As spring approaches, we, along with much of the wildlife, look forward to its changes: fresh green leaves, blooming flowers, fruit tree blossoms, and more. The landscape takes on a warmer glow, and Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge is no exception.
No matter the season, nature has something to offer—but fall, with its vibrant colors and crisp air, is especially stunning. Nature is full of things to see, smell, touch, and photograph. Let’s get out and experience it.
“October is the month for painted leaves,” Henry Thoreau wrote in 1860. “Their rich glow now flashes round the world.” And while it’s true that other parts
of the world experience autumnal tints every year,
they seem to be brighter and more vivid in New England.
Nature is springing forth and so is Patriots’ Day! And this year is very special as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War with the battles of Lexington and Concord.
“The Shot Heard Around the World.” Wow!
Concord’s status as a Mecca for nature writers gains an international dimension this summer. The renowned British writer Robert Macfarlane will accept the 2025 Thoreau Prize on June 7 at the Trinitarian Congregational Church in Concord. The honor is given annually by the Thoreau Society to a writer whose work embodies Henry David Thoreau’s commitment to “speak a word for Nature.” In this year of celebrating the 250th anniversary of Concord’s role in the American Revolution, Robert Macfarlane will visit Concord to spark another revolution in how we see the world around us, calling on all of us to preserve our most precious legacy – the Nature we all call home.
Early this year, National Park Service archeologists working at Minute Man National Historical Park discovered five musket balls that were fired during the
world-changing event known as “The Shot Heard Round the World” on April 19, 1775.
Early analysis of the 18th-century musket balls indicates they were fired by colonial militia members at British forces during the North Bridge fight.
The colors of Concord in fall are so beautiful they bring a glow to our minds and a smile to our faces. The reds, oranges, and yellows against a green background are emphasized as they reflect in our waterways.
The Buttrick Gardens at Minute Man National Historical Park look better than ever after several years of hardscape preservation projects that enhance the natural beauty of the historic gardens. Owned by the Buttrick family from the colonial period until the 1960s, the gardens were installed and expanded by three generations of the Buttrick family from 1911 to 1962, when they conveyed the property to the National Park Service.
One of the most important decisions we can make is where to spend our time – either on a visit, or when thinking about where to put down roots and build a family and community. One of the aspects of Concord that attracts so many people from around the world to come here – to spend time, or to stay – is the unique essence of ‘place.’
