Attend a Land Conservation Charrette

Help shape land conservation in Wellesley. 

The Natural Resources Commission is holding a land conservation charrette on Thursday, November 21 to gather ideas from the community on a plan to preserve open space. 

The meeting will take place in person from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the Wakelin Room of the Wellesley Free Library. All members of the community are encouraged to attend. Help the NRC define priorities and identify strategies to protect open space. 

Advance registration is recommended; sign up to indicate your interest in participating. 

Members of the NRC hope that by engaging in a Town-wide planning process and gathering support now, the Town will be well prepared when conservation opportunities come up in the future. 

Calling All Artists!

Help the NRC Decorate a Tree for the Elm Bank Festival of Trees

Each year, for the last 15 years, Elm Bank has held it's largest fundraising event "The Festival of Trees" that runs from November through December. The NRC has donated a tree to this event for the last several years. Every year the NRC tries to share it's mission with the public and creates a tree with decorations that help to educate about the NRC's initiatives. This year the NRC is looking to have a community art project and is reaching out to residents to create and donate ornaments for the NRC tree. This year's theme is "Ode to a Tree". We are asking residents to create and donate ornaments that educate about the importance of trees. Ornaments should be no larger than 4"x4" and can be dropped off at the NRC office until November 8th. For more information contact Lisa Moore here.

Help Prevent Street Flooding

Help prevent street flooding, regularly inspect storm drains for clogged leaf litter in Fall. Clearing a storm drain of debris can help prevent street flooding and water back up.

Your Moment in Nature

Signs of the Season

Fall colors on display at Reeds Pond

Rainbow over Route 9 in Wellesley

An American Bull Frog enjoys the warm Indian Summer weather, it will begin hibernation soon

A rafter or flock of young turkey feeding at Overbrook Park

Aurora Borealis Over Elm Park Clocktower

Wellesley Conservation Land Trust

Upcoming Event

Emily Norton, Executive Director Charles River Watershed Association

WCLT Fall Lecture

Topic: The State of the Charles River

Date: November 13, 2024

Time: 7:00PM- 8:30PM

Location: Wellesley Free Library, 530 Washington Street

Keeping the Charles River healthy is an ongoing challenge. Learn how Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) state and local agencies are returning this legendary natural feature to one of the cleanest urban rivers in America.

Citing local Wellesley examples, Emily Norton, CRWA’s executive director, will give an update on the river’s ecological health, climate change resiliency, dam removal, public access, and the impact of riverside development. She will also discuss legislation aimed at protecting the river.

CRWA Regional Tree Planting and Protection Plan

The Charles River Watershed Association is working to create a regional plan to help maximize the benefits of existing trees, protect mature trees from invasive species, and identify new opportunities for tree planting to build a robust, healthy tree canopy. 

Please take five minutes to fill out our survey and share your concerns and thoughts about the future of tree canopy in our watershed!

Take the survey here

Ten Acre Students Complete Fall Clean-up

Susy Jordan, DPW's Horticultural Technician, held a clean-up day at the Duck Pond near Town Hall. Ten Acre students from Kevin Richards Class faithfully join Susy each Fall and Spring helping to weed and place wood chips along the path. Thank you Ten Acre students for helping to maintain this beautiful Town space.

No Cost Home Energy Assessments

Look for HomeWorks Energy in your neighborhood! A new Town of Wellesley collaboration with HomeWorks Energy, a Mass Save® partner, can lower energy use and carbon emissions while improving home comfort for Wellesley residents who are gas customers of National Grid.

Learn more here

Earth Friendly Fall Lawn and Garden Tips

Fall is here and as we prepare our lawns and gardens for the winter ahead we urge residents to consider the plants, insects and other animals that rely on leaf litter as essential habitat for overwintering. Leaving leaves where they fall will insulate your lawn and garden from harsh snow and ice, will provide nutrients to your lawn and garden bed as it breaks down and provides food, shelter and habitat for many overwintering animals like firefly larvae, moth larvae, moles and voles. Use the QR code below or click this link to learn more.

Agendas are posted here 48 hours prior to meeting time.

Upcoming NRC Meeting:

Thursday November 7, 2024, 7:00 PM @ Kingsbury Room, Wellesley Police

Thursday November 21, 2024, 6:00PM Land Preservation Charrette, Wakelin Room Wellesley Free Library

Upcoming Wetlands Protection Committee Meetings:

Thursday , November 14, 2024, 6:30 PM @ Online remote

Upcoming Trails Committee Meeting:

Monday November 4, 2024, 7:00 PM Warren Center Room 008

Connect with us

Town of Wellesley Natural Resources Commission

Phone: 781-431-1019 x 2294

Email: nrc@wellesleyma.gov

Website: www.wellesleyma.gov/nrc