SAVE is a non-profit organization that organized and incorporated in 1973 "to promote a better quality of life in Saugus through environmental concern and action". Since that time, we've had an eventful history and achieved many fine results. If you're more interested in what's happening now, check out our sample newsletter or sample newsletter archive. You may also find our publications interesting, or may enjoy attending our annual Prankers Pond Day.
What are we trying to SAVE?
Saugus has a rich variety that is well worth preserving. Of course Saugus has been named a "1998 Tree City" by the National Arbor Day Foundation (in order to receive this honor the Town had to meet four requirements: it had to have a Tree Committee, a Tree Care By-law, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an annual Arbor Day observance -- our former Town Manager Steve Angelo said in response to the notification "Trees make a world of difference in our community"), but Saugus' good qualities go beyond the trees. Following we'll note just a few of the many resources in town.
No one questions the importance of the Saugus River in the history of the Town of Saugus; this river made the settling of the town practical in the early 1600's and provided the electricity for early American industry. Today the river (and its numerous tributaries including Hawkes River, Penny's Brook, etc.) remain picturesque in addition to providing an environment for numerous fish, waterfowl, river otters, and other animals.
The Saugus River near Central St. & Saville St. |
The Saugus River in East Saugus near Lincoln Ave. |
Saugus has an abundance of native plant and animal life. Trees including oaks, maples, chestnuts, and all manner of evergreens define our forests, and flowers such as rhododendrons and ladyslippers provide native color. Animals such as racoons, foxes, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, bats, skunks, pheasants, wild turkeys, hawks, crows, and even coyote inhabit our forests.
Rhododendron Grove in Breakheart Reservation. |
Ladyslippers found near Old County Rd. |
Saugus has a rich quantity of lakes and ponds. Our freshwater bodies (including Birch Pond, Hawkes Pond, Stevens Pond, Prankers Pond, Peckham Pond, Walden Pond, Long Pond, Spring Pond, Griswold Pond, Pearce Lake, Silver Lake, and many more) provide an environment friendly to ducks, geese, frogs, and fish.
Birch Pond near Walnut St. |
First Lake in the Golden Hills near Sweetwater St. |
Saugus has both typical fresh water marshes (some examples of which can be found in Breakheart Forest) and atypical salt water marshes (notably Rumney Marsh). Note that while a portion of Rumney Marsh is set up as Rumney Marsh Reservation and the bulk of Breakheart Forest is set up as Breakheart Reservation and are thus currently protected, it is not true that either of these areas are protected in their entirety.
A portion of Rumney Marsh. |
One of the marshes in Breakheart Reservation. |
What are our Priorities?
- The support of preservation and protection of all natural
resources, particularly our wetlands, through enforcement of state
& local laws.
- The support of the Saugus
Conservation Commission in its responsibilities to monitor and
protect our wetlands.
- The support of national / state / local legislation to reduce or
eliminate all kinds of pollution: water, air, noise, visual.
- The support of careful, long-range planning for remaining open
space.
- The support of local control of signs and billboards.
- The support of laws to protect and preserve all sites and
structures of historic interest to Saugus and the region.
Want to Join?
Thought you'd never ask. Membership with SAVE is inexpensive, easy, and fun. A membership form can be obtained right here online or one of our board members may be contacted directly for information. Of course we also attend all of the Town of Saugus Founders' Day celebrations, and our representatives can be spoken to there.
Don't miss our annual meeting and dinner! Download this flyer for more information.