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Who We Are
West Newbury Wild and Native (WN2) is a group of residents from West Newbury and adjacent towns passionate about promoting native plants, pollinator and wildlife-friendly gardening, and controlling invasive plants. Inspired by the book “Nature’s Best Hope” by Doug Tallamy and the work of others on climate change and its effects, the group formed in October 2020 from a need identified during the Town’s Municipal Vulnerability Planning process. Scientists have warned us that the loss of bird and native plant populations, the decline of insect pollinators and increase of invasive plants will only escalate with climate change. We believe preservation of West Newbury’s wild and native lands is best done one yard at a time, one landscape at a time, and every gardener and landowner should be empowered to rebuild and restore healthy ecosystems in West Newbury.
Mission
Our mission is to encourage public and private landowners to adopt practices that promote sustainable landscapes, one yard at a time. A sustainable landscape is bird and pollinator friendly, does not require chemical inputs and conserves water.
Since over 90% of Massachusetts land is privately owned, land trusts and State and federal parks alone cannot conserve biodiversity. The responsibility for stewarding this land must be taken on by individual homeowners, municipalities and corporations have a duty to provide and maintain natural habitat on their developed lands.
We intend to provide resources to help residents and landowners (no matter your property size) decide what native species to plant, how to control invasive plants wherever they are found and how to replace or diversify lawns with native plants. By sponsoring programs, webinars, demonstration projects, challenges, walks and more we will provide the tools to encourage ecologically beneficial practices by landowners, sparking community conversations about how to become a sustainable and resilient town by keeping West Newbury Wild and Native.
Native species support native pollinators by providing essential food and habitat. Learn more about why it’s important to prioritize
natives in garden design, and join the growing community of native gardeners.
Pollinators ensure our supermarkets stay stocked and our green areas lush and
healthy. They give us so much, and it’s time we start giving back. Learn how to protect pollinators in West Newbury!
by learning more and joining our invasives challenge.
Invasive species are found throughout all open areas in West Newbury, and are choking out natives. Help us combat them
What We Do
WN2 members meet monthly to work on a variety of efforts to advance our purpose. We provide resources to help residents and landowners (no matter your property size) decide what native species to plant, how to control invasive plants wherever they are found and how to replace or diversify our lawns with native plants. By sponsoring programs, webinars, demonstration projects, challenges, walks and more we will provide the tools to encourage ecologically beneficial practices by landowners, sparking community conversations about how to become a sustainable and resilient town by keeping West Newbury Wild and Native. Members work in partnership with Town committees, West Newbury Garden Club, along with Town staff, to provide expertise, resources, and grant funding.
Organizing Committee
We live, work, play in West Newbury and care for and about its living landscapes. Our mission is to encourage public and private landowners to adopt practices that promote sustainable lands, one yard, one landscape, at a time. Please join us!
Nancy Pau Patricia Reeser Carol Decker John Terry
Deb Orieta Liz Callahan John Duggan Linda Schaeffer
Sandra Goodrich Richard Parker Deb Hamilton