In Montague, a growing grassroots movement is redefining how people connect with nature and each other. The Montague Commoners, founded by Wiley Fry, is fostering a community built on sustainability, resourcefulness, and mutual support. The group’s efforts range from permaculture and foraging to disaster preparedness and community workshops. At its core, the Montague Commoners believe in the power of shared knowledge and collective action to create a resilient local ecosystem.
A Return to the Commons
The name “Commoners” is a nod to the medieval tradition of the commons, where land was collectively maintained and shared among a community. Fry explains, “We tend to think of commoners as the people beneath the nobility, but really, they were the ones getting things done.” The Montague Commoners aim to revive that spirit, emphasizing cooperation over competition and sustainability over consumerism.
Fry, who has a background in permaculture, was inspired to create the group after repeatedly meeting individuals interested in sustainable living but lacking a local network. “It just seemed kind of amazing how often I ran into somebody who had some backyard chickens and was interested in permaculture but hadn’t been able to connect with anybody else nearby,” Fry recalls. The solution was simple: invite people over, start talking, and build a community from there.
Why It Matters
The philosophy of the Montague Commoners centers around resiliency and sustainability. Fry emphasizes, “Diverse, complex ecosystems are stronger than monocultures. A forest with thousands of interconnected species takes care of itself. That’s what we’re trying to build in our social systems—lots of different people with different skills supporting each other.”
This philosophy translates into practical actions like hosting skill-sharing events, promoting sustainable land use, and organizing local preparedness initiatives. The group operates under the belief that a well-connected, self-reliant community is more equipped to handle challenges, be they economic shifts, food shortages, or climate change.
The Sugar Bush Project
One of the Montague Commoners most successful projects is the Sugar Bush, a community maple syrup operation that has grown each year. Fry explains, “We started small, just tapping a few trees, but last year, we set up at the (Trailway) campground and had over 100 visitors.” The Sugar Bush offers an opportunity for locals to learn the traditional process of maple syrup production while also engaging in sustainable land management. The project also produces biochar, a soil amendment that improves water retention and sequesters carbon.
“We go through about two or three cords of kindling for the Sugar Bush,” Fry notes. To prepare for this, the group hosts “Firewood Fridays,” where volunteers gather to split wood in a social, low-pressure environment. “Splitting three cords of wood alone is a lot. But if six people get together, we can get it done in a few hours—and nobody’s arms fall off,” Fry jokes.
Photos courtesy of Montague Commoners/Facebook
How to Get Involved
Montague Commoners welcome community participation in several ways. The easiest way to get involved is to visit the Sugar Bush during operating hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Montague campground. Updates on schedules and events are posted regularly on their Facebook page.
For those looking to contribute, the group accepts donations through their website. “I can work for free, but not everyone can,” Fry explains. Financial support helps pay younger volunteers for their time and ensures the sustainability of community projects. Additionally, the group sells locally thrifted and hand-printed t-shirts, stickers, and other goods as a way to raise funds.
The Montague Commoners also run a Community Preparedness Initiative to help neighborhoods organize disaster response plans. “If a power outage lasts several days, wouldn’t it be better if we all met at the park and made soup with what’s in our fridges?” Fry suggests. By training residents to assess needs, identify resources, and organize effectively, the initiative aims to build local resilience for both minor disruptions and major emergencies.
Photo courtesy of Montague Commoners/Facebook
Looking Ahead
The future of Montague Commoners includes expanding their work in community workshops, resource-sharing, and local sustainability efforts. Long-term goals include creating a shared workshop space for woodworking, fiber arts, and upcycling projects. Fry also hopes to work with the local Solid Waste Authority to set up designated areas for reusable materials. “We throw away so many useful things. There’s no reason we couldn’t be turning plastic waste into park benches right here in town.”
At its heart, the Montague Commoners is about reclaiming lost knowledge, strengthening relationships, and making life more sustainable and fulfilling for everyone involved. “We’re surrounded by resources, both natural and human. If we work together, we can do so much more than any one of us can alone.”
For more information, visit Montague Commoners’ website or stop by the Sugar Bush to experience the community in action.
