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Art O’Leary offers educational hikes at Stanley Park

Date: 7/17/2015

WESTFIELD – For area residents who are interested in local history and want to get up and get moving, Art O’Leary has a perfect hike on the grounds of Stanley Park.

“Stanley Park has been an integral part of my life since the 1970’s,” O’Leary told Reminder Publications.

O’Leary, a naturalist since 1970, has been a security officer and park ranger at Stanley Park, as well as a contributing member of its nature committee and a leader of nature workshops. He also serves as an officer of public safety and security at Westfield State University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental biology and regional planning from Westfield State University.

In a collaborative effort between the park, Westfield State University, and the greater Westfield community, O’Leary is joined by Janice Zepko, Dave Lovejoy, John Hutchinson, and Kathy Conway, who all lead nature workshops in the 200-acre Frank Stanley Beveridge Wildlife Sanctuary.

All walks and workshops meet at the main entrance sign to the sanctuary located across from the recreation field and will be cancelled if there is heavy rain. Participants are reminded to wear hiking attire and sturdy boots, as well as to bring water, field guides, binoculars and a camera if available.

“All people would benefit from getting up, getting out, and get moving,” O’Leary said. “Making deep connections with the natural world has lifetime benefits – people as a part of nature versus apart from nature.”

On July 25, O’Leary will present a workshop titled “Island Hopping” from 2 to 5 p.m. Munn’s Island and Nelson’s Island in the sanctuary contains wetlands, a floodplain, and riparian corridors. O’Leary will explain the channel where the entire Little River once flowed and show a canal that was dug by pick and shovel. Additionally, O’Leary will discuss the habitats that support wildlife with food, cover, and nest sites.

“Sensing nature in different unique ways can develop a love of place,” he said.

O’Leary should know since he has spent more than 20 years researching the environmental history of Stanley Park.

“My research has certainly helped me to really love this place,” he added.

During a quick tour at the entrance to the sanctuary, one immediately becomes lost in its stillness. O’Leary points out the abundance of wildlife slightly hidden among the vegetation.

“The hikes are a nice cool way to enjoy the park on a hot summer day,” he said.

For the July 25 outing, O’Leary notes that participants can expect to get their feet wet with the island hopping since the depth can rise up to six inches.

In the fall, O’Leary will present “Combining Waters” on Sept. 26 from 2 to 5 p.m. O’Leary will explain that the Little River splits the sanctuary into a near 100-acre parcel on the south side of the river (Granville Road), and an 80-acre parcel on the north side of the river (Munn Meadow). Far upstream at Bull Rock, when water is released from the Cobble Mountain Reservoir, it creates class five rapids.

During the 1820’s, the forest floor at the east side of the pine knoll (east of Nelson’s Island), was scoured using black explosive powder to create a canal. The red sandstone bedrock did not cleave well, so the men building the New Haven Farmington Northampton Canal in the center of Westfield deepened this canal using pick and shovel. Wet feet are possible during this bushwhacking hike as participants will retrace the historic combining of waters.

O’Leary noted the hikes are appropriate for all ages and encourages parents to introduce their children to nature up close.

“We can all develop a love for a place when we spend sweat equity,” he said.

There is no charge to attend either workshop. For more information, call the park office at 568-9312 or visit www.stanleypark.org. Stanley Park is a private, nonprofit organization. Tax-deductible donations are welcome for the preservation and ongoing development of the park.

O’Leary also penned “A Little History” article for the Spring 2015 Lasting Footprints Newsletter for Stanley Park which is available now through the Beveridge Family Foundation.