the ground floor of the Dr. Carole A Cowan Center (the large brick building).

RSVP's kindly requested to cmeklenburg@lowelllandtrust.org, but not required for attendance.            

Where: Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market St., Lowell, MA

In honor of Earth Day, join us for an evening of short films.  From ways of life in exotic locales to fighting wildfires in a changing climate, we'll show films that offer a window to environmentalism across the globe while showcasing the works of a variety of filmmakers!  The evening will also feature one-minute films created by UMass Lowell students in Professor Juliette Rooney-Varga's class that explore what climate change means to UML students, faculty and staff.  Films include: "You Are What you Eat," "1000 Cuts," "One Year in Two Minutes," "Unacceptable Risk," "The First Cashmere Craft Center in India," "Lands of Wind: A Journey Across Peru and Bolivia," and "Aina: That Which Feeds Us." .

To read about the rest of our films this season, see the 2016 Film Series brochure here.

           

When we think of “pollinators,” we often think of the European honey bee. But did you know that Massachusetts is home to over 300 other species of bees?  Explore Hawk Valley Farm from the point of view of these native pollinators!  You’ll get to make your own “bee” that will buzz around the farm collecting “pollen” from a variety of plants.  You’ll also have the chance to make your own native bee home to learn about the unique way that many native bees nest (hint: it’s not in a hive!).  For ages 7-12. Parking at the end of Varnum Terrace.

A part of the Lowell National Historical Park's April PLAYcation! See the rest of the PLAYcation schedule here.

         

Interested in becoming part of living history?  Join us for lock-tender training!  Operate canal locks on weekends (in April & May) to aid in pasage of whitewater rafts as part of LP&CT's Concord River whitewater rafting program. Learn how to close locks, open wickets to raise water level and send rafts through to next chamber.  If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, training is required. 

Kindly RSVP to Carolyn at cmeklenburg@lowelllandtrust.org, or contact her if you have any questions!

         

Where: Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market St., Lowell, MA

With only 3,000 tigers left on Earth, Dr. Alan Rabinowitz travels to Asia in a race against time to discover how land conservation could protect the majestic jungle cat. Special guest speakers: Hear from two local fifth-graders about what they’ve been doing to save their favorite animal. Winner of William Warner Award at the DC Environmental Film Festival, and a finalist for the Conservation Heroes Award at the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival. Read more: Tiger Tiger . (89 mins.)

To hear more from Dr. Alan Rabinowitz, the expert featured in Tiger Tiger and founder of the organziaiton Panthera, check him out on The Moth: http://themoth.org/posts/storytellers/alan-rabinowitz

         

Where: Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market St., Lowell, MA

“...how does water shape us, and how do we shape water?” Watermark explores this compelling question by traveling around the world to discover how different cultures relate to the source of all life. Official Selection at the Vancouver International Film Festival 2011, and 2013 Official Selection at the Toronto International Film Festival.

         

Maple-sugaring in Lowell? Yes! Learn how to identify a sugar maple tree, how to tap it for its sap, and how to turn the sap into syrup.  Mass Audubon's Sally Farrow will lead us in this fun, hands-on activity. All ages--families welcome! Kindly RSVP if you're planning to attend, as space is limited. In partnership with Mass Audubon Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary.       

Get outside to explore Lowell's oldest farm! Owned by the Varnum family for over 350 years and now protected by the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust (in partnership with the Trustees of Reservations), explore Hawk Valley's five acres with a scavenger hunt. Practice your scientific skills as you search for signs of animal life, evidence of farming, and more around this beautiful and historic property- with a hot chocolate treat at the end! Parking to be determined depending on snow. Ages 5-12; all children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Kindly RSVP if you're planning to attend.

Want to know more about Lowell Kids Week? Read the press release here and be sure to check out their schedule here to see what else is going on around town. Thank you to the Lowell National Historical Park for organizing such a fun and action-packed week!         

Venture out into the snow with us to find some sings of wildlife on Hawk Valley Farm! Mass Audubon's Teacher Naturalist Debbie Stein will help us track local animals including deer, fisher, fox, skunk, opossum, and more as we explore this historic property together.  Kindly RSVP if you're planning to attend, as space is limited! In partnership with Mass Audubon Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary.       

Twenty-six art quilts created by over twenty Florida artists will be on display at the Lowell National Historical Park Boott Cotton Mills Museum, depicting the impact of climate change on our 405 national parks.  Come see some spectacular artistry, while learning about current environmental issues at this unique exhibit in honor of the upcoming centennial of America's national parks.  At the exhibit opening on January 5, curator Maya Schonenberger will speak via teleconference about the creation of the exhibit, along with artists Melani Brewer, Andrea (Deda) Oliviera Maldonado, and NPS exhibit coordinator Gary Bremen (who will also be speaking via teleconference). More locally, Pamela Weeks from the New England Quilt Museum will be there to discuss quilting. See the Lowell National Historical Park Events Page or the press release here for more information.

Join us for a special evening with the Lowell National Historical Park! There will be a special viewing of the LNHP exhibit, Piecing Together A Changing Planet (see below) for attendees at 6:30 pm, followed by a 7:00 pm screening of the acclaimed film, Thin Ice, the Inside Story of Climate Science. Take this opportunity to gain a new understanding of the science behind climate change and its increasing significance for our planet's future-- and present (73 min).

Thank you!

               

YES! LP&CT Executive Director Jane Calvin will be leading an exploration under the Lowell Connector, a likely future connection to the Bruce Freeman Trail. She will be joined by aerosol artist Nick Rivera to explore "graffiti" found under the Connector.

We will be meeting at the very end of the Target parking lot off of Plain Street.

Thank you to all who joined us, and to our tour guide, Nick! Check out Dick Howe's blog post about the event, as well as photos on our Facebook page.

 

Join us for our long-awaited walk along the Merrimack River from the border of Andover/Lawrence into downtown Lowell (<10 miles).  We'll provide a bus from Lowell to the start of our hike and we'll end by enjoying a pizza lunch.  Lunch will include a brief Annual Meeting presentation.  All are welcome at one or both events: hike & pizza lunch ($25) or just a pizza lunch ($10). 

Thank you to everyone who walked with us! Check out photos of the event on our Facebook page and Twitter!

The Fruit Hunters travels across culture, history and geography to show how intertwined we are with the fruits we eat.  Our guides are devoted fruit fanatics.  This film is a cinematic odyssey through nature and commerce, The Fruit Hunters will change not only the way we look at what we eat  but how we view our relationship to the natural world.



Although we had to post-pone the showing of this film from May, we're exciting to offer it this November as a kick-off to our winter Eco-film series!  The Eco-film series is offered in partnership with the  Lowell Film Collaborative, Lowell National Historical Park, and our primary sponsors: Mill City Environmental and Eno, Martin, & Donahue.

Thanks for joining us-- see you in January!

               

Mark your calendars! Join the Trust for our 25th Anniversary Celebration. Look for your invitation in the mail in early September.  Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Thank you to all of our attendees, sponsors, and supporters for making this a wonderful event!

Offered as part of the New England Society of Botanical Artists: Rivers, Textile, and Dye Plants exhibit, September 19-October 24.

 

 

Join us for a morning of getting the Concord River Greenway ready for the fall - pruning, weeding, mulching, raking.  This a long stretch of landscaping that acts as a rain garden, filtering water before it enters the river.   We'll provide gloves, leaf bags, tools, etc. Click here for more information on this event and other National Public Lands Day events across the country!

Thank you to all who made this a wonderful event!

 

 

Join us in celebrating River Day with Congresswoman Niki Tsongas and special guest, US Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewell.

 

When: Saturday, June 20, 5-8pm

Location: Home of Bill Reedy & Darren End

Thank you to everyone that joined us for our annual backyard summer solstice celebration! Check out photos from this year's event!

When: Thursday, May 14, 2015, 7am

Location: Just inside the Lawrence Street gate of the Lowell Cemetery

Bring your binoculars to observe spring migrants that use the water of the Concord River and the trees of the Lowell Cemetery for food and shelter as they make their way to their northern breeding grounds.  We will also look for birds that breed along this restored riparian habitat. This two-hour walk is suitable for beginners and those with limited mobility.  This event is also part of our series “Celebrating Birds,” offered in partnership with Lowell’s Pollard Memorial Library and Foundation. Led by LP&CT member and expert birder, Mike Baird. Please RSVP to jcalvin@lowelllandtrust.org

When: Saturday, May 16th, 1-4pm

Location: 383 Pawtucket St., Lowell, MA

Visit Lowell’s third oldest home (c.1760) and explore Lowell’s pre-industrial history!  Come see our new bluestone patio and dry laid stonewalls behind the Spalding House.  Costumed colonial spinners will also be sharing their trade (thanks to the American Textile History Museum).    

When: Saturday, April 25, 9-12pm

Location: Concord River Greenway, Davidson Street Section

Join us on the Concord River Greenway to help get this park ready for the growing season.  We’ll be spreading mulch, trimming grasses, pruning perennials, and raking.  Bring your own hand tools and gloves—we’ll have some to share, too.

When: Thursday, April 23, 2015, 4pm

Location: 133-135 Willie Street, Lowell

Celebrate Arbor Day and Earth Day with LP&CT, Habitat for Humanity, and Mayor Elliott.  Join us in welcoming a new Habitat project to the Acre with some much needed trees.  Lowell is also celebrating another year as a Tree City USA.

When: Thursday, April 23, 10am-11:30am

Location: Hawk Valley Farm, 520 Varnum Ave, Lowell, MA

Explore the history and landscape of Hawk Valley Farm!  This hidden gem tucked away in Pawtucketville is full native wildlife.  Join us for this adventure and help us find the plentiful signs of spring! Space is limited, please RSVP to Gwen at gwen@lowelllandtrust.org or 978-934-0030.

 

 

When: Saturday, April 4, 2015 at 9am

Location: UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center, 50 Warren St, Lowell, MA

Interested in becoming part of living history?  Join us for lock tender training!  Operate canal locks on weekends (in April & May), aid in pasage of whitewater rafts as part of Trust's Concord River whitewater rafting program. Learn how to close locks, open wickets to raise water level and send rafts through to next chamber.  If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, training is required.  Any questions or to RSVP please contact Gwen at gwen@lowelllandtrust.org or 978-934-0030.

 

When: POSTPONED to Saturday, March 14, 2015, 9am-10:30am

Location: Hawk Valley Farm, Varnum Ave., Lowell

When: Saturday, February 21, 2015, 12pm

Location: Rogers Fort Hill Park

When: Thursday, February 19, 2015, 10-11:30am

Location: Mogan Cultural Center, 40 French Street.

When: Saturday, January 31th, 2015, 10 am

Location: Pollard Memorial Library

Birds of a feather flock together! Come meet three live, native birds. Learn what it takes for these birds to survive in the wild and get an up-close look at wildlife that you can find right here in Lowell (if you know where to look)! Discover the differences between birds of prey and songbirds and learn about the habitats they call home.  All ages welcome. This program is hosted in partnership with the Pollard Memorial Library, Mass Audubon Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust.

When: Wednesday, November 5th, 2014, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Location: Pollard Memorial Library

The Trust and the Pollard Memorial Library Foundation invite you to an exploration of the Library's special collection of John James Audubon prints. The event will feature guest Speaker Chris Leahy, Mass Audubon. This is also the Annual Members Meeting for the Trust. Hope to see you there!

 

This event was also recently featured on Lowell's "Thinking Out Loud" show on Lowell Cable Channel 8. Watch here!

 

When: Thursday, September 25th, 2014, 6:00pm

Location: Lowell Telecommunications Corporation, 246 Market St., Lowell

Dr. Mark Romanowsky, founding director and current President of LP&CT, has generously worked over several years to create a series of oil paintings featuring the special places of Lowell, as well as scenes from the surrounding area, coastal areas, and his travels.  All proceeds from the sale of Mark’s originals, prints, and notecards will benefit LP&CT.  The exhibit will be on display at LTC for the month of September.  Click here to see Mark's paintings. And join us for a special reception to celebrate LP&CT's accreditation as a land trust! Light refreshments will be served.                      

When: Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014, 7:30am

Location: Concord River Greenway, Lawrence Street Section

Join the Trust and Mike Baird, Trust member and birding expert, for an early morning birding exploration of the Concord River Greenway! All levels of birding knowledge welcome! Please RSVP to gwen@lowelllandtrust.org or 978-934-0030.  Program held in partnership with the Pollard Memorial Library.                   

When: Tuesday, August 19th, 6-7pm

Location: West Meadow Conservation Land, meet at Lauren Way (north end of cul-de-sac)

Come explore West Meadow Conservation Land with Trust staff and Board!  This 4 acre property is one of Lowell's best kept secrets!  Learn about wildlife, explore trails (one leads into the Lowell-Dracut- Tyngsboro State Forest, and meet your neighbors!  Please RSVP to Gwen at 978-934-0030 or gwen@lowelllandtrust.org.

                                                       

 

 

When: Monday, August 4, 6pm

Location: Boarding House Park

Jennifer Loher will be teaching an all levels yoga class inspired by Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust.  Soak up the powerful benefits of nature inspired poses in a beautiful open space in downtown Lowell.  A true urban environmental experience not to miss!  All donations will benefit the work of Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust.                                        

When: Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at 6:00pm- live music by The Troubadours; 6:30pm film start

Location: Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market St, Lowell

When: Saturday, July 26th and Sunday, July 27th

Location: Merrimack St., Lowell

Looking for a way to donate your time?  Help us spread the work and work of the Trust at Folk Festival! No need to be an expert on projects and programs. Your responsibility will be being a friendly face to chat with folks and direct any other questions to a staff or board member. We have 2 hour shifts throughout the weekend. Email Gwen at gwen@lowelllandtrust.org or 978-934-0030 to find out more!

When: Postponed!

Location: Muldoon Park

   Join our beloved rafting guides from Zoar Outdoor for an adventure along a seldom-traveled flatwater section of the Concord River.  We'll kayak from Billerica down the Concord River to Muldoon Park in Lowell. No previous kayak experience necessary!  Fee: $25/person with kayak rental (sit on top, 12 yrs +);  $15/person if you bring your own kayak or canoe; 12 and under free, but must ride with parent (children must be 5 or older). RSVP's required; limited space available:(978) 934-0030 or email gwen@lowelllandtrust.org