Connecting with SOLF! Challenge
April 2026 – SOLF owns and cares for nearly 200 acres of open space in town, including the popular Beals Preserve, yet few have visited our other locations, all of which help us “preserve, protect, and enhance the natural resources” in town. This puzzles us! So, we challenge you to visit 9 other SOLF properties! Look for our signs with the red rooster!
Here’s what you do: Using clues below, visit the 9 properties listed below and, at each, find a treasure box. Once you do, leave a message in the small notebook and take one unique, 3D-printed, puzzle piece. After you’ve collected all 9 unique pieces, assemble them and tell us what you see! Email a photo of the puzzle (and a few selfies from your visits!) to info@solf.org, and for completing the challenge, we’ll send you $15 towards a meal at Southborough House of Pizza or ice cream at Uhlman’s Ice Cream. You choose. You earned it! The first six people to complete the challenge get an additional promo item/coin from Uhlman’s!
Need help finding SOLF open spaces? Check out the Our Properties section on our website. Have questions or need help? Email us at info@solf.org.
Here are the locations and clues!
Big Oak Woods: head toward the sign, take the path a short spell, then look back, behind the old rock wall where the huge tree fell!
Bigelow Wildlife Refuge: about 20 ft past the sign, you’ll find a prize in raspberries!
Clark Grove: as you climb the path, the box is at the top boulder!
Eastbrook Farmlands: go past the grapes, and take a path to the water!
Kallander Woods: take a walk past our Valley Rd rooster and look near the pond!
Lambert Corner: stop and look under the holly across from the stream!
Lynbrook Hollow: look behind the wall by the brook!
Nipmuc Trail Woods: walk the Nipmuc beaten path and find the boulder by the brook!
Templeman Woods: it’s back at the Watkins plaque!
Beals Preserve Parking Area Closed For Remediation
As of February 2026, the Beals Preserve parking area on Main Street is closed for remediation as required by the Conservation Restriction on the property. Visitors who wish to enter Beals Preserve from Main Street can park at the intersection of Northborough Road and Main Street (Route 30) and walk over. The parking area has been a wonderful addition but right now needs some TLC. In the future, there will be seasonal closures to protect the remediation. Watch our Facebook page and this website for updates.
Visitors can also access Beals Preserve from Hickory Road, and Red Gate Lane.
Bog Bridge Project Started at Beals Preserve
The short hiking path at the lower end of the lower meadow at Beals Preserve can get quite wet during the winter and spring months. Board members Larry and Eileen Samberg installed one of three planned 8-ft bog bridges in mid-November 2025.
Tree Work at Beals Preserve Pond
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, volunteer Hewitt Heiserman, and SOLF trustee Debbie Costine spent a few hours cutting up and moving felled dead trees next to the “ice pond“ at Beals Preserve. All wood will remain on the property to allow nature to do what it does. Some of the shorter lengths were arranged in a somewhat creative fashion. Pictures and commentary by Debbie Costine.
SWCA Environmental Consultants Volunteer Their Time
On Thursday, October 23, 2025, a group from the Southborough office of SWCA Environmental Consultants volunteered their time at SOLF’s Bigelow Wildlife Preserve. In September, Stumpy’s Tree Service removed a large fallen tree blocking the path to the platform and extending into a neighbor’s yard. The group worked to restore the area, moving and adding gravel along the path and leveling the fallen tree area. They also removed and bagged invasive plants, and dispersed some older compost piles along the property. Thank you SWCA Environmental Consultants!
Mushroom Walk at Beals Preserve
On October 19, 2025, the Southborough Open Land Foundation sponsored a 2-hour mushroom walk and talk at SOLF’s Beals Preserve. Jonathan Kranz, a mushroom enthusiast, former park ranger (Boston Harbor Islands), and current vice president of the Boston Mycological Club, led twenty plus participants, covering the basics of mushroom habitat, identification, and ecology. Participants closely examined rotting logs on the grounds and peered up into dead trees and learned so much. You can read about Jonathan Kranz at https://www.kranzcom.com/mushroom-walks-and-talks/. Pictures by Debbie Costine.
Bow Hunting Season October 6 – December 31, 2025
Two permits for bow hunting deer have been issued for Beals Preserve and Lynbrook Hollow. There is no hunting allowed on Sundays. These hunters are very experienced and have been hunting at these two properties for years. They will not be near any trails on Beals Preserve. Visitors are encouraged to wear some blaze orange. If you have any questions, contact us at info@solf.org.
Art on the Trails Closing
Art on the Trails at Beals Preserve had a very successful closing day on Sunday, September 14, 2025. Attendees, accompanied by artists and poets, were treated to poetry readings at each art piece. SOLF thanks director Catherine Webber, the artists, and the poets for a wonderful season of Art on the Trails.
SOLF Receives NRCS Grant
The Southborough Open Land Foundation is excited to announce that we received a grant in April of 2025 from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to partially fund the development of a Forest Management Plan for the Elaine and Philip Beals Preserve. This diverse and vital ecosystem—comprising meadows, woodlands, wetlands, trails, and a serene pond—is open to the public for exploration and enjoyment.
As stewards of this beautiful property, we have a responsibility to maintain healthy meadows, promote wildlife habitat, and support a resilient forest ecosystem. The Forest Management Plan will provide us with expert guidance on enhancing tree vigor, improving overall forest health, and setting long-term conservation goals to ensure the Preserve remains a thriving natural resource for generations to come.
We are working with Tom Ashton, a certified forester from Woodsman Inc., to develop this comprehensive plan. We hope to organize an educational walk with Tom, allowing him to share his forest management expertise with our community. If you spot someone wearing an orange vest on the property, it’s likely Tom conducting assessments for the plan.
Maintenance at Templeman Woods
In August 2025, Board members (Eileen, Larry, Lawrence) and volunteers (Phaea, Jim H, Jim S) cleaned up the trails at SOLF’s Templeman Woods and the town’s Watkins Woods. In October 2025, Board members Debbie and Lawrence returned for more cleanup work.
The combined trails on 18 acres of wetlands and uplands can be accessed from Cordaville Road (Rte 85), by crossing wooden boardwalks (a little slippery so be cautious). There is Mass Pike traffic noise, but it shouldn’t stop you from enjoying this delightful property. Parking is along the road on either side. SOLF maintenance efforts are supported by your donations.
New Gate Installed at Beals Preserve
In July 2025, a new gate was installed at Beals Preserve at the Route 30 end of Old Farm Lane (the path between Route 30 and Red Gate Lane), replacing the old, creaky, hard to manage one. This entrance to the property is used primarily by authorized vehicles but is an access point for visitors who park at the Trustees of the Reservations Chestnut Hill Farm trails parking area and walk down to Main Street. Walkers do not have to open the gate as there is space around both sides. Note that the access is via a shared driveway and that there is no visitor parking. Please be respectful of our neighbor.
WBZ TV Highlights Art on the Trails at Beals Preserve
Unique exhibit invites visitors to enjoy art on a walking trail in Massachusetts
WBZ TV’s Chris Tanaka took a look at Art on the Trails at the Beals Preserve in Southborough, Massachusetts.
See the July 16, 2025 video here.
SOLF 2025 Annual Meeting Presentation
At the SOLF Annual Meeting last night, Trustee Debbie Costine gave a presentation highlighting recent projects and beautiful scenes across some of the properties we provide as open space to the public. SOLF mission is supported by your donations.
Recent Projects and Beautiful Scenes by Trustee Debbie Costine
2024 Year End Property Summary
Beals Preserve:
In honor of Whit Beals, Kevin and Mike Sanford dedicated much of the winter and spring to clearing trails as well as the area by the ice pond, exposing stone walls, mowing trails, and seeding. They also cleared the area around the pump house and added a missing wall and missing portion of the roof to ensure safety.
Much of the winter was spent walking trails and clearing blow downs. In February and March, Board members began work on reclaiming the historic Riding Ring.. Efforts focused on tree and brush removal and the ring was cleared and marked to promote walkability.
J&J Landscape was contracted for the season. They mowed Old Farm Lane, the path up the meadow, and the parking lot every 2 weeks (eventually moved to 3 weeks). Toward the end of the season, they also began to mow the edges of the Main Street field along the rock walls as well as the area around the pump house and picnic table.
Spring work focused on general maintenance of the properties, including weeding, keeping rock walls clear of invasives, and seeding the areas that were disrupted by the Sanfords’ tractor. In April, Japanese Honeysuckle and Japanese Barberry were pulled from the Hickory entrance.
In May, work began to smooth out the tractor ruts and seed bare areas. The areas around the kiosk, granite benches, and pollinator garden were weed whacked and cleared. A metal chain was secured along the side of the aqueduct bridge where a metal side pole was missing.
May was a busy month as bluebird boxes were installed in the lower and upper pastures as well as near the ice pond as part of a Scout project. The driveway leading into the parking lot was paved by Asphalt Engineering. Also in May, we contracted for a Property Plan by Conservation Works, which was completed in June.
Summer brought more opportunities to work on seeding and weeding the paths. In June, a new path was created at the bottom of the meadows. It was seeded and marked with hiking signs. The Riding Ring was cleared further. Drainage improvements were made to the parking area as well as the Hickory entrance. A great deal of clearing was done around the pump house and a picnic table was installed in that area. In July, Board members replaced the Hickory Bridge with the help of volunteers. Signage was installed to mark areas where vehicles should avoid as well as forested areas that are not maintained by SOLF. In August, Conservation Works and Board members re-routed the top of the Hickory Trail from the cul-de-sac down to the split of the trail.
The fall saw the completion of many projects. In September, a 6-foot wide path was weed whacked from the Old Farm Lane to the Ice Pond as that meadow had grown up over the summer. That same month the Hickory Trail Bridge was completed when steps were added to both sides. Finally, Board members spent much time weeding around the kiosk and bridge, and cutting up and moving a large limb that had obstructed the Hickory entrance. At the end of September, the Old Farm Lane hardening project (a 6-foot wide swath of about 150 feet) was completed by Bob Hatch and Steph Frend, laying triax mesh and covering with large and then small gravel. They also loamed the area on Old Farm Lane where the ruts were and the area by the pollinator garden where the gravel pile was dumped. The loam was seeded but needs to be redone in the spring. In October, Board members worked with SWCA volunteers on replacing erosion bars at the Red Gate entrance. J&J also brush-hogged the field next to the ice pond. In November, the blue bird boxes were cleaned out and the Bathtub Lane was weeded and cleaned up in preparation for the winter. Also in November, a Board member and volunteer replaced the sign post at the intersection of the Riding Ring Trail and the Hickory Trail.
Big Oak:
In March, a large maple branch was cleared near the property sign. And in August Board members weed whacked around the sign.
Bigelow Wildlife Refuge:
In March, a sign was put up to identify the viewing point and work focused on removal of grape and bittersweet vines and dead branches. Visits in April, May, and August focused on invasive removal and weeding of the garden area. Additionally in August, Board members focused on dispersal of compost and widening the trail. A general clean up was done in September. The bench and platform were sanded and stained in October.
Clark Grove:
Board members walked the property in February to check for blow downs.
Eastbrook Farm:
Board members visited in May, June, July, and September to weed whack around the sign as well as the horseshoe-shaped, grassy area. The September visit included some trail clearing.
Kallander:
The Valley Road area was worked on. Board members cleared around the sign to the pond. Small elderberry shrubs that were in the way were removed. Board members returned in October to clear brush along the roadside and created a nice view of the pond in the process.
Lambert Corner:
Board members visited in March and focused on invasive removal and establishing a short trail.
The property sign was repaired in April. In August, a great deal of cleaning and clearing work was done on the trail, at the property sign and at the entrance on Cordaville.
Lynbrook Hollow:
In June, the entrance was cleared of bittersweet, poison ivy and multiflora rose and other plants. A small path of about 100 feet long by 2 feet wide was cleared and the stone wall and creek areas were opened up for viewing. More clearing was done in July and the exploratory path was created. A general cleanup was done in October and the path was opened up a bit more at the same visit.
Templeman Woods:
In February, Board members walked and cleared blow downs and trash. In March, a hiking sign was installed. Board members returned in August to clear blow downs and do a general clean up around the trailhead. That same month, volunteers visited the property and helped with clearing the trail,and the bog bridges were cleaned with a pressure washer. In October, another general clean up was performed and two large trees that had fallen and covered the trail were removed.
SWCA Environmental Consultants Volunteer at Beals Preserve
SWCA Environmental Consultants members replaced 4 water bars near the Red Gate Lane entrance on Old Farm Lane at Beals Preserve today, as part of their “Gives Back” program where SWCA employees receive eight hours of paid time off each year to volunteer for events or for projects such as ours. Thank you SWCA! Other volunteers included Larry and Eileen Samberg, Vince Valvo, and Lawrence Spezzano.
Beals Preserve Seeding Project on Old Farm Lane
A section of Beals Preserve Old Farm Lane (the main walking path) has been loamed and seeded. Please do not walk on it and please keep your pets off. There is now a hard gravel path alongside that you can walk, as well as the grass on the edge of the loamed area. Thank you.
Picnic Table at the Main Street Field
Thanks to the Bancroft Family of Southborough, visitors to the Beals Preserve will now be able to enjoy our new Picnic table! The children gave half their profits of a yard sale to SOLF! (the parents also chipped in.)
Hickory Trail Re-route on August 22, 2024
PLEASE NOTE: At Beals Preserve, The Hickory Trail from the Hickory Road cul-de-sac to the split in the trail has been re-routed. The old trail, which had eroded badly, has been blocked off. The trail will be blazed soon, but should be easy to follow.
Hickory Bridge Replaced July 2024
Over the course of 3 days, July 23 – July 25, 2024, Trustee Larry Samberg and volunteers Vincent Valvo and Colby Chase, with assistance from “go-fer” Trustee Eileen Samberg, demolished and replaced the bridge on one of the Hickory Trail segments. A hearty “well-done” to the crew.
Work Days at Eastbrook Farmlands and Bigelow Wildlife Refuge
On May 24 and May 25, board members and volunteers had work days at Eastbrook Farmlands, improving the street appearance, and Bigelow Wildlife Refuge, weeding and improving the appearance of the property.
Eastbrook Farmlands
Bigelow Wildlife Refuge – We were happy to see Eagle Scout Robby Stewart home for the weekend from Wentworth Institute and his dad Jim, as well as volunteer coordinator Kathryn Korostoff and SOLF Trustee Debbie Costine. Robby did a fine job doing all wetlands permitting requirements as well as reassuring any concerns of abutters. Now a beautiful trail goes down to his observation platform and there is now a native plant garden at the entrance!
Scout Troop 92 Installs Bluebird Boxes at Beals Preserve
Local Scout Troop 92 has taken on a community service project in collaboration with the Southborough Open Land Foundation. (SOLF) Using a design created specifically for bluebirds, the scouts, under the leadership of Kevin Tyson and George Harris, carefully constructed four nest boxes and installed them at Beals Preserve. These boxes will help support the declining populations of bluebirds. SOLF THANKS THE SCOUTS OF TROOP 92!
Recap of SOLF Annual Meeting on May 8, 2024
The Southborough Open Land Foundation’s held its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at the Community House at 28 Main Street in Southborough. The evening started at 6 pm with light refreshments, followed by Trustee remarks by President Destin Heilman, a presentation on raptor rescue at 7 pm, the presentation of the 2024 Elaine Beals Conservation Award, and a short business meeting.
Destin Heilman talked about Whit Beal’s legacy and the work being done by Kevin and Mike Sanford at Beals Preserve. He also gave an overview of SOLF’s other activities this year, including work at other properties and programming.
Jess Zorge, the founder of Raptor Tales Rescue of Shrewsbury, gave a presentation on her work with raptor rehabilitation. Jess holds both state and federal wildlife rehabilitation and educational permits. Raptor Tales Rescue admits injured and orphaned wildlife from members of the public, as well as State and Federal agencies. RTR has treated over 300 birds of prey since the start of the rescue in 2020. As part of her presentation, she brought Blue, a non-releasable barred owl.
Trustee Debbie Costine presented the 2024 Elaine Beals Conservation Award to Kevin Sanford, a Southborough resident and friend of Whit’s who has transformed Beals Preserve this year – mowing the fields, clearing walls, thinning the woods by the pond, and so much more. Debbie presented the bluebird carved by Ben Keyes, with a plaque reading SOLF 2024 Elaine Beals Conservation Award. Debbie also recognized Mike Sanford, Kevin’s brother, for his work on the pump house and other work at Beals.
Birding walk on April 27 – Beals Preserve
On Saturday, April 27, SOLF hosted a birding walk at Beals Preserve. Eleven people attended the Earth Day Birding Walk at Beals Preserve. Unfortunately the presenter was unable to make it at the last minute, so trustees Sally Watters and Debbie Costine led a walk featuring some property history (like “fox hunts”) as well as some botany and using “Merlin” to identify all the audible birds in the vicinity.
Beals Preserve Maintenance & Restoration
SOLF is undergoing some significant property restoration at the Beals Preserve. This includes the creation of a comprehensive management plan by “Conservation Works” that will include ecological resiliency. Our visitors have already noticed the beginning that has also created some pretty muddy areas in the process! We appreciate your patience!
Recently, Pete Westover from Conservation Works toured the property with Trustees Sally Watters, Debbie Costine, and Eileen Samberg. Also present were Freddie Gillespie Chair of the town’s Open Space Preservation Commission and SOLF Supporter and volunteer Kevin Sanford.
Photo by Debbie Costine
Work at Bigelow Wildlife Refuge
This past Saturday, March 9, 2024, SOLF volunteers Kathryn Korostoff and Laurie Guertin joined trustees Lawrence Spezzano and Debbie Costine with some maintenance work at the Bigelow Preserve at the end of Bigelow Road. A large part of the work involved removing quite an excess of bittersweet vines and fallen branches.
On Saturday, March 16, SOLF Volunteers Kathryn Korostoff and Hannah Hayes joined trustee Debbie Costine to continue invasive vine removal at the property.
Upper left: Laurie and Lawrence return from assessing the necessary work. The viewing platform built by Eagle Scout Robby Stewart is in the background. Upper right: Lawrence pulling vines from a tree. Laurie working in the background. Lower left: Long time volunteer, Kathryn Korostoff cuts and tugs. Lower right: Trustee, Debbie Costine wallowed in the leaves and broken branches toward her goal of revealing beautiful moss on old logs.
Riding Ring Circle Reclaimed at Beals Preserve
In the early 1900s, Margaret Leland, daughter of Bostonian Samuel Carr, and her husband Charles Leland owned Chestnut Hill Farm and what is now known as Beals Preserve. The preserve was almost devoid of trees and was pasture land. A riding ring was built for the Leland family for horse riding practice.
The riding ring circle has now been brushed and is walk-able, with the old riding ring fencing and logs to mark the way.
Riding Ring then and now.
Winter 2024 Work at Beals Preserve
SOLF’s Beals Preserve is getting some valuable maintenance done thanks to the generosity of SOLF supporter Kevin Sanford and his brother Mike. Kevin has a long-time love of both the Beals Preserve and the Beals family. He promised his friend Whitney Beals, who died this past September 14 that he would take care of the fall mowing, but his enthusiasm is now providing so much more! Thank you Kevin, so much!
Work has continued all through January and into February, with assistance from some SOLF trustees and Scott Mooney Tree Service. In addition to fields being mowed, some damaged trees were removed, and a significant amount of unsightly brush was removed to reveal the the beautiful stone walls.
Maintenance can take its temporary toll, and there are some sections of the trails with tractor treads and mud. This spring, when the ground has dried out, those areas will be smoothed out and repaired. We realize it can be an inconvenience for now, but please bear with us.
We are working with a view towards positive conservation and land management, and preserving a mix of habitat and levels of growth is best for the area, compared to a single wooded forest.
Rock wall along Old Farm Lane
Old Farm Lane, looking north
Path between the two meadows, looking towards Old Farm Lane
View from Upper Meadow, looking north
SOLF Presents: Nature Columns
SOLF has been publishing a local nature series on MySouthborough.com. Read the columns here.
The Maple Syrup Making Presentation Now Online
Have maple trees? Want to learn how to tap trees and make maple syrup?
On October 25, 2023, Tony Willoughby, an experienced maple syrup maker, gave a presentation on how you can make your own. You can now view the presentation!
The talk was courtesy of the Southborough Open Land Foundation in partnership with the Southborough Library. But it will be held in Cordaville Hall (aka the Senior Center).
Obviously, to actually take advantage of the tips, you have to have a maple tree on your property (or permission from someone who does). But even those who don’t are welcome to learn more about what goes into making syrup.
Tony Willoughby’s talk covered how to identify different maple trees, when and how to tap, boiling techniques, and filtering & bottling.
Beals Preserve Chronolog Project
Announcing our new citizen science tool, Chronolog, a photo stand for our visitors to take pictures from the Upper Meadow (near the Lone Wolf trail) looking north towards Main Street (Route 30). The stand is right by our new beautiful bench built and installed by Cassie Melo for her Eagle Scout project. You, the visitor, take a picture and email it to the Chronolog site, helping to produce a time lapse set of photos all taken from the same spot over time and seasons. Let the fun begin! You will receive a confirmation with a Chronolog link for the Beals Preserve time lapse photos. Learn more at https://solf.org/beals-preserve-chronolog-project/.
The Chronolog project is co-sponsored by SOLF and SWCA Environmental Consultants.
SOLF Maintenance at Eastbrook Farmlands
On Saturday, November 4, SOLF Trustees Eileen Samberg, Larry Samberg, Brett Peters, and volunteer Kathryn Korostoff worked near the entrance of SOLF’s Eastbrook Farmlands. SOLF does periodic maintenance of properties even when there are no trails. To improve appearance at the street, the group cleared around the sign, pulled invasive buckthorn, removed entangling grape vines, and cut back a fallen maple. The previous weekend, Trustee Debbie Costine made a good start on the grape vines, which encouraged the group to head back the following weekend.
SWCA Environmental Consultants Volunteer at Bigelow Wildlife Refuge
On October 12, 2023, employees from the SWCA Environmental Consultants office in Southborough volunteered at Bigelow Wildlife Refuge, spreading gravel along the path to the viewing platform. This is the second year that SWCA has volunteered its time! SWCA also sponsors our Chronolog project at Beals Preserve. Thank you, Ariel and group for thinking of us!
Bancroft Children Donate to SOLF
The Bancroft family of Southborough recently showed their support for local causes!
Paxton, Asher, and sister Flora held a sale of gourds, donuts, and cider and decided to give half their profits to SOLF! We were so touched by their interest and generosity that we, the board of trustees invited them to hand over the generous donation of $100.00 in person! Thanks to these thoughtful young people for helping our mission of preserving and protecting open space in town for the benefit of all! [Text from SOLF trustee Deborah Costine.]
Lower left are: Paxton, Asher and a helpful friend, plus little Flora (peeking) – and lower right, at the meeting: SOLF treasurer, Larry Samberg; Paxton with sister Flora, helpful neighbor Maya Nikhil and Asher. On the right is SOLF President, Destin Heilman.
Remembering Whitney Beals
We are sad to share that accomplished conservationist Whit Beals passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on September 14. His long career included work with the Connecticut DEP, the Roaring Brook Nature Center, the Nature Conservancy in Maryland and Boston, the Town of Wayland, Sudbury Valley Trustees, and the New England Forestry Foundation, from which he retired in 2019. He served as an MLTC Board member from 2011-2021, and was a current member of MLTC’s Conservation Advisory Council. He also served as President of the Southborough Open Land Foundation and was a member of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s Water Supply Citizens Advisory Committee for over 30 years. He was also the architect behind preservation of his family’s land – Chestnut Hill Farm in Southborough. In addition, Whit recently finalized a donation of 550 acres of beautifully managed forestland in Ashburnham to New England Forestry Foundation’s Pooled Timber Income Fund. The donation ensures the property will continue to be managed for forest products as it has been since 1920 and Whit’s two sons, as the designated beneficiaries, will receive a lifetime income stream from the Fund. Whit’s wisdom, positivity and support will be sorely missed. Arrangements are pending. (Taken from Mass Land Trust Coalition Newsletter.)
Whit’s Obituary from Short & Rowe Funeral Home ©2023
You can read a copy of Whit’s obituary here on our website
or follow this link to Short & Rowe Funeral Home.
Dedication of The Whit Beals Garden at Beals Preserve
On September 23, 2023, Freddie Gillespie, Chair of the Southborough Open Space Preservation Commission, and Sally Watters, Southborough Open Land Foundation Trustee, honored Whitney Beals’ dedication and life passion for open space by renaming the pollination garden at Beals Preserve to The Whit Beals Garden – Biodiversity Through Pollination. Whit devoted much effort in recent years to help make this garden become a reality.
Granite Benches Installed at Beals Preserve
Beals Preserve now has 2 granite benches, in addition to the wood benches built by Cassie Melo for her Eagle Scout project. SOLF trustees Brett Peters arranged for delivery to the property and then prepared the ground and set the legs. Trustees Whit Beals with his trusty tractor, Brett Peters, and Larry Samberg worked to get the benches in place on the legs. One bench is under the tree by the kiosk and the other is by the Pollinator Garden on the Main Street Field side of the property. Well done!
New Benches for Our Visitors at Beals Preserve
Thanks to Cassie Melo and her Eagle Scout project, visitors to The Elaine and Philip Beals Preserve can now take advantage of two beautiful oak benches on which they can relax and enjoy the scenery. Cassie, a member of Troop #823, along with some help from her father, John Melo, built and then on April 9 transported the two benches to the Beals Preserve Main Street parking lot. Trustee Whit Beals and his gator transported the benches to the placement sites. One of the benches is across from the Lone Wolf Trail entrance in the Upper Meadow. The second is along the Riding Ring Trail, on the right, under some pine trees. Congratulations to Cassie on a job well done!
The first set of pictures was a walk with Cassie to determine placement in the Upper Meadow.
April 9, 2023 – Installation Day.
Al Bezanson Receives Elaine Beals Conservation Award at the Annual Meeting
Southborough Open Land Foundation had its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 10 at the Community House at 28 Main Street in Southborough. The evening started at 6 pm with light refreshments, followed at 7 pm with Trustee introductions and remarks, the presentation of the 2023 Elaine Beals Conservation Award to Al Bezanson, and a program by Trustee Debbie Costine entitled, “A Virtual Walk in the Woods.”
Allan Bezanson, long-time Southborough resident, and native of Northborough, has, since his retirement, had a big impact on preservation; first in devoting hundreds of hours to saving the historic Burnett property and since then sharing his stunning photos of beautiful natural sights from Great Blue Herons, to goldfinches to ponds with amazing reflections. It is when we love and appreciate something that we will work to preserve it. [Presentation by Debbie Costine]
Dark Skies Initiative
Light pollution is an ever growing problem as land is continuously developed. Without an eye towards the future, open land conservation, and responsible lighting choices, we’ll lose what little we have left on the planet for truly dark skies.
Visit our page under Resources to learn about the Dark Skies initiative in Southborough.
SWCA Environmental Consultants Volunteer at Bigelow Wildlife Refuge
On Monday, November 28, eight employees from the SWCA Environmental Consultants office in Southborough volunteered at Bigelow Wildlife Refuge, spreading wood chips and pulling invasive honeysuckle. Thank you, Ariel and group for thinking of us!
Cub Scout Pack 1 Service Projects at Beals Preserve and Templeman
On Sunday, November 20, Cub Scout Pack 1 learned about and practiced trail maintenance at two of our properties, Beals Preserve and Templeman Woods.
The older Cub Scouts and their parents worked with Board members Brett Peters and Larry Samberg at Templeman Woods-Watkins Woods off Rt. 85 by the Mass Pike overpass. With some hard work, they improved trail conditions through addition of new trail markers, clearing limbs and other trail blockages, enhancing trail sight lines, and cleaning up trash and litter from the area. Big thanks to the Scouts and parents who stepped up to help out!
The younger Cub Scouts and their parents worked with Board members Whit Beals, Debbie Costine, Lawrence Spezzano, and Eileen Samberg at Beals Preserve, starting at the Red Gate entrance. The Scouts learned about the importance of water bars to channel water off the trail, and helped clear them. Then the group walked down the trail to the Riding Ring junction, where they learned about invasives, pulled bittersweet and small buckthorn and burning bush saplings, watched and helped Whit Beals use a “puller bear” to pull larger buckthorn and burning bush saplings out by their roots. Big thanks to the Scouts and parents!
History Walk by Whit Beals on October 16, 2022
Whitney Beals, president of the Southborough Open Land Foundation (SOLF), led a group of about sixteen on a history walk at the Elaine and Philip Beals Preserve on Sunday, October 16 , 2022.
In the 1950s, Whit’s family purchased land on both Chestnut Hill north of route 30 and what is now the Beals Preserve south of route 30. You can read his entertaining and educational talk, describing the land purchase, the conservation restrictions to save the land from development, the history of the ice pond, and plans to maintain the trails, the forest, and the meadows.
You can read a transcript of his talk here.
Beals Preserve Main Street Field Parking Area
We are happy to announce that there is now a small parking area at the Beals Preserve Main Street Field on Route 30. The entrance to the parking area is on the south side of Main Street, between two stone pillars, east of Northborough Road and west of Chestnut Hill Road. Pull into the fenced area (it is currently grass, but will likely be layered with wood chips), and park perpendicular to the road at the stone wall, to the right of the sign post. Walk down the field through the opening in the fence to the lane and then across the bridge over the Wachusett channel.
Bigelow Wildlife Refuge Progress Report – September 2022
As of August 2022, there is now just off-road parallel parking available for one or two cars on a cleared wood-chip area. Please do not park on Bigelow Road as it has no shoulder and parking is not allowed in the turn-around at the end of Bigelow Road. (Alternatively, visitors can drive to Walker Street in Westborough and park at the SVT Sawink Farm parking lot. From the lot, it’s a 1400-foot walk along the old farm road to Bigelow Road and the entrance to Bigelow Wildlife Refuge.)
One of the challenges at Bigelow Wildlife Refuge is control of knotweed, primarily at the front of the property. Another is maintaining the trail to the viewing platform. Trustee Lawrence Spezzano has been instrumental in overseeing and organizing work projects. In the spring of 2022, Lawrence laid down wire mesh to slow the growth of knotweed and over time may stop the growth. In July 2022, a work party — Lawrence Spezzano, Whit Beals, Larry Samberg, Eileen Samberg, Kathryn Korostoff — weeded the front and the path, and spread a thick layer of wood chips.
Pollination Preservation Garden Planting at Beals Preserve – September 2022
Freddie Gillespie, chair of the Southborough Open Space Preservation Commission, has been recruiting volunteers to install a Pollination Preservation Garden at SOLF’s Beals Preserve. Preliminary work was done last summer and fall. After poison ivy control work and garden prep in June, volunteers did a major planting on July 16–17.
Volunteers did another major planting on Saturday, July 23, in spite of the heat wave. Volunteers, including SOLF Board Members Sally Watters, Debbie Costine, Larry Samberg, Eileen Samberg, and SOLF volunteers Brett Peters and Kathryn Korostoff, started early at 8 am and worked to almost 12 noon. Great job, everyone!
Volunteers worked again on Saturday, July 30, taking the project close to completion. And more work was done on Saturday, August 6.
The Pollination Preservation Garden is getting a lot of love from Freddie Gillespie and her volunteers. Here is how it looks on September 14, 2022.
Guide to Invasive Plants
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has published a 25-page pictorial guide to Invasive Plants. You can view the guide on our Resources page.
Bigelow Wildlife Refuge Update: Knotweed Control
Although best known for the rustic landscapes and hiking trails of our Beals Preserve, did you know SOLF also maintains about 20 properties and community spaces in town? SOLF trustee Lawrence Spezzano and volunteers having been working to remove invasives and beautify our newest property trail at our Bigelow Wildlife Refuge near the end of Bigelow Road in Southborough. If interested in helping, please contact SOLF at info@solf.org. When you come to work, bring gloves, firm rake or pruners, if you have them!
Lawrence has been laying down a wire mesh to slow the growth of knotweed. As the stems continue to grow, they will expand in diameter. At a certain point, the stems will push against the steel mesh and girdle themselves. The surface growth (stems and leaves) of the plant wilts and will eventually die, but the rhizome will continue to push new stems up through the ground (and wire mesh). This will continually kill the stems and will lead to the depletion of rhizome carbohydrate stores, which are required by the stems for growth.
Stewardship & STC “Scoop the Poop” Education Campaign
SOLF supports the Stewardship and Trails Committees’ Scoop the Poop campaign to protect our conservation lands, our trails, our wildlife habitat, our water, and to keep Southborough clean and beautiful. Over the coming weeks they will be posting information to promote awareness about the importance of picking up dog waste and where dog walking is not permitted. Please watch the link below to learn about the best practices for managing dog waste and the danger of improper disposal: https://bit.ly/3IM5CqX. This initiative is funded by a 2021 Choate Fund Grant. #Soboscoopsthepoop
Bigelow Wildlife Refuge
Bigelow Wildlife Refuge, on Bigelow Road, features a beautiful wetland swamp and woodland that can be explored along a 300-foot gravel path to a viewing platform.
Link to the Bigelow Wildlife Refuge page.
Templeman-Watkins Loop Trail
Link to the Templeman Woods page and Templeman-Watkins Loop Trail.
The joint Templeman Woods and Watkins Woods Conservation Land properties comprise 18 contiguous acres of wetlands and uplands. The Templeman-Watkins Loop Trail can be accessed from Cordaville Road (Rte 85). Features include wooden boardwalks constructed by several Eagle Scout candidates, vernal pools, glacial rock formations, old stone walls, and the Martha Templeman dedication plaque. There is limited parking near the trail entrance for two or three cars along Rte. 85, close to the Mass Pike overpass.
