Earth Day Ideas Moving Forward!

Thanks to all who stopped by our Trust table at the Earth day event on our town common! Thanks to Westford Climate Action and  co-sponsors who helped make this such a successful Earth day and Earth Month! We were able to give out 70 young native tree and shrub seedlings at this event. If you need more info about planting, please see below: Planting & Care of Tree Seedlings Fact Sheet (NH State Forest Nursery) https://extension.unh.edu/resource/planting-and-care-tree-seedlings-fact-sheet Planting and Care of Seedlings (PDF)  https://extension.unh.edu/sites/default/files/migrated_unmanaged_files/Resource000844_Rep884.pdf Seedling Survival Tips: https://www.nh.gov/nhnursery/seedling-survival-tips/index.htm   Another recent idea is NO MOW MAY – https://beecityusa.org/welcome-pollinators-to-your-lawn-with-no-mow-may/ Though our area does struggle with deer ticks and lyme, we can still consider setting aside part of our lawns for pollinators!  

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The Westford Conservation Trust will have a table at the Earth Day event on Friday, April 22, 3-5:30 pm. We will be giving away free tree seedlings and native shrubs in honor of Earth Day. Come visit us to learn more about what we do and how you can help protect open space and natural resources.

We will also have a Free Raffle with some fun prizes!

  During April, hikes and nature walks, led by Westford Conservation Trust members, will be offered on Saturdays:   Saturday, April 2 (rain date April 3), 9-11 a.m. O’Brien Farm, Vose Rd. Hear a talk about the history of the O’Brien Farm by owner Charlie McCullough and enjoy a tour of the antique barn and farm implements. Westford Conservation Trust President Dave Ebitson and Charlie McCullough will then lead a walk on the conservation land. Terrain is varied and hilly. Meet Dave at the parking area on Vose Rd., near the intersection with Steeplechase Rd. You may call Dave with any questions at 978-387-9378.   Saturday, April 9 (rain date April 10) 9-10:30 a.m. Stone Arch Bridge and Trail             Take a 1/2 mile walk to the historic Stone Arch Bridge, led by Conservation Trust member Bill Harman. Enjoy beautiful views of Stony Brook and its wildlife. You may turn around at this point, or continue with Bill on the 1/2 mile trail along the north side of Stony Brook, enjoying views of the brook. Both parts of the walk are fairly flat. Meet at the parking area for Stone Arch Bridge on Cold Spring Rd. For more information, call Bill at 603-533-0325.   Saturday, April 16 (rain date April 17), 9-10:30 a.m. Blake’s Hill/ Burns Hill.             Rich Strazdas, Trust Director, will lead a hike on the Trust’s newest long trail, constructed by Boy Scout Sean Cheng. Part of the trail overlooks a large marsh with an impressive heron rookery. Terrain is hilly. Meet at the trail head near the cul-de-sac at the end of Rome Drive. You may call Rich with questions at 978-692-2057.   Saturday, April 23 (rain date April 24), 9-10:30 a.m. Frances Hill Wildlife Sanctuary, Lowell Rd. Trust member Marian Harman will lead a nature walk on the Frances Hill Wildlife Sanctuary. We will move very slowly, identifying wild plants and birds. The walk will be  easy, but not entirely flat. Some areas may be wet. Bring binoculars if available. *No dogs please. We will meet at the Frances Hill Wildlife Sanctuary sign across from 120 Lowell Rd. For more information, call Marian at 603-533-4095.