Arlington's Great Meadows

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)

This summer, scouts from Arlington’s Troop 313 replaced about eighty rotting treads on the two boardwalks that provide passage over wetland areas.  These boardwalks were constructed by volunteers about twenty years ago to complete the trail network at AGM.  Without the boardwalks, many of the AGM paths would be under water for much of the year. 

This project has improved the boardwalks significantly. However, there is still more of this essential work to do. If you are interested in helping out, or hearing more about what might be involved, please contact the Friends of Arlington Great Meadows at info@foagm.org.

New replacement boards marking the work done this summer.

Arlington’s Great Meadows, at 193 acres, is Arlington’s largest natural open space, though it is just over the border in East Lexington.  The land is cared for by the Friends of Arlington’s Great Meadows (FoAGM) and the Arlington Conservation Commission.

AGM lies along the Minuteman Bikeway behind the Waldorf School and is accessible from there and a number of other locations, including from the Arlington Reservoir through the ACROSS Lexington C Trail. 

Through a recent Eagle Scout project carried out by Ben Gregory of Arlington Troop 313, access has been improved from two entrance locations. The troop installed a new kiosk near the Sheila Road entrance, and a new sign by the Orchard Lane entrance.

Many thanks to all involved in this project.

Ben Gregory (right) and other volunteers at the kiosk under construction at the Sheila Road entrance to AGM.