David in Shrewsbury transformed his 7.75-acre property that is covered by a conservation restriction (CR) into a single-family home and wildlife meadow. Before beginning the project, David consulted with SVT on how to best care for the field to promote native plant growth for pollinators, birds, and other critters.
Because of David’s approach, the field is transitioning from a hayfield filled with non-native grasses to a wildlife refuge filled with lupine, goldenrod, and native grasses. These plants provide wildlife with nesting habitat; essential pollen, nectar, and seeds; and even places to hide from predators. David leaves the plants standing over the winter to give insects a place to hibernate, and he mows the field every 2 to 3 years to prevent woody plants from gaining a foothold.
David designed his home so the patio area has a full view of the open field. "We like maintaining the land to support the wildlife and insects that maintain our biodiversity,” he said. “Certainly, too, we appreciate the beauty of undisturbed New England nature. What a gift to have in our backyard!"
CRs are designed to protect ecological resources, so CR landowners are often permitted (and even encouraged) to improve wildlife habitats. A CR may permit the landowner to remove invasive plants, mow to maintain a field, or add a pollinator garden, and SVT stands ready to help CR landowners develop their habitat-management plans.
For more information about conservation restrictions, see CRs Protect Land Forever.