Commission Stalls Day Field RFP, Funds Orchard Study

Conservation · Meeting of August 26, 2026

WESTFORD — The Westford Conservation Commission stalled a long-awaited Day Field farming RFP after the community garden revealed it needs to expand. Agricultural Commission Chair Mark Lawler won unanimous approval to let volunteer gleaners use Hill Orchard's cold storage, after reporting nearly 1,000 pounds of fruit already donated to the Merrimack and Westford food pantries. Commissioners voted 5-1 to spend up to $5,000 on an independent Hill Orchard tree health assessment, over one member's objection that it would further delay an already-stalled management RFP.

Community garden coordinator Barhad Chankar said the garden, with more than 250 members and a 20-plus waiting list, wants to add perennial plots, raised beds and a blueberry patch on the Day Field before any farming lease is issued; a motion to release the Day Field RFP within 30 days failed. The commission separately approved removing 20 trees near a home on Concord Road, requiring 10 replacement plantings, and voted to extend the Stony Brook Parkrun season through at least September 26, with a possible extension to November "weather permitting."

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Source: the Conservation meeting of August 26, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.