Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area

Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area FLCA is the largest conservation area in Northampton, Mass. It is co-managed by Broad Brook Coalition and the Northampton Conservation Commission.

Our next walk and talk is 'Learn Your Ferns' with Randy Stone This Saturday, June 27, 10:00 a.m.–noon (rain date Sun., J...
06/23/2026

Our next walk and talk is 'Learn Your Ferns' with Randy Stone

This Saturday, June 27, 10:00 a.m.–noon (rain date Sun., June 28)
at the North Farms Rd. entrance

Ever wonder if you might be susceptible to fernophilia? Join Randy Stone of the Pioneer Valley Fern Society for a walk through the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, finding common ferns and club mosses of our area. Learn the key features for easy identification of our “top 10” native ferns and maybe some uncommon ones too. Start creating a list of ferns of Fitzgerald Lake! Bring a hand lens if you have one. Wear clothing appropriate for possible encounters with poison ivy, insects including ticks, or muddy ground.

BBC’s walk programs are free and open to the public. We ask that you register beforehand, which will allow us to answer any questions and notify you of any changes or cancellations. To sign up for any of the following walks, please send an email to Dave Pritchard at [email protected]

See the BBC website for further walks and workdays:
https://www.broadbrookcoalition.org/upcoming-events/

Follow Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area on Facebook and Instagram:
https://www.facebook.com/FitzgeraldLakeConservationArea/

The Wildlife Blind is closed until further notice for safety reasons. A construction crew is being hired to make needed ...
06/16/2026

The Wildlife Blind is closed until further notice for safety reasons. A construction crew is being hired to make needed repairs. Do not try to climb the stairs.

Removal of Water Chestnut from Fitzgerald LakeSaturdays: June 20, July 11, July 25, August 15; Sunday, September 13.9:00...
06/16/2026

Removal of Water Chestnut from Fitzgerald Lake

Saturdays: June 20, July 11, July 25, August 15; Sunday, September 13.
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Several years ago we implemented a new approach to controlling water chestnut in Fitzgerald Lake called “pull early, pull often.” In 2017, we removed roughly 1,100 lbs. from the lake while in 2025 the yield was down to 260 lbs. Though we are pleased with the results so far, water chestnut seeds can remain viable for up to ten years on the lake bottom so we plan to continue our work again this year. We’ll organize crews in late May, begin pulling in mid-June, and continue at 3-week intervals throughout the summer. Volunteers should bring their own canoes or kayaks. If interested, contact Tina White by email ([email protected]) or phone (413-341-0240) for further information.

See the BBC website for further workdays:
https://www.broadbrookcoalition.org/upcoming-events/

Follow Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area on Facebook and Instagram:
https://www.facebook.com/FitzgeraldLakeConservationArea/

Invasive Plant Removal in Cooke's Pasture / Sunday, June 7, 9:00 a.m.--noonWe will inspect the two native shrub "islands...
06/03/2026

Invasive Plant Removal in Cooke's Pasture / Sunday, June 7, 9:00 a.m.--noon

We will inspect the two native shrub "islands" in Cooke's Pasture and remove any invasives we find there. These patches provide important habitat for birds, insects, and small mammals. If there's time, we may also work on the glossy buckthorn that is infesting the strip of woods along the marsh. Due to the construction work along Boggy Meadow Rd., you will have to use either the N. Farms Rd. or the Marian St. entrance to get to Cooke's Pasture, a roughly half hour walk from either entrance. We will meet at the dam at 9:30, or in Cooke's Pasture any time after that. Please bring your preferred tools--pruners, loppers, pruning saws, etc., and be prepared for bugs and ticks.

Contact Tom Annese for more info: [email protected].

See the BBC website for further workdays:
https://www.broadbrookcoalition.org/upcoming-events/

Follow Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area on Facebook and Instagram:
https://www.facebook.com/FitzgeraldLakeConservationArea/

This little one was hiding just off middle path, Tuesday 19th May
05/20/2026

This little one was hiding just off middle path, Tuesday 19th May

Re-arranged Spring Bird Walk with Lesley Farlow and Steve Winn, Sunday, May 24, 7:30–10:00 a.m. Marian St. entrance. Les...
05/20/2026

Re-arranged Spring Bird Walk with Lesley Farlow and Steve Winn, Sunday, May 24, 7:30–10:00 a.m. Marian St. entrance.

Lesley Farlow and Steve Winn, experienced birders and members of the Hampshire Bird Club, will lead a bird walk along the Marian St. Trail to the bird blind, along the Boggy Meadow and Pines Edge Trails for a total of about 2 miles. We will look for breeding migrants and resident birds as we pass through a number of different habitats. We should be able to see and hear some migrating warblers, Wood Thrushes, and Red-eyed Vireos. We may see Tree Swallows, Great Blue Herons, Belted Kingfishers, and more. We will have a few extra pairs of binoculars, if needed.

For directions to the Marian St. entrance see broadbrookcoalition.org/about-fitzgerald-lake/how-to-visit.

See the BBC website for program and registration details:
https://www.broadbrookcoalition.org/upcoming-events/

Follow Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area on Facebook and Instagram:
https://www.facebook.com/FitzgeraldLakeConservationArea/

Our Next Walk & Talk: Spring Nature Walk with Rich BakerSaturday, May 23, 9:00–11:00 a.m.North Farms Road entranceRich B...
05/19/2026

Our Next Walk & Talk:

Spring Nature Walk with Rich Baker

Saturday, May 23, 9:00–11:00 a.m.

North Farms Road entrance

Rich Baker, a conservation biologist and curious naturalist, will lead a walk focused on the plants and animals we see along our way. We’ll discuss the ecological relationships around us, share what we know, and wonder about things we don’t know. There will be spring wildflowers to identify, trees to marvel at, birds to find and songs to learn, as well as the surprises and adventures that nature always provides. Bring binoculars, if you have some.

BBC’s walk programs are free and open to the public. We ask that you register beforehand, which will allow us to answer any questions and notify you of any changes or cancellations. To sign up for any of the following walks, please send an email to Dave Pritchard at [email protected].

Lots of color around Fitzgerald Lake at the moment: Fringed Polgala, Pink Lady Slipper Orchids, Chokecherry.....
05/16/2026

Lots of color around Fitzgerald Lake at the moment: Fringed Polgala, Pink Lady Slipper Orchids, Chokecherry.....

Annual Cleanup at the North Farms Road EntranceSaturday, May 16, 9:00–11:00 a.m.This is the day for cleaning up the Nort...
05/11/2026

Annual Cleanup at the North Farms Road Entrance

Saturday, May 16, 9:00–11:00 a.m.

This is the day for cleaning up the North Farms Road entrance to the FLCA. We’ll clear winter debris from the path to the bridge and boardwalk, pick up trash in the parking lot, and remove by hand invasive plants such as garlic mustard, Japanese knotweed, and multiflora rose in the adjoining woods. Please help us spruce up this heavily used route to the conservation area. Tools will be provided. Contact Tom Annese at [email protected] for further information.

See the BBC website for further workdays:
https://www.broadbrookcoalition.org/upcoming-events/

Follow Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area on Facebook and Instagram:
https://www.facebook.com/FitzgeraldLakeConservationArea/

Pyrophilous (Fire-loving) Fungi Talk & WalkPeter Russell, Karen HidalgoSunday, May 17, 1:30–4:00 p.m.Laurel Park and Mar...
05/11/2026

Pyrophilous (Fire-loving) Fungi Talk & Walk

Peter Russell, Karen Hidalgo

Sunday, May 17, 1:30–4:00 p.m.

Laurel Park and Marian St. entrance

All are welcome, no need to register

Peter Russell and Karen Hidalgo from the Pioneer Valley Mycological Association will lead this program focusing on fungi that thrive in burned-over landscapes. We will meet at 1:30 at Laurel Park’s Normal Hall for a talk on fire-loving fungi followed by a walk at 3:00 to the site of the 2024 brush fire near the Swamp Forest Trail in Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area. The walk will begin at the Marian St. entrance to FLCA. From there it is about a 15-minute walk along Middle Path to the burn site. Co-sponsored by the Pioneer Valley Mycological Association and Broad Brook Coalition. Laurel Park is located off Route 5 in Northampton.

For directions to the Marian St. entrance see broadbrookcoalition.org/about-fitzgerald-lake/how-to-visit.

See the Laurel Park Homeowners website for location of talk:
https://homeownersatlaurelpark.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/Laurel%20Park%20Parking%20map.jpg

See the BBC website for program and registration details:
https://www.broadbrookcoalition.org/upcoming-events/

Follow Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area on Facebook and Instagram:
https://www.facebook.com/FitzgeraldLakeConservationArea

Address

North Farms Road
Florence, MA
01062

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