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.
