Committee flags rare gentian sighting and recommends native landscaping and invasive‑species priorities for town projects

Committee members reported finding narrow‑leaf gentians at the end of the Henry’s Grove Trail and said the species was confirmed by a state botanist as a plant listed under Massachusetts’ endangered‑species protections. The plants were observed near the east branch of the Ware River off Lombard Road.

Members also discussed invasive species management and landscaping guidance for the new town hall. The committee recommended that the town’s construction or landscape contract explicitly specify native species and exclude known invasive ornamentals such as burning bush and barberry. Members identified knotweed on public property near the center school and senior center and proposed compiling a prioritized eradication plan for public land.

Committee volunteers said they would continue tracking rare plant occurrences, document locations, and assist in public education on invasive species. The committee discussed coordinating invasive‑species work with other planned projects so that larger machines and contractors can be used efficiently when multiple sites need work.

Why this matters: confirmation of a state‑listed plant on town trails affects management and public access decisions; specifying native landscaping in town projects reduces future management costs and helps protect native biodiversity.