Report of the Southwick Open Space Planning Committee 2008
The committee was established by the Conservation Commission 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 10 active 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 field work at the properties. For more information about the SOSPC, contact the Conservation Commission office at 569-6907.
Land management and conservation activities continued throughout 2008. A very dedicated group of volunteers, led by Jean Cass, spent numerous hours removing invasive plant species from areas around ponds and at the edges of fields at the Sofinowski Preserve on Mort Vining Road. Machine removal of brush at the preserve was done by Cal Chunglo in conjunction with a grant from Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS). Funds from a Baystate Gas Ni-Source Grant enabled the purchase of over 200 native plant species. These were hand planted by committee members in the vicinity of the small pond. Additionally, a long term invasive control plan commenced 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.
Maintenance efforts at the Sofinowski Preserve focused on improving the accessibility of the property. Several hundred feet of muddy trails were repaired along the Linken Trail with mulch donated by Crestview Construction. Funding for the remainder of the project came from a Recreational Trails Grant written by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (Mass DCR). The New England Mountain Bicycle Club (NEMBA) held a Trail Care Day in July. Led by Michael Zahner, NEMBA members and other volunteers constructed a bicycle trail through a wooded area of the property.
A very successful star gazing event was held by the Springfield STARS Club. The large field is noted as being an excellent vantage point due to its elevation, openness, and lack of “light pollution”. It was 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 plans to make this an annual event at the Preserve.
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 will be completed in 2009, with a nature photography event also planned.
An abandoned sand and gravel pit, located in the Goose Pond area, was restored using funding from NRCS. Invasive plants were removed throughout the large pit, and a thin layer of fertile soil was spread throughout. Little blue stem grass that was planted in the fertile soil, with native trees and shrubs also planted. The restored area will serve as habitat for the Eastern Box Turtle, and provide a scenic natural compliment to the nearby Rails to Trails project.
A town wide Open Space Recreation survey was rolled out for 2008 by the committee. 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 will be used to guide the committee’s future efforts and also be included as part of the Southwick Open Space and Recreation Plan.
2009 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 at Goose Pond in May and maintenance duties at Loupinski Preserve and the Granville Gorge will persist. Star Gazing and other events 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