A “hidden” section of the South River, behind a commercial strip on Route 139 in Marshfield. On December 1, 2011, thanks to major improvements in water quality, 313 acres of […]
Trail Running on the South Shore
A trail at the Norris Reservation in Norwell. I started jogging earlier this year. Approaching forty, I felt pathetic because I couldn’t run a mile. So I set off around […]
Favorite Fall Walking Places
Autumn vegetation at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield. Every fall, it seems that someone asks me about the best places to take a walk on the South Shore. We […]
What Is Sustainability?
Taking greater advantage of solar energy is one way to promote sustainability on our planet. There’s been a lot of talk about sustainability lately – but what exactly is it? […]
Biking and Other Changes
Dedicated readers of this column will remember that, when last mentioned, my bicycle had been languishing in a dark corner of the barn for more than a decade. Last fall […]
Celebrating the Summer Solstice
photo courtesy Alex Pevzner For more than a year now, my mother has participated in a twice-monthly drum circle, led by Alex Pevzner, at the Porcello Gallery in Marshfield. The […]
The Great American Backyard Campout
On June 25, 2011, the National Wildlife Federation will sponsor The Great American Backyard Campout, encouraging families all over the country to spend the night outdoors. You don’t even need […]
Earth-Friendly Tips for Families
A rain barrel. This month, in honor of Earth Day (April 22), I spent some time explaining to my son Abel, who is almost five, why it’s important to take […]
Welcoming Spring with the Family
Approaching the summit of Turkey Hill in Hingham. On the first warm Saturday in March, my husband, son and I arranged to meet several other families at the town playground. […]
Where Does Maple Syrup Come From?
“Mom, where does maple syrup come from?” my son, who is four, asks me. “Maple trees,” I answer. “Nuh-uhhh . . . “ “Really, it does.” We have these discussions […]