Conservation

Accessibility on Conservation Areas

Learn about the accessibility on Conservation Areas.

Certified Bee City

Lexington Conservation staff hosted and supported multiple projects that benefited pollinators in 2021. Starting in January 2021 and lasting through May 2021, Conservation staff organized and hosted a monthly webinar “Lexington Nature Speaker Series” to help keep our volunteers and community-engaged over the winter months and during COVID-19.

Community Garden

Lexington continues to offer community garden plots for growing organic vegetables, fruits, and flowers at Idylwilde Conservation Area off of Middle Street.

Conservation Projects

In addition to annual maintenance and management of the town's conservation trails and meadows, the Lexington Conservation Division and Conservation Stewards are engaged in a number of projects to improve the town's conservation infrastructure, wildlife habitat, ecosystem health, and scenic value.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission is responsible for the preservation of open land and the protection of wetlands through the provisions of the State and Federal Wetlands Protection statutes.

Conservation E-Newsletter

Have something to share? This is the place for all things Stewardship in Lexington, including upcoming volunteer work events, newly completed projects, local trainings and educational events, as well as new from the Lexington Conservation Office.

Conservation Permits: Wetlands Protection

The Town of Lexington regulates wetlands and floodplain protection in accordance with the terms of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. 131 Section 40 A) and the Town of Lexington's Wetlands Protection Code. The Environmental Protection Agency / United States Army Corps of Engineers also regulates activities in wetlands through the Clean Water Act.

Land Stewardship

The Lexington Conservation Office manages over 1,400 acres of town-owned Conservation land by engaging a diverse group of volunteer Stewards, neighbors, consultants, and community groups.

Open Space and Recreation Plan

Other Conservation Organizations & Information

Find related Lexington conservation groups and other conservation information.

Public Land & Trails

Lexington has over 1,400 acres of conservation land, including 26 conservation areas with trail access and over 50 miles of trails, many with boardwalks through wet areas. This conservation land creates a patchwork of forests, fields, and wetlands that provides important habitat for plants and wildlife, ecosystem services such as air and water filtration, and adds to the quality of life for Lexington residents. On Lexington's conservation land, visitors have many opportunities for nature enjoyment and passive recreation, including jogging, picnicking, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, and bicycling.

Running Bamboo

At a Special Town Meeting in 2020, Chapter 131, Running Bamboo Control, was added to the Code of Lexington “…to preserve and protect private and Town-owned property and Town-owned rights-of-way from the damaging spread of Running Bamboo…”.

Stormwater

Stormwater is the water that flows over the ground when it rains or snows. When precipitation falls on vegetated areas, most of the water soaks into the ground rather than running over its surface.