The Plantings of Wildwood Park

There have been four planting events in the process of reclaiming the natural vegetation of Wildwood Park. These have occurred over several events within each planting mentioned below, and some are still going on this day. As you peruse this portion of the site, links will take you to the actual lists of plants we have introduced. These lists are mainly of the woody species. Several herbaceous species have also been planted.

The Town of Bridgewater financially supported the first plantings. The list was various, and so were the results. The best results occurred with Mertensia virginica, Virginia bluebells, pictured to the far right. The plantings were done by the Hill and Gardner families, who employed their respective sons in the activity. You see part of the group at work here.
In the Spring of 1998 the students and faculty of John Wayland Elementary School gave the town a cash gift out of which the town could buy trees. These were planted in the back area of the park in the open space which the town could manage by keeping grass cut, etc. Four trees were selected: dogwoods, pin oaks, honey locusts and redbud. Sadly, the only survivors were the redbud and the locusts. All of the dogwoods died. The oaks were all taken down by beaver activity. The students of the school did much of the planting themselves. This portion of the project had unhappy results, but these same students mobilized for other plantings, as described below
A Riparian Buffer was formed along the riverbank. The purpose of such a buffer is explained elsewhere. This involved the planting of many species of trees and shrubs. This occurred over two major planting events in 1998 and 1999, since followed by some added plantings by the town.
Some of our group took on a clearing as a special project. We don't know why this happened, but there was a large gap of vegetation within the wooded area to the right as you enter the natural area. This area has received considerable attention, and it is developing well.