Celebrating 15 years
as a grassroots voice
for the natural environment!
Wildlife of the Brookside Area
Click on photos to enlarge
Great Blue Herons
Herons are an indication of a healthy environment and a diverse ecosystem.
Many cultures consider the heron to be a sign of peace, serenity and regeneration, and a favorable omen before beginning a journey. Whatever their meaning, the Brookside Area is always happy to welcome them home!
Some of our favorite heron photos:
Endangered Northern Long Eared Bat Habitat in Wellesley!
The Natural Heritage of Endangered Species Program tracks Northern Long Eared Bats (NLEB) and has created a map of their habitat locations for the State, two of which are in Wellesley: Babson College and Wellesley Country Club. Due to severe population declines caused by White Nose Syndrome (WNS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the Long Eared Bat as a Threatened Species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA, 50CFR 17.11) on April 2, 2015. NLEB is also listed as Endangered under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA, M.G.L. c.131A).
Verification of Vernal Pool
2011 Photos of a potential Vernal Pool along north side of Brookside Road
Unexpected Bird Sighting in Rosemary Brook
This Black Crowned Night Heron has been spotted in Rosemary Brook in the early morning hours by resident Michael McManus.
We initially thought it was a baby heron, as it keeps company with our Great Blue Herons, but we checked with our local bird expert, Elissa Landry, and this is what she had to say:
"Wow! Not a baby heron, but a full adult Black-crowned Night Heron. Very nice bird!! The unusual thing about the Black-crowned night heron is that most of them nest in Boston Harbor and beyond. The young are often seen at the Moody Street dam in Waltham and in Watertown about this time of year. But an adult this far inland is pretty unusual. I am very interested if you or anyone else sees it again."
Have you seen this bird in your neighborhood? Please let us know!
Other Winged Friends
Rosemary Brook has been referred to as the avian nursery for the town.
It's easy to see why!
Beavers, Coyotes, Deer
Our four-legged friends!
A speactacular beaver dam in Rosemary Brook is an engineering feat, and provides sunbathing and fishing opportunities for turtles, birds and others.
Our Famous Turtles
Friends of Brookside Donate Turtle Crossing Signs
Friends of Brookside donated new Turtle Crossing signs for Brookside Road. We partnered with Sue Webb, Wellesley's Animal Officer, and the Selectmen's Office to install them along the busy turtle crossing areas of the road.
Please drive slowly and be on the lookout for our four-footed female friends. Note the direction of her travel - she's either heading towards the golf course to lay her eggs or back to Rosemary Brook if she's finished. There is no persuading her to change direction. If you move her to safety, please move her in the direction she was headed. If you are able to notify cars of her existence on the road please do. Always maintain vehicular and pedestrian safety. And keep at a safe distance, turtles can snap!
