August 2017
In This Issue
Quick Links
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Walking Tour
SAT, AUG 5 
at 1 PM
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SUN, AUG 6 
at 2PM
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THU, AUG 10 
at 10 AM
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WED, AUG 16 
at 10 AM
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WED, AUG 16 
at 6PM
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THU, AUG 17 
at 5:30 PM
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SUN, AUG 20 
at 1PM
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Multiple Dates
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SUN, AUG 27 
at 1PM
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SAT, SEP 2 
at 1PM
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SUN, SEP 3 
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SAT, SEP 9 
at 1PM
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SUN, SEP 10 
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THU, SEP 14 
at 10AM
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Update: Entry Precinct Improvements Continue

This summer we begin work on two exciting projects that will help us in achieving our long-term initiative of improving our Front Entry Precinct: the revitalization of Bigelow Chapel and the rejuvenation of Asa Gray Garden. 

Improvements to Bigelow Chapel include a new state-of-the art crematory, a new entrance that provides universal access, and additional gathering spaces for private services and functions. As part of the project, Bigelow Chapel's defining architectural features will also be preserved. The new design for Asa Gray Garden includes a lush garden planted for year-round horticultural interest, an elegant new fountain, and improved parking and traffic circulation on Lawn Avenue.  

Construction is just getting underway and we look forward to sharing many more details about both projects in the coming months.
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Cemetery Joins $500,000 Bayer Feed a Bee Grant Initiative   

Tucked away in the southwest corner of Mount Auburn is the Cemetery's apiary, which houses six beehives. These hives are homes to honeybees which pollinate the thousands of trees, shrubs, and perennials on our grounds, and serve as... 
read more
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Chris Richardson, Lesley University 
Studying bats at Mount Auburn  

Have you seen any bats at Mount Auburn Cemetery? Where have you seen them? I'm Chris Richardson, a professor at Lesley University. I am a physiological ecologist investigating bat species and their activity at Mount Auburn.   We are currently looking  for more information about bats in the urban ecosystem ... learn more
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Amy Mertl, Lesley University
Citizen Science Ant Study
 
Faculty from Lesley University will be taking a detailed look at Cemetery ant diversity, as ants are the dominant insect in most terrestrial habitats. 

Ants are diggers, providing space for seeds in the soil and access to the air and water they need to germinate.  Ants also eat organic material and are then devoured by other members of the soil foodweb, contributing to the overall health of the soil community.  

You are invited to help Amy Mertl identify specimens of these important invertebrates.   Please visit the Stewardship Center at the West Gatehouse at Mount Auburn to pick up an ant study packet. 
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Butterflies and Dragonflies
Wednesday, August 16th at 10AM

Join Jeremiah  Trimble,  Curatorial Associate, Ornithology, Museum of Comparative Zoology, for  a walk in search of of butterflies and dragonflies.  
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Horticulture Highlight: 
Purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea
 
If we tasked the populace to compile a list of "cheerful" flowers, one could imagine Purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea surviving the final cut. This tall, perennial, native wildflower exudes visual gayety, which persists over an extended period of bloom. Its six-inch-across, daisy-like, rose-purple flowers are unmistakable in the summer gardens. 

These eye-catching beauties are within a small genus of fewer than ten species. All are native to North America... more

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Eternally Green:  Going Electric with Green Mower & Blue GEM

Over the past few years Mount Auburn has converted four of its eight gasoline mowers to propane fuel, as part of an effort to improve the efficiency However, we've taken another step towards... 
more
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History Highlight: Trustees Vote to Build Washington Tower

At a meeting in the summer of 1852 Mount Auburn President Jacob Bigelow exhibited a model he designed for a tower. The Trustees voted that the committee of Bigelow, Charles Little, and Mace Tisdale should go on and erect the Tower in granite atop the highest summit in the Cemetery, Mount Auburn.

The committee contracted with builders to erect the tower with the addition of steps and a broad platform...  more

Please join us at Washington Tower for our Annual Wine Tasting Event!  

Wine Tasting at Washington Tower
Thursday, August 17th at 5:30 pm

Savor a hand-picked selection of wines provided by The Magnolia Wine Company of Watertown while enjoying the late-summer beauty of Mount Auburn in the early evening hours.  
Pre-registration required.
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WBUR Covers Mount Auburn Climate Study Volunteers 

Mount Auburn
has long been renowned as an urban oasis and is n ow taking on the role of tracking climate change. R ecently a group of volunteers set out on the trail of Phenology. Listen  on WBUR .
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The Harnden monument was conserved in 2016 
Person of the Month: William F. Harnden (1812 - 1845)
   
Born in August 1812, William F. Harnden was a pioneer in the express industry. Harnden worked for Boston/Worcester railroad as a conductor and passenger-clerk for the first train that ever ran over its tracks. 

He delivered packages to friends while he made his transit. In the 1830s he visited the Tontine Coffeehouse in New York, where he met James Hale, who asked Harnden if he knew anyone who transported packages, inspiring the creation of... learn more
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Beyond Our Gates: Events of Interest to the Community

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1154 Boylston Street,  Boston, MA 02215-3695

MHS recently announced the acquisition of Robert Gould Shaw sword, now  on display at the MHS with a selection of related materials.

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NPS Longfellow House Washington's Headquarters have planned a year of exciting programming highlighting  Frances Appleton Longfellow!

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Thursdays, 12 PM, Approximately 45 minutes


August 3
Cambridge Women's History
Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave.

August 10
Public Art, Harvard Sq. and Cambridge Common
Harvard Square T-Station, Main Entrance

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August 7-10, 2017
Riverside Press Park 10AM - Noon

Family-friendly fun learning about animals and habitats

Monday (8/7) 
THE RED WINGED BLACKBIRD

Tuesday (8/8)
POLLINATION IN THE NATION

Wednesday (8/9)
OUR CITY'S HABITATS

Thursday (8/10)
ANIMAL SOUND AND MOVEMENT

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giving common
 
 
Friends of Mount Auburn Cemetery
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friends@mountauburn.org
tel: 617-547-7105 
 

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