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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National Guard Cleans Abandoned Cars Out of Neponset River in Norwood-August 8, 1994
Teaming up with the Canton Rotary Club’s Adopt-A-Stream Program, a 10-member National Guard engineering unit used heavy equipment and chainsaws to pull six rusted vehicles out of the Neponset River off Route 1.
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Norwood Selectmen Meet on Bird Land Purchase-July 14, 1988
On July 14, 1988, Norwood’s long‑term effort to acquire nearly 300 acres of open space reached a critical moment as selectmen convened an emergency evening meeting at town hall. The immediate focus was the proposed purchase of the 23‑acre Bird farm property off Mylod Street — land considered essential to expanding and protecting the town’s…
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Norwood Conservation Commission Approves Father McAleer Playground Soccer Fields-July 17, 1985
With $110,000 in Town Meeting funding secured, the Recreation Department plans to complete the project within a year while creating new wetlands.
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Conservation Commission Approves Proposed Auto Body Shop Near Hawes Brook-August 22, 1979
Despite angry protests from South Norwood residents over flooding and pollution risks near Hawes Brook, the Conservation Commission approved strict environmental conditions for a new auto body shop.
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Conservation Commission Faces Angry Residents Over Proposed Washington Street Auto Body Shop-August 8, 1979
Amid fierce opposition from South Norwood homeowners concerned over Hawes Brook flooding and pollution hazards, the Norwood Conservation Commission reviewed safety plans for a proposed auto body shop on Washington Street.
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Charles Strumski Retains Norwood Conservation Seat-August 17, 1977
Despite being denied reappointment by the town manager, veteran official Charles Strumski continues to serve the Norwood Conservation Commission.
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Norwood Conservation Commission Approves Park Place Industrial Site-August 17, 1977
Developer James H. Shane and the Norwood Conservation Commission have agreed on a 56,000 cubic yard flood mitigation plan for Park Place on Route 1.
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Conservation Commission Reaches Flood Control Agreement with Park Place Developer-August 17, 1977
Reaching a compromise under the Wetlands Protection Act, Norwood’s conservation commission approved flood control plans for the Park Place industrial park on Route 1.
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Route 1 Wildlife Sanctuary Established by Owner Andrew Simoni to Protect Local Fauna-August 25, 1975
For 15 years, property owner Andrew Simoni has maintained a private 32-acre wildlife sanctuary along Route 1 in Norwood to protect local animals from hunters.
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Norwood Conservation Commission Seeks Expert Associates-July 31, 1975
The Norwood Conservation Commission, led by Chairman Bettina Cottrell, launched a community search for scientific and legal associates to assist with open space and wetlands management.
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