Open spaces, hiking trails, abundant wildlife, fresh air, and clean water make Framingham a great place to live and recreate. Yet many undeveloped properties in the city face uncertain futures. If they are subdivided and developed into multiple house lots, the surrounding neighborhoods will change drastically.

SVT and the City of Framingham are collaborating to save some of these valued open spaces. In recent years, we have worked together to save Wittenborg Woods and Wayside Forest, among others, and we are now looking at other lands that need protection.

We invite you to explore these areas, either in real time, or through some of the virtual resources we have provided here. 

The successful protection of open space requires the efforts of many individuals. Here are some ways you can get involved:
 

• Walk the trails with a neighbor or friend! Introduce others to all the wonderful open space in Framingham:
  Baiting Brook Meadow Farm
  Baiting Brook-Welch
  Henry's Hill and Wayside Forest
  Hop Brook Natural Area
  Nobscot Scout Reservation
  Wittenborg Woods
  The Bay Circuit Trail also runs through Framingham and the surrounding communities
   
• Support SVT's efforts to conserve land and maintain the health of our natural areas. Volunteer to help maintain conservation areas and public trails.

Conservation Background

The Greater Callahan Area, which spans about 20-square miles in the region where Framingham, Marlborough, Southborough, and Sudbury intersect, has long been known for its beautiful landscapes, many of which have been protected as conservation land.

In 2000, representatives of the four communities, SVT, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) were concerned that increasing development pressure could change the character of the region. Together, they created a Greater Callahan Plan to identify additional parcels in the region that should be prioritized for protection: lands with important wildlife habitats, healthy plants, and clean water.

Since that time, approximately 450 additional acres in the region have been protected. But many beautiful landscapes and important wildlife habitats remain unprotected.

Now, several proposed development projects threaten to change the character of the region. In response, SVT and Framingham officials are taking notice and are working to conserve more lands before they are lost forever.

By protecting undeveloped land as conservation land, we can:

• Fight back against climate change by sequestering carbon in the undeveloped land.
• Protect clean air and clean water, as the undisturbed trees, shrubs, grasses, and soil will filter out impurities.
• Protect wildlife habitat for endangered species, such as the blue-spotted salamander and the eastern box turtle.
• Create opportunities for recreation by maintaining trails for hiking and snowshoeing.

SVT and the City of Framingham are launching a project to protect Chickatawbut Woods. Watch the video above to learn more.

Questions? Contact:

Christa Collins, Director of Land Protection, SVT
[email protected]
978-443-5588 x115

Amber Carr, Communications and Land Stewardship Coordinator, City of Framingham
[email protected]
508-532-5460