“My Own Back Yard” kicks off on Sunday, October 5! What’s going on in your backyard? Hear about ways to explore the awesome science of the outdoors as a citizen scientist on Sunday, October 5 at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library. Everyone is invited to learn more about a new project offered by three local public libraries. The Plumb Library (Rochester), the Elizabeth Taber Library (Marion), and the Mattapoisett Free Public Library are going to take you on a wild ride of the great outdoors throughout the year.
The free kick-off event, “Bees ‘n Bogs” will be held on October 5 at 1:30 pm, featuring Bee Informed, a group from the Bristol County Beekeepers. See a teaching hive, learn how bees pollinate the bogs, make honey, and interact with a professional entomologist. Taste some honey and products from Ocean Spray Cranberry Company. Sign up to attend by calling 508-758-4171 (Mattapoisett Library), 508-763-8600 (Rochester) or 508-748-1252 (Marion), or visit one of these libraries.
The cranberry harvest and industry will be further explored on a cranberry bog in Rochester at 1:30 pm on Saturday, October 18. Students and their families are invited to meet at the Hartley bogs off Walnut Plain Road in Rochester where they will see the harvest in progress and tour the bogs and sorting barn with bog owner Woody Hartley. This is an opportunity to ask your questions and find out how cranberry industry technology has evolved.
Meeting us there? Drive to 22 Walnut Plain Road (off Route 105). A boulder marking the entrance says #22 Hartley-Rhodes. Look for the #MOBYfun sign! Drive down the dirt road, park near the barn, and staff will be there show you the way.
After each program, you can upload your photos and comments to our new My Own Back Yard Facebook page, MOBYfun. Tweet #MOBYfun to share your adventures and ideas! Our new #MOBY logo, on all our library backpacks and materials, was designed by local artist Bill Finnegan.
The “My Own Back Yard” program is for families with students in grades 3 through 8. Science educator and author Michelle Cusolito, along with local scientists and field experts, will join library staff in exploring the local environments of the three towns in all four seasons. The local land trusts, environmental agencies, businesses, and other organizations will partner with the three libraries in bringing the science in our own backyards to life for students. The goal is to gain an understanding of nature and the local environment in more detail and introduce students to interesting professionals with careers in science, technology, math, and engineering.
Dozens of science backpack kits are being created so that students can check them out, go out in the field, and do their own exploring, observing, and data collection. Young scientists are encouraged to makes notes in their nature journals, and upload their data to our websites and Facebook page.
Future programs include exploring seashores, vernal pools, letterboxing with Toby Dills, a lady bug citizen science field class with author Loree Griffin Burns, and other events in each town.
All programs and materials are free to the public. The program is being funded through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners with funds from LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act), a Federal source of library funding provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.