⦿ Land Use
The EAC Fall 2017 Survey showed that nearly 70% of survey respondents said they "valued" and wanted to preserve open space, nature, and wildlife in town. The following overall goals were identified by the Environmental Action Committee and are detailed in the Environmental Action Plan.
Rural Character, Vistas, Open Space, and Outdoor Recreation
- Maintain the rural character of Princeton
- Maintain or improve public and environmental health
Agriculture, Pest, and Landscape Management
- Support sustainable local agriculture
- Reduce the use of toxic chemicals on public and private lands
- Encourage the control of invasive pests and disease in sustainable ways
Relevant Links
| Topic | Link | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Central Mass Grown | A list of local food producers, farmer's markets, and more |
| Agriculture | Central MA Locavore | Online CSA delivering to your door |
| Agriculture | Composting | Get a Low-Cost Compost Bin (MassDEP) |
Agriculture | NOFA MASS | Our local organic farming association. For all people who care about food, where it comes from, and how it's grown. |
| Agriculture | Worcester County Conservation Commission | Annual Seedling Sale and more |
Agriculture/ Land Use | Natural Pest Control/Natural Lawn Care | Non-toxic ways to deal with pests and care for your lawn. Prepared by the EAC. |
| Land Use | Lawn Management | Natural lawn and landscape care (tips and techniques from MassDEP) |
| Land Use | Massachusetts Watershed Coalition | Community Guide to Growing Greener (to protect clean water) for individuals and communities |
| Land Use | Mass Woods | UMASS Amherst Info on caring for your land, including landowner programs and land legacy information |
| Land Use | NOFA's organic land care program | |
| Land Use | Wildlife Habitat Program | Certify your property as a wildlife sanctuary through the National Wildlife Federation |
| Recreation | Recreational Trails | Trails in the Town of Princeton |
| Recreation | Thomas Prince School Nature Trails | Guides and map |
| Recreation | Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary | News, Events, and Upcoming Programs |
| EAP | The Bright Darkness | A research report on light pollution in Princeton created in 2021 by a group of WPI students (EAP Action item #4) working with the EAC. |
| EAP | WPI Student Presentation | The video presentation of The Bright Darkness by the WPI students. |
| EAP | Princeton's Night Sky & You | Handout on light pollution with resources for stargazers. |
Recommended Reading
- "Forest Adaptation Resources: Climate Change Tools and Approaches for Land Managers," 2nd Edition, General Technical Report NRS-57-2, USDA Forest Service, September 2016
- Catanzo, Fish & Kittredge, "Best Management Practices Manual," Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Bureau of Forestry, 2013
- Michael Mauri, "A Woodlot Owner’s Guide," copyright Michael Mauri, 20
- "A Guide to Invasive Plants in Massachusetts, Revised Second Edition," Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, 2008
This page was last updated on October 3, 2021