Willowwood Rock Cleanup

ALWAYS STRONGER TOGETHER

A small patch of city-owned land got a much-needed scrubbing as the Parks and Recreation Department hosted a cleanup of Willowwood Rock, an “urban wild” that sits in a heavily residential Dorchester neighborhood. A few city workers and neighborhood volunteers gathered to clear brush, remove litter, etc.

Nick Long, urban wilds foreman for the department, is working with the Woodrow Avenue neighborhood to restore the land to its natural state. Last year, Nick stated, “We want these sites to be self-sustaining to the extent that they can be.” The property is tucked into a steep incline of mudstone outcropping on Willowwood Street at Woodrow Avenue. Taking up about half an acre, it’s one of the smallest green spaces in the city’s park portfolio. “To be able to have a green space right in the heart of our community — it’s a blessing.” There are 29 urban wilds managed by the city and about 12 future cleanup partnerships set between the Environment Department and Parks and Recreation Department, a city spokesperson said. In October 2022, neighbors also joined Nick Long at Willowwood Urban Wilds. We had a fun evening clearing up trash, weeds, and planting seeds. Nick Long also shared the history of this special place located in our neighborhood.