Thursday, July 21, 2011
Birds & Nesting Box Tour
Sunday September 18th & Sunday, September 25th
This guided tour will explore some of Groveland's 47 acres of conservation land, highlighting Veasey Park's Nesting Box Program. We will explore and compare inhabitants including bluebirds, tree swallows, purple martins, tufted tit mouse and bobolinks. This serene walk is a perfect place for observing and learning about our local birds and their natural environment. Binoculars suggested
Coordinated by the Essex National Heritage Commision, as an integral part of our mission, Trails & Sails raises regional awareness of Essex County’s resources, encourages visitation, and fosters stewardship and preservation of its heritage sites. Trails & Sails takes place each September, just North of Boston, inviting you to enjoy the diverse experiences that led to this region’s designation as a National Heritage Area, for FREE! Discover treasures in your own backyard! Experience all the sights and sounds of the Essex National Heritage Area during the ninth annual Trails & Sails: Two Weekends of Walks and Water!
Explore the many cultural, historic, and natural sites during two weekends of FREE events featuring a variety of walks, guided hikes, sails, historical tours, and adventures! Create your own itinerary at www.trailsandsails.org! for FREE.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Health Screening this September
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Spring has arrived,,,,
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Hydrangea Pruning
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Come celebrate Earth Day with us!
We are so thrilled to be pairing again with the Langley Adams Library! In honor of Earth Day, join us for a FREE event on April 20th from 11am to 1pm.
Monday, March 28, 2011
March is RED CROSS month
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Veasey Memorial Park plans the Fifth Annual Wine & Art Reception!
Join us to celebrate & raise funds for “Groveland’s Best Kept Secret”
The fifth annual Wine & Art Reception in Groveland’s,
Previous year’s receptions have been an unprecedented success for the Park. The evening is filled with foods from area restaurants & caterers, original art from dozens of local artists, and fine wine donated from Park supporters and local businesses, and finished off with music, raffles and entertainment
“We are really looking forward to the fifth reception and hope that this year will be as successful as previous years,” says Jan Lydon, member of the Veasey Management Committee. “It provides a nice low cost evening out for grown up’s with wine and hors d’oeuvres, not too far from home.”
This event facility and community park is looking for your support. Caterers, restaurants, vendors and artists interested in participating may call 978 521 9345 for information on the benefits of support or check out www.veaseypark.org.
All artwork is original and available for purchase by check, cash, or credit card. The proceeds from the event will go towards the Park’s fundraising efforts including 40% commission on all art sales.
Tickets may be purchased by calling
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Adobe Photoshop Workshop on Sept 25th & Oct 2nd
Offered on two consecutive Saturdays, starting September 25th, this intensive workshop is designed to enable those with no or limited experience with Photoshop to get started with Photoshop immediately, and start making edits to their pictures. Adobe Photoshop is the industry leading graphics program for graphic & web designers and digital photographers.
This workshop provides an overview of Adobe Photoshop, and an in-depth tour of Photoshop’s tools, followed by detailed explanations and step-by-step demonstrations of image editing and retouching techniques in Photoshop. This local Workshop is offered in a small classroom setting so that attendees can follow along and ask questions during the sessions. The cost for the Introduction to Photoshop Workshop is $179.
For additional information or to register the Very Groovy Workshops website www.groovyworkshops.com or contact Ed Burke at workshops@verygroovy.com. You can also register by contacting Veasey Memorial Park at 978.521.9345.
Veasey Memorial Park located at 201 Washington Street in Groveland offers noncredit personal enrichment courses and workshops for individuals and companies that are looking for professional training and workshops locally. For information call 978.521.9345 or visit us online at www.veaseypark.org.
Darfur Fundraiser
The successful event raised money for Darfur.
Check out the article below for more details!
http://www.stjohnsprep.org/page.cfm?p=615&newsid=1145
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Dry Weather …
June and July of this year have been dry months at Veasey Memorial Park. According to the National Weather Service reporting site in Lawrence, Massachusetts, there has only been about 1.5 inches of combined rainfall for June and July. Considering that the average-combined rainfall for these two months in this area is slightly more than 7 inches, this season’s rainfall has certainly been sparse. The impact of this two-month draught is evident by the many patches of brown that are seen throughout the Veasey lawn and field.
Even though the vegetation in the field has struggled from the lack of precipitation, several wildflowers still have managed to produce a surprising floral display in spite of the dry weather. This summer the most prolific wildflower is goldenrod, which can be found densely scattered throughout the field forming patches of bright yellow. Another abundant and pretty wildflower in the field is black-eyed Susan that has a dark-brown central disk from which bright yellow petals radiate making it one of the more outstanding flowers in the Park. It is a member of the composite or daisy family.
Another showy wildflower that appears in the field is purple loosestrife. Unfortunately, purple loosestrife is an aggressive and invasive plant preferring wet habitats but has managed to grow in some areas of the field. Though the field would appear to be too dry and thus unsuitable for this wildflower, underground seeps of water produce microhabitats that accommodate the thirsty roots of this invasive species. The magenta-spiked flowers of purple loosestrife are quite showy but this plant has an infamous reputation for crowding out native plants that would provide more beneficial habitat for wildlife. When this plant invades wetlands, it produces a spectacular display of purple color characteristic of many of our wetlands this time of year. Being an introduced species and due to its aggressive tendency toward other vegetation, it is not surprising that purple loosestrife is listed by the Massachusetts Division Fisheries and Wildlife as an invasive plant species.
Not all introduced species are invasive; in fact, Queen Anne’s lace with its creamy-white flat-top cluster of flowers was introduced from Europe and seems to have melded somewhat peaceably with its neighboring habitat, and is indeed a very attractive wildflower that can be observed during mid-summer in the Park. When the flowers have gone to seed, the flower head curl will up and form what looks like a bird’s nest. The other name for this plant is wild carrot noting its ancestor origin of the domesticated carrot.
Another wildflower, life forever, has found a suitable spot under the canopy of the large oak tree in the field. This wildflower has a succulent stock and leaves that allow the plant to manage dry conditions. With its rounded cluster of small-pink flowers on top of a single stock that is about 18 inches high, the flowers are quite striking when stumbled upon. It too was introduced from Europe but does not appear to be a nuisance yet.
Richard Lombard … August 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Enjoy a Walk in the Veasey Field
With the help of the Groveland Highway Department and the mowing crew of Mike and Ed, there are now four distinct and interconnected field trails. To maintain the field it is necessary to mow it once in the autumn to prevent it from being overtaken by shrubs and trees; whereas the field trails need to be mowed more frequently, about once every one to two weeks.
Visitors to the Park now have a great opportunity to wander throughout the entire field and observe a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, dragon and damsel flies and a multitude of other intriguing insects as well as many wildflowers. Staying on the trail is strongly advised as poison ivy is an abundant plant in the field. Don’t disparage too much about this ivy, as it is a native species and a food source for much wildlife.
So take this opportunity to enjoy and explore the field as the weather has warmed and summer has arrived. From the top of the field, there are excellent views toward the east and south. An especially pleasant time of day to stroll through the field is in the early evening as the sun settles into the horizon. Hopefully, with the support of an evening breeze, you will find the mosquitoes scarce but not the other natural sights of the field. If the sun has set, you may catch the flash of some fireflies, more specifically the Pennsylvania firefly (Photuris pennsylvanicus).
Richard Lombard … June/July 2010
(Photos courtesy of Dave Blackwell)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Pentucket Summer Arts Camp is back!
Pentucket Arts Center Presents Our 14th Annual Summer Children's Program "Adventures in Art 2010" | |||
Come to Veasey Memorial Park in Groveland for our all day program of summer art adventures! For the last 14 years children have been creating wonderful projects in ceramics, puppetmaking, painting, drawing, sculpture, papermaking, and much more with incredible art, theater, and music celebration. This year will be our best ever outdoors and indoors with ceramics, painting, drawing, sculpture, paper-making, weaving, theatrical arts and music, and much, much more. Our wonderful professional staff include program director Susan Blim, musical theater teacher Gayle Bridgford, professional artists and teachers Maria Fontaine and Rebecca O'Shea, and other talented creative artists. July 12th - 23th Pentucket Arts Center is a non-profit organization based in Haverhill, MA founded in 1996. We support and develop arts programming for the Greater Haverhill area. For more information visit www.pentucketartscenter.org.Two, one-week all-day sessions. 9:00 - 4:00 for ages 6-13. . The program will provide 2 snacks each day, but a lunch must accompany the child. The program will run regardless of weather. Fee is $185 per child per session. Please mail in the registration payment (personal check or money order) with your complete contact information, your child's name, age, and the grade they will begin in the Fall 2010, as well as their school. You will receive by hard copy mail a confirmation of registration, along with the medical and permission forms for the program. An official registration form is not necessary as long as complete information is provided along with payment. Please remit payment to: Pentucket Arts Center, P.O. Box 1808, Haverhill, MA 0183 or through their website: http://www.pentucketartscenter.org/ WEEK OF JULY 12-16, 2010 "The World of Dogs, Cats, and other Favorite Pets" Explore the world of dogs, cats, and more - various mammals, birds, fish, reptiles or even imaginary creatures - dream about your favorite pets - past, present and future ! WEEK OF JULY 19-23 "Carnivale!" Celebrate and learn about the famous holiday tradition in Brazil. We'll create our own extravaganza with costumes, dance, drama, music and much more! |
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Nesting Boxes....
The month of April is the start of the nesting season for bluebirds and tree swallows at Veasy Memorial Park (VMP). Since both species build their nests inside cavities, nest boxes have been placed throughout the VMP field to accommodate the nesting needs of these birds. Though they build nests inside natural cavities such as old woodpecker-excavated cavities, these birds will readily accept man-made nest boxes, especially, when placed in open areas such as the field at VMP. Currently, there are 17 nest boxes at VMP and another box in Meadow Pond Reservation, which is located across the street from VMP. The VMP nest box program began in the spring of 2005.
Often, April and even May at the park can present cool and wet weather that make nesting challenging. Bluebirds will attempt nesting early in April and sometimes in late March while tree swallows are somewhat later starters. Fortunately for this year, April was relatively mild and our nesting birds got off to a good start. During April, there were three bluebird and one tree swallow nests with clutches of eggs. Two of the bluebird nests produced hatchlings before the month ended! Definitely, this is an early appearance of bluebird nestlings.
The nest boxes are regularly monitored for bird development and box maintenance. Important
developmental information includes the date that the first egg is laid, the hatch date and the date the nestlings fledged, or leave the nest box. Monitoring can be complicated by the fact that the female will lay only one egg per day and might not begin incubating the clutch of eggs up to a week after the last egg is deposited in the nest. The egg laying period is followed by the incubation, hatchling, nestling and fledging periods. Once this cycle is completed, a new generation of independent offspring is produced.
Incubation can last from 12 to 16 days for both bluebirds and tree swallows. The young usually all hatch within two days of each other, and both species are altricial, that is the hatchlings are immobile, downless and naked, and their eyes closed for several days after hatching. They rely completely on their parents for survival. In contrast, turkeys are precocial where the hatchlings are mobile, downy, and follow their mother who shows what to eat. Once they hatch, bluebirds and tree swallows will need an additional 15 to 20 days to fully develop and fledge (able to leave the nest box).
With some simple arithmetic, you can see that it takes about 34 to 43 days to produce a self-sufficient new generation of offspring. In our region of the country, breeding bluebirds sometimes produce two broods of offspring, though tree swallows seem content with a single brood, each season. Imagine a breeding pair of bluebirds could produce two generations of bluebirds, and be grandparents at the end of their second breeding season.
Maybe that is the reason they don’t live for many years – about 2 to 5 years on average.
Richard Lombard … May 2010
Winter Nesting Box
Photo by D. Blackwell
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Our Hydrangea
Here is a summary of her most recent thoughts about them!
"We are working on the annual pruning required to make them grow the giant flower trusses, that everyone loves. The hydrangeas at Veasey are called 'hydrangea paniculata grandiflora', a.k.a. peegee hydrangeas. They bloom on this year's growth and have all spring and summer to grow and form buds. They then bloom in August.
Their color is dependent on the weather, not the soil acidity. The severe annual pruning makes the flowers bigger; if left alone they would just have little blobs of flowers. They are hardier than the blue flowered variety, which blooms on old growth that frequently gets killed over the winter this far north. "
Before:
After:
Here are some pictures of two fabulous and indispensable volunteers, Jack and Cheryl doing the annual pruning.
We are going to keep you posted on how they bloom.
Monday, May 3, 2010
New Caretaker !!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
And thank goodness.....we so badly needed the right person for this challenging job and are just thrilled to have him.
Fredric (aka Fritz) Vogler grew up in Lawrence but moved to Amesbury in the 70's where he was at the same job for 16+ years. He built a home in Salisbury and now enjoys time with his kids and grandkids.
Fritz has quickly become the right fit here and the difference is obvious in just a few short weeks.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Earth Day is just around the corner!
Listen to a story, make a craft, and help us plant some flowers to make Veasey Park beautiful!
For children ages 2-10 and their parents/caregivers.
Adults please type your name first and then your child/children's names individually in the spaces below.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Host your summer camp here!
Located on 47 acres of conservation land, Veasey Park is best known as a versatile function facility - rain or shine. Our main building has a variety of nice rooms available to rent for parties, meetings, classes, or entertainment - at modest prices. The income from your patronage is directly re-invested in our operation to maintain our long-term viability.
Veasey’s "Back Court" space has flat grounds, perfect for outdoor activities and running around. Also featured outside are a swing set, picnic area and playground area. Water access (non-swimming) is available from the park to neighboring Johnson's Pond. Veasey offers several different indoor spaces that complement the spacious grounds and marked trails. Rooms range in size from small to large (20 -150ppl)with some spaces having air conditioning, wireless internet, tables, chairs and kitchens.
Groups hosting here in the past include Arts, Theater, Music & Science camps, Mom's Groups, Cooking Series, Church Retreats / Camps. and Veasey’s own Discovery Series for kids. We'd be a perfect match for groups looking for an eco-friendly spot with local nature & wildlife
Veasey is easily accessible from both routes 95 and 495. Plenty of parking is available. For more information about hosting your summer camp at Veasey Park or available dates, please visit us at www.veaseypark.org or email office@veaseypark.org.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Trees........
I didn't get there in time to get a picture of the large white pine that fell with a good camera. Here is one from my phone...
Ironically, it fell on the Conservation Commission's office. Here is what remains.
Now it's time for the cleaning up! Earth Day is coming up, if you or your group would like to help, please contact Megan at megan@veaseypark.org or call 978.521.9345.
Happy Spring!
P.S. Don't forget the Friends of Veasey have their annual indoor Flea Market on Saturday from 9am to 1pm. FREE to attend! Tables still available to rent.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Indoor Flea Market....clean out that closet!
Everyone is Welcome -Admittance is Free
Crafters, Antiques, or Just cleaning out.....
Table rental available: 4 ft = $20, 6ft = $25, 8 ft = $30
$10 deposit required
Call 978.521.9345 and leave a message
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Veasey Park's Enrichment Series is back ...check out these amazing opportunities
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Dicovery Series for Kids is back!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Wine and Art 2009
Tracy Gilford took a myriad of pictures that evening, here are just a few....
More to come!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Art for our sake!
The artwork will be for Veasey's Great Hall and must be 5 ft high by 8 1/2 ft wide. The commissioned price can not exceed $800 (to include art supplies).
The subject matter should encompass the spirit of Veasey as a conservation park and community facility using vibrant colors and bearing in mind the beautiful hydrangea for which Veasey is known.
If interested in participating you MUST:
- On or before November 7th, call 978.373.2829 (Jan Lydon) to let her know of your interest, and she will provide you with additional information. NO EMAILS OR CALL TO THE PARK PLEASE.
- Participating artist must submit 2-3 colored sketches of proposed work by November 17th to be mailed to or deliver to Jan (ask her for details)
- Sketches will be presented at Wine and Art Reception on November 21st where attendees will pass opinions and reviews however, a separate committee will have final approval
You know that DOG!!
Veasey Memorial Park is absolutely THRILLED to have the very cool work of Dale Rogers at our Wine and Art Reception!
Dale Rogers takes pleasure in creating work that inspires the public to think about the world differently. He strives to create work that is thought-provoking, sophisticated, easily recognized and serves as a ‘mental postcard'.
Dale believes that by adding sculpture to the public landscape, the communities are forever enhanced and the art serves as a reflection of the quality of their community.
Public displays of art inspire people of all ages to think about the world differently. Young people are influenced daily by their surroundings, and art is an integral part of their creative development. Public sculpture evokes an emotional response from all who view it.
Dale says: "I believe in simple truths and enduring value. My work is an exercise in blending graceful, organic style with contemporary flair. My art, sometimes referred to as American Art, is described as sophisticated, thought-provoking and sometimes, humorous.
My work includes sculptures for home and garden all of which are on display at fine galleries throughout the U.S. and are included in exclusive private and corporate collections. I am honored that my large sculpture enhances public spaces across the nation for visitors to enjoy. "
To read all of Dale's statement, check here
Tickets for the Wine and Art Reception are available at www.veaseypark.org or by calling 978.521.9345