Nov 25, 2016

McLaughlin and Back of the Hill Woodlands Restoration Project Complete

The restoration project for McLaughlin and Back of the Hill Urban wild woodlands, funded by the Mission Hill Fenway Neighborhood Trust in April 2015, has been completed. Invasive Norway and Sycamore maples were removed, bittersweet and wild grape vines were controlled, and all cut material was used for slope stabilization and soil enhancement. 59 shagbark hickories, oaks, birch, dogwood and juneberries were planted. A map of the plantings and list of trees planted are posted below.

Dennis is reapplying to the Trust in spring 2017 to continue work at McLaughlin Woodlands, Back of the Hill, and the Baptist Meadow at the summit of the hill. Work at McLaughlin will focus on cutting back vines, brush, and trees that twine through the softball field fence from the edge of the woods. Opening this area will allow access to a path along the top of hill alongside the fence and enable the care of trees previously planted on the hill. At Back of the Hill, the work will center on the terrace behind the parking lot for the Judge Baker Manville School and the former N.E. Baptist School of Nursing. Continuing removal of Norway maples there will allow for the natural succession of native fauna. On the Baptist Meadow the emphasis is on revival and maintenance of the staghorn sumac population. To this end invasive maples, wild grapes, and multi-flora rosa will be controlled. The Meadow is a sanctuary for birds so maintaining a balance of multiflora rosa, sumac and shrubs that controls human activity and offers areas to rest and nest are important.