Platform at Bigelow Wildlife Refuge - SOLF was the beneficiary of Robby Stewart's hard work and skills as he finished his Eagle Scout project in the spring of 2021. After presenting his project several times to the Southborough Conservation Commission to get approval, he organized his troop to build a viewing platform at SOLF’s Bigelow Wildlife Refuge. The troop also removed many invasive plants to clear the way for the path to the platform. Viewers can now look out over a large wetland area to watch birds and other wildlife. Many thanks to Robby and Boy Scout Troop 1 for their hard work.

Native Pollinator Garden at Beals Preserve – SOLF is working in conjunction with the Southborough Open Space Preservation Commission to build a native plant pollinator garden in The Main Street Field section of Beals Preserve. Preliminary work was done last summer and fall to prepare an area for the garden. This spring and summer, additional preparation will be done and plants planted. We will be looking for volunteers to help with this project.

Art on the Trails – Southborough Open Land Foundation and Art on the Trails Program Director Catherine Weber are pleased to announce the call for art for the 6th annual juried exhibition, Art on the Trails: EXPOSURE. The exhibition will be juried by sculptor Anne Alexander.

With the generous support again this year from Southborough Community Fund and the Southborough Cultural Arts Council, all accepted artists will again receive $100 stipends.

This year, along with a juror prize, there will be a popular prize, voted on by visitors to the show.

The call for art opens on March 4 and closes on April 15. Learn more about the guidelines and the juror by visiting artonthetrails.com.

Earth Day Stay tuned for news about Earth Day which is coming up in April.

The bridge after being cleared of invasive plants.

Invasive Plant Clearing at the bridge at Beals Preserve – Southborough resident Brett Peters contacted us eager to help with any work needed on our properties. Our biggest problem was deciding which of the many projects that need attention we should assign to him. We asked him to clear away all the invasive plants that were engulfing the bridge over the reservoir channel at Beals Preserve; mostly Oriental Bittersweet and the painfully thorny Multiflora Rose. Brett and his daughter made quick work of it. We are so grateful for the work they did.

New Trail at Clark Grove

Trustee Eileen Samberg working on trail

There is a new trail at one of our smaller properties. "Clark Grove," less than one acre, is on Highland Street near the old South Union School. The new trail goes from Highland Street and connects to an old neighborhood trail that goes from the end of Pearl St to the old school building. SOLF trustees Debbie Costine and Eileen Samberg blazed a small but delightful trail!