Ron Hunter spotted this pretty Spotted Turtle!

Ron Hunter spotted this lovely turtle while he was working on the Easthead Trail. Spotted turtles are known to live 26 years but they may live to be twice that age! Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game is concerned about these little beauties because populations are declining and now they are on the Massachusetts Endangered Species List. Unfortunately, they like to burrow underneath grassy or muddy areas near ponds and in marshlands during the summer to keep cool. Quite often people and vehicles crush them but many are killed on roads. If you see a spotted turtle, or any other wildlife species, observe from afar or try to protect it while its crossing the road. Don't forget. All wild animals bite.

Big!

This is by far the biggest Snapping Turtle I've ever seen. He/She was aside of the road on it's way to the nearest lake...be careful when you go into that water.

Next Friends of Myles Standish State Forest Meeting

Dear Friends of Myles Standish State Forest,

Don't forget our next meeting on June 7, 7 p.m. at "the barn", across from the Forest Headquarters.

Environmental Police Officer, Rob Akin, will speak about the illegal use of off road vehicles in the Forest. We will discuss future projects, Trail concerns and elect officers. We need a Secretary and a Treasurer to become official. Please consider volunteering for the job.

This picture was taken at Fearing Pond. This gorgeous pond is designated for public use by the State but it is closed to the general public because of the lack of funds to pay for a life guard and because there is no sanitary facility. Want to try to open the pond to public use? Then join us.

Hope to see you there. Please tell everyone you know in the area to get involved!