Holliston Conservation Department

08/07/2025

Help the ecosystem by planting native!

The Middlesex Conservation District 2025 Fall Native Plant Sale is open for orders now!

All native plants, pollinator friendly, and great for local wildlife.
Native plants are better because they're adapted to our environment and provide the right food and habitat for bees, birds, and other wildlife.

Pickup is September 12 and 13. Order by September 5!

We welcome you to our 2025 Fall Plant Sale! Similar to our previous two sales, we will have wildflowers, shrubs, grasses and more. All plant material will come as plugs.

08/06/2025

Wild Animal Wednesday: Who’s been spotted this week?

Last week brought some exciting wildlife moments here in Holliston! A mink made a surprise appearance, which is a rare and awesome sight, and one lucky observer caught a coyote eyeing a rabbit in a classic “who’s watching who” standoff. Nature sure knows how to keep things interesting.

Have you had any close encounters of the wild kind lately? Maybe a deer in the morning fog, a fox on the move, or a snapping turtle taking a stroll?

Drop your stories or photos in the comments. These moments connect us to the land we share and remind us why protecting wild spaces matters.

Let’s see what kind of action this week brings.

08/04/2025

Big news! The Holliston Community Farm is now permanently protected under a Conservation Restriction.

Thank you to Sudbury Valley Trustees and everyone who helped make this possible. This means the land will always remain a farm. A place to grow, learn, and connect with nature.

We’re proud to help keep this space open and green for generations to come.

Want to learn more about the farm? Check out this introduction video from Holliston Hub -hcat-:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-79Gz9uRzd4

In the second part of her farm series, Chryso Lawless meets Kriss Westland and Shannon Gratton at the Holliston Community Farm. To learn more, visit https://...

07/30/2025

Wild Animal Wednesday!!🐍🐢🦝🦨🦫🐻🦊🦅🦉

Have you had a run-in with a bold raccoon stealing snacks, a fox trotting through your yard like it owns the place, a turtle making a slow and steady street crossing, or even a bobcat slipping through the trees?

We're kicking off Wild Animal Wednesday, a weekly chance to share your wildlife sightings, stories, and photos from around Holliston. Whether it's funny, surprising, or just plain wild, we want to hear about it!

These moments remind us how important it is to protect the natural spaces that wildlife depends on, and that we all get to enjoy.

Drop your stories or photos in the comments. Let’s see who’s been watching you from the woods!

07/29/2025

A big thank you to the Friends of Winthrop Lake (FOWL) for organizing a fantastic volunteer water chestnut pull!

Invasive water chestnut threatens the health of our local ecosystems by crowding out native plants, reducing biodiversity, and degrading water quality. Efforts like this are critical for protecting the environmental integrity of Winthrop Lake and the wildlife that depends on it.

This work also helps preserve the lake’s recreational value, keeping it accessible and enjoyable for paddling, fishing, and simply being out in nature.

We're excited to see dedicated local stewards taking action to care for one of Holliston’s most important natural areas. Learn more and get involved at: https://www.winthroplake.org/

06/06/2025

Snapping Turtle Nest Spotted at Stoddard Park!

Big thanks to our awesome Holliston Parks & Recreation for spotting a snapping turtle nest near the shoreline of Lake Winthrop this week. Snapping turtles are laying eggs this time of year, and the next generation is now officially on the way.

If you're visiting the park, please give the nest space and let nature do its thing. No digging, no touching, just admire from a distance and keep it wild.

Let’s help these little ones get their best start.

06/05/2025

Welcome to the Holliston Conservation Department’s Official page!

We’re excited to be online and ready to connect with you. Whether you’re a hiker, a homeowner, a trail steward, or someone who enjoys Holliston’s natural spaces, you’re in the right place.

Here, you’ll find:
🌲Trail updates and access info
🌲Conservation tips and land stewardship resources
🌲Wetlands protection updates and permitting guidance
🌲Wildlife sightings, volunteer opportunities, and eco-events
🌲Highlights from local habitats, open spaces, and seasonal projects

Whether you're hiking through Wenakeening Woods, restoring habitat, or just want to know what a buffer zone is, we're here to help keep Holliston wild, walkable, and well cared for.

Follow us, share your questions, and stay tuned. Conservation just got a little more connected.