Walks and Talks 2010
Highlights of the Summer Series
Contributed by Sylvia Reiss
What Happens to the Island's Wastewater? August 23
What a way to end the walks season: a tour of Vinalhaven's wastewater treatment plant, led by plant operator Karol Kucinski, and wastewater commissioner Pam Alley, both members of the Land Trust board of directors.
Attendees were shown how the wastewater is made safe for discharge into the harbor. Karol's takeaway message: think about what you flush, and don't flush Swiffers!Tour of Turner Organic Farm, North Haven, August 21
This walk drew a crowd of almost 200 people, who visited the MOFGA certified organic farm that grows vegetables and flowers sold on North Haven. Key to maintaining health and productive growing conditions are the movable greenhouses that follow the barnyard animals after they have fertilized the soil. To save space, many plants are grown vertically.
Twenty-five years ago archeologist Bruce Borque had a dig at this site, where human artifacts 5000 years old were found. He was on hand at the shore to talk about the dig, and the recognition that people were in residence on the island only half the time. Research continues to understand why this is so.
Island Circumambulation August 17
Encounters with weather, birds, animals, tidal zone inhabitants and trash were recounted in Phil Crossman's telling of his walk around the shoreline, or circumambulation, of Vinalhaven. He will be resuming his trek (about 1/4 of the way so far) after Labor Day, and his adventures and misadventures can be followed on his blog.
Vinalhaven Geology August 14
Professor David Hawkins of Wellsley College told the story of the 420 million years old granite bedrock of Lane's Island. A remnant of the long vanished volcano that dominated the area can be seen in the island's dramatic pillows, dykes, and veins of black gabbro granite.
Woodlot Forestry Management August 7
Forestry expert and Vinalhaven resident Chuck Gadzik guided participants through the woods at Eastholm, the Millard property on Calderwoods Neck. His presentation included a brief discussion of the Vinalhaven forest, followed by a demonstration of how it should be managed. The thin soils that cover much of the island retain moisture poorly, with the result that fast-growing, drought-intolerant trees seldom survive to maturity. The relatively slow-growing red spruce tolerates drought best, and is the tree of choice for much of Vinalhaven.
Working Waterfront July 31
Peter Jones, at Harborside Lobster, and Carol Hamilton, at the Fisherman's Co-op, vivdly told the story of Vinalhaven's principal industry - lobster - from bait to buyer. The group was shown around the two facilities as the talk leaders discussed the difference between Co-ops (owned by the fishermen) and private enterprise (owned by a company).
Inaugural Walk Granite Island Trails July 27
Sparrow Farm July 24
A hike on the Sparrow farm led from the landmark house and barn along an old farm road and over blueberry barrens to Seal Bay, where the largest seagoing vessel ever built on the island, the Margaret Ford, was constructed.
This property, with its varied historic uses as granite quarry, ship-building site, and dairy farm, is protected from future devlopment as one of the first conservation easements given (to Maine Coast Heritage Trust) on Vinalhaven.
Make Your Own Rain Barrel July 21
All the parts and tools necessary for making your own rain barrel were on hand, thanks to workshop leaders Peter Richards, Merry Boone, and Mark Jackson. After much experimentation, Peter has perfected the rain barrel - addressing issues of water pressure, bug-proofing, spigots, and overflows. You can download the complete "Rain Barrel Recipe".
History of the Swimming Pool July 17
People of all ages, from Vinalhaven and North Haven, attended this fascinating talk by Jim Boone on the history of the Swimming Pool. The "pool" is located in the Eleanor L Campbell Preserve on Calderwoods Neck, and was enjoyed by many generations of people as a place to socialize and swim. Jim did extensive research on its history and interviewed many people to pull the story together. His complete talk will be posted in the fall.
Isle au Haut Park July 13
These hikers were introduced or reintroduced to Isle au Haut Mountain Park by Patience and Patrick Trainor. This town park, located on top of an exposed rounded hilltop, offers spectacular views to the southwest (when there is no fog), great fields of glaciated granite, and tenacious pitch pines.
June Carver Roberts Memorial Wildflower Walk July 10
On July 10th, botanist Javier Peñalosa led the always popular June Carver Roberts Memorial Wildflower Walk. This year he led the flower seekers to MCHT's Williams Basin Preserve, traveling through an abandoned farmstead, whose old foundation is sporting a covering of Elegant Sunburst Lichen.
Javier focused on what is special about familiar plants and adaptive about unfamiliar ones. Indian pipe was in full bloom (photo sidebar). Sundew, (photo below), may look delicate and lovely, but it is also carniverous.
Modern Animal Husbandry at the Garner Farm June 19
Wanatha Garner gave a tour of her Long Cove "hobby farm" on June 19, introducing the participants to her 70 sheep. She explained the work of breeding, rearing, tending, and shearing the sheep. A great trip for all; the children especially enjoyed their visit to the laying hens and heritage turkeys. Thank you, Wanatha!