Join the Weston Conservation Department and Weston Forest and Trail Association (WFTA) on the third Saturday of every month for stewardship and camaraderie as we work collaboratively to manage nearly 2,000 acres of conservation land and over 90 miles of off-road trails in Weston.  Both organizations rely on volunteers to assist with the management of these incredible resources. Stewardship Saturday projects include invasive plant management, trail construction, and maintenance, boardwalk and bridge construction, trash pickup, stone wall beautification, etc.

Saturday, June 10^th, 2023 

Invasive Plant Removal and Native Seeding – The Sears Field/Sears Conservation Land

10 a.m. to noon

Join Weston Conservation Staff and WFTA volunteers as we assist the Rotary Club of Wayland & Weston in their long-term field restoration project at the Sears Field/Sears Conservation Land. The goal of the project is to remove the invasive pressure and restore the ecological health of this beautiful field by introducing new native plantings and by keeping the invasive plant pressure at a manageable level.

The work on June 10^th will specifically involve mechanically removing woody and herbaceous invasive growth as well as laying down a native pollinator-friendly seed mix on several "test plots" at the site. Volunteers will be digging and grubbing out roots and cutting back new growth, on woody species like Bush Honeysuckle, European Buckthorn and Multi-flora Rose as well as hand-pulling more herbaceous species like Garlic Mustard and Dame's Rocket. 

Additionally, volunteers will help hand-broadcast several different conservation seed mixes in an effort to reestablish a native plant presence in areas where the invasives have been removed.

We will meet and park at the Land's Sake Offices (AKA The Melone House) at 27 Crescent Street. MAP.

PLEASE NOTE- The driveway to the Melone House is long and winding- if you think you've driven into the back woods of Vermont, you are in the right place!

How to Participate

No previous experience is necessary. We will provide all the know-how. To sign-up, contact conservation@westonma.gov. Children at least 13 years of age must have parental supervision, ages 16+ do not need parental accompaniment.

Bring work-appropriate clothing, no open-toed shoes, water and snacks, durable work gloves, and a good attitude!

No tools are necessary for this work event.