Environment - Marblehead Current

Student reflects on Philmont Scout Ranch trip

13Sep

By Katie JenkinsNo Comments

Culture, Environment, Local News, Marblehead Public Schools, Top Stories, Viewpoints

Student reflects on Philmont Scout Ranch trip

If you happen to see a bunch of teenagers wandering around in gray hoodies shouting “I BELIEVE IN FOREST FAIRIES” when they accidentally rip open a snack package all the way, then they may have just come back from Philmont. Back in 2019, the local Troop 79 of the Boy Scouts of America created a "linked troop," which has allowed girls to join, including me. The creation of this troop has opened up many amazing opportunities, the latest - and perhaps greatest - was the recent trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. Crews gather in front of the Tooth of Time for their crew photo on Aug. 8. Philmont Scout Ranch was launched in 1938 after Waite Phillips donated the land to the Scouts. It has since been used to bring Scouts on treks through the mountainous back country of...

Despite a very dry summer, MWRA membership spares Marblehead from water restrictions

1Sep

By John LamontagneNo Comments

Environment, Local News, Municipal Matters, Public safety, Science, Top Stories

Despite a very dry summer, MWRA membership spares Marblehead from water restrictions

In a season marked by yellowing lawns, community water bans and even the occasional brush fire, Marblehead residents have enjoyed a summer free of water restriction - despite one of the driest summers in years. As many North Shore communities face outdoor water bans, the town’s membership in the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority for its water supply has spared the town from the worst effects of the regional drought, Marblehead Water, Sewer and Public Works Superintendent Amy McHugh told the Marblehead News. A map of the Massachusetts Water Reasource Authority's communities and their color-coded tier of water service. [COURTESY PHOTO / MWRA's WEBSITE] That’s because the Quabbin Reservoir, the 412-billion-gallon water reserve in central Massachusetts that supplies water to 46...

The Marblehead Farmers’ Market: Saturday, Sept. 3

31Aug

By Marblehead News staffNo Comments

Business, Community resources, Culture, Environment, Local News, Nonprofit corner

The Marblehead Farmers’ Market: Saturday, Sept. 3

Shoppers can expect to find a variety of winter squash, corn, peaches, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, summer squash, fresh onions, cabbage, beets, radishes, potatoes, beans, carrots, mushrooms, as well as a wide variety of salad and cooking greens, cut flowers, potted plants and much more. Farms this season are Middle Earth Farm with vegetables. Grant Family Farm will be offering fresh eggs, cut flowers, and vegetables. Bear Hill Farm will have pork, vegetables, and local fruit. Brookford Farm will have vegetables, meat, cheese, fermented products, and cured meats. Iron Ox farm will have vegetables. Anything Grows (Formerly The Herb Farmacy) will have herbs, vegetables, and flower arrangements. Clark Farm will have vegetables and local fruit. Fols...

Marblehead public health officals issue Redd’s Pond advisory

30Aug

By Marblehead News staffNo Comments

Environment, Local News, Top Stories

Marblehead public health officals issue Redd’s Pond advisory

Marblehead Public Health Dept. issued the following statement on Tuesday, Aug. 30. The Marblehead Health Department has issued a public health advisory for Redd’s Pond due to a suspected bloom of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria. Based on initial visual inspection of the pond, it appears likely that Redd’s Pond is experiencing a harmful algae bloom. These blooms may produce toxins that can make people and pets sick. Residents are urged to avoid contact with the water and any areas of algae concentration, even on the shore. During the closure, residents cannot: Fish, boat or allow dogs to swim in the water.If you or your child or dog comes in contact with the water or an algae bloom, rinse offimmediately. Blue-green algae can form harmful blooms in lakes, ponds...

Marblehead officials suspect transfer station blaze was set intentionally

17Aug

By William J. DowdNo Comments

Environment, Local News, Municipal Matters, Public safety, Top Stories

Marblehead officials suspect transfer station blaze was set intentionally

Marblehead public safety officials suspect someone intentionally ignited the fire that spread to several large piles of yard waste at the transfer station off Woodfin Terrace Aug. 1. Officials estimate the hours-long response and overnight cleanup cost $65,000. "It is suspected that the fire was set," Fire Chief Jason Gilliland told the Marblehead News, adding that Sgt. Sean Brady and Capt. Eric Ridge are conducting the criminal] investigation. Marblehead firefighters battle blaze at the transfer station on Monday, Aug. 1. [STAFF PHOTO / WILL DOWD] Gilliland said the fire had already spread to multiple piles of yard waste by the time firefighters arrived on scene, which he immediately found suspicious. “I just find it hard to believe it went from this pile, to that pile, to t...