Conservation Commission considers expanding community garden

The Conservation Commission chose to hold off on seeking a new farmer for the Day Field on Wednesday as town officials consider expanding the neighboring Westford Community Garden to meet growing demand.

During its Aug. 26 meeting, commissioners discussed whether to issue a request for proposals for the agricultural land or first allow community garden organizers to develop plans to expand the area. Day Field is home to the Westford Community Gardens, which occupies about an acre of land near the intersection of Graniteville Road and Cold Spring Road.

The community garden has reached capacity, with all available plots claimed within days of opening for the season and more than two dozen people placed on a waiting list. Organizers said some gardeners have also expressed interest in larger plots.

The expansion could include additional annual and perennial gardening space, as well as raised beds closer to parking for elderly gardeners and people with disabilities.

Mark O’Lalor, Chair of the Agricultural Commission, argued that the town should consider the community garden’s success before committing the remaining agricultural land to another farmer. The site also hosts composting operations, community programs and activities involving local Scout groups.

“The community garden is an incredibly successful town endeavor,” O’Lalor said. “We have 250, over 250 members that garden successfully, volunteers that run the whole thing, and it is just a wonderfully successful place.”

The discussion comes as the town prepares for the future management of both Day Field and Hill Orchard, which sits on approximately 20 acres off Hunt Road and Chamberlain Roads. Farmer Dave, Hill Orchard’s long time manager, recently stepped away from the management of the orchard. Officials had considered releasing the Day Field RFP earlier but discussed waiting until later in the growing season, when prospective farmers may be more likely to respond.

Commission members disagreed over whether another delay was warranted. Some pushed for the RFP to be released immediately, arguing the process had already been delayed for months.

Others questioned whether seeking proposals for the existing acreage made sense if the community garden could soon claim a larger portion of the property. Doing so could require the town to reject proposals and issue another RFP reflecting the smaller farming area.

Commissioners agreed to wait for community garden organizers to develop a proposal outlining how much additional land they would like to use. The commission is expected to revisit the matter at a subsequent meeting.

The Agricultural Commission has also discussed preparing the unused farming area for the next growing season with a cover crop to improve soil conditions. Officials said that work would not typically occur until after the community garden closes in October or November, leaving additional time to determine the property’s future layout.