January 23, 2024 Submitted by The Hingham Land Conservation Trust
The Hingham Land Conservation Trust, which instituted the Goodrich Environmental Research Grant program as part of its 50th Anniversary activities in 2022, is pleased to announce the recipients of the second annual Goodrich grants, based on applications received by November 15, 2023.
The purpose of the Goodrich Environmental Research Grant program is to fund projects by an institution, organization, or town:
— that will assist in the conservation of open space (land and water) in Hingham and adjoining South Shore communities for the benefit of flora, wild creatures, and all of us who depend on this environment, and
— to improve access to or to encourage area residents to enjoy and respect the importance of our parklands and conservation areas.
The three projects approved for funding this year are:
BARE COVE PARK, TOWN OF HINGHAM
Bare Cove Park, a 484-acre wilderness preserve along the Back River in Hingham, includes paved walking and bike-riding trails throughout the park. The Bare Cove Park Committee has found that visitors appreciate the 6 kiosks which were installed following receipt of a grant from another source in 2016. The kiosks provide information about the flora and fauna within view of each kiosk. The Goodrich Grant this year will fund the installation of 4 additional kiosks.
FRIENDS OF HOLLY HILL FARM, COHASSET
Holly Hill Farm is a certified organic vegetable, flower and herb farm managed by The Friends of Holly Hill Farm (FHHF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit. FHHF has set an objective to develop competency in soil health assessment techniques, using a microscope and microbiometer to evaluate the presence of beneficial soil microbes. The microscope is equipped with a camera to record and share observations. FHHF will work with the Soil Health team of NOFA/Mass (Northeast Organic Farming Association of Massachusetts) to develop these skills. An extension of this work would be to do similar soil assessments on test plots outside the farm, thereby educating residents about the benefits of more natural care of lawns and landscapes. The Goodrich Grant this year will fund acquisition of the specialized microscope and a microbiometer, as well as a baseline assessment of the farm’s soil by a member of the NOFA/Mass Soil Health Team.
FRIENDS OF WOMPATUCK STATE PARK
Wompatuck State Park includes more than 3500 acres of forest, streams, and ponds, with 40 miles of forest trails. The Friends of Wompatuck State Park, an all-volunteer not-for-profit group, has been working with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the town of Cohasset’s Conservation Commission on a plan to repair a badly deteriorated trail section in the park. This trail provides access to the Aaron River Reservoir area of the Park from the Doane Street, Cohasset entrance. A Notice of Intent has been filed and approved, and the first phase of the work accomplished. The second phase of the work is the installation of boardwalks measuring a total of 102 feet. The Goodrich Grant this year will fund the purchase of materials for the boardwalk installation. All labor will be done manually by volunteers.
“This year’s projects once again reflect well on the legacy of Sally Goodrich, founder of the Hingham Land Conservation Trust in 1972, whose bequest to the HLCT created the seed money for the grant program” said Eileen McIntyre, who chairs the 5-person grant selection committee for the HLCT. McIntyre serves on the HLCT board along with fellow Goodrich Grant Committee member Don Kidston of Hull. Other members of the selection committee for this year’s grants are local wetlands expert Steve Ivas of Norwell, former HLCT board member Barbara Wollan of Hingham, and John Goodrich, one of Sally’s sons, representing the Goodrich family.
Bare Cove Park Committee Member Ray O’Neill said: “This Goodrich grant supports our efforts to educate visitors about the variety of plants, animals and birds in our large and diverse river-side parkland. We expect to begin installing the additional kiosks this summer.”
Holly Hill Farm Educator Janice McPhillips, who will be trained by the soil health team of NOFA/Mass said,” I am looking forward to learning more about the microbes in our soil and compost, and helping our farm staff grow more healthy vegetables, flowers, and herbs. I expect to be able to share this new knowledge with the community.”
Friends of Wompatuck Trails Committee Member, Doug Luoma, said, “These trail improvements, which we expect to complete this spring, will allow better year-round access for park users, emergency responders and utility crews in the Aaron River section of ‘Wompy’. Please enjoy this wonderful resource in our backyard!”
More about the Hingham Land Conservation Trust at: www.hinghamlandtrust.org
More about the Goodrich Environmental Research Grant at: https://hinghamlandtrust.org/grants-and-scholarships/