David White

The AGM boardwalks were constructed over twenty years ago and with time things decay and need repair. For a number of years we have been replacing the walking treads that decay. But sometimes more substantial work is needed. This Spring two of the supporting piers on the Lily Pond boardwalk were showing signs of failure.

Fortunately one of our stewards noticed this and organized a repair crew which jacked things up in rather mucky terrain.

Thanks to the work of Greg Shenstone, Bruce Neumann and David Markun all is secure again.

October was a big month for boardwalk repair work at Arlington’s Great Meadows.

The first project was the total replacement of a forty+ foot section of boardwalk that was sitting at ground level and had rotted out and fallen apart over the last twenty years.  It is now sitting on plastic sleepers above the ground level to keep the wood dry and should last at least another twenty plus years. This was an Eagle Scout project organized by Conall Schuette of Arlington Scout Troop 306 and completed over the weekend of October 3-5.

The second project was the replacement of individual boards that were rotting out in the Lily Pond Boardwalk.  This was carried out by Scouts of Troop 313 and various adults on the somewhat rainy day of Monday October 13.  Altogether over forty damaged treads were replaced and the old wood hauled away.  

It is the work of volunteers such as these who maintain Arlington’s Great Meadows as a safe and enjoyable outdoor space.  And special thanks to Greg Shenstone who organized and facilitated much of this effort.  

David White for the Friends of Arlington’s Great Meadows, 10/18/25:  www.FoAGM.org 

Many walks are scheduled this Fall by the Citizens for Lexington Conservation. Check the website: (https://clclex.org/events/ ) for details, registration, updates and cancellation.

Registration is not necessary unless specifically mentioned in the walk notes. Walks will be canceled in case of steady rain/snow, unless otherwise noted. No dogs, except certified service dogs.

• Thursday September 25. The Moth Ball at Willards Woods.
• Saturday September 27. Willards Woods: A Brief Journey Through a Historic Landscape.
• Sunday October 5. Across Lexington Route N.
• Saturday October 11. Fauna and Flora of Arlington’s Great Meadows.
• Sunday October 12. Goat Pasture Walk at Chiesa Farm.
• Saturday October 18. Across Lexington Route A.
• Sunday October 19. Edible Plants – Fall Edition.
• Saturday October 25. Fall Bird Walk at the Arlington Reservoir and Lexington Community Farm.
• Sunday November 9. iNaturalist Observation Walk at Joyce Miller Meadow.
• Saturday November 29. Turkey Trot Walk – Willards Woods/Chiesa Farm