Each fall OCT mows back and maintains its properties that contain early succession field habitats. Maintaining open fields is getting more attention in recent years. Whippoorwills, ruffed grouse, quail and other species have become scarce as their field habitat reverts to forest, according to Mass Wildlife.
 
OCT will also continue to focus on the removal of exotic invasive plant species, which continually creep into the upland habitats and choke out the once lush arrowwood viburnums, bayberry shrubs, high and low bush blurberries, oaks, pitch pine and black cherries. The continued removal of the invasive plant species and mowing of these existing fields provide food, shelter, and nesting habitat for bird and mammal species alike.

While relatively small in size, these projects are time-consuming, expensive, and cannot be undertaken by only a few individuals. The property inspections and maintenance needs to be conducted by the administrator, land stewards, and community member living in close proximity. OCT would like to thank all of the neighbors who helped offset the costs of the management activities that took place on these properties in 2011.

This year OCT is looking to expand its volunteer land management group that would meet once every other week for a half a day to work on restoring some of these parcels of land. If you would like to voluntee, please contact Kris Ramsay, OCT Administrator at 508-255-0183 or email octkris@verizon.net.