Nestled in the heart of Concord, Massachusetts, Peter Spring Field is more than just farmland—it’s a thriving ecological corridor and a testament to what thoughtful conservation can achieve. This 20-acre agricultural field, owned by the town and leased to the organic growers at Hutchins Farm, plays a vital role in connecting two important wetland habitats: the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and Moore’s Swamp. For species like the Blanding’s turtle, this connection is critical.
The northern 5 acres of the field is designated as critical Blanding’s turtle nesting habitat. Historically, it was managed with regular mowing and annual crop seeding—practices that kept the field open for nesting but offered little benefit to other wildlife. But in 2017, a new vision took root. With support from the Garden Club of Concord and in collaboration with Hutchins Farm and the town of Concord, we transformed this area into a native wildflower meadow. The goal? To create a haven not just for turtles, but for pollinators, birds, and the broader ecosystem.
The meadow was seeded with a custom mix of native wildflowers and grasses, and in 2020, we added four experimental plots to test the viability of rare native species like sundial lupine. That same year, we began conducting annual late-summer transect surveys to monitor ecological changes over time.
Fast forward to 2025, and the results are inspiring. Our surveys have documented over 100 species or unique genera thriving in the field. The site has responded remarkably well to minimal management, showcasing natural succession even through challenging climate conditions.
Peter Spring Field is now a vibrant refuge, proving that with the right partnerships and a commitment to native habitat restoration, even small changes in land management can yield big results.