Habitat Site Walk

The public is invited to join MassWildlife Habitat Biologists and Restoration Ecologists on October 5th from 4:00-6:00 pm on a walk through two portions of the Birch Hill WMA.

Many types of wildlife rely on open habitats like grasslands, shrublands, and young forests. Unfortunately these open habitats are shrinking in Massachusetts. As a result, wildlife like Whip-poor-wills, New England Cottontails, and Wood Turtles have suffered serious declines. To support wildlife, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) uses active habitat management tools like prescribed fire and timber harvest to restore and create open habitats on state wildlife lands.

Learn about the habitat management activities that will be occurring over the next year which will benefit many kinds of wildlife and improve wildlife-related recreation. Visit a barrens restoration site on the east side of Priest Brook and a young forest site on the west side of Priest Brook.

Meet in the parking area of the Winchendon Rod & Gun Club at 169 Winchendon Road in Royalston. Wear sturdy boots and be prepared for a moderately strenuous walk.