Western Greenway
Stonehurst, the Paine Estate (AKA Storer Conservation Land) is part of the Western Greenway, a regional conservation connectivity project that protects, links and restores healthy habitats across 1200 acres of interconnected open space in Waltham, Belmont and Lexington.
Greenways are connected open spaces, with vernal pools, wetlands, forests and meadows that provide vital habitats and corridors for New England wildlife. They have the power to reverse habitat fragmentation and habitat losses, the primary cause of biodiversity loss and extinction of native species.
The Western Greenway is also source of enjoyment, health and education for people of all ages. It stretches for seven miles from the Paine Estate in Waltham to Mass Audubon’s Habitat in Belmont. On your walk, be on the look out for fox, deer, wild turkey, lady slippers, wood frogs, great horned owls, etc.
Please be considerate when using this shared space and observe all land use rules. Dogs must be leashed at all times. As always on public land, leave no trace of your visit.
Benefits of Greenways
Australian teachers have summarized the benefits of conservation connectivity projects like the Western Greenway:
“By making sure our local environment is thriving and healthy, our families and future children will enjoy:
fresh air to breath and clean water to drink
trees and shrubs that provide shade and shelter
deeper, richer, more productive agricultural soils to grow our food in
healthy soils that do not erode away
a diversity of birds and insects that assist plants with pollination
healthy native animals that help control germs and pests
A healthy landscape also protects us against extreme weather events and a changing climate. ”
