Report of the Southwick Open Space Planning Committee
The Conservation Commission established the committee in 2003 to assist in managing Southwick’s open space lands and act as a catalyst for public participation in planning for future conservation and passive recreation opportunities in our town.
There are currently nine voting and four alternatives members on the committee. Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month in the Land Use Meeting Room on the 2nd floor of Town Hall. The public is encouraged to attend and participate on a volunteer basis throughout the year. Several subcommittees meet and conduct fieldwork at the properties. For more information about the SOSPC, contact the Conservation Commission office at 569-6907.
Land management and conservation activities continued throughout 2009. A very dedicated group of volunteers, led by Bettye Bradley and Jean Cass have continued to attend to the needs of Sofinowski Preserve on Mort Vining Road, by tending to ongoing removal invasive plant species, from varying areas around ponds and at the edges of fields. Cal Chunglo continues to maintain by use of machine removal of brush at the preserve in conjunction with a grant from Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS). Funds from a Baystate Gas Ni-Source Grant enabled the purchase and planting of over 200 native plant species all of which were hand planted by committee members in the vicinity of the small pond. Additionally, a long-term invasive control plan continues with the deposition of lime on all five fields at the Preserve. This plan was drawn up and funded by NRCS, a division of the US Department of Agriculture.
An ongoing effort at the Sofinowski Preserve to improve the accessibility of the property has been maintained. Several hundred feet of muddy trails that were repaired along the Linken Trail with mulch donated by Crestview Construction have wintered relatively well, with funding for the remainder of the project from a Recreational Trails Grant written by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (Mass DCR). The SOSPC has applied for a second Recreational Trails Grant for the year 2010. The New England Mountain Bicycle Club (NEMBA) held a Trail Care Day in July. Led by Michael Zahner, NEMBA members and other volunteers had constructed a bicycle trail through a wooded area of the property.
The Springfield STARS Club held yet another very successful star gazing event. The large field is noted as being an excellent vantage point due to its elevation, openness, and lack of “light pollution”. This event continues to be well attended by Southwick residents, who marveled at the clarity and detail of the heavenly bodies seen through the telescopes from the Springfield Science Museum. Coordinator Ed Faits of Southwick maintains plans to make this an annual event at the Preserve. Residents are encouraged to attend.
Maintenance efforts also continued at the Granville Gorge. A second phase of improvements was implemented in 2008. The parking area was fortified by the addition of gravel. Signage at the parking area was upgraded, and the gate was repainted. The final phase of repair was completed in 2009, with a planned nature photography event.
The abandoned sand and gravel pit, located in the Goose Pond area, was restored using funding from NRCS and Community Preservation Act funds. Invasive plants were removed throughout the large pit, and a thin layer of fertile soil was spread throughout. Little blue stem grass was planted in the fertile soil. Native trees and shrubs were also planted. The restored area continues to serve as habitat for the Eastern Box Turtle, despite occasional vandalism, thus providing a scenic natural complement to the nearby Rails to Trails project which has been open and enjoyed by many Southwick and surrounding town residents all through this year.
The committee completed a town wide Open Space Recreation survey for 2009. Residents were asked to respond to several questions regarding land planning and usage by the town. The survey was enthusiastically received, with over 300 respondents voicing their opinions. The information collected continues to be used to guide the committee’s future efforts as part of the Southwick Open Space and Recreation Plan.
2010 promises to be a busy year for the Committee. Continuation of long term management plans and completion of planting plans will compliment the Linken Trail Restoration project at the Sofinowski Preserve. A continuation of the plantings maintenance at Goose Pond and similar duties at Loupinski Preserve as well as at the Granville Gorge will persist. Star Gazing and other events such as the dedication and planting of the Liberty Elm Tree Memorial will also keep the Southwick Open Space Planning Committee in the public eye for another year.
Respectfully submitted,
John Stadnicki, Committee Chair
Dennis Clark, Vice Chair
Jean Cass, Secretary
Rick Solek
Mehmet Mizanoglu
Bettye Bradley
Tom Lane
Craig Samuelson
Barbara MacEwan
Chris Pratt
Pat Ayotte
Marian Duggan-Markos
Gary Hoover