Conservation Land
Conservation Areas
The town of Lexington has over 1,300 acres of conservation land, including 26 conservation areas with public access.
Download a map of Lexington's conservation areas with public access>>
Click on a name below for a map and more information about each of Lexington's conservation areas.
Please respect these regulations while enjoying your time on our conservation land. We invite people to walk their dogs on our conservation areas, but please note the regulations that apply specifically to dogs.
Find out more about our volunteer land stewardship group, the Lexington Conservation Stewards>>
Special Notice: New Regulations for Dog Walkers at Willard’s Woods Go Into Effect September 1
On Wednesday, September 1, 2010, new regulations regarding dog walking at Willard's Woods will go into effect as part of an effort by the Conservation Commission to ensure that all visitors have a safe and comfortable experience at the popular conservation area. Under the new regulations, dogs must be on leash on Saturdays and Sundays at all times and in all locations at Willard's Woods; dogs may be walked off leash on weekdays, but they must remain under the immediate restraint and control of their walker, either by leash or voice command, as required by Town of Lexington bylaw. Existing regulations providing that no more than 3 dogs per person are permitted and that dog walkers must pick up and properly dispose of their dogs' waste remain in effect as well. Violations to the regulations are punishable by fines and can be reported to the Police Department at 781-862-1212.
Following growing concerns about user conflicts at the popular conservation area, the Conservation Commission, which manages over 1,300 acres of conservation land in Lexington, hosted several public meetings and convened a task group to discuss off leash dog access to Willard's Woods last winter and spring. After considering feedback from the public, the Commission voted on these regulation changes at their June 22, 2010 hearing in Cary Hall.
A flier and the full text of the Conservation Commission's decision regarding this regulation are availabe as a PDF below, along with background information on the regulation change.
Willard's Woods Regulation Change Flier
Willard's Woods Regulation Change Decision
Report to the Lexington Conservation Commission from its Land Management Subcommittee Regarding Willard's Woods
Map: Proposed Regulations for Willard's Woods, Options 2 and 3
Draft Additional Regulations for Willard's Woods Conservation Area
Assessment of Ecological Impacts of Dog Walking at Willard's Woods Conservation Area
Community Gardens
Registration for Lexington's community gardens is now closed for the 2010 season.
Lexington has two community garden sites: one at Idylwilde conservation area (between Middle and Lincoln Streets) and one at Dunback Meadow conservation area (near the Allen Street entrance to Dunback Meadow). Garden plots are available to the public for a fee of $10 per 20 x 20 plot. The gardens are organic, and running water is not available at either garden site. Gardens are available for growing vegetables and/or flowers.
The previous year's gardeners have priority for returning to their plots. New gardeners can add their name to the waiting list by calling the Conservation office at 781-862-0500 x 240.
The registration form (available here) can be downloaded and mailed to the Conservation office at 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420. Please include a check for your plot with the registration form.
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