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Community Corner

Little River History Nature Walk

Come join us for a beautiful nature walk along Little River in Cambridge
and Belmont. We will stop along the way to learn about the history
 (October) and future plans (November) for this area.  We will travel

along the river, meadow, and forest habitat which is home to wildlife

such as white-tailed deer, red fox, coyote, river otter, mink,
cottontail
rabbit, voles, snapper and painted turtles, and over 40
residential bird species such as hawks, wild turkey, blue heron, swans,
catbirds,
woodpeckers, hummingbirds, and goldfinches.  It's a beautiful

time of year to enjoy this local treasure and to learn more about how

citizen engagement has and continues to shape the local landscape.

Where:  Acorn Park Drive parking lot

Who: Anne-Marie Lambert is a Belmont Citizens Forum board member who has

been leading walks along Little River and writing articles about nearby developments. 

Special guest Frederick Law Olmsted (impersonator Gerald


Wright)

Walking Directions from Alewife T station, take a right, cross the

bridge over Little River, a left onto DCR’s “Alewife Park Greenway”,

stop at the end (10 minutes from Alewife)



Driving directions from Belmont:  take a right at the end of Cross St

onto Lake St, 1st  right onto the Route 2 access road, 1st right onto

Acorn Park Drive (before Route 2), stop at the end

How much: Free!

We will make our way past cattail marshes, tributaries, and maples to an idyllic view of Little Pond in Belmont and return via the same route.

Bring sturdy shoes and, optionally, a walking stick. The walk will take

place rain or shine. If it’s wet, don’t forget your wellies.

Saturday October 12, 10:00-12:00:  The Past

Once part of the "Fresh Pond Marshes", the area around today's Little

River was once a victim to multiple types of pollution from late 19th

century industrialization  and population growth, including from sewage

and slaughter houses.  Today's Little River was originally dug as a new

channel for in 1908 in order to drain the marshes in

response to the resulting public health crisis: malaria.  We will learn

about subsequent decisions to preserve the land as a park, the history

of farming in the area, the history of today's industrial park, and the

permitting process that led to the reclamation of what used to be a

parking lot and test labs for Arthur D Little.  Come learn what has

worked, and what hasn't.

There will also be a walk focused on The Future on November 10 at 3:00.

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