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.

Annual fall cleanup at Whitehall planned for Saturday

Members of the Friends of Whitehall including, from left, Peter Regan, Donna Pagan, Ken Lodbrick, Margret Mighton and Mary McManus gather for last year’s fall cleanup. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

The Friends of Whitehall is gearing up to host two events this month — its annual fall cleanup and an author talk all about backyard wildlife.

The organization’s fall lake and trail cleanup will take place Saturday. Volunteers will clear debris and refuse from the trails and shoreline at Whitehall State Park. Other areas that will be covered include trails in the Whitehall Conservation Area and some trails managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR).

According to Margaret Mighton, clerk for the Friends of Whitehall (FOW), representatives from DCR will be on site to assist. “They give us some supplies and stuff as we’re going along,” Mighton explained.

“We work with them on a lot of different projects, too,” she added.

Mighton also noted how the cleanup event has changed since it began in 2005. She remarked that volunteers used to haul out tires and other large items from the lake. Now, as more people become aware of the work done to preserve Lake Whitehall and other conservation areas, she said the amount of trash on the nearby trails has changed.

“People that walk the trails are cognizant of taking things with them,” Mighton explained.

The other event FOW will host later this month is a talk at the library on Oct. 26. Author Brad Timm will discuss his book “Wildlife Out Your Window: Fascinating Facts About 100 Animals Commonly Seen in the Northeastern U.S.” Timm is a wildlife ecologist and executive director of the Northeast Wildlife Team. His presentation will cover some facts from the book, answer animal questions and discuss actions people can take to help local wildlife.

Mighton said the talk was organized by FOW after a member heard Timm give a talk and was “quite impressed” by the presentation. She added that the talk aligns with the organization’s interests.

“We’re interested in that kind of stuff — animals in the wild and how they should be treated,” she said.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

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This week’s Senior Snippets features information on the Senior Center’s annual Halloween party, a book club for women and a presentation from the Hopkinton Public Library.

Town meetings tonight include the Commissioners of Trust Funds (5) and Community Preservation Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

A motorcycle sits in the Hopkinton Middle School parking lot during a recent colorful sunset.

PHOTO/AMIT JAGDALE