Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.
Residents look to raise awareness about turtle crossings
A sign on Pond Street marks a turtle crossing location on the southern end of the Whitehall Reservoir. PHOTO/NICK SCHOFIELD
With turtle nesting season in full swing, some residents are hoping to raise awareness about the risks cars pose to turtles looking for places to nest.
Ed Harrow, Hopkinton resident and chair of the Open Space Preservation Commission, is hoping residents keep an eye out for the critters as the nesting season reaches its peak — especially in light of recent updates from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.
“MassWildlife has noted that because of the weather, the [nesting] period has been extended,” Harrow stated in an email to the Independent.
An additional email shared with the Independent from a MassWildlife biologist explained, “Because of the abnormally cold weather in June, some of the nesting has been delayed.”
As a result, turtle nesting season, which typically spans from late May to early July, could be delayed an additional week or more.
During the nesting period, turtles become vulnerable to strikes from vehicles as the animals attempt to search out nesting sites. Harrow has worked to help erect some turtle crossing signs in town and has gone out to assist moving some turtles when asked, but he said there’s only so much he and others can do to look out for the animals.
“People are concerned and want to help out, but there are only so many places you can be,” he said.
Areas of town where turtle crossings are common include Fruit Street, Elm Street, Clinton Street and Pond Street. Signs have been erected in these areas to warn drivers.
MassWildlife recommends individuals who find turtles in the road to exercise safety and care if they decide to assist the crossing. A full guide on helping Massachusetts turtles can be found on the MassWildlife website.
Latest News
A number of Hopkinton collegians were recognized for their academic success during the spring semester.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced multiple phases of overnight ramp work at the I-90/I-495 interchange in Hopkinton that begins Monday and continues through Friday morning.
Our latest Business Profile highlights Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, which celebrated its 60th anniversary with a vintage-style bash on Saturday.
The Chris Fitz Band will be headlining the next installment of the Hopkinton Center for the Arts’ Summer Concert Series on Saturday.
Town meetings tonight include the Commission on Disability (7).
Photo of the Day
State Rep. James Arena DeRosa (purple shirt) marches alongside Select Board members Shahidul Mannan and Amy Ritterbusch during the fifth annual Pride Festival at the HCA on Saturday. Click here for more photos.
PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
This photo makes me loathe “Hopkinton Democrats” and MASSHOLISTAN Democrats All the more…Hopkinton was a sweet village I was growing up there and nobody cared about your political party affiliation and most of the town was very conservative. #495 Let the Sludge slide right in…so sad.
Anita how sad it must be to carry all that ‘loathing’ around looking for a place to dump it.
“Hopkinton was a sweet village…. nobody cared about your party affiliation and most of the town was very conservative.” Did nobody care because you were all of one party? Growth happens. Most of us came way after 495. IF you still live here you know political affiliation is no longer on our ballots.
What a hateful thing to say. I’ll pray for you. Personally, I found Hopkinton Democrats to be very welcoming. #495 is fantastic. Also, we’ve got broadband, electric cars, smartphones, and AI. We’re practically on Mars (not the candy, the planet). Evolution’s wild. I just wish 495 had more exits. I mean, who doesn’t want to get places faster? Bless your heart! Peace and love!