Morrison Farm - Revision history

Watlington: /* Area D - The Oaks */

2026-08-03T02:25:00Z

Area D - The Oaks

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:25, 3 August 2026
Line 54:		Line 54:
	In 2024, that area desperately needs mowing, but the town has once again parked equipment (tractor accessories) there. A farm structure which previously delimited this area and was used for equipment storage was removed in 2023 after self-destructing in the elements (roofing flying off, walls dropping).		In 2024, that area desperately needs mowing, but the town has once again parked equipment (tractor accessories) there. A farm structure which previously delimited this area and was used for equipment storage was removed in 2023 after self-destructing in the elements (roofing flying off, walls dropping).

	There are a number of [[Common Buckthorn\|common buckthorn]] trees in that hedge row. This was awaiting positive ID, then NR approval. Girding started in June 2024.		There are a number of [[Common Buckthorn\|common buckthorn]] trees in that hedge row. This was awaiting positive ID, then NR approval. Girding started in June 2024, and continued in 2026.

	A corollary to this area is the Asian Bittersweet vines growing along the back edge of the barn, and the Glossy Buckthorn thicket supporting them. These were last cleared in June 2024. Due to the age of the adjacent structure, Grape, Nightshade, and Virginia Creeper vines are all cut in that area.		A corollary to this area is the Asian Bittersweet vines growing along the back edge of the barn, and the Glossy Buckthorn thicket supporting them. These were last cleared in June 2024. Due to the age of the adjacent structure, Grape, Nightshade, and Virginia Creeper vines are all cut in that area.

Watlington: Added 2026 maintenance to the Causeway

2026-08-03T02:21:01Z

Added 2026 maintenance to the Causeway

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:21, 3 August 2026
Line 80:		Line 80:
	This is a causeway going out to the site of an old bridge across Nashoba Brook. The Acton Historical Society believes that it was built in the early 1800s, to connect the John Robbins house at 144 Great Rd. with farmland across Nashoba Brook. In the early 2020s, the bridge site was the location of a beaver dam.		This is a causeway going out to the site of an old bridge across Nashoba Brook. The Acton Historical Society believes that it was built in the early 1800s, to connect the John Robbins house at 144 Great Rd. with farmland across Nashoba Brook. In the early 2020s, the bridge site was the location of a beaver dam.

	The causeway needs regular clearing to remain passable. It was cleared in 2023, 2024 and ~~2025~~.		The causeway needs regular clearing to remain passable. It was cleared in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026.

	Across Nashoba Brook from the causeway is another causeway, which was also cleared in 2023, 2024 and 2025.		Across Nashoba Brook from the causeway is another causeway, which was also cleared in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Watlington at 00:07, 3 August 2026

2026-08-03T00:07:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:07, 3 August 2026
Line 40:		Line 40:
	There is a stand of Crabapple trees between the meadow and the trail, which creates stunning visuals in the spring (there are several different Crabapple varieties, w. various flower colors).		There is a stand of Crabapple trees between the meadow and the trail, which creates stunning visuals in the spring (there are several different Crabapple varieties, w. various flower colors).

	The Crabapple Orchard itself is in relatively good shape (although always in need of deadwood pruning). The western (meadow) edge is the big problem. A serious attempt to clear out the Glossy Buckthorn and Asian Bittersweet on this edge began in 2022. It was continued in 2023 (and partially in 2024). In 2025, the entire patch was cleared, including girding a couple of large Glossy Buckthorn trees and cutting (but not clearing) a large cluster of MF Rose in the Northwest corner.		The Crabapple Orchard itself is in relatively good shape (although always in need of deadwood pruning). The western (meadow) edge is the big problem. A serious attempt to clear out the Glossy Buckthorn and Asian Bittersweet on this edge began in 2022. It was continued in 2023 (and partially in 2024). In 2025, the entire patch was cleared, including girding a couple of large Glossy Buckthorn trees and cutting (but not clearing) a large cluster of MF Rose in the Northwest corner. This was re-cleared in 2026.

	The opposite side of the trail from the Crabapple orchard is a combination of Dogwood, [[Multiflora Rose\|MF Rose]], [[Asian Bittersweet]], and [[Glossy Buckthorn]], which is being gradually cleaned up. It is actually better thought of as [[Morrison Farm#Area L - The Sump\|Area L]].		The opposite side of the trail from the Crabapple orchard is a combination of Dogwood, [[Multiflora Rose\|MF Rose]], [[Asian Bittersweet]], and [[Glossy Buckthorn]], which is being gradually cleaned up. It is actually better thought of as [[Morrison Farm#Area L - The Sump\|Area L]].

Watlington: 2025 work

2026-02-19T02:21:12Z

2025 work

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:21, 19 February 2026
Line 65:		Line 65:
	== Area F - The Meadow Border ==		== Area F - The Meadow Border ==
	The northern and western borders of the large meadow are where the invasive plants explode. Glossy Buckthorn and Asian Bittersweet are the main culprits.		The northern and western borders of the large meadow are where the invasive plants explode. Glossy Buckthorn and Asian Bittersweet are the main culprits.

	~~There has been no concentrated effort to remove invasives along the border since 2000, only irregular ones.~~

	A large concern is removing any trees which fall into the meadow, as invasives will quickly take hold in any area not getting its yearly mowing. In October of 2019, three large trees which had fallen into the meadow over the previous couple of years (including one which caused a re-routing of the trail which is still maintained as an option five years later) were cleared by a work party with three sawyers and a number of volunteers.		A large concern is removing any trees which fall into the meadow, as invasives will quickly take hold in any area not getting its yearly mowing. In October of 2019, three large trees which had fallen into the meadow over the previous couple of years (including one which caused a re-routing of the trail which is still maintained as an option five years later) were cleared by a work party with three sawyers and a number of volunteers.

	Another concern is that due to overhanging branches, the town doesn't mow very close to the edge, meaning that the edge advances into the meadow every year. A regular effort is needed to cut back branches that intrude too far into the meadow.		Another concern is that due to overhanging branches, the town doesn't mow very close to the edge, meaning that the edge advances into the meadow every year. A regular effort is needed to cut back branches that intrude too far into the meadow.

			The western border was initially cleared of invasives at the end of 2025. It will need re-clearing in 2026.

	The northern edge was checked in Spring 2024.		The northern edge was checked in Spring 2024.
Line 115:		Line 115:
	The trouble area is on the northern edge, where it approaches the sump. There is lots of Asian Bittersweet in this area.		The trouble area is on the northern edge, where it approaches the sump. There is lots of Asian Bittersweet in this area.

	Swept to clear regrowth in 2023 and ~~2024~~ (except for the trouble area).		Swept to clear regrowth in 2023, 2024 and 2025 (except for the trouble area).

	== Area L - The Sump ==		== Area L - The Sump ==

Watlington: Described work done in late 2025.

2026-02-19T01:59:05Z

Described work done in late 2025.

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:59, 19 February 2026
Line 85:		Line 85:

	== Area I - The Jungle ==		== Area I - The Jungle ==
	This area is a thicket of Glossy Buckthorn, gradually being taken over by Asian Bittersweet.		This area is a thicket of Glossy Buckthorn, gradually being taken over by Asian Bittersweet. The marshy area closer to the pond has lots of Glossy Buckthorn but is in better shape.

	~~There has been no~~ attempt to ~~work it since 2000~~.		In Jan. 2026, there was attempt to cut the Asian Bittersweet off of the remaining trees in the area.

	== Area J - Old Icehouse Pond Trail ==		== Area J - Old Icehouse Pond Trail ==
Line 124:		Line 124:
	There is an old concrete pump-house (directly uphill from the drainage ditch draining the sump into Icehouse pond, behind the Blackberry patch.		There is an old concrete pump-house (directly uphill from the drainage ditch draining the sump into Icehouse pond, behind the Blackberry patch.

	The southern end was worked, starting in 2019, as part of clearing the edge of the Pam Resor Orchard, and the northern end has been worked starting about the same time as part of the Crabapple orchard. The entire length was worked to cut Asian Bittersweet in 2023, and again in 2025. It needs regular sweeps to clear regrowth from root.		The southern end was worked, starting in 2019, as part of clearing the edge of the Pam Resor Orchard, and the northern end has been worked starting about the same time as part of the Crabapple orchard. The entire length was worked to cut Asian Bittersweet in 2023, and again in 2025. It needs regular sweeps to clear regrowth from root. In 2025 an effort was made to either cut or gird all the Glossy Buckthorn and cut off the Bush Honeysuckle at the base.

	The area around the meadow edges, especially where the Yellow trail bridge crosses the sump, has Glossy Buckthorn infestations. Around the Yellow trail bridge over the sump, these have been worked yearly since 2020: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.		The area around the meadow edges, especially where the Yellow trail bridge crosses the sump, has Glossy Buckthorn infestations. Around the Yellow trail bridge over the sump, these have been worked yearly since 2020: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.

Watlington: Updated Areas B, F, and L

2025-11-19T01:52:18Z

Updated Areas B, F, and L

Watlington: Updated to reflect recent work

2025-09-28T02:20:50Z

Updated to reflect recent work

Watlington: /* Area H - The Causeway */ Added historical description, but was unable to upload a PDF with the original info.

2025-08-22T14:33:35Z

Area H - The Causeway: Added historical description, but was unable to upload a PDF with the original info.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:33, 22 August 2025
Line 78:		Line 78:

	== Area H - The Causeway ==		== Area H - The Causeway ==
	This is a causeway going out to the site of an old bridge across Nashoba Brook. The ~~story is~~ that ~~this was never a road, but~~ was ~~instead~~ built ~~by a farmer who had a barn~~ in ~~East Acton~~, ~~and needed a way to get his cows over~~ to ~~pasture on~~ the ~~west side of~~ Nashoba Brook. In the early 2020s, the bridge site was the location of a beaver dam.		This is a causeway going out to the site of an old bridge across Nashoba Brook. The Acton Historical Society believes that it was built in the early 1800s, to connect the John Robbins house at 144 Great Rd. with farmland across Nashoba Brook. In the early 2020s, the bridge site was the location of a beaver dam.

	The causeway needs regular clearing to remain passable. It was cleared in 2023 and ~~again in 2024~~.		The causeway needs regular clearing to remain passable. It was cleared in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

	Across Nashoba Brook from the causeway is another causeway, which was also cleared in 2023 and again in 2024.		Across Nashoba Brook from the causeway is another causeway, which was also cleared in 2023 and again in 2024.

Watlington: Update to area H

2024-09-11T22:54:24Z

Update to area H

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:54, 11 September 2024
Line 80:		Line 80:
	This is a causeway going out to the site of an old bridge across Nashoba Brook. The story is that this was never a road, but was instead built by a farmer who had a barn in East Acton, and needed a way to get his cows over to pasture on the west side of Nashoba Brook. In the early 2020s, the bridge site was the location of a beaver dam.		This is a causeway going out to the site of an old bridge across Nashoba Brook. The story is that this was never a road, but was instead built by a farmer who had a barn in East Acton, and needed a way to get his cows over to pasture on the west side of Nashoba Brook. In the early 2020s, the bridge site was the location of a beaver dam.

	The causeway needs regular clearing to remain passable. ~~Last~~ cleared in 2023.		The causeway needs regular clearing to remain passable. It was cleared in 2023 and again in 2024.

			Across Nashoba Brook from the causeway is another causeway, which was also cleared in 2023 and again in 2024.

	== Area I - The Jungle ==		== Area I - The Jungle ==

Watlington: /* Area L - The Sump */ Noted that the area around the yellow trail bridge was cleared in 2024.

2024-08-07T18:55:54Z

Area L - The Sump: Noted that the area around the yellow trail bridge was cleared in 2024.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:55, 7 August 2024
Line 122:		Line 122:
	The southern end was worked, starting in 2019, as part of clearing the edge of the Pam Resor Orchard, and the northern end has been worked starting about the same time as part of the Crabapple orchard. The entire length was worked to cut Asian Bittersweet in 2023. It needs regular sweeps to clear regrowth from root.		The southern end was worked, starting in 2019, as part of clearing the edge of the Pam Resor Orchard, and the northern end has been worked starting about the same time as part of the Crabapple orchard. The entire length was worked to cut Asian Bittersweet in 2023. It needs regular sweeps to clear regrowth from root.

	The area around the meadow edges, especially where the Yellow trail bridge crosses the sump, has Glossy Buckthorn infestations. Around the Yellow trail bridge over the sump, these have been worked yearly since 2020: 2021, 2022, 2023.		The area around the meadow edges, especially where the Yellow trail bridge crosses the sump, has Glossy Buckthorn infestations. Around the Yellow trail bridge over the sump, these have been worked yearly since 2020: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.

	== Area M - Concord Rd. Boundary ==		== Area M - Concord Rd. Boundary ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:52, 19 November 2025
Line 17:		Line 17:
	The area under the large Cherry tree in the southwest corner was first cleared in 2016, and years later continues to provide copious [[Asian Bittersweet]] regrowth. The Crabapple trees (really part of Area L) followed a year later, then the area in between (once a [[Bush Honeysuckle]]/Asian Bittersweet thicket preventing an view of the Wet Meadow!)		The area under the large Cherry tree in the southwest corner was first cleared in 2016, and years later continues to provide copious [[Asian Bittersweet]] regrowth. The Crabapple trees (really part of Area L) followed a year later, then the area in between (once a [[Bush Honeysuckle]]/Asian Bittersweet thicket preventing an view of the Wet Meadow!)

	In ~~2024~~, these areas still require yearly clearing of Asian Bittersweet ~~and Bush Honeysuckle~~ regrowth.		In 2025, these areas still require yearly clearing of Asian Bittersweet regrowth.

	== Area A - The Horse Paddock ==		== Area A - The Horse Paddock ==
Line 33:		Line 33:
	There had long been a blackberry patch in this area, but starting in 2019 the invasive plants (Asian Bittersweet) were manually removed and signs put up to prevent mowing of this area in the fall. The result is a gorgeous patch of blackberries which are enjoyed by Acton residents, both feathered and not.		There had long been a blackberry patch in this area, but starting in 2019 the invasive plants (Asian Bittersweet) were manually removed and signs put up to prevent mowing of this area in the fall. The result is a gorgeous patch of blackberries which are enjoyed by Acton residents, both feathered and not.

	Long term maintenance of this patch will require occasional mowing to help w. the invasives and prevent any woody growth. The idea is to split the patch into two areas, and allow one area to be mowed every fourth year (alternating to ensure there are always blackberries to pick!). ~~This will hopefully start with the~~ fall ~~mowing in 2024~~.		Long term maintenance of this patch will require occasional mowing to help w. the invasives and prevent any woody growth. The idea is to split the patch into two areas, and allow one area to be mowed every fourth year (alternating to ensure there are always blackberries to pick!). Due to fallen down signage, this patch was mowed in fall 2025.

	== Area C - The Crabapple Orchard ==		== Area C - The Crabapple Orchard ==
Line 40:		Line 40:
	There is a stand of Crabapple trees between the meadow and the trail, which creates stunning visuals in the spring (there are several different Crabapple varieties, w. various flower colors).		There is a stand of Crabapple trees between the meadow and the trail, which creates stunning visuals in the spring (there are several different Crabapple varieties, w. various flower colors).

	The Crabapple Orchard itself is in relatively good shape (although always in need of deadwood pruning). The western (meadow) edge is the big problem. A serious attempt to clear out the Glossy Buckthorn and Asian Bittersweet on this edge began in 2022. It was continued in 2023 (and partially in 2024). ~~There is still~~ a ~~serious~~ cluster of MF Rose ~~which needs removal~~ in the Northwest corner ~~of the orchard~~.		The Crabapple Orchard itself is in relatively good shape (although always in need of deadwood pruning). The western (meadow) edge is the big problem. A serious attempt to clear out the Glossy Buckthorn and Asian Bittersweet on this edge began in 2022. It was continued in 2023 (and partially in 2024). In 2025, the entire patch was cleared, including girding a couple of large Glossy Buckthorn trees and cutting (but not clearing) a large cluster of MF Rose in the Northwest corner.

	The opposite side of the trail from the Crabapple orchard is a combination of Dogwood, [[Multiflora Rose\|MF Rose]], [[Asian Bittersweet]], and [[Glossy Buckthorn]], which is being gradually cleaned up. It is actually better thought of as [[Morrison Farm#Area L - The Sump\|Area L]].		The opposite side of the trail from the Crabapple orchard is a combination of Dogwood, [[Multiflora Rose\|MF Rose]], [[Asian Bittersweet]], and [[Glossy Buckthorn]], which is being gradually cleaned up. It is actually better thought of as [[Morrison Farm#Area L - The Sump\|Area L]].
Line 124:		Line 124:
	There is an old concrete pump-house (directly uphill from the drainage ditch draining the sump into Icehouse pond, behind the Blackberry patch.		There is an old concrete pump-house (directly uphill from the drainage ditch draining the sump into Icehouse pond, behind the Blackberry patch.

	The southern end was worked, starting in 2019, as part of clearing the edge of the Pam Resor Orchard, and the northern end has been worked starting about the same time as part of the Crabapple orchard. The entire length was worked to cut Asian Bittersweet in 2023. It needs regular sweeps to clear regrowth from root.		The southern end was worked, starting in 2019, as part of clearing the edge of the Pam Resor Orchard, and the northern end has been worked starting about the same time as part of the Crabapple orchard. The entire length was worked to cut Asian Bittersweet in 2023, and again in 2025. It needs regular sweeps to clear regrowth from root.

	The area around the meadow edges, especially where the Yellow trail bridge crosses the sump, has Glossy Buckthorn infestations. Around the Yellow trail bridge over the sump, these have been worked yearly since 2020: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.		The area around the meadow edges, especially where the Yellow trail bridge crosses the sump, has Glossy Buckthorn infestations. Around the Yellow trail bridge over the sump, these have been worked yearly since 2020: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.
Line 131:		Line 131:
	This area is also not legally part of Morrison Farm, but is otherwise ignored by the town. There are vigorous Oaks here, and the only attention required is to clear out the Glossy Buckthorn and Norway Maple saplings trying to crowd them out. This includes both sides of the stone wall along Concord Rd.		This area is also not legally part of Morrison Farm, but is otherwise ignored by the town. There are vigorous Oaks here, and the only attention required is to clear out the Glossy Buckthorn and Norway Maple saplings trying to crowd them out. This includes both sides of the stone wall along Concord Rd.

	~~Last cleared~~ in 2023.		Cleared in 2023, and the town cut everything close to the road in 2024.

	== Area N - Concord Rd. Playing Field ==		== Area N - Concord Rd. Playing Field ==
Line 138:		Line 138:
	Black plastic, covered in wood chips, was used in under the Spruce tree, and also under one of the Cedars, to smother the Asian Bittersweet. It should be up for removal in Fall, 2026.		Black plastic, covered in wood chips, was used in under the Spruce tree, and also under one of the Cedars, to smother the Asian Bittersweet. It should be up for removal in Fall, 2026.

	This area was mowed of regrowth in late June 2024.		This area was mowed of regrowth in late June 2024 and August 2025.

	The beautiful, large crabapple tree was cleared out of Asian Bittersweet, Common Buckthorn, and Bush Honeysuckle in 2022, and the town has kept it clear, mowing underneath it.		The beautiful, large crabapple tree was cleared out of Asian Bittersweet, Common Buckthorn, and Bush Honeysuckle in 2022, and the town has kept it clear, mowing underneath it.

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:20, 28 September 2025
Line 82:		Line 82:
	The causeway needs regular clearing to remain passable. It was cleared in 2023, 2024 and 2025.		The causeway needs regular clearing to remain passable. It was cleared in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

	Across Nashoba Brook from the causeway is another causeway, which was also cleared in 2023 and ~~again in 2024~~.		Across Nashoba Brook from the causeway is another causeway, which was also cleared in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

	== Area I - The Jungle ==		== Area I - The Jungle ==
Line 102:		Line 102:
	This area has great potential, but the town dedicates very little to its maintenance, other than a regular mowing. The enlarged parking lot meets the needs of both Bruce Freeman bike path access and access to Morrison Farm/Icehouse pond. There is a great kiosk describing the use of Icehouse pond in the past two-hundred years. The accessible trail is built of a stabilized engineered wood product, which has held up relatively well over its first decade.		This area has great potential, but the town dedicates very little to its maintenance, other than a regular mowing. The enlarged parking lot meets the needs of both Bruce Freeman bike path access and access to Morrison Farm/Icehouse pond. There is a great kiosk describing the use of Icehouse pond in the past two-hundred years. The accessible trail is built of a stabilized engineered wood product, which has held up relatively well over its first decade.

	The town ignores any vegetation that isn't lawn. This means there are plenty of invasive plants, and maintenance needed. There is a collapsed wood beam wall along the path ~~which has been that way~~ for ~~five~~ years.		The town ignores any vegetation that isn't lawn. This means there are plenty of invasive plants, and maintenance needed. There was a collapsed wood beam wall along the path for six years, which was finally moved to the trash and the town hauled the wood away in 2025.

	The vegetation around the parking lot is mostly Glossy Buckthorn and Asian Bittersweet, although there is a promising Aspen colony which might eventually crowd it out. This malaise extends into the swamp next to the parking lot.		The vegetation around the parking lot is mostly Glossy Buckthorn and Asian Bittersweet, although there is a promising Aspen colony which might eventually crowd it out. This malaise extends into the swamp next to the parking lot.

	The vegetation between the Accessible trail and the pond near the parking lot has largely been cleared since 2021, with one final section cleared in June 2024. The trail then winds away from the pond and continues north. This section experienced serious trail widening, and had brush piles placed in 2022/2023/2024 to keep walkers on the path. The area around the path in this section had a serious Glossy Buckthorn infestation, which is starting to come under control (cleared in ~~June 2024~~).		The vegetation between the Accessible trail and the pond near the parking lot has largely been cleared since 2021, with one final section cleared in June 2024. The trail then winds away from the pond and continues north. This section experienced serious trail widening, and had brush piles placed in 2022/2023/2024 to keep walkers on the path. The area around the path in this section had a serious Glossy Buckthorn infestation, which is starting to come under control (cleared yearly since 2022, last in Aug. 2025).

	The native vegetation along Icehouse pond has been trimmed back in the 2023/2024 period by a beaver active in the area. This should improve the viewing, but encourages the invasive plants.		The native vegetation along Icehouse pond has been trimmed back in the 2023/2024 period by a beaver active in the area. This should improve the viewing, but encourages the invasive plants.
Line 121:		Line 121:

	The ditch is lined with Dogwoods, Crabapples, Birches, Cherries and other trees. It is also home to a long term Asian Bittersweet infestation, and Glossy Buckthorn.		The ditch is lined with Dogwoods, Crabapples, Birches, Cherries and other trees. It is also home to a long term Asian Bittersweet infestation, and Glossy Buckthorn.

			There is an old concrete pump-house (directly uphill from the drainage ditch draining the sump into Icehouse pond, behind the Blackberry patch.

	The southern end was worked, starting in 2019, as part of clearing the edge of the Pam Resor Orchard, and the northern end has been worked starting about the same time as part of the Crabapple orchard. The entire length was worked to cut Asian Bittersweet in 2023. It needs regular sweeps to clear regrowth from root.		The southern end was worked, starting in 2019, as part of clearing the edge of the Pam Resor Orchard, and the northern end has been worked starting about the same time as part of the Crabapple orchard. The entire length was worked to cut Asian Bittersweet in 2023. It needs regular sweeps to clear regrowth from root.