Controversy Over Mass. Audubon Preschool Expansion Plans

It is not surprising to read about neighbors opposing the construction of a new building or development near their property in a suburban town such as Lincoln, Mass. What is surprising is when developers are a conservation organization. But that is the case in Lincoln where Globe West reports that neighbors are in uproar over a Massachusetts Audubon Society proposal to convert a residence near their Drumlin Farm preserve into a preschool.

The problem? In order to provide adequate parking the Society says they must cut down 20 trees although residents say it could by as many as 50. Abutters are also concerned over increased traffic the school would generate on Lincoln Road, which features a bike path, according to the Globe story.

It should be noted that Mass. Audubon already runs a preschool on the Drumlin Farm property but the school has outgrown its current building and the controversial residence is the only other feasible location.

According to the Society’s Web site, the preschool serves children ages 2 years, 9 months to 6 years old and “allows children to safely explore, learn and experiment in the outdoors, all the while developing an awareness and appreciation for themselves, each other and the environment.” In the Globe article, a Mass. Audubon representative is quoted as saying “We can save it, save it, save it. Or we can use it to help teach kids to be great stewards of the earth.”

While teaching children is certainly a worthy cause and essential for successful land conservation efforts in the future (after all, they are the future politicians, scientists, hikers. conservationists and, sadly, developers), I question how much can be accomplished with preschoolers. They are probably a bit too young to grasp the environmental and social benefits of conserving open space in the suburbs

That said, this is not about the 20 or 50 tress that could be cut down. Instead it is about how widespread bad publicity for the Audubon Society could hinder future efforts to recruit members, solicit donations and conserve more land. Let’s hope this blows over quickly and, regardless of its outcome, the Society can return to doing what it does best – protecting land.