Arlington's Great Meadows

Invasive removal and native plant restoration work continues at AGM next to Brandon Road.  High school students led by Holly Samuels (Lexington Conservation Steward and nearby resident) continue the Buckthorn/Honeysuckle/ Burning Bush removal marathon. This will provide a healthier, more diverse environment, improve the wildlife habitat and also opens up a great view of the wetland meadows.  This work will continue up the trail to Fottler Avenue where the removed small trees will be laid on cardboard to suppress unwanted seed germination and provide some wildlife habitat.  (FYI – Trees marked with red tape are the ones being saved.) 

Students removing invasive saplings with weed wrenches

Full dumpster of the collected material with a meadow view

Sponsored by the Friends of Arlington’s Great Meadows (FoAGM)

Walk around Arlington’s Great Meadows.   See areas that are rarely visited and learn enough to never be (really) lost there again.  

Total distance is three+ miles of moderate walking on dirt paths and the bikeway.  

We’ll walk in dry upland areas and cross lower wetland areas on boardwalks. David White of FoAGM will be the leader and will point out areas of interest along the way.  

Please Wear:  Appropriate outerwear and footwear. Also insect repellant for ticks and mosquitos. 

Location:  Meet at the public parking area at Lexington Meadows.  From Maple Street, turn onto Emerson Gardens Road and follow it to the end where Bryant Road meets it.  One can also park on Emerson Gardens Road. (See Map online or below.)

For more information contact David at info@FoAGM.org. The 20th is the rain date!

There are two important invasive plant control and native plant restoration projects ongoing in the south-eastern corner of Arlington’s Great Meadows.

One project is focused on controlling Japanese Knotweed, particularly in the area along the Minuteman bike path where the brook from Wilson Farm crosses under the bikeway.   This work is opening up the vista across the Meadows for those coming north on the bike path. 

The work has been done primarily by volunteer Greg Shenstone, but others are welcome, and are encouraged to contact Greg at info@foagm.org for more information.

Greg Shenstone clearing Japanese Knotweed from along the Bikeway

Another major project has been clearing invasive plants at the AGM wetland border at the end of Brandon Street and replacing them with native plants.

Volunteer Holly Samuels has been leading this multi-year effort with the help from many others, including local Boy Scout troops.

Holly says that “In the process of managing invasive plants, over 1000 native plants have been planted along the edge of the AGM near the end of Brandon Street. If you haven’t been down that way, you will be treated with one of the best views around. More planting is planned for this fall.”

If you might be available to lend a hand, please contact Holly Samuels 339-223-5923.

Many thanks to these dedicated volunteers for their commitment to such crucial projects protecting Arlington’s Great Meadows.

View from the Restored Area at the end of Brandon Street (Photo by Holly Samuels)