Impact
Contiguous Protected Land
Reservoir Woods is located among other protected and conserved lands in Walpole, allowing wildlife to move safely and easily between habitats and along migration routes.
Our trails connect to town trails and other lands privately owned but open to hikers and walkers to enjoy being outdoors.
Watershed & Clean Water
Reservoir Woods keeps seasonal streams and rivulets flowing through culverts, managed with natural stream sieves like branches, wetland vegetation and rocks, provides flood control, retains sediment and recharges groundwater.
Managing the Reservoir Woods forests helps to purify water by reducing impervious surfaces, minimizing storm runoff, stabilizing soils and filtering out contaminants.
Forestry & Clean Air
By keeping Reservoir Woods’ property in a natural state, our forests, fields, and wetlands help mitigate the impacts of climate change by sequestering and storing carbon from the atmosphere.
By using best forestry practices, Reservoir Woods helps to increase biodiversity of plants and trees creating a more resilient forest.
Our forest management plan acts as a guide to maintaining healthy forest ecosystems and animal habitats.
Maintaining our nursery allows us to continue to plant more healthy trees throughout the property.
Agriculture & Healthy Soils
In collaboration with Cheshire County Conservation District and Britton farm, we switched from corn to hay crops to help increase organic matter and decrease erosion while working together to improve the quality of the hay crop for the Britton’s dairy herd.
Root systems of hay crops create pathways in the soil to improve aeration and water filtration, resulting in a healthy environment for microbial life.
We can reduce the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and harmful pesticides which can make plants more resistant to disease and pests.
Community Health / Future generations
Reservoir Woods provides a peaceful opportunity to connect to the outdoors alone or with others engaged in physical activity whether it’s running, walking, snowshoeing or cross country skiing.
The trails through the fields and forest provide a natural, stress-free break from spending time in front of screens. Many studies state the mental, emotional and physical well being of spending time outside and experiencing nature.
Fifty six acres of conserved land equals fifty six acres of fewer paved surfaces and more area for vegetation to grow. Trees provide shade and cooler temperatures that people and animals appreciate in hot summer months, reducing risks of heat stroke.
Friends, family and neighbors can enjoy a reason to be together, building, strengthening and inspiring community relationships.