Recently, Framingham received a LAND grant from the state that would provide
almost half the cost of preserving a large parcel (52 acres) of land in the NW
part of the city. SVT (Sudbury Valley Trustees) and the city are counting on
other sources to make up the difference. I have just made a donation to support
this goal, and I hope that you will consider doing the same. Even if you can’t
or don’t want to contribute, you can help raise awareness by forwarding the
link below to others who might not be on this email list. Unlike some other
open space parcels in the city, this is one that people can help save directly.
A chance like this comes along only once in a lifetime. Thanks!
Jeff Kotkin
Here’s an excerpt from the SVT web page, with the link below:
WHY PROTECT THIS LAND
Wayside Forest was identified in the 2000 Greater Callahan Plan as a top
priority for protection. This is because of its size, its proximity to existing
conservation land (it is adjacent to SVT's Henry's Hill Reservation and sits
across the street from the Town of Framingham's Wittenborg Woods), and its
high-quality wildlife habitat.
The area along Wayside Inn Road has been identified as BioMap2 Core Habitat by
the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, due to the
presence of the four–toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum). Vernal pools on
the property provide habitat for this species, which until 2006 was listed as
Endangered under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act.
In addition, part of the property is considered habitat for Eastern box turtle
(Terrapene Carolina), which is listed as a species of Special Concern in
Massachusetts.
HOW WE WILL PROTECT THIS LAND
SVT and the landowners have entered into an Option agreement by which SVT may
purchase one of the two lots that make up the property for $465,000 (appraised
value). If we are successful the landowners will donate the second parcel to us
- essentially a half-price sale! The City of Framingham will hold a
conservation restriction over the entire 52 acres.
SVT will develop a small parking area on Wayside Inn Road, and will improve the
trail system and install signage.
Read more here: https://www.svtweb.org/land-protection/projects/wayside-forest
<https://www.svtweb.org/land-protection/projects/wayside-forest>