Conservation Commission Conditionally Approves Nature School's Return to Whip Hill

STONEHAM -- April 13, 2026, Stoneham Conservation Commission votes unanimously to bring a nature-based school back to Whip Hill estate. The commission approved a conditional arrangement allowing Mulberry Forest Montessori School, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving children ages three through twelve, to install a 20-foot round yurt classroom and access bathrooms at the Whip Hill conservation estate beginning as early as the 2026-27 school year. Chairman Dominic Samina led the 7-0 vote, which requires the school to secure a town-school liability agreement, obtain commission sign-off on the yurt's placement, and establish a bathroom-access system before the arrangement takes effect. Founder Mary Germano Saba said current enrollment stands at 10 students, with plans to grow to roughly 15 next year and a ceiling of approximately 25 over five years. The commission separately approved a second motion allowing the school's students to assist with invasives removal, contingent on a letter documenting the qualifications of the supervising adult, citing past incidents in which improper removal spread invasive species. The school faces a June deadline to finalize plans for the coming school year; the commission's next meeting is May 11.