Natural Resources Trust of Mansfield

03/07/2026

JOIN US FOR SOME SERIOUS TRASH TALKING!

Are you confused about what goes in your trash bin and what goes in your recycling bin? If so, you’re not alone!

The NRT is hosting Keep Massachusetts Beautiful’s Talking Trash & Recycling presentation on April 9, 2026 at 7:30 pm to learn ways to reduce the amount of trash you generate, improve your recycling habits, and make simple changes to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. You’ll learn what happens to your trash and recyclables here in Mansfield and get an overview MassDEP’s innovative RecycleSmartMA program. This program is delivered in 45 minutes, followed by a question-and-answer session.

Presented by Neil Rhein

Neil, a member of the NRT Board of Directors, is the founder and executive director of Keep Massachusetts Beautiful. Neil organized the first Great Mansfield Cleanup in 2008 and later launched Keep Mansfield Beautiful. In 2014, Neil founded Keep Massachusetts Beautiful to help bring successful litter abatement and beautification programs to towns and cities across Massachusetts. Previously, Neil served on the Mansfield Select Board from 2017 to 2023.

Send a message to learn more

06/21/2025

The entrance to the McKenzi Lane property was cleared this week. Crushed stone was put down to reduce maintenance.
New plantings and a trail are planned for this fall. If all goes to plan the property will be open for trail walking in the spring 0f 2026. Plans are to make part of the trail accessible for all-terrain wheelchairs.

06/02/2025

Bigleaf lupine on our McKenzi Lane property.

03/16/2025

This week we completed the first phase of the McKenzi Lane project by “eliminating” all the Russian Olive trees. It was done using a flailing mower. You can see from the pictures it did an excellent job removing the trees while leaving the landscape intact. The next phases will be to layout a trail, plant native trees and bushes, and installing signage.

01/16/2025

The NRT recently acquired two GRIT Freedom chairs - one adult size and one child size - and donated them to the Town of Mansfield, MA. They are available to borrow from the Mansfield Public Library's "Library of Things". They enable people with physical limitations to enjoy our trails, among other locations. They can be hand-driven by the user, or the user can be pushed. Here is a video of what the chairs can do.

The GRIT Freedom Chair is the all-terrain wheelchair built for adventure. Move beyond at www.gogrit.us.

11/06/2024

The roof on the WWII Vets' Memorial Nature Trail entrance was replaced. Thanks to Colin Cauldwell.

08/25/2024

With the dedication of the Harry B. Chase, Jr. Place this Wednesday I thought I would post these photographs taken in 2001 and 2012 showing four generations of Mansfield conservationist. Harry Chase who helped educate the public about the importance of protecting the Great Woods. Lenny Flynn who help negotiate many of the parcels. Lou Andrews who helped develop the plans and acquire many parcels in the Great Woods, and Colin Cauldwell whose stewardship helped maintain the trails and constructed the boardwalk and bridges in the Great Woods. Who will step in to be the next generation to protect the woods? I don’t know.

06/21/2024

New signs are up on our latest acquisition thanks to Colin and Tod.

04/17/2024

01/19/2024

Thank you to Jane Sheehan of South Main Street for gifting 21 acres of land to the NRT. The property will remain open space in perpetuity. Jane is a founding member of the NRT and was instrumental in saving the Great Woods conservation area.
The property has access from Hall Street and the animal shelter access road. There are existing trials that will need to be cleared. We hope to have public access for trail walking this summer.

12/02/2023

On December 20, 1970, Mansfield lost its beautiful 87 year-old Town Hall to a raging fire. The historic building held a special place in the history of Mansfield. Please join us next week as we explore this devastating loss!

Mansfield, MA Historical Society
Where: Mansfield Public Library, 255 Hope Street
When: Saturday, December 9th
Time: 1 pm

Hope to see you there!