Wills Hole/Town Forest

Wills Hole/Town forest is a beautiful conservation area. The northern portion is a beautiful hike around rocks and small kettle ponds. But like most conservation lands, it has its neglected areas. In this case, the southern portion.

Area A

This area, to the north of the driveway, is home to Asian Bittersweet, Autumn Olive, and Glossy Buckthorn.

It was worked in Fall of 2023.

Area B

This area, along the yellow trail to the south of the driveway, has been the site of a long battle with invasive plants, in particular Asian Bittersweet and Multiflora Rose, and now, Japanese Knotweed.

This area has been swept for Asian Bittersweet many times, the latest in Winter of 2023/24.

The Japanese Knotweed situation is out of control. The initial one site has spread to four different sites. We are hoping that the town can access the site to provide wood chips for smothering.

Area C

This area has the trail fighting the Glossy Buckthorn for space.

Area D

This area, along the entrance trail to Sachem Way, has Glossy Buckthorn, Multiflora Rose, and Asian Bittersweet growing along (and into) the trail.

Area E

This area, going from the yellow trail to the Capt. Handley Rd. parking lot and the Harris Rd. entrance, has Glossy Buckthorn and Asian Bittersweet growing along it. It also has problems with abutters dumping their leaves into it.

Partially cleared in Winter 23/24.

Area F

This area is infested with Asian Bittersweet, Multiflora Rose, Bush Honeysuckle and large Autumn Olive trees growing around the edge of the septic leach field to the north of the trail.

Area G

This area is a short red entrance trail from Harris Rd.

In Feb. 2024, it was discovered that this trail was completely blocked, due to tree tops having fallen into the trail years earlier, followed by ingrowth of Multiflora Rose and Bush Honeysuckle. The trees were cleared that month, along with the MF Rose thicket which was crowding the path. Repeated cut-backs (or root removal) of Asian Bittersweet and Multiflora Rose will be needed on this path over the next couple of years.

Area 51

This area is a complete unknown.