Celebrating 40 Years of Preserving and Protecting Westford's Open Space and Natural Resources.
Winterberry near Stony Brook, October 2024 – Winterberry holly is aptly named for the abundant shiny red berries that adorn this small tree throughout the winter, made all the more striking when the deciduous leaves have dropped. Look for it near wetlands and vernal pools. Berries provide critical food for birds in winter, and the … Read more
Marsh Marigold noted at Emmet Conservation Land May 11, 2024 during the trust annual Bird Walk. Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) is notable for its bright yellow spring bloom and its high tolerance for shade. The glossy, deep green leaves look good all season long, and the early bloom can give wet spots and pondsides a … Read more
Here are some recent photos from two vernal pool locations near us that saw some activity on a few rainy early March nights (3/6/24 & 3/8/24) . Temps were a bit chilly at 41 degrees. Vernal Pools Small seasonal pools found throughout Massachusetts that fill up with water for part of the year, but don’t … Read more
Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) The Eastern Milk Snake has a mottled grey, brown, and reddish body. This non-venomous snake is often confused for a rattlesnake, but it lacks the rattle, keeled scales, and cat-like pupils. It is found in fields, woodlands, rocky hillsides, and wetland edges and primarily eats small mammals (from Mass Audubon … Read more
Late winter/early spring is the time to look out for activity near your local vernal pool on the first rainy, warm nights of spring. Here are some photos from areas near a few Westford & Littleton vernal pools late March 2023 Any day now, when we get a big soaking rain with a nighttime temperature … Read more