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.
Read the Blog
Make a Donation
View the Gallery
Explore Open Spaces
View Our Events
Years
Dollars Raised
We Have the Power to Impact Our Future, and We're Doing Something About It
The Latest from COSS
Older adults and open spaces.
Growing Participation in Recreation Programs Since the COVID-19 pandemic, park and recreation agencies have expanded their offerings for older adults. Approximately 62% of agencies have increased the number of programs available to this demographic, while only 7% have...
COSS Day Before Thanksgiving Walk (The Plan)
COSS Day Before Thanksgiving Walk Background, Purpose, and Operational Plan For nearly 20 years, the Chelmsford Open Space Stewardship (COSS) group has hosted the Day Before Thanksgiving Walk at Thanksgiving Forest. What began as a way to reclaim the forest from...
Exploring Oak Hill: A Hidden Gem in Chelmsford’s Natural and Industrial History
Nestled in the northern reaches of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, Oak Hill Conservation Area offers a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage. Spanning approximately 66 acres, it invites visitors to explore wooded trails, remnants of granite quarries, and a rich history dating back to the early 19th century.
The story of Oak Hill begins in the early 1800s when the region’s granite was highly sought after for its quality and durability. In 1826, Isaac Carkin began extracting granite from Oak Hill, marking the beginning of a significant industry in the area. Over the decades, quarrying operations left behind remnants that can still be observed today.
October 2026 |
||||||
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
||||
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
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.
See videos from our events
Donate to COSS
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.
Our Partners & Sponsors
