Winter Reflections from Our President
It’s a new year, and I can’t tell you how excited and hopeful I am. When I look back at 2022, we saw incredible progress in the fight against climate change at both the federal and state levels, and in cities and towns across the Commonwealth. We saw our education programs ramping back up to full speed. And we saw people coming together to protect and restore lands that benefit plants, wildlife, and people. And we saw stunning fall foliage that served as a reminder that nature brings us deep joy.
Looking ahead, I know there is so much more we can and need to do to be better stewards of nature and wildlife. I’m inspired by our growing cadre of Climate Champions like Stephanie Kane (In Your Words), who are imploring our political leaders to take meaningful actions to protect nature and fight climate change.
Even if you’re not ready to commit your time, you can take steps at home to reduce your own carbon footprint by investing in more sustainable heat solutions such as heat pumps (“A Greener Way to Heat Your Home,”). We are leading by example by installing these more efficient systems at several of our sanctuaries. We know that climate change is changing our weather. But to really understand the impact on the ground, we need data. Wachusett Meadow staff have been measuring snow annually for more than a decade to better understand changes in seasonal events and the crucial role snow plays in the life cycles of animals and plants (“Measuring Snow in a New England Winter,”).
Whether or not this winter brings a lot of snow, there are plenty of reasons to get outdoors, from witnessing stunning sunsets to smelling the sweet aroma of sap turning to syrup. Get inspired and find tips to make the most of your winter adventures in “Nature Through a Winter Lens”.
If you’re planning to bring your camera during these outings in hopes of catching a perfect shot of a Snowy Owl, be sure to read “Become a Better Bird Photographer”, which highlights the importance of keeping your distance for the benefits of birds while still getting a frame-worthy photo.
When you do get that shot, share it with us on social (@massaudubon). In the meantime, bundle up, get outdoors, and enjoy all the season has to offer.
Sincerely,
David O’Neill