“What a great idea” was my response when I was invited to join new Sanctuary Director Amy Weidensaul to lead a walk and conversation at Mass Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary with our members and friends. We were fortunate to have a classic cold but sunny and calm day to hike the wonderful trails along the river and talk shop with 40 others who joined us. We ventured along the river where Amy & I spoke about the importance of the river to the Sanctuary & vice versa. Topics ranged from the importance of conservation land to drinking water quality, the impact of beavers, fisheries restoration plans, paddling and camping along the river, the river as a classroom and much more. Many folks shared their anecdotes and I learned a lot. I even got to feed the always cooperative resident birds out of my hands, something I haven’t done there in over 30 years!
After leaving the river and making an obligatory ensō , we retreated to the warmth and coziness of the Red Barn for hot cider and socializing. Amy and I each spoke about our organizations and our planned for work in the coming year. One joint project that received a lot of interest was a mysterious decline in oxygen levels in the river within the Sanctuary, an issue we hope to get to the bottom of soon. Another project is the impact of a new housing development proposed along the river adjacent to the sanctuary which is of concern to many. The highlight of the day was being able to welcome Amy to our local conservation community and introducing her to many longtime friends of the river. We look forward to working together to protect the river and Sanctuary for many years!