Sudbury Venture Crew Completes Service Project at Greenways in Wayland

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The following was submitted by Michael Sanders.)

Sudbury Venture Crew 1776, the co-ed unit of Sudbury Boy Scouts, spent a day at Greenways completing a vital service project to preserve land and plant life along the Sudbury River. Over time foot traffic (man and dog) has destroyed the natural vegetation that prevented erosion and run-off of soil into the water. This labor-intensive project involved constructing and installing split rail fencing. 

Greenways Conservation Area in Wayland, with its meandering trails, woods, and fields abutting the Sudbury River is a popular spot for dog walkers. In fact, there is one particular area that is a favorite for dogs to access the water. This area has been worn away and has been gradually expanding; the bushes and scrub that help stabilize the slope have been completely decimated.

In an initial effort to remediate the problem, the Sudbury Venture Crew erected a fence several years ago.  That fence has not completely solved the problem. Dogs and hikers are still able to get around the fence and continue to damage the plants in the area. Greenways volunteer land steward, Lawrence Morris, along with Sudbury Valley Trustees Stewardship Director Laura Mattei and Assistant Director of Stewardship Dan Stimson collaborated on a design for an extension to the fence.  The plan provides a passageway that leads from the trail to the river for access, but limits the area so that the natural habitat will be protected.

On a warm, sunny Saturday in May, seven members of the Sudbury Venture Crew enthusiastically dug post holes and constructed the split rail fencing. They then reinforced the fence with wire mesh to prevent pets and people from straying off the designated pathway. Along side the fence, the Crew laid brush on either side of the trail as a further deterrent.  The next phase of the project will involve introducing native plantings to reestablish vegetation to the area now bare.

As the Venture Crew was finishing up, they had the opportunity to see their hard work put to good use.  Rebecca Cutting, chairman of the Venture Crew Parent Committee observed, “The dogs got it.  They are eager to get to the water and don’t care how they get there!”  Dog walkers along with their canine friends thanked the Venture Crew for their work in preserving the land and watched as their dogs easily made their way to the water. 

The Venture Crew has completed several service projects for Sudbury Valley Trustees.  Sudbury Valley Trustees is a non-profit organization and relies on volunteers help to protect and steward land.  This has been a valuable partnership for both organizations.   “The Venture Crew is a great group of volunteers.  They are incredibly hard working and an important resource to SVT,” says SVT’s Dan Stimson.

If your group is interested in learning more about the SVT Youth Stewards program, contact Dan Stimson to discuss potential projects, suitability and timing. Email Dan at dstimson@svtweb.org or call 978-443-5588.  Further information on SVT and SVT properties is available on SVT’s website www.svtweb.org.