Shawsheen River Watershed Association

Enjoy Nature and Celebrate the Winter Solstice with the SRWA !

SRWA will host the annual outdoor event on Thursday, December 22, 2016 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Serio’s Grove Reservation, at 53 Lowell Junction Road, Andover.

The Winter Solstice is an astronomical phenomenon and unique among days of the year-the time of the longest night and the shortest day. From this turning point, the nights grow shorter and the days grow longer. In cultural terms this special moment has impacted the sowing of crops, mating of animals and handling of harvest reserves. It was an important part of indigenous cultures such as the Native Americans that lived in this area known as Shawshin and has been celebrated by northern Europeans as Yule. 

 There will be a short presentation by Bob Rauseo, longtime member of SRWA and expert on the astronomy, history and folklore of the Winter Solstice. Bring bells to ring as  the Holly King banner is retired and the Oak King banner is raised. Sharon Lapham, shown below, is the banner creator. There will be a campfire to roast marshmallows and s’mores. Bring your own food and beverages. Alcoholic drinks are NOT ALLOWED.

A walking stick and/or crampons will be helpful in case of icy or snowy conditions.

 Meet at the Town of Andover, Serio’s Grove Reservation, at 43 Lowell Junction Road. Park in the field and at 7:00 PM we will take a short walk through the deep and dark woods to the pavilion. SRWA events are free and  open to the public and family friendly.

For directions set your GPS to 53 Lowell Junction Road, Andover and follow below:

from Ballardvale

take River Street south from Ballardvale center

turn right onto Lowell Junction Road at GPS coordinates N 42 36.947   W 071 09.324

follow Lowell Junction Road 2/10 miles to intersection of Connector Road

Coordinates are N 42 36.925 W 071 09.569

continue west on Lowell Junction Road approximately 200 feet and cross railroad tracks.

approximately 100 feet past the railroad tracks, there is a small traffic island on the right

GPS coordinates are N 42 36.947 W 071 09.756

the island has a mailbox numbered 43 and a telephone pole with a sign “exempt”

bear right diagonally on the narrow road to the right / behind the island.

(this road briefly follows a railroad track spur on the left and then bears off to the right)

from the island follow this small road approx. 300 feet and then cross another railroad track

approx. 100 feet beyond those tracks, turn left on a dirt “road”, through a gate, into the parking area.

GPS coordinates are n 42 37.012 W 071 09.773

For possible change of venue or cancellation due to weather conditions go to the Shawsheen River Watershed association Facebook Page or this website:      https://shawsheenriver.net/ 

If you have further questions, contact:    bob_otter@comcast.net