Massachusetts Urban Conservancy
@massconservancy.bsky.social
The Massachusetts Urban Conservancy builds public awareness of the need for biodiversity.
As September ends, many migratory bird species have already set out for warmer climates. However, some, like this Eastern Phoebe, are still hanging around, and will reach peak migration mid-October. Who are you going to miss the most this winter? (Photos: iNaturalist)
#BirdMigration #FallWeather
#BirdMigration #FallWeather
September 30, 2026 at 1:04 PM
As September ends, many migratory bird species have already set out for warmer climates. However, some, like this Eastern Phoebe, are still hanging around, and will reach peak migration mid-October. Who are you going to miss the most this winter? (Photos: iNaturalist)
#BirdMigration #FallWeather
#BirdMigration #FallWeather
Happy Fall, one and all! The fall equinox is officially at 8:05 p.m. in Massachusetts, ushering in crisp nights, colorful leaves and (eventually!) cooler days. What’s your favorite part of autumn?
#FallEquinox #NewEngland
#FallEquinox #NewEngland
September 22, 2026 at 1:04 PM
Happy Fall, one and all! The fall equinox is officially at 8:05 p.m. in Massachusetts, ushering in crisp nights, colorful leaves and (eventually!) cooler days. What’s your favorite part of autumn?
#FallEquinox #NewEngland
#FallEquinox #NewEngland
Dept. of Agriculture: The invasive and destructive Asian long-horned beetle has been eradicated in Shewsbury as of Sept. 18, taking it off the quarantine list for transporting wood outside its boundary. Read more: https://loom.ly/B8ooMaw
#Beetles #InvasiveSpecies
#Beetles #InvasiveSpecies
September 21, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Dept. of Agriculture: The invasive and destructive Asian long-horned beetle has been eradicated in Shewsbury as of Sept. 18, taking it off the quarantine list for transporting wood outside its boundary. Read more: https://loom.ly/B8ooMaw
#Beetles #InvasiveSpecies
#Beetles #InvasiveSpecies
Today is World Ozone Day! The ozone layer is a gas shield that protects the earth from the sun’s harmful rays. A 2025 study from MIT shows that global cooperation has been essential in repairing prior damage from harmful CFCs. Read more: https://loom.ly/IFycnNA
#WorldOzoneDay
#WorldOzoneDay
September 16, 2026 at 1:04 PM
Today is World Ozone Day! The ozone layer is a gas shield that protects the earth from the sun’s harmful rays. A 2025 study from MIT shows that global cooperation has been essential in repairing prior damage from harmful CFCs. Read more: https://loom.ly/IFycnNA
#WorldOzoneDay
#WorldOzoneDay
Some animals are easy to spot in the wild. Others are more elusive, but leave evidence they were nearby, like these guys. Can you tell who’s responsible for these trees and tracks? (Photos: iNaturalist)
#NativeSpecies #TrashPanda
#NativeSpecies #TrashPanda
September 9, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Some animals are easy to spot in the wild. Others are more elusive, but leave evidence they were nearby, like these guys. Can you tell who’s responsible for these trees and tracks? (Photos: iNaturalist)
#NativeSpecies #TrashPanda
#NativeSpecies #TrashPanda
Today is National Wildlife Day! These and many other native species in Massachusetts depend on us to keep their habitats safe. Learn more about our mission at https://www.massachusettsurbanconservancy.org/(Photos: iNaturalist)
#NationalWildlifeDay
#NationalWildlifeDay
September 4, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Today is National Wildlife Day! These and many other native species in Massachusetts depend on us to keep their habitats safe. Learn more about our mission at https://www.massachusettsurbanconservancy.org/(Photos: iNaturalist)
#NationalWildlifeDay
#NationalWildlifeDay
Are apartments bad for the environment? The answer might surprise you. Journalist/city councilor Justine Underhill explains: https://loom.ly/fDMm1rM
#GoGreen #SavethePlanet
#GoGreen #SavethePlanet
Are apartments bad for the environment?
Justine Underhill
www.youtube.com
September 2, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Are apartments bad for the environment? The answer might surprise you. Journalist/city councilor Justine Underhill explains: https://loom.ly/fDMm1rM
#GoGreen #SavethePlanet
#GoGreen #SavethePlanet
Massachusetts is home to many species of plovers, which can be spotted along the shore all summer long. Here are just a few examples. (Photos: iNaturalist)
#PipingPlover #ShoreBird #MassachusettsSummer
#PipingPlover #ShoreBird #MassachusettsSummer
August 26, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Massachusetts is home to many species of plovers, which can be spotted along the shore all summer long. Here are just a few examples. (Photos: iNaturalist)
#PipingPlover #ShoreBird #MassachusettsSummer
#PipingPlover #ShoreBird #MassachusettsSummer
Most people think of bees when pollinators are discussed, but moths and butterflies are also important pollinators! Here are some of our favorites spotted around Massachusetts this summer. (Photos: iNaturalist)
#Butterflies #Moths #Pollinators #Massachusetts
#Butterflies #Moths #Pollinators #Massachusetts
August 19, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Most people think of bees when pollinators are discussed, but moths and butterflies are also important pollinators! Here are some of our favorites spotted around Massachusetts this summer. (Photos: iNaturalist)
#Butterflies #Moths #Pollinators #Massachusetts
#Butterflies #Moths #Pollinators #Massachusetts
The scarlet tanager is native to Massachusetts, but spend colder months in South America. They prefer to spend their time high up in trees, making spotting one a treat! These were taken in Ashfield in July. (Photos: jtdavis05, iNaturalist)
#NativeBirds #ScarletTanager #RedBird
#NativeBirds #ScarletTanager #RedBird
August 5, 2026 at 1:05 PM
The scarlet tanager is native to Massachusetts, but spend colder months in South America. They prefer to spend their time high up in trees, making spotting one a treat! These were taken in Ashfield in July. (Photos: jtdavis05, iNaturalist)
#NativeBirds #ScarletTanager #RedBird
#NativeBirds #ScarletTanager #RedBird
It's official: We've acquired our first piece of land in Randolph! This helps us realize our mission to create a network of unbuildable plots across the state for educational and environmental benefit. Learn more: https://loom.ly/pg5kaWM
MUC Acquires Its First Parcel, Launching Statewide Educational, Environmental Mission - MassLandlords.net
The Massachusetts Urban Conservancy acquired its first property in July, embarking on its long-term vision of creating a statewide series of protected urban natural spaces.
masslandlords.net
July 29, 2026 at 1:05 PM
It's official: We've acquired our first piece of land in Randolph! This helps us realize our mission to create a network of unbuildable plots across the state for educational and environmental benefit. Learn more: https://loom.ly/pg5kaWM
It's World Nature Conservation Day! Our goal at MUC is to preserve natural spaces, promote native plant and animal species, and protect our pollinators, like these bumblebees, photographed in early July. (Photos: J. Rau for the Massachusetts Urban Conservancy)
#SaveTheBees
#SaveTheBees
July 28, 2026 at 1:05 PM
It's World Nature Conservation Day! Our goal at MUC is to preserve natural spaces, promote native plant and animal species, and protect our pollinators, like these bumblebees, photographed in early July. (Photos: J. Rau for the Massachusetts Urban Conservancy)
#SaveTheBees
#SaveTheBees
Tomorrow, July 23, is World Whale and Dolphin Day! The waters off our coastline are full of marine life, including many whale and dolphin species. Here are a few quick facts to kick off the holiday.
#WorldWhaleandDolphinDay
#WorldWhaleandDolphinDay
July 22, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Tomorrow, July 23, is World Whale and Dolphin Day! The waters off our coastline are full of marine life, including many whale and dolphin species. Here are a few quick facts to kick off the holiday.
#WorldWhaleandDolphinDay
#WorldWhaleandDolphinDay
Tomorrow (July 16) is World Snake Day, and Massachusetts is home to 14 different species, including the eastern milk snake, garter snake and ribbon snake, and the northern watersnake. Not to worry: The majority (12/14) are non-venomous. (Photos: iNaturalist)
#WorldSnakeDay
#WorldSnakeDay
July 15, 2026 at 1:06 PM
Tomorrow (July 16) is World Snake Day, and Massachusetts is home to 14 different species, including the eastern milk snake, garter snake and ribbon snake, and the northern watersnake. Not to worry: The majority (12/14) are non-venomous. (Photos: iNaturalist)
#WorldSnakeDay
#WorldSnakeDay
Did you know Massachusetts has the largest breeding population of piping plovers along the eastern coast? These protected birds can be seen running along the shoreline all summer long, foraging for food. Photos: iNaturalist
#PipingPlover #Shorebird
#PipingPlover #Shorebird
July 8, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Did you know Massachusetts has the largest breeding population of piping plovers along the eastern coast? These protected birds can be seen running along the shoreline all summer long, foraging for food. Photos: iNaturalist
#PipingPlover #Shorebird
#PipingPlover #Shorebird
Pavement + no trees = heat islands, areas in cities that make the already hot temperatures even more unbearable. Learn more about the real-world impacts in this article from @bostonglobe.com: https://loom.ly/4wLtQIY
#Heatwave #SaveTheTrees #TreeCanopy
#Heatwave #SaveTheTrees #TreeCanopy
This neighborhood in Worcester is among the hottest in Mass. Here’s why. - The Boston Globe
“Affluence and trees just go hand and hand in the Northeast,” said one expert on heat islands.
www.bostonglobe.com
July 2, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Pavement + no trees = heat islands, areas in cities that make the already hot temperatures even more unbearable. Learn more about the real-world impacts in this article from @bostonglobe.com: https://loom.ly/4wLtQIY
#Heatwave #SaveTheTrees #TreeCanopy
#Heatwave #SaveTheTrees #TreeCanopy
There's a heat wave rolling in across Massachusetts. How does wildlife handle the heat? Read this interesting article from mass.gov: https://loom.ly/LbXSGOQ
#BeatTheHeat #Summer2026
#BeatTheHeat #Summer2026
July 1, 2026 at 1:06 PM
There's a heat wave rolling in across Massachusetts. How does wildlife handle the heat? Read this interesting article from mass.gov: https://loom.ly/LbXSGOQ
#BeatTheHeat #Summer2026
#BeatTheHeat #Summer2026
MUC got funding! The Massachusetts Urban Conservancy recently received $22k from a state grant to acquire two unbuildable, untended lots in Worcester and Randolph to restore and protect biodiversity and pollinator habitats. https://loom.ly/BovPRlk
June 30, 2026 at 1:30 PM
MUC got funding! The Massachusetts Urban Conservancy recently received $22k from a state grant to acquire two unbuildable, untended lots in Worcester and Randolph to restore and protect biodiversity and pollinator habitats. https://loom.ly/BovPRlk
If you left leaves in your yard last fall, start looking for fireflies! Though MA has many species of firefly, the Common Eastern firefly, shown here, is the one responsible for the fairy-like lights in summer after the sun sets. Keep an eye out! (Photos: Unsplash)
#firefly #LightningBug
#firefly #LightningBug
June 24, 2026 at 1:05 PM
If you left leaves in your yard last fall, start looking for fireflies! Though MA has many species of firefly, the Common Eastern firefly, shown here, is the one responsible for the fairy-like lights in summer after the sun sets. Keep an eye out! (Photos: Unsplash)
#firefly #LightningBug
#firefly #LightningBug
Fungi do a lot more than just sit there and look cool - they're an important part of our ecosystem. Here are just a few shots taken this month in Massachusetts, from iNaturalist.
#Fungi #Summer2026 #Mushroom
#Fungi #Summer2026 #Mushroom
June 17, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Fungi do a lot more than just sit there and look cool - they're an important part of our ecosystem. Here are just a few shots taken this month in Massachusetts, from iNaturalist.
#Fungi #Summer2026 #Mushroom
#Fungi #Summer2026 #Mushroom
It's fledgling season! As June goes on, expect to see more and more baby birds leaving the nest! These peregrine falcon nestlings were photographed last June in Massachusetts by joy4birds on iNaturalist. We love to see it!
#birdsofprey #peregrinefalcon #nestling
#birdsofprey #peregrinefalcon #nestling
June 10, 2026 at 1:04 PM
It's fledgling season! As June goes on, expect to see more and more baby birds leaving the nest! These peregrine falcon nestlings were photographed last June in Massachusetts by joy4birds on iNaturalist. We love to see it!
#birdsofprey #peregrinefalcon #nestling
#birdsofprey #peregrinefalcon #nestling
Our final May Wetlands Month post highlights the scenic beauty found on and around Plum Island/Newburyport. The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge features over 4,500 acres of natural space and tons of biodiversity. (Photos: Unsplash)
#PlumIsland #Wetlands #Biodiversity
#PlumIsland #Wetlands #Biodiversity
May 27, 2026 at 1:06 PM
Our final May Wetlands Month post highlights the scenic beauty found on and around Plum Island/Newburyport. The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge features over 4,500 acres of natural space and tons of biodiversity. (Photos: Unsplash)
#PlumIsland #Wetlands #Biodiversity
#PlumIsland #Wetlands #Biodiversity
This week, we're calling attention to the Great Marsh for Wetlands Month. It's the state's largest contiguous salt marsh, covering 20,000 acres between Gloucester and Salisbury. Beautiful! (Photos: Unsplash)
#WetlandsMonth #Biodiversity
#WetlandsMonth #Biodiversity
May 20, 2026 at 1:07 PM
This week, we're calling attention to the Great Marsh for Wetlands Month. It's the state's largest contiguous salt marsh, covering 20,000 acres between Gloucester and Salisbury. Beautiful! (Photos: Unsplash)
#WetlandsMonth #Biodiversity
#WetlandsMonth #Biodiversity
This week's wetlands post highlights the biodiversity of Cape Cod. It's home to Mass Audubon's Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, along with numerous bogs, marshes and tidal wetlands. Shown: Nauset Marsh Trail, Eastham (Leon Feng for Unsplash)
#WetlandsMonth #Massachusetts
#WetlandsMonth #Massachusetts
May 13, 2026 at 1:05 PM
This week's wetlands post highlights the biodiversity of Cape Cod. It's home to Mass Audubon's Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, along with numerous bogs, marshes and tidal wetlands. Shown: Nauset Marsh Trail, Eastham (Leon Feng for Unsplash)
#WetlandsMonth #Massachusetts
#WetlandsMonth #Massachusetts
May is American Wetlands Month, and Massachusetts has many types of these incredible ecosystems. Besides feeding and housing many plant and animal species, wetlands also help improve water quality for everyone. Shown here: Hockomock Swamp, the largest freshwater wetland in Mass.
#wetlands
#wetlands
May 6, 2026 at 1:05 PM
May is American Wetlands Month, and Massachusetts has many types of these incredible ecosystems. Besides feeding and housing many plant and animal species, wetlands also help improve water quality for everyone. Shown here: Hockomock Swamp, the largest freshwater wetland in Mass.
#wetlands
#wetlands