Annual Report
2016 was a busy year for the Arlington Reservoir Committee. The Wildlife Habitat Garden had its sixth growing season. We also expanded our activities to the “island” in the parking lot and planted, or transplanted, a number of new plants this year. We had help from many people on public monthly workdays - and from many volunteers at other times as well. In spite of the summer drought, the garden came through well with the help of watering volunteers. The garden is for our entire community. We welcome schools, community groups, and others to participate in its growth and evolution.
Water chestnut mechanical harvesting continued this summer under the management of the Arlington
DPW, but was hampered because of low water levels. In addition the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) had corporate and public hand harvesting events in the spring and fall. We hope to increase these volunteer efforts in the future.
Seasons of the Arlington Reservoir, an art show organized by the Res Committee, was on display from September 9 through October 27 at the Arlington Town Hall. The show featured oil paintings, color photographs, black and white photographs, collage, mosaics, and digital imagery. Over 20 local artists from both Arlington and Lexington participated.
The exhibit celebrated the Reservoir being the "park of the month" in September, and showcased many reflections of “The Res” from around the year. Images included the Reservoir in winter with ice covering the surface, in springtime with new greenery, in fall with colorful foliage and reflections in the water, walkers and runners on the paths in all seasons, and of course in summer with bathers at the beach. The show was well received and helped broadcast more widely the natural and recreational wonders of the Reservoir. Special thanks to Cristina Burwell, Cathy Garnett, and Martine Gougault for organizing the many details associated with putting on such a show.