Joshua’s Trust will begin the first phase of a multi-year forest improvement project at Whetten Woods in March of 2026. This project aims to remove of all invasive species on 37 acres at Whetten Woods as well as on abutting town land and Bundy Brook Farm’s private land. Invasive removal will be a 3-year effort–returning each year and ensuring that we’ve achieved at least 90% mortality. In late 2026/early 2027 we will commence removing sick and overcrowded trees. Whetten Woods contains many diseased trees including black birch with a fungus called nectria canker, oak that have been killed or weakened by the spongy moth, and ash that have been killed or weakened by the emerald ash borer. Our plan is to create openings in the canopy so that we can encourage the new growth of healthy, native species. The overall goal of this project is to improve forest health and wildlife habitat. We hope that the impacted woods build resiliency as a result of this initiative so the public can enjoy Whetten Woods for generations to come.
