Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship
Since 2005, the Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship, an independent group of resident volunteers, has maintained the town’s open space and community gardens, and hosted free community events to build a sense of community and stewardship.
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Amazing Decorated Winter Tree Scavenger Hunt Complete Guide for 2025
This adventure started many years ago as a simple COSS idea. We wanted something cheerful for families to do outdoors in winter that did not cost anything and did not require special equipment. The first year only a few decorated trees went up at Bartlett Park, and it was meant to be a small experiment.
Then it took off. Kids dragged parents out to find the next tree. Grandparents joined in. People explored trails they had never walked before. Dogs loved it. Decorations got more creative every season. What began as a small COSS concept is now a well known winter activity and one of the happiest traditions in town.
How to join the hunt: Visit each address on the list below, find the decorated tree, and take a photo of your team in front of it.
Well, another amazing day.
Well, another amazing day. One of the things you realize as you get older is that time is precious. As we get closer to winter, good outdoor days become even rarer. The plan we started last week and posted about got a lot of traction. When I arrived this morning, a...
Tree List for Hunt: 2025
Number | Location | Group | Address 1 | Bartlett Park Upper | Pack 107 | 27 Acton Rd 2 | Bartlett Woodlot | Daisy Troop 74221 | 27 Acton Rd 3 | Proctor Pasture | Emmily Deschene | 44 Proctor Rd 4 | Bartlett Park Lower ADA | Ouellette | 27 Acton Rd 5 | Sunny Meadow...
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COSS supports individuals, community groups, and organizations through outdoor projects, educational efforts, and service initiatives. Our work includes assisting Scouts and nonprofits, helping local farmers, maintaining trails and gardens, building accessible infrastructure, and repurposing donated tools for public use.
Scouting
The Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship actively works with Scouting America. Since 2005 we have helped Scouts with over 20 Eagle projects and numerous camp-outs and educational nature walks.
Land Trusts and Conservation
The Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship works with Land Trusts and Conservation groups in Chelmsford and surrounding towns to preserve, improve, and protect the Open Spaces.
Local Farming
The Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship has supported local farmers and community growers helping to set up full hoop style green houses and individual growers' raised garden beds.
Wildlife Preservation
As stewards of open spaces, we aim to protect many locations for use by humans and wildlife - both flora and fauna. We aim to preserve native plants (especially pollinators) and make spaces that will attract wildlife. We support initiatives like the Newhouse Wildlife Rescue and provide native pollinator plants to those who would like to use them.
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Every time you think of a city, you have to think green, green, green. Every time you see concrete jungle, you must find open spaces. And when you find open spaces, make it so people can get to them.
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