Lexington Conservation Caring for our public land

Community Programs

Open Space Recreation Plan

Lexington is updating its 2015 Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP). As we embark on the Update, we invite you to join the planning process and share your thoughts…

As a citizen of Lexington, what is your vision for open spaces and recreation areas in the Town?

What do you like about the open space and recreational opportunities in Lexington?

What are the current and future needs for open space and recreation?

Submit your comments and follow the project here!

Land Management

Parker Meadow Construction

Its getting close! The work at Parker Meadow is almost completed :) We hope to open trails to the public in August- stay tuned.

Follow along on the progress of the project HERE.

Improvements include:

Creation of 1,697 feet of accessible trails
Parking area improvements
Creation of a viewing platform
Interpretive Panel

Disposal techniques

bagging
tarping
drying
chipping
drowning
composting

Note that the following plants can sprout vigorously from plant fragments:

Oriental bittersweet
Multiflora rose
Japanese honeysuckle
Phragmites
Japanese knotweed

These plants should ideally be burned or dried prior to disposal.

Can I compost invasive plants?
Like most things in life, it depends.

Understand plant biology for target species is important for invasive plant disposal. Consider the following questions:

Will this plant easily root when left on site?

Are mature flowers or seeds present?

Invasive plants can take root in compost. Don’t compost any invasives unless you know there is no viable (living) plant material left. Use one of the above techniques (bagging, tarping, drying, chipping, or drowning) to render the plants nonviable before composting. Closely examine the plant before composting and avoid composting seeds.

Learn more here

Eye Spy in Nature

Significant Drought Level 3

Have you noticed low water levels in nearby ponds, streams, and rivers lately? Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) declared a Level 3 – Critical Drought in the Northeast and Central Regions. Conditions have worsened across most regions of the state and spread westward. Read more on the state's drought status page.

What Can YOU do?

Embrace the  "golden lawn" and stop watering until drought conditions ease

Minimize Landscape water needs through water- smart landscaping principals

Minimize your use of water outdoors

read "tips for saving water" here

Embrace the Golden Lawn

Did  you know when well- established lawns turn brown- they aren't dead, but dormant? Dormant lawns are putting their resources towards developing deeper root systems. They will green up again when it rains.

Overwatering a lawn can cause a lawn with shallow roots that is sensitive to pests and drought.

Upcoming Events!!!

Firefly Watch Community Science

Firefly Watch combines an annual summer evening ritual with scientific research. Join a network of community scientists around the country by observing your own backyard, and help scientists map fireflies.

Anyone in North America can participate in Firefly Watch. All you need to do is spend at least 10 minutes once a week during firefly season observing fireflies in one location (your backyard or in a nearby field). All firefly sightings—or lack thereof—are valuable!

Learn how to Participate

Spotted Lanternfly Webinar

Sign up for a FREE quarterly webinar series to get the most up-to-date info about Spotted Lanternfly in Massachusetts. Learn about current control efforts, and how you can help. Spotted lanternfly is a growing threat to MA’s environment and economy, and you are an important first line of defense!

Register Here!