Middlesex Conservation District
Celebrating 75 Years of Conservation
Written by Andrea Grossman. Edited by Kaitlyn McAuley. Invasive plants can feel like the bane of a land steward’s existence. Just when we think we’ve got them under control, these tenacious opportunists pop back up, signaling that more work is needed. It’s not that invasives are inherently “bad”; in fact many have naturalized and provide … Read more
On Monday, June 8, Middlesex Conservation District (MCD) supervisors, associate supervisors, and staff gathered at Kimball Farm in Westford to hold their annual in-person board meeting. The MCD meets monthly, in addition to activities and educational sessions, but these monthly governance sessions are usually virtual, making the annual in-person meeting an important opportunity for members … Read more
The Middlesex Conservation District works to support conservation practices on this landscape through local partnerships and voluntary action. Prioritizing native plants that are part of this region’s ecosystems is one practical way to do that. Defining “Native” vs. “Local” Here in the United States, we have a complex history with the concept of “native,” shaped … Read more
On Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, more than 300 customers came to Minuteman High School in Lexington in search of native plants. Scale and Preparation In the days leading up to the sale, Middlesex Conservation District supervisors and volunteers packed nearly 2,900 plants for 227 pre-orders, representing 44 species of locally native forbs, … Read more
Written by Andrea Grossman and edited by Kaitlyn McAuley. Spring is here, and warmer weather brings flowers, butterflies, and songbirds migrating north. Increased activity among rabbits, voles, and moles at ground level attracts predators like hawks, owls, foxes, and weasels, sometimes right in our own backyards! The Middlesex Conservation District focuses on gardening to support … Read more
Written by Andrea Grossman. Edited by Kaitlyn McAuley. Why Leaving the Leaves Helps Nature Thrive With warming days and melting snow (finally), it’s tempting to head outside and start cutting back stems, raking leaves, and clearing what looks dead. Our yards aren’t like your teenage kids’ floor riddled with dirty T-shirts, that sports jersey they … Read more
Written by Andrea Grossman. Our recent snowfall gives us pause in the frigid winter of the classic New England landscape. Our gardens become quiet, and flower beds settle under blankets of snow. While squirrels and foxes tramp through the snow, we may wonder, “Where do all the butterflies and bees have gone to rest. What birds stay in this … Read more
Leave the Leaves With the arrival of Autumn, shorter days and colder nights make everyone eager to take shelter – including our insect neighbors! With these colder days ahead, leaves have already started dropping to the ground, and with that, most of us get an urge to clean them up. But before you begin bagging … Read more
Written by Andrea Grossman. Edited by Miri Becker. We have great news! We are announcing the second round of the Lawn to Meadow Program. Similar to the previous round, we are asking for interested parties to apply. We will select the most suitable sites for the success of the program. Last year, the District received … Read more
Written by Andrea Grossman. Edited by Miri Becker. With the success of our 2025 Fall Native Plant Sale, we wanted to give a shoutout to Minuteman High School, Dragonfly Natives, and our other vendors. We want to first thank Minuteman High School for hosting us for our Fall Sale and for future sales to come! … Read more