Route 1 Wildlife Sanctuary Established by Owner Andrew Simoni to Protect Local Fauna-August 25, 1975

While it may not hold official state recognition or rival the Massachusetts Audubon Society, the town of Norwood boasts its own private wildlife sanctuary. Located along the southbound side of Route 1 on property belonging to Simoni’s Flowers, a handcrafted wooden sign has quietly declared the 32-acre lowland tract a wildlife sanctuary for approximately 15 years.

Property owner Andrew E. Simoni of 216 Clapboardtree Street in Westwood explained that he and his wife, a member of the Audubon Society, spent nearly a month crafting the sign in their spare time to deter hunters from targeting local wildlife. “The land isn’t officially a sanctuary,” Simoni pointed out. “My family and I just decided to make it one to protect the animals.”

Preserving a Natural Habitat Amid Commercial Growth

Before the sanctuary was established, Simoni noted that the 32-acre parcel was a frequent destination for hunters pursuing pheasants, quail, rabbits, and muskrats, while a small pond on the property—since drained years ago—drew local anglers. Although the prominent sign has successfully kept most hunters off his acreage, Simoni remarked that he still frequently witnesses hunting activity across the highway on the opposite side of Route 1.

Clarifying that he and his wife harbor no hostility toward the sport itself, Simoni compared it to personal boundaries: “It’s like smoking and non-smoking—I don’t mind if you smoke, but not around me.” When stray hunters occasionally wander onto his land from across the highway, it disrupts the safety of the habitat.

Despite receiving numerous lucrative offers from commercial developers over the years, Simoni has steadfastly refused to sell or develop the densely overgrown wetland tract, which is thick with natural plants, flowers, and bushes. “We like it the way it is,” he said, ensuring the land remains a quiet, protected haven for local animals.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

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