Hope for 2022 Begins with Each of Us

​Friends,
 
As we enter our second year, it is a time for great hope.  The park’s ecology is on an upward trajectory, and more people are visiting the park to enjoy nature.  FOBP is looking forward to a collaboration with the town to continue to improve the park and offer more programs.  To this end, we have prepared a three year plan.
 
Some of the goals in our plan include:
 
     Ecology:

• Continued advocacy to encourage members to volunteer with the town to remove invasive species and work with the town to restore native plants;

 

• Creation of demonstration gardens for shoreline, meadow and forest understory protected by temporary fencing;

 

• Creation of pollinator gardens;

 

• Consultation with a trail expert and the town on how best to maintain trails and eliminate unauthorized trails that jeopardize ecologically sensitive areas;

 

• Continued study and evaluation of the pond health:

 

• Advocacy for the town to complete the fencing improvements; 

 
Education:

• Partner with the Recreation Department to offer preschool programs, special events for Halloween and Earth Day, and ecology and history tours;

 

• Offer information sessions on topics of interest such as lanternflies, invasive plants, etc.;

 

• Promote Art in the Park such as plein air painting and/or art for children;

 

• Partner with Westfield schools, scouts, clubs, science classes, service organizations and other interested groups to develop/offer nature programming.

 
We have many more ideas on how to serve the community while preserving nature.  For example, we could offer a Little Library Nature Book Share, senior nature walks, photography, music in the park, yoga/pilates and so much more.  Much depends upon expressed needs in the community and volunteers to make it happen.
 
FOBP has ambitious goals that can only be accomplished in full partnership with the town and with the support and volunteerism of our “Friends.”  We look forward to a close collaboration with the town and our community at large to restore Brightwood Park to a healthy and beautiful biodiverse ecosystem.  
 
Ultimately, Brightwood Park’s future depends upon us.  I guess in the same vein, our future depends upon our ability to protect and preserve biodiversity in parks such as Brightwood.  Considering the goals of the recent climate summit, preservation of this open space is particularly timely.
 
Peace,
Denise Ricci
President