SVT Initiates Phase 2 Of Memorial Forest In Sudbury Restoration

From SVT: In early December, Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) initiated Phase 2 of its long- term effort to restore expanses of pitch pine/scrub oak barrens at its Memorial Forest in Sudbury. Across the Northeast region of the United States, this unusual habitat has been diminishing due to fire suppression, invasive species, and land development. This habitat provides homes for several rare bird, invertebrate, and plant species experiencing population declines.

Over the past month, SVT has been thinning the forest around the Desert Loop Trail. Selective cutting the overabundant white pines will encourage new growth of the remaining pitch pines and scrub oaks, rejuvenating the habitat and native diversity of this landscape. This plan was approved by the Massachusetts DCR's Division of Forestry and by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program.

To ensure visitor safety, SVT closed several trails during the project. While the work was expected to be done by January 1st, several factors have delayed completion by several weeks. SVT will re-open the trails when it determines that the area is clear and safe for use and asks that visitors continue to observe trail closures while this work gets completed.

Once open, SVT will encourage members of the community to come and experience the changed landscape. SVT will also be offering tours this spring to describe the project on site.

To learn more about this restoration project, visit www.svtweb.org. Please direct questions to Lisa Vernegaard, SVT Executive Director at 978-443- 5588 X 114. Sudbury Valley Trustees is a regional land trust, protecting and caring for land and wildlife habitat in 36 communities surrounding the Concord, Assabet, and Sudbury Rivers.

Image Courtesy Of SVT