Reading Conservation Commission

Reading Conservation Commission Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Reading Conservation Commission, Environmental conservation organisation, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA.

The Conservation Commission is responsible for the preservation of open land and the protection of wetlands through the provisions of the State and Federal Wetlands Protection statutes

Maillet Sommes and Morgan Conservation Area, checking volume and turnover in the stormwater wetland during Monday's rain...
08/05/2026

Maillet Sommes and Morgan Conservation Area, checking volume and turnover in the stormwater wetland during Monday's rain event. The open water pushing duckweed through the system is it positive sign the ponds are doing their job.

08/02/2026

Good morning from Maillet Sommes & Morgan Conservation Area, nature is already at work.

Bare Meadow Restoration Update.You may have noticed some new fence sections going up at Bare Meadow. The fencing is simp...
08/01/2026

Bare Meadow Restoration Update.

You may have noticed some new fence sections going up at Bare Meadow. The fencing is simply a reminder that the meadow is undergoing a multi-year restoration project, as outlined in the Massachusetts Audubon stewardship plan. The fencing helps protect the meadow while it recovers and allows the flora and fauna to thrive.

As part of this project a perimeter walking path was created around the meadow, so visitors can still enjoy the area and take a walk while allowing the meadow itself to continue it's restoration.

Thank you for helping us protect Bare Meadow and giving this special habitat the time it needs to recover.

The Reading Community Garden continues to get a few upgrades!A new ramp has been installed at the donated garden shed, m...
07/30/2026

The Reading Community Garden continues to get a few upgrades!

A new ramp has been installed at the donated garden shed, making it easier for gardeners to move tools and supplies in and out while improving accessibility

Thank you to our Next Step volunteers who continue to support and improve this wonderful community space.

The Reading Community Garden is looking great!A fresh layer of wood chips has been added around the raised beds, giving ...
07/30/2026

The Reading Community Garden is looking great!

A fresh layer of wood chips has been added around the raised beds, giving the garden a clean look while helping reduce weeds, retain moisture, and improve walking path. If you're in the area, stop by and take a look. Thanks to everyone who helps keep the community guiding looking its best.

Great things happen when everyone works together!The Conservation Commission is excited to share that eight benches are ...
07/28/2026

Great things happen when everyone works together!

The Conservation Commission is excited to share that eight benches are now available for visitors to enjoy at our conservation areas!

Earlier this year, the Select Board supported funding to improve our bench program at Maillet Sommes and Morgan Conservation Area, located at 62 Willow Street. Working together, we were able to install concrete pads that provide a more stable foundation and help extend the life of the benches. Polywood also honored its warranty by providing replacement parts and new benches, allowing us to make the most of the project's budget.

A special thank you to our incredible volunteers, including Next Step Ministries, who donated their time and hard work to prepare the sites, pour the concrete pads, assemble the benches, and complete the installations.

This project is a great example of what can be accomplished through partnerships, volunteerism, and a shared commitment to enhancing Reading's conservation lands. Thank you to the Reading Select Board, Polywood, the Conservation Commission, our volunteers, and everyone who helped make this project a success. We hope you will take a moment to relax and enjoy the view on your next visit!

Join the Reading Conservation Commission for Nature & Your 5 Senses, a free, family-friendly guided sensory walk through...
07/28/2026

Join the Reading Conservation Commission for Nature & Your 5 Senses, a free, family-friendly guided sensory walk through Bare Meadow. Discover the sights, sounds, scents, textures, and even tastes of the natural world as you explore one of Reading's beautiful conservation areas.
When: Saturday, August 1
Time: 10:30–11:30 AM
Where: Meet at the Mattera Cabin Pavilion, then walk into Bare Meadow
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, looking for a fun family activity, or simply want to spend an hour outdoors, everyone is welcome! Hope to see you there.

One of the new concrete slabs that has been poured in preparation for placement of a bench resulting from our recent bud...
07/28/2026

One of the new concrete slabs that has been poured in preparation for placement of a bench resulting from our recent budget approval. The bench is expected to be placed in the upcoming weeks. 

You may have noticed the tall flower spikes of common mullein growing along roadsides and in open fields. While its brig...
06/30/2026

You may have noticed the tall flower spikes of common mullein growing along roadsides and in open fields. While its bright yellow flowers attract pollinators and can be quite striking, common mullein is a non-native plant that spreads readily by seed and can become established in disturbed areas.

The best ways to help prevent its spread are to cut off the flowering stalk before it goes to seed. A single plant can produce thousands of seeds, which can remain viable in the soil for many years. However, mullein does provide some value to pollinators; our native wildflowers offer far greater benefits to bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife while supporting healthy local ecosystems.

If you have common mullein growing on your property, consider removing the flower stalks before seeds develop and replacing them with native flowering plants.

Small actions like these help protect Reading's Conservation Areas and promote healthier habitats for native wildlife. A list of plants native to the Northeast is available on the conservation division page, or reach out to the conservation administrator Chuck Tirone if you have any questions.

06/26/2026

Please be advised: A tree has come down at the Malliet Sommes Morgan Conservation Land. The affected area has been secured with caution tape and is temporarily closed to public access.

Town staff have assessed the site and are currently developing a plan for removal and restoration. For your safety, please do not enter the taped-off area and use caution when visiting the park.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation while this issue is being addressed. Updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

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16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA
01867

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