Fredonian Park and Nature Center

Fredonian Park and Nature Center is a 7-acre municipal park that includes a small pond and brook. In 2022 the Shirley Greenway Committee launched an effort to remove dense invasive vegetation that had overtaken much of the park, and to restore the impacted areas. With grant funding from the Nashua Rivers Wild and Scenic Stewardship Council, the Town was able to hire ecological landscaper Catherine Rooney who trained community members in invasive plant removal. Under her continued guidance, native restoration plantings are now being chosen and installed that will support pollinators and provide wildlife habitat, as well as protect the water resources on the property.

Among the 50+ community volunteers who have now helped with this project, Girl Scout Troops 62707 and 69097 planted a special pollinator garden area with signage and plant labels to help educate and inspire visitors as part of a Girl Scouts Silver Award Project. Plants in their garden include Joe Pye Weed, Gray Goldenrod, Foxglove Beardtongue, Northern Blazing Star, Bradbury’s Monarda, Wild Bergamot, Butterfly Weed, Virginia Rose, Prairie Dropseed, Prairie Smoke, Purple Prairie Clover, Purple Coneflower, Orange Coneflower, Big Leaf Aster, Aromatic Aster, and Slender Mountain Mint. Other pollinator plants on the property include Jewelweed, Cardinal Flower, Pagoda Dogwood, Silky Dogwood, Elderberry, Sweet Pepperbush, Spicebush, Buttonbush, Common Milkweed, Meadowsweet, a variety of native Asters, and Wrinkle Leaf Goldenrod.