LYNNFIELD – Squeaky the Squirrel needs help on his Great Green Quest, and he’s counting on all Lynnfield residents, and potentially those in neighboring communities, to help him on his journey before it ends Aug. 21.
“Squeaky is on a personal discovery of Lynnfield with hidden treasures and special places to explore,” said Jane Bandini of the Lynnfield Tree Committee. “A scavenger hunt and discovery adventure, Squeaky can lead us to some solutions to the questions we all have about our changing environment.
“Along the way there are references to Lynnfield’s past and connections to a healthy future. There are lessons here for everyone as this is an excellent family adventure, or for adults simply wishing to enjoy the outside for a pleasant walk through our green spaces,” she said.
Appropriate for all ages, adults will find it informative and children can simply have fun. At the last location, there will be a gift and the opportunity to be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a native tree.
The Lynnfield Tree Committee warned participants to please be aware of ticks, stinging/biting insects and plants like poison ivy/oak, as they can cause allergic reactions. It also mentioned that “the search for Squeaky can lead you off the worn path, so exercise caution, wear insect repellant and supervise children.”
The Lynnfield Tree Committee urged participants to “please respect our natural areas. Our environment can be fragile, so please do not litter, disturb wildlife or damage plants. Leave everything as you found it. Finally, once you find the key to the next clue, please return the key to its hiding place.”
According to the Lynnfield Tree Committee, the adventure can “easily” be finished in a morning or leisurely afternoon stroll. For most people, the journey will take about 90 minutes to 3 hours, depending on pace. Cars will be necessary to complete the journey, as people will need to drive from one location to another once receiving their next clue.
To take the first step in finding Squeaky, visit LynnfieldTreeCommittee.org for the first clue. That clue will take those attempting this Great Green Quest to the first location. On this adventure, cell phones or other devices that can scan QR codes are necessary, as each hidden location along the journey will have the next clue available via QR code.
The Lynnfield Tree Committee, in partnership with the Public Library, and with additional support from the Lynnfield Art Guild and Lynnfield Conservation Commission, hope everyone enjoys finding Squeaky and continues with their own Great Green Quest.
Library Director Abby Porter shared that the library is “always looking for sustainability initiatives,” and “we love partnering with the Tree Committee.
“This is just such a fun idea, and I’m hoping we can make it kind of a regular thing to remind people about the beautiful green spaces that are around Lynnfield because a lot of times they’re tucked away, and you don’t see them,” Porter said.
Beth Aaronson of the Art Guild said, “We are working hard to combine modern technology with the appreciation for the outdoors.”
Bandini said, “We are grateful that our member, Melanie Lovell, has brought Squeaky to life for everyone to follow his journey. The Art Guild has joined us in creating watercolors of our special places and extra thanks to Heidi Reynolds, co-president of the Guild, for putting a face on Squeaky.”
The Lynnfield Tree Committee members present this event as part of its mission to protect and restore Lynnfield’s natural tree resources through education.
