This page was updated Nov. 2023.

The Wellesley Natural Resources Commission (NRC) is a government body that is responsible for the management of natural resources in town. Four staff members and five elected board members are responsible for the planning, preservation, and protection of parks, ponds, wetlands, and the town’s watershed area.

Fuller Brook Park, Wellesley, State Street Pond — The NRC stewards the 23-acre Fuller Brook Park. In 2014 after nearly a decade of planning, the town broke ground on a $6 million restoration of the 100-plus-year-old Fuller Brook Park. One of 11 Wellesley areas listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the park was established in 1899 and designed by John Charles Olmsted (nephew of Frederick Law Olmsted and a noted landscape designer in his own right).

The NRC has a wide range of responsibilities related to the management of natural resources, serving as tree warden and setting policies for insect control and pesticide use. The NRC also appoints members to the the Wetlands Protection Committee and Trails Committee.

Natural Resources mission statement

It is the mission of the Natural Resources Commission to provide stewardship of, education about, and advocacy for the Town of Wellesley’s parks, conservation, recreation and open space areas so the full value of the Town’s natural assets can be passed on to future generations.

NRC staff members

Brandon Schmitt, Director
Lisa Moore, Education and Outreach Coordinator
Stephanie Tunnera, Clerk
Julie Meyer, Wetlands Protection Administrator

NRC elected members

Bea Bezmalinovic, Chair, term expires 2024
Laura Robert, term expires 2024
Michael D’Ortenzio, term expires 2026
Jay McHale, Vice Chair, term expires 2026
Lisa Collins, Secretary, term expires 2025

Ongoing projects that have NRC input

Track and Field lighting

The Wellesley Natural Resources Commission‘s seemingly endless discussions over whether to allow lights to be installed at the Hunnewell Track & Field concluded when the five-member elected body in July 2022 voted 3-2 in favor of the School Committee’s proposal.

Under a best case scenario, the town would seek bids during fall 2023 and get building permits. It could be installing the light and sound system over the winter, along with foundations for the bathrooms/concession stand, with completion of the bathrooms over the summer. There were few questions about the update from the School Committee.