Welcome to the First Edition of Conservation Connections!

Conservation Connection is a monthly electronic newsletter published by the Weston Conservation Commission. It will feature news and items of interest about Weston trails, open space, and natural resources. 

Introducing Weston's "Tree Removal Near Wetlands" Policy

Weston enjoys an abundance of wildlife habitat, supporting a diversity of animals.  An important part of the habitat is our beautiful trees and other vegetation.  In addition to wildlife, trees help reduce floods, stabilize soil and provide shade that contributes to healthy vegetation and cool water.  Even dead trees provide habitat for cavity nesters and organic nutrients for soils.  Residents wishing to remove trees near wetlands must contact the Conservation Commission for review and approval.  To expedite the removal of unsafe trees, the Commission has created and published Weston’s first-ever Tree Removal Policy.  For more information about the importance of trees and Weston’s Tree Removal Policy, please visit: http://www.weston.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/4693

Weston has a New “Living With Wildlife” Website

With 2,000 acres of conservation land, Weston has an abundance of wildlife, from turkeys to coyotes, and even bears. Many wild creatures find suburban areas appealing and are becoming more popular in our area. Some  great resources for residents to help understand any furry, feathered, and scaly encounter, please visit: 
http://www.weston.org/1133/Living-with-Wildlife

Report Weston Wildlife Sightings

Weston residents are reporting numerous coyote, turkey, and other wildlife sightings throughout town. As a way to track these sightings, the Town of Weston has created a Wildlife Sightings Reporting Form at: http://tinyurl.com/WestonWildlifeSighting

What should I do if I see a turtle on the road?

(From Div. of Fisheries and Wildlife Website)

First and foremost, do not risk getting hurt or causing harm to others by unsafely pulling off the road or trying to dodge traffic. However, if the opportunity to safely move a turtle occurs, move  it in the direction it was heading and off the edge of the road. It is trying to get to habitats and resources it needs. Do not take turtles home or move them to a "better location". For directions on how to move a Snapping Turtle, please visit: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/natural-heritage/species-information-and-conservation/rare-reptiles-and-amphibians/turtle-frequently-asked-questions.html

Finding Young Wildlife

(From Div. of Fisheries and Wildlife Website)
The arrival of summer means the arrival of newborn and just-hatched wildlife. These youngsters soon venture into the world on shaky legs or fragile wings and are discovered by people living and working nearby. Every year, the lives of many young wild creatures are upset by people who mean to help. These people take baby wildlife from the wild in a mistaken attempt to save them. Some people assume that young wildlife they have found are abandoned. They believe that the young animals are helpless and need to be saved. In nearly all cases, this is a mistake: the young animals are neither abandoned nor orphaned. Please follow one simple rule when coming upon young wildlife: LEAVE THEM ALONE! It may be difficult to do, but this is the real act of kindness. Don't be fooled into thinking that your situation is different-in nearly all cases, young wildlife do not need to be assisted. For more information, please visit: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/fish-wildlife-plants/young-wildlife.html