Throughout the wild places of New England people tell stories of searching for the legendary Sasquatch, a tall hairy bipedal creature also known as Bigfoot. While NCLT has no evidence one way or another about Sasquatch’s presence in north central Massachusetts, we can see why they would live here. Cryptids need the same things that our native species do to survive: contiguous forests, clean rivers, healthy food, and robust shelter. In short, Sasquatch would be a big supporter of land conservation and North County Land Trust!
During the month of October, we invite you to embark on a Search for Sasquatch. We will provide hints about where you can find him. Spot him, take a selfie, and think about the things Sasquatch—or any wild creature—needs to thrive amid increasing development and climatic changes to the natural landscape.
Join in the fun! Go looking for Sasquatch this fall! Bring your tracking cards, open your Merlin bird identification app, and really listen to the sounds of the forest. Sasquatch seekers are keen listeners and observers, often hearing sounds and finding signs that many of us walk past. Each sign requires a process of elimination: could that sound be a bird, a porcupine, an amphibian, or a woodpecker? Maybe that smell is a swamp or a decaying animal. When seeing hemlock branches torn apart on the ground, is it a sign of foraging porcupines? You will ignite your curiosity about and heighten your awareness of the wild places in north central Massachusetts whether or not you encounter Bigfoot.
Bigfoot is also a mascot of Leave No Trace, so remember to follow their 7 Principles on your adventures:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others
© Leave No Trace: www.LNT.org
Get outdoors this October and join the Search for Sasquatch! Stay tuned for weekly updates here and on Facebook and Instagram. Please reach out to Katie (kcournoyer@northcountylandtrust.org) with any questions.