Open Space and Recreation Plan - Town of Natick

Draft 9-16-11
monuments a tree shall be taken to be within the highway and to be public property until the
contrary is shown.”
According to the subdivision rules and regulations in Natick, any tree twelve (12) inches in diameter
or larger shall not be removed in the construction of a new subdivision. If the Planning Board rules
that such a suitable tree is not retained, it must be replaced by a minimum of two trees with a
minimum diameter of two (2) inches. The species must be approved by the Tree Warden and
planted on each lot five (5) feet from the property street lines. Subdivision approval requires the
Tree Warden’s signature for this compliance.
4. Agricultural Land
Two plots of scenic agricultural land in Natick offer particular recreational opportunities to the
public. The Belkin Family Lookout farm (formerly Marino Lookout Farm) is one of the oldest
working farms in the country. The farm was originally established in 1650 by Natick’s orginial
settlers with John Eliot. Since then, it had been owned and managed by eight different families and
individuals until Steve and Joan Belkin purchased it on July 21, 2005.. In addition to its scenic views
and agricultural value, the farm also includes a petting zoo with emus, goats, donkeys, rabbits and
sheep. (http://www.lookoutfarm.com)
The non-profit Natick Community Organic Farm was founded in 1974 and has produced organic
crops ever since. Additionally, it provides open space and educational opportunities for the public.
Its educational emphasis is on year-round classes for youth. In 2009 the Town transferred
owenership of the property to the Conservation Commission, ensuring its permanent protection as
open space.
5. Wetland Vegetation (source: Habitat Values of New England Wetlands, Cathy
Pedevillano/Army Corps of Engineers Waltham, MA May 1995)
Wetland vegetation in Natick is typical of wetland vegetation found throughout New England.
Palustrine Forested Wetlands are wetland areas commonly referred to as “wooded swamps.” The
flora in this habitat is varied in the canopy level by species such as red maple, white cedar, hemlock,
spruce and fir. Other trees sometimes found in Palustrine Forested Wetlands include white pine,
yellow birch, elm and ash. Wetlands shrubs occurring in these areas include highbush blueberry,
sweet pepper-bush, swamp azalea, silky dogwood and common arrowwood. The herbaceous
vegetation includes cinnamon fern, sensitive fern, royal fern, skunk cabbage, spotted jewelweed,
sphagnum and goldthread.
Palustrine Scrub-shrub Wetlands are dominated by species that are still in the sapling and shrub
stages. Such species include highbush blueberry, sweet pepperbush, swamp azalea, spicebush,
arrowwood, winterberry, willow alder, dogwood, common elder, buttonbush and meadowsweet.
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