Beginning Friday, July 24, residents will see contractors working in portions of Reading's nearly 300-acre Town Forest as part of the Town's ongoing forest restoration effort. The Town Forest is one of Reading's largest protected open spaces, offering miles of trails through diverse woodlands and wetlands enjoyed by residents year-round.

As part of the FY2026 Town budget approved by Town Meeting last November, invasive species management will continue in the Town Forest. This year's work will focus on approximately 15 acres containing some of the forest's most significant invasive plant infestations.

Temporary trail closures will be in place in active work areas to ensure public safety while herbicide treatments are applied in select locations. Marked detours will be provided so visitors can continue to enjoy the forest while work is underway.

This year's work will target several invasive species that threaten the health of the forest, including:

1. Glossy buckthorn
2. Swallow-wort
3. Tree-of-heaven
4. Bittersweet
5. Bush honeysuckle
6. Knotweed

These invasive plants crowd out native vegetation, reduce biodiversity, degrade soil health, and prevent the natural regeneration of the forest. Unlike native plants, they provide little value to local wildlife, reducing the food and habitat available to birds, pollinators, and other native species. Their removal allows native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers to recover, helping create a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.

This project builds on several years of successful restoration work. Much of the Town Forest was planted with non-native red pine nearly a century ago. As those aging stands reached the end of their lifespan and were removed, the Town Forest Committee, the Department of Public Works, and the Town of Reading have worked together to restore these areas as a more diverse, resilient native forest.

Healthy forests don't happen by accident - they require active stewardship," said Jeff Lamson, Chair of the Reading Town Forest Committee. "The work residents will see this summer builds on years of active forest management, planning, and collaboration. Every area we restore creates new opportunities for native trees, wildflowers, and wildlife to return. We're excited by the progress that's already been made and grateful for the community's continued support."

A healthy forest supports a healthy community. Native forests capture and store carbon, improve air and water quality, reduce erosion, provide critical wildlife habitat, and create beautiful natural spaces for recreation, education, and quiet enjoyment. Invasive species management, combined with tree planting initiatives and volunteer stewardship events, is helping restore the Town Forest's natural biodiversity and ecological function. Each year of restoration builds on the progress of the last, bringing the forest closer to its full ecological potential.

Residents who would like to be part of the restoration effort are encouraged to join one of the Committee's volunteer invasive species removal events. Volunteer opportunities are available at: www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0545ABAD23A6FBC07-62972829-buckthorn

Questions or concerns may be directed to: townforest@readingma.gov