The Dial: A New Transcendental Magazine

 By Richard B. Primack

 

“Any man more right than his neighbors constitutes a majority of one already.” Henry David Thoreau in Civil Disobedience.

 

 

From 1840 to 1844, the early Transcendentalists of Massachusetts published their new ideas in a magazine called The Dial. The Ralph Waldo Emerson Society has launched a new version of the magazine focused on connecting Transcendentalism to history and modern topics, including articles focused on interdisciplinary themes.

 

Image 1: Cover of the first issue.

 

The first issue of this magazine contains five articles focusing on Transcendentalism and climate change, followed by three essays on social justice, particularly as it relates to social memory.

 

Here is a link to the first issue: LINK

 

Fire Risk in Newton

By Richard B. Primack

 

“The earth was uncommonly dry, and our fire, kindled far from the woods in a sunny recess…, suddenly caught the dry grass of the previous year… We sprang to extinguish it with our hands and feet…, but in a few minutes it was beyond our reach…It burned over 100 acres or more and destroyed much young wood.” Henry David Thoreau in his Journal.

 

 

Three months with little or no rain, combined with the fall of autumn leaves, have created dangerous conditions that make wildfires possible in Newton and throughout eastern Massachusetts. 

 

In most years, rain would wet the leaves making them less prone to catch fire. But this year, a carpet of fluffy dry leaves covers the forest floor. The risk of an uncontrolled fire is further increased by the windy weather this week. This lack of rain, and the fires that can result, is an example of the negative impact climate change is having.

 

Photo 1: Carpets of dry leaves on the forest floor.

 

Across the region, fire departments are contending with wildfires in brushy areas, often started accidentally by human activity but now prone to take hold and spread because of the unusual conditions. In an attempt to address this, local governments are restricting outside burning. 

 

Photo 2: Leaves and brush near houses increase the risk of fires spreading to the house.

 

A few weeks ago, brush fires on the North Shore of Boston blanketed the metropolitan area with smoke, creating hazardous air quality.

 

The area will remain at high risk for fires until there is a soaking rain to wet down the fallen leaves.

 

Here is a link to a recent article in the Newton Beacon: LINK

Webster Woods Surprises

 By Richard B. Primack

“It is a surprising and memorable, as well as valuable experience, to be lost in the woods any time……Not till we are lost, in other words, not till we have lost the world, do we begin to find ourselves, and realize where we are and the infinite extent of our relations.” Henry David Thoreau in Walden.

November in the Webster Woods offers surprises!

On a warm November day, under a rock we were able to find a salamander, which the children were delighted to hold.

Photo 1. Children are excited to hold a salamander.

 

Several years ago, an unknown artist installed a heavy sculpture piece along the Vale Stream. This past week, it was moved over one hundred yards to the top of a nearby ridge. But why?

Photo 2A. A sculpture piece in the middle of the woods transported by an unknown artist.

 

Photo 2B. From a distance, you can hardly see it. 

 

As part of the Newton Conservators fall schedule, I showed people the mysteries of Bare Pond, a vernal pond in the Webster Woods. To my surprise, around 35 people showed up for the talk, one of the largest audiences I have ever had for a walk. 

Photo 3A. The group visiting Bare Pond.

 

Photo 3B. Elliot Frank and I demonstrating for the group how Bare Pond is like a shallow saucer that spills over when it is full.

 

Because of the dry weather over the past few months, the fallen leaves on the ground are exceptionally crunchy and light. 

 

Video 1:  Crunchy leaves swirling under foot.