Annual Meeting of Members
Tuesday, June 16th
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Tabor Academy, 242 Front, St.
Mark your calendar for the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Sippican Lands Trust members!Â
A meeting of SLT members followed by a screening of Sweet Freedom, a film that is deeply connected to the South Coast of Massachusetts, both in its story and its creation. Set in New Bedford during the Underground Railroad, the film tells the true story of local abolitionist Mary “Polly” Johnson. It was filmed entirely on location across the region—including New Bedford, Marion, Freetown, and Dartmouth. The film is written and directed by Alyssa Botelho, a South Coast native whose work highlights the area’s rich and often overlooked history.
In conjunction with the film's showing we will be hosting 2nd "Long Walk to Solomon's Cellar" event in August to a 19th century cellar hole that once was the home of Solomon Smith a formerly enslaved person.
Directions/Parking: Please park at 242 Front Street in Marion and follow SLT signs to the Stroud Academic Center (Please Note: Google maps does not give the correct address for the Stroud Academic Center so please use 242 Front St as reference).
Please RSVP below or by emailing info@sippicanlandstrust.org.Â
Adventure Dog Walk
Saturday, June 20th
9:30 AM
White EagleÂ
Morning Yoga w/ Shawn Sweet
Sunday, June 28th
9:00 AM
Osprey Marsh PavilionÂ
Morning Yoga w/ Shawn Sweet
Sunday, July 26th
9:00 AM
Osprey Marsh Pavilion
Long Walk to Solomon's Cellar
Saturday, August 1st
8:30 AM
Meet at Hoff Parking Lot
Join us for a long walk to a 19th century cellar hole that once was the home of Solomon Smith a formerly enslaved person. At our Annual Meeting we shared the short film “Sweet Freedom".  The movie was about choices free people made during the time of bounty hunters and changing attitudes to slavery. From about the same time period, Solomon Smith set up a home outside of Mattapoisett in the woods near the border with Marion.
The walk will be about 5 miles on basic forest paths, through less used trails. We will see some of Marion’s least fragmented forest habitat. Summer conditions with a little mud and bugs in the quiet woods.
Bring water and your choice of bug spray. Wear sturdy shoes/boots.
Please register so we know who to expect and to be kept updated in case of weather issues.
Sunrise Forest Bathing
Saturday, August 8th
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Osprey MarshÂ
The early morning light in August is particularly special as the forest awakens – Come experience the special magic of a Summer Forest at Sunrise on a guided Forest Bathing Walk with certified guide, Diane Pienta.
More than just a walk in the woods, Forest Bathing is a slow, mindful practice that invites you to step away from daily stress, deepen your connection with the natural world and with yourself.
The walk follows a flat, 200-yard path through varied habitat, including boardwalks over damp areas. We’ll move slowly and pause along the way, so dress comfortably and bring a portable chair if preferred.
The walk will be rescheduled in case of heavy rain, so please ensure we have your contact information for updates.
Limited to 10 participants, so register soon to avoid disappointment! $10.
Learn more at:Â Â www.dianepienta.com
Terrapin Program with Deb Ewing
Sunday, August 16th
10:30 AM
TBA after registration
Come explore how volunteers are giving a leg up to the local Diamondback Terrapin. The salt marsh and estuary dwelling species is listed as "threatened" in Massachusetts. It appears to be coming back from near extirpation due to incidental take in traps, loss of habitat and other threats. Deb Ewing, the SLT's board clerk and dedicated local volunteer, will introduce us to the efforts to protect the species, included an area of protected nests called the "Turtle Garden." With the all NECWA volunteers, interns and the local residents there has been monitoring and protection of these nests for 11 years. Depending upon weather (and a little luck), we may be able to see hatchlings.
Limit to 15 people. You must sign up and you will be given directions on where to park and meet for the program.
Morning Yoga w/ Shawn Sweet
Sunday, August 30th
9:00 AM
Osprey Marsh Pavilion