GRANVILLE, Mass. (WWLP) - Residents in areas of western Massachusetts have established new habitat growth on their property to provide a vital role for the New England cottontail, the only native rabbit in the region. MassWildlife said habitats for a wide range of wildlife including cottontail rabbits have been disappearing across New England due to mature trees and shrubs. These types of wildlife need essential shelter from predators or buds and twigs for food from young forestry. Once the young forestry grow, after approximately 20 years, they are no longer suitable for rabbits and other species. VIDEO: Firefighters attempt to rescue bald eagle on Watershops Pond To help boost the declining native wildlife, MassWildlife, along with state and federal agencies, conservation groups, land trusts, universities, and private landowners, are working to preserve and create habitats for the cottontail. Habitat projects have been established with 30 landowners in Massachusetts, mainly on 700 acres, patches were created for young forestry in Granville, Tolland, Sandisfield, New Marlborough, Monterey, Otis, and Becket. Young forest habitats contain dense clusters of tree saplings and sprouts and provide homes for a long list of native wildlife including New England cottontail. These habitats have become relatively scarce in Massachusetts. (Mass.gov) For cottontails to survive, new patches need to be established nearby every 10 to 15 years. MassWildlife connects with landowners to plan habitat management to bolster cottontail and other native wildlife such as American woodcock, ruffed grouse, white-throated sparrow, wood turtles, bobcats, and a variety of pollinating insects that thrive in young forest areas. To learn options on how to provide habitat on your property, email Marianne Piché at [email protected]. Local News Headlines Pittsfield man arrested after allegedly hitting two people with gun Landowners in these Massachusetts towns help conserve habitat for cottontail rabbits Multiple crews put out garage fire in Ludlow, one left without a home Former Massachusetts construction company owner sent to prison for fraud WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.