BERRY BITS: Mount Olivet nature & history tours

Naturalist Rob Jett and Christina Wilkinson of the Newtown Historical Society led free walks through Mount Olivet Cemetery on May 27 and June 10, observing the natural environment, including birds, butterflies, plants and trees while also discussing the history of the cemetery, its role in the development of Maspeth and visiting the graves of noteworthy people buried there. During the first tour, the group spotted a rare Blackburnian Warbler and a gorgeous Black Swallowtail Butterfly. Highlights of the second tour included American Lady and Red Admiral butterflies and a Brown Thrasher. These events were part of the 375th anniversary celebration of Maspeth and were sponsored by Mount Olivet Cemetery, Juniper Park Civic Association and the Newtown Historical Society.