George Bernardin, Ted Gallagher and I accompanied Mike, who inspected both the terrain and plant growth and pointed out many interesting plants and features. The lot is quite attractive, although its condition is typical for an area that has been let go for a period of time It is significantly overgrown with numerous down limbs and a few down trees. The land, which falls away steeply from Goodale Street, is bisected by an intermittent stream. A few yards from the roadway the terrain forms a natural amphitheater opening onto a broad flat area. There are a number of invasive plant species including Bittersweet, Japanese Barberry, Norway Maple and bush Honeysuckle. Interesting and attractive plants include Jack-in-the-pulpit, Ferns, Ash, and several stately White Pines. Of particular interest is Jewel Weed, the juice of which was used by native people and early European settlers to relieve the itching from poison ivy. Unfortunately, the parcel boasts an ample crop of Poison ivy. There is also a small and ancient volunteer Apple tree, spare, gnarled and bent, struggling to survive in the deep shade of giants. The ground is covered with duff, a thick layer of decomposed organic material, which provides good erosion protection.

This fall we will do limited clearing of downed limbs, accumulated litter and undesirable plants. We also expect to cut some small trees. The cleared material will be stacked in manageable piles in preparation for burning on site. Burning is allowed by permit only from January through April and requires authorization from the Fire Department for each day’s burn, as conditions allow. We plan to have a clearing work party in November, after foliage fall and the poison ivy has died back. All interested Land Trust members (or interested non-members) are welcome to join in this work party.

WORK PARTY UPDATE -- JOIN THE FUN!

The work party has been scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 15 at 9:00AM. No heavy lifting or felling of big trees. We want to remove dead limbs and shrubs and stack into manageable piles for burning. Bring hand tools and gloves, if you have them. Invite your friends and neighbors. The location is on Goodale Street between Malden St. and Marsh Hawk Way. Rain date is Sunday, Nov. 16, same time.

The eyes of ignorance are blind. Mike Mulryan's knowledgeable guidance and commentary helped to open my eyes to the fascinating natural world we have, in microcosm, right on Goodale Street. In its present state, the site is both interesting and naturally attractive. Now, in late summer the Jack in the pulpits sport a cluster of shiny red berries on the spadix.

In late summer, Jack in the pulpit sports a cluster of shiny red berries on the spadix

The Jewel Weed flaunts its glory of small pale yellow cones. (For more on Jewel Weed, see below). The plants and trees are in all stages of natural life, from seedlings to robust, mature trees and shrubs. There are a few aged giants, showing the scars of storm damage and now struggling against the onslaughts of bark insects and carpenter ants. Fungi steadily consume dead timber, closing the cycle and preparing more duff to protect the land and support new live. Stop for a visit. It is a wonderful spot. (submitted by Trustee Dave Sweetman).

What's to Love about Jewel Weed

In the southern Appalachians and in much of the eastern U.S., there is a plant remedy that works very well. Jewel Weed (a member of the Touch-me-not family Balsaminaceae) comes in two varieties, with a yellow flower (Impatiens pallida) or with an orange flower (Impatiens capensis). The great thing about Jewel Weed is that it often grows right next to Poison Ivy and is fairly common along roadsides. This plant is a well-known folk remedy for P.I. and has no reported side-effects. The juice of the Jewel Weed can be extracted from the stems or leaves, preferably before flowering, but it seems to work at any time. If you are out in the woods and realize that you have exposed yourself to Poison Ivy, and are able to find Jewel Weed, you are in luck. Crush the stems of Jewel Weed to extract the juice and apply it to the area affected by The P.I. or, apply a poultice of the crushed leaves to the area. The juice is somewhat sticky and will stay where you put it pretty well. Some folks have said that tea made from Jewel Weed works as a preventative. To keep a reserve supply on hand, the best idea seems to be to save the juice as ice cubes to rub on the infected area. Shred leaves and roots and place in boiling water for 15 minutes to half an hour, then freeze the liquid in ice cube trays. Jewel Weed relieves the itching, stops the spread and helps to heal the Poison Ivy rash. We have found Jewel Weed to be the best remedy of all, even better than prescription products. (submitted by Land Trust member Mike Mulryan)

Highlights of the meeting's program included a presentation by Paul Schlaikjer, President of the Princeton Land Trust. Mr Schlaikjer spoke about the history of the Princeton Land Trust, which was formed in 1990 and now owns about 90 acres and has conservation restrictions on another 70 acres. He then reported on a recent project in which the Princeton Land Trust is very involved, namely the purchase of 17 acres on East Princeton Road by the town of Princeton for conservation and recreation. This project has benefited from fruitful collaboration and cooperation between the MDC, Princeton Land Trust, and the Town of Princeton, as well as the Trust for Public Land, a national organization that has a tremendous amount of experience in thisk type of multi-party negotiation. Mr. Schlaikjer emphasized that working with the Trust for Public Land and the MDC has been extremely helpful to the Princeton Land Trust.

During the question period, it was pointed out that because the MDC owns so much (one-third) of West Boylston, there is a great deal of pressure in town to develop the land that is not owned by the MDC so that the town will get more property tax revenues. Also pointed out, however, was the well-established fact that most housing development does not yield as much in property taxes as it demands in town services, so this pro-development policy needs to be corrected with more information, perhaps from the WBLT. Also brought up by attendees was the plan by the Parks Commission to add an additional athletic field at Goodale Park by removing many trees from the pine grove. Members were urged to attend upcoming public hearings on this issue.