The Franklin Conservation Department and Conservation Commission are pleased to announce that Riverbend Conservation Area has been certified as a Tree Farm, recognizing the ongoing efforts to responsibly manage the property’s forest resources, improve wildlife habitat and support long-term forest health.
An official Tree Farm sign was installed at Riverbend on Tuesday, Sept. 15, marking the certification and the continued stewardship work taking place throughout the conservation area.
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From left, consulting forester Tom Ashton,
Conservation Commissioner Roger Trahan,
Conservation Director Breeka Li Goodlander,
certified tree climber Anders Anderson
and Conservation Commission Vice Chair Lui Puga. |
What Is Tree Farm Certification?
Tree Farm certification recognizes forests that are managed with a long-term approach to responsible stewardship. The program encourages landowners and communities to consider the many benefits healthy forests provide, including wildlife habitat, water quality, recreation, biodiversity and overall forest health.
For communities, certification provides an opportunity to recognize and showcase the work involved in responsibly managing public forestland and natural resources. It also reflects a commitment to thoughtful, long-term forest management and planning for the future.
Franklin joins several other Massachusetts communities with current Tree Farm status, including Lenox, Fitchburg, West Springfield, Holyoke, Westfield, Walpole and Plymouth.
Stewardship and Climate Research at Riverbend
Riverbend’s Tree Farm certification builds on a Forest Stewardship Plan developed for the property in 2024. Following native shrub plantings and the creation of habitat brush piles at Riverbend after Earth Day in 2026, the Conservation Commission approved plans for continued and expanded stewardship work.
As part of the project, five climate plots have been established throughout Riverbend. These plots are designed to be monitored over time to help study the impacts of climate change on local forests and ecosystems. Additionally, three screech owl boxes have been installed to provide nesting habitat for local wildlife.
The project focuses on native tree species that may help local ecosystems adapt to a changing climate while supporting forest and riparian health. The plots vary in microclimate, terrain, tree species, species diversity and wildlife habitat. The work also includes removing invasive glossy buckthorn and managing diseased hemlock trees.
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| Director of Conservation Breeka Li Goodlander |
Stewardship efforts will continue this fall, with more than 400 native tree seedlings expected to arrive in November for planting in additional climate plots.
“Riverbend gives us an opportunity to take a long-term approach to forest stewardship while learning more about the health and resilience of our local ecosystems,” said Franklin’s Director of Conservation Breeka Li Goodlander. “The Tree Farm certification recognizes the work already underway and supports our continued efforts to improve habitat, protect natural resources and maintain Riverbend as a valuable community resource for generations to come.”
Funding for the project was provided through the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Service Forestry Stewardship Cost-Share Program, Massachusetts Climate Stewardship Incentive Program (Mass C-SIP), Franklin Conservation Commission and a collaborative donation from the Town’s Stormwater and Environmental Affairs division of the Department of Public Works.
The Conservation Department and Conservation Commission thank the volunteers, partners and community members who have supported the ongoing stewardship of Riverbend Conservation Area.
