Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Regan, Pratt thanked for labor in Whitehall Conservation Area

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

The chair of the Open Space Preservation Commission is expressing gratitude for two residents who stepped up to preserve OSPC property at Lake Whitehall last month.

“The [OSPC] extends our gratitude and thanks to Joe Regan of Regan Tree Work for his generous donation of a large pile of wood chips to the parking space for the Whitehall Conservation Area off of Wood Street, and to Rob Pratt for his generosity in spreading the chips around the maple tree,” a statement from OSPC chair Ed Harrow read.

The work was completed last month and was intended to help preserve a maple tree that sits in the middle of the parking area at the Whitehall Conservation Area.

“People drive in and drive around the tree, which tends to pack the soil around the tree,” explained Harrow in a follow-up interview with the Independent. He went on to note that the soil compaction results in difficulty with the tree absorbing water and nutrients.

“By putting a load of wood chips there and spreading them out, that helps keep the soil looser,” Harrow said.

He mentioned that the wood chips were supplied by Regan for a fourth year in a row, but the big benefit of this volunteer effort was Pratt’s work. Harrow said that Pratt brought in equipment to help complete the work quicker.

“In times past, they’ve been spread out with hand labor,” said Harrow.

Harrow commended Pratt and Regan for their labor, and noted that their work is part of broader volunteer efforts to keep OSPC properties maintained for all to enjoy.

Latest News

Hopkinton resident Kathryn Hulick’s new young adult novel, “The UFO Files: Notes of an Alien Encounter,” infuses her love of writing with her fascination with science.

Our latest Schools Notebook features Hopkinton seventh grader Esha Jana’s second-place win in the Massachusetts Center for the Book’s statewide writing initiative and recent honors earned by local collegians.

The latest Real Estate Transactions list shows five sales, including one for $1.3 million.

This week’s Library Corner features information on the library’s summer reading program, a blood drive and terrarium building with New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill.

The Lung Force Walk, which provides critical funds for lifesaving lung cancer research, detection and awareness, is set for Oct. 18 at Hopkinton State Park.

Town meetings tonight include the Parks & Recreation Commission (5:30) and Board of Appeals (7).

Photo of the Day

Visitors to Saturday’s Trails Day celebration at the Hughes Farm property off Hayden Rowe Street check out a couple of goats.

PHOTO/JOHN RITZ