
Town
Forest History
The
Town Forest was created through the foresight of our forefathers
at a time when industry had replaced farming as the economic base
and open, ravaged land was being reclaimed for civic use.
With
the grant of 150 acres of land from Mr. George Plimpton and the
environmental vision of Mr. Charles Bird, the forest was established
in 1916 for the citizens of Walpole. It became the third Tree
Farm in the state recognized by the Massachusetts Forestry Association
and the first town forest to be managed for timber revenue.
Since
those early years, several management plans have been written
by foresters to guide the town in the maintenance and improvement
of the woodlands for public use. The emphasis today is on passive
recreation, watershed protection, aesthetic attraction, and the
preservation of a healthy forest ecosystem.
Town
Forest Map & Brochure