Hi There, As I celebrated the winter solstice yesterday, I was reminded of nature's remarkable rhythms. In Lincoln's woods and fields, wildlife is in full winter mode. White-tailed deer are conserving energy, chickadees and tufted titmice are visiting feeders more frequently, and beneath the (sort of) frozen ground, meadow voles create intricate tunnel systems. It's a perfect time to bundle up for a quiet walk on Lincoln's trails, where you might spot tracks after the next snowstorm or catch the low-angled sunlight filtering through the trees in ways you'll only see this time of year. As we celebrate this astronomical milestone, let's appreciate the natural world around us and our shared commitment to protecting it for generations to come. Learn about more winter wildlife happenings in Lincoln by reading Gwyn Loud's December 2025 Wildlife Column on the LLCT website HERE<https://lincolnconservation.org/december-2025-wildlife-column/>.
We hope you'll join us on an upcoming Conservation Walk: * January 3rd Saturday Ranger Walks - Explore Lincoln's open space with Will Leona, Lincoln's Conservation Ranger. Visit different trails in Lincoln on the first Saturday of each month. Walks are generally 2 miles long and are appropriate for all ages. Our next walk will be on January 3rd. For more information click HERE<https://www.lincolntown.org/DocumentCenter/View/104980/Winter-Ranger-Walks-2026> and sign up HERE<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MA4okgIrvm0qteaTFeXancO6iF6W3qFelWwSYQWKsHs/edit?gid=1168909733#gid=1168909733>. * January 23rd and 24th: Join Conservation Planner Stacy Carter for a rousing winter walk through the woods as we talk about how to identify woody plants - no leaves necessary! See more information HERE<https://www.lincolntown.org/DocumentCenter/View/104965/2026-Winter-Tree-and-Shrub-ID-Flyer> and sign up HERE<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1E_y3srtu1XQ_UQaTbWH5kecznw3CMiUv8kpeY8slDfs/edit?usp=sharing>! * Check out Lincoln Land Conservation Trust's Event Page<https://lincolnconservation.org/upcoming-events/> for lots of other great nature outings and Zooms. Winter Nature Tips... * Don't Decorate with Invasives - Skip the oriental bittersweet and multiflora rose when decorating this holiday season. These and other invasive plants can cause severe environmental damage by invading habitats and crowding out native plants. Find alternatives and learn to ID invasives.<https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0015MMz8vXAroINFUR7iVwMrf_x9i1a2Joj2SZpU6XVa2iJ41rrFkKchWJNrDIF6Bz_GXMkNg5mfXcV4jND4gREspXTmyjSKUHoHIWoanhgNQFcDk4QYvenN5UXZUTw-bEifIF4BFszW6FXHjoWJ2nBEwNiHR5sHNUjKXTnGYiatYWEtYfme27Z_xKpNmp82klveKCyFUw4MF4=&c=hCqvOZHO-NnAUrsSCbnwdMT8hMEZbWvYo_5gR69dTpska4exlECATw==&ch=qmTKkMT7IFVtOHmjXlQ4WRNpMDVNuNHjEadtVDzd-LsvJMz3ZKT7_Q==> * Don't Feed the Wildlife - Each winter, MassWildlife receives inquiries from the public about whether or not to put food out for wildlife. Feeding wildlife can do more harm than good and disrupts how wild animals naturally adapt to winter conditions. Learn how feeding can hurt wildlife: https://www.mass.gov/news/why-you-shouldnt-feed-wildlife-this-winter Happy Holidays, Michele Grzenda Conservation Director Town of Lincoln 781-259-2703 Keep Lincoln's Wetlands Healthy: Remove ice without harming your driveway, car, plants, and pets Before you pour salt on your driveways to melt snow and ice, consider its impact on your plants, pets, pavement, and water quality. Click HERE<https://www.almanac.com/7-better-alternatives-salt-de-icing-driveways> to explore seven less harmful ways to melt ice-as well as ways to use less salt!
-- The LincolnTalk mailing list. To post, send mail to [email protected]. Browse the archives at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/private/lincoln/. Change your subscription settings at https://pairlist9.pair.net/mailman/listinfo/lincoln.
