Reading Conservation Commission

10/05/2026

Just a reminder from MassWildlife that archery deer season begins today, October 5, and runs through November 28. Archery equipment may also be used throughout the other deer hunting seasons, so archery hunting can continue through December 31.

For information on where hunting is permitted in Reading, please see the Town’s hunting map below.
https://www.readingma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/592/Hunting-Map-PDF?bidId=

We hope hunters have a safe and successful archery deer season! Archery deer season is October 5 – November 28, but archery equipment can be used during all deer hunting seasons.

For a quick reference on deer hunting regulations, visit mass.gov/info-details/deer-hunting-regulations

09/24/2026

Interested in the Reading Community Garden?
Stay up to date on applications, seasonal updates, and other garden news by signing up for our email list. See the flyer below for details!

09/23/2026

Recent beaver sighting near our newest conservation property off of Sanborn Lane.

09/14/2026

Meet Nick, our 2026 Summer Intern!

You may have seen Nick Belanger out working on Reading’s conservation properties this summer. Nick is our 2026 summer intern and will be continuing with the Conservation Commission through the end of November.

Nick is a student at Merrimack College and has one semester left before graduating. During his internship, Nick has been getting experience in many different aspects of conservation work, both out in the field and behind the scenes.

In the field, Nick has helped with projects such as spreading woodchips and maintaining our conservation properties. He has also helped with non-field work, including setting up our Conservation Workshops this summer and helping with the Conservation Commission’s page.

These pictures show some of Nick’s recent work spreading woodchips on one of our conservation paths, but they are just a small part of what he has been doing with the Commission.

If you see Nick out working on one of our conservation properties, say hi! We’re glad to have him as part of the Conservation Commission team.

09/14/2026

The Reading Trails Committee and the Conservation Commission recently purchased a used 4-wheel-drive Polaris UTV to assist with work on Reading’s conservation properties.

The UTV will be used for trail maintenance, property management, transporting materials and equipment, and other conservation projects throughout town. This new vehicle will make it easier and more efficient for staff and volunteers to maintain our trails, open spaces, and conservation properties.

Thank you to everyone who supports the Reading Trails Committee and Conservation Commission and helps us care for Reading’s conservation land.

09/03/2026

Turtlehead is in bloom!

This native wildflower gets its name from its unique blossoms, which resemble the head of a turtle. Turtlehead is unexpected addition to our natural landscape and provides an important source of food for pollinators.

Keep an eye out for these distinctive flowers that loves to get its feet wet as you walk our conservation areas and enjoy the beauty of our native plants!

08/30/2026

Community Garden Cleanup Day!

Yesterday, August 29, our community gardeners came together for a cleanup and weeding day, and what a great group showed up!

Volunteers spent the morning weeding the pollinator garden and clearing the path around the raised beds. We also spread a thick new layer of wood chips provided by the Forestry Department, to help keep the garden looking great and make the paths easier to maintain.

Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make the Community Garden a better place for everyone!

08/29/2026

Join us at 1481 Main Street between 9:00 and 12:00 to cleaning up the community garden today! If you’re around, come on down and join us!

08/26/2026

The Mattera Community Garden at 1481 Main Street is really starting to show what a little time, care, and hard work can do!

The raised beds are looking great, with vegetables growing strong and the garden really coming to life. It’s great to see the community garden being used and enjoyed throughout the summer.

Here are some pictures showing how well the garden is growing!

08/24/2026

A little finishing work at the Maillet Sommes and Morgan Conservation Area!

Joe Fleury and Chuck Tirone, Reading's Conservation Administrator spent some time anchoring the Polywood benches to the new concrete slabs. The benches are now secured in place so they won’t be moved around the property, and visitors will have a comfortable place to sit, rest, and enjoy the conservation area.