Monthly Archives: February 2016

Moose Hill By the Numbers

Posted on February 17, 2016 by Karen Stein

Connections –MH100_fullcolor a newsletter for Mass Audubon members – recently featured Moose Hill in its By the Numbers article, highlighting the fact that Moose Hill is celebrating 100 years throughout 2016.

In preparing for this quick snapshot, there were a lot numbers that we gathered. Fun tidbits of information, and some real data about what we do here at Moose Hill. Needless to say, in 100 years, we provided more information than there was space available. The listing was pared down to fit the allotted space, and we love the numbers that were chosen. They touched on some of the key elements that make Moose Hill the place it is today. The article summarized a little about the land we protect, the natural communities that we encompass, the wildlife that we study, the events that have lasted through the years, the programs that are our backbone, and the staff.

But we just can’t stop thinking about all those other numbers that didn’t make it in and we are inspired to gather even more. In fact, we’d love to fill a wall with all the great facts and fun tidbits that remind us why Moose Hill is here. We will keep adding to our By the Numbers wall, and by the end of 2016, we hope to reach 100 fascinating facts and fun tidbits.

But, we need your help to do it! Share your stories with us – how many times have you hiked here? How many friends have you introduced to Moose Hill? How many photographs have you taken over the years? How many steps have you taken at Moose Hill? We will compile the information and continue to add to our By the Numbers wall. We’ll even post updates on how we are doing through our Facebook page.

And don’t forget to stay connected throughout the year: continue to share your adventures, past and present, on Facebook or Instagram (add Mass Audubon’s Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary as the location) using #MooseHill100.

We hope to see you soon, on the hill!

When the Sun Goes Down

Posted on February 4, 2016 by Karen Stein

Harry Higbee, a noted ornithologist, was the very first superintendent hired at Moose Hill. He was charged with maintaining the property and teaching visitors about planting to attract birds.

Periodically, Harry Higbee wrote about what was happening at the sanctuary, sharing his own observations and thoughts…and his own poetry.

I came across this great photo by one of our staff, Matt Apone, who captured a sunset (a true bonus to being staff at Moose Hill is the ability to roam the grounds once we have closed – our trails are only open dawn to dusk) and it reminded me of a poem that Mr. Higbee wrote in 1938.sunset at the bluffs

When the Sun Goes Down

I love the fire that burns in the west

At the hour of day’s decline;

When the sweet refrain of the Hermit Thrush

Comes clear on the evening’s golden lush

From the dark and shadowy pine.

‘Tis the end of a day when the sun goes down –

Though it gives me a bit of pain,

At the thought of so much I have left undone

And so few the battles I’ve nobly won,

In these hours of loss and gain.

Yet there comes a feeling of sweet repose

As I look toward the glowing west;

And a promise of better days to come

Seem born in the rays of the setting sun

As it silently sinks to rest. –H.G.H.