Spring flora on display during nature walk

By Adway S. Wadekar, Contributing Writer

Westborough – On May 22, the Westborough Community Land Trust (WCLT) hosted a New England Wildflower Walk in Libbey/Wilde Forest. Around 15 participants met at the Gilmore Pond entrance to the trail and walked two miles around the forest to identify plants, ferns and other marks of flora and fauna.

Participants viewed wintercrest, mustard, and chickweed, as well as a few different ferns. A patch of honeysuckle was also discovered. Trail leaders explained that honeysuckle is an invasive plant from Asia, and that many efforts have been dedicated to eradicating the plant, but it has continued to thrive. Throughout the walk, a few spring ephemerals were found as well. These flowers have very short life spans; viewing them before they are gone was the reason for the timing of this walk.

Part of the WCLT’s mission is to educate the public about environmental issues, the wonders of nature, and the importance of preserving and protecting land in Westborough. In support of this mission, the WCLT sponsors events like this one on a regular basis. All events are open to the public, and they can be found on WCLT’s calendar at www.westboroughlandtrust.org/cal/calendar.