Conservation Lands & Trails
Please Note: There have been numerous reports of dog waste not being removed from Conservation Areas. If this issue continues, dogs may not be allowed to use the areas.
Please use the provided pet waste stations where available or take your dogs' waste with you.
The Wayland Conservation Commission has 19 major Conservation Areas with trails for hiking and other passive recreation. The Conservation Commission is responsible for the protection and care of diverse conservation lands that include wetlands, sensitive habitats, trails and other open spaces.
Please read the Rules and Regulations before visiting the Conservation Areas.
Trail Maps: Maps to our properties are available at the Conservation Department in Town Hall or in downloadable form at the links listed below:
Land Management Studies
Cow Common Management Plan
Wayland Conservation Department is implementing recommendations by the Massachusetts Audubon Society in their Cow Common Management Plan to improve wildlife habitat.
When combined with other land management practices, such as delayed field mowing, invasive vegetation removal, field reseeding, and public outreach, the Conservation Commission hopes to provide a stable nesting habitat for bobolinks and other threatened bird species within the region.
For more information on bobolinks, the Cow Common Management Plan, and the scope and nature of the proposed work at Cow Common, please visit or contact the Wayland Conservation Department.
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Wayland's Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) was completed in 2017. The OSRP will help to guide decisions regarding the use, acquisition, and management of Wayland’s treasured open spaces, conservation areas, recreation facilities, and natural resources over the coming years.
The OSRP is being reviewed by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, which means that Wayland can be eligible for state grants to help fund open space and recreation projects and programs.
The OSRP serves as a tool to help Wayland maintain and improve its green infrastructure, such as conservation land, trails, working farms and forests, wildlife habitat, streams and ponds, parks, playing fields and courts, and swimming facilities. Planning for this green infrastructure is as important to the economic future of a community as is planning for schools, roads, and wastewater infrastructure.