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Understory Study

The Understory Study was realized as part of a 2015 Community Preservation Act project to rebuild the Fern Boardwalk. Previously the land was overwrought with invasive plants as well as thirteen black walnut trees, which release the toxin juglone into the soil, suppressing the growth of many other species. The Town hired contractors to remove these trees, making way for a survey of understory trees and shrubs, carefully selected to improve biodiversity and enrich the Arboretum’s repertoire. These plants from around the world include pink horse chestnut, various magnolias, Japanese maples, river birch, witch hazel, and Japanese stewartia.