News

Pepperell Springs Protected!

We received the exciting news that the Trust for Public Land (TPL) had acquired the 265 acre Pepperell Springs property in late December 2004. NCT had identified this land as an important parcel to protect long before the land was for sale. The factors that led to the decision to buy the land were; (1) the historic importance of the spring and bottling plant to the Town; (2) the protection of the Bemis Street well and aquifer; (3) completion of the Gulf Brook open space corridor and protection of the Jeff Smith Trail; (4) protection of rare and endangered species present on or near the property; (5) the unique geological characteristics of the Gulf Brook ravine, and (6) the scenic values incumbent in the land. TPL will convey the land to the Town of Pepperell when they receive the federal Forest Legacy grant. While the Town will own this property, the MA Department of Fish and Game and Nashoba Conservation Trust (NCT) will hold conservation restrictions on the property to keep it maintained as conservation land.

Farm Day at Twin Valley Farm, Usually in April, Stay Tuned for the 2008 date!

Have you been up close to a cow lately? If not come join us at Twin Valley Farm. The Kaiser family is graciously opening their farm to the public again this year so that people can see a working farm. Twin Valley Farm is protected as part of the state APR program. For details on the APR program go to Bureau of Land Use Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program (APR)

Brochures for Landowners

The Nashoba Conservation Trust offers two brochures for landowners - "Protecting Your Land with a Conservation Easement" and "Conservation Options for Private Landowners." Individuals can get these by sending a self-addressed, stamped business envelope with their request to:
The Nashoba Conservation Trust
PO Box 188
Pepperell, Ma. 01463

Land Trust Alliances "Exchange" magazine

You can donate on-line at:
Network for Good - NCT donations

The annual Jeff Smith trail hike will be held on Sunday, October 19th. The trail is about 8 miles long and the hike will take 4 - 5 hours.

We will meet at the trail head on Jewett Street at 9:00 a.m. and hike to the Beaver Brook Wildlife Pond in Hollis.

If you prefer a shorter hike and would still like to join us, you can meet the main group at Heald Street, at 10:30 a.m or Steward Brook Conservation Area on Lawrence Street around 11:30 a.m.

You may also make arrangements to leave a vehicle at Beaver Brook or have someone pick you up there. For more information call John Ganem at 433-3335 or email to jganem@charter.net.

This map shows the first part of the hike.