A rare and vital habitat is set to take root at Ebenezer Keyes Conservation Area in Gardner. North County Land Trust (NCLT) is ready to begin an inland sandplain grassland habitat restoration which will provide rich habitat for the area and recreation opportunities for the community. The land was left with sandy and inhospitable terrain when cleared and stripped of its topsoil from a failed development project years ago, and while neighbors and community members have continued to hike and spend time on the property, the bare, unmanaged landscape became overgrown with invasive autumn olive and spotted knapweed and remained inhospitable to many native species.
Since acquiring Keyes conservation area, NCLT has envisioned a brighter future for this land – one where biodiversity flourishes and the community can access a vibrant outdoor space. NCLT has taken steps to make this vision a reality by creating trailheads with parking, improving the trail system, engaging volunteers in trail work and invasive plant pulling, and inviting folks to the land for walks as well as passive recreation. NCLT has set forth a plan to improve the site’s habitat value as well as recreational value for our communities and work has only just begun.
This year brought another step in the right direction. With funding from The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts Environmental Preservation and Animal Welfare grant NCLT was able to hire a contractor to remove invasive autumn olive bushes in the habitat restoration area. NCLT is grateful for the support of The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts in this important phase of restoration work which improves the ability of native plants to establish without the competition of aggressive, invasive competition.
Now, North County Land Trust is partnering with an ecologist to plan for an inland sandplain grassland habitat restoration, the harsh conditions left on site serve as a perfect starting point for this habitat type. Permitting with the city and arrangements with a site work contractor are already underway and NCLT is thrilled to take this significant step forward. This globally rare habitat restoration will support species listed on the Massachusetts Species of Greatest Conservation Need, transforming this land into a valuable ecological resource for Gardner and beyond.
Over the coming months North County Land Trust hopes that community members will join in learning about this exciting restoration project and the importance of inland sandplain grasslands habitat to biodiversity and environmental health. Stay tuned for invitations to educational walks, volunteer opportunities, and progress updates as these restoration goals at Keyes are fulfilled.