ASHFIELD — The Franklin Land Trust has received a gift from the Norcross Wildlife Foundation Inc. of 151 acres on Spruce Corner Road.
In 2001, the Franklin Land Trust, a regional nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of open space and natural resources in Franklin County and surrounding communities, led a grassroots effort to prevent this piece of land, owned for generations by the Howes family, from being turned into housing lots.
Many local donors came forward, and their display of broad public support inspired the Office of Environmental Management and the private Norcross Wildlife Foundation to join the campaign. With the help of donors, the Office of Environmental Management purchased a conservation restriction, and the Norcross Wildlife Foundation took on ownership of the property.
As of Nov. 10, ownership of the land has been transferred to the Franklin Land Trust that will steward it, ensuring that it remains a natural and scenic area. The Franklin Land Trust will be engaging in a planning process for land and resource management, habitat opportunities and public access. The land trust hopes to host a celebration on the land next year.
The 151-acre property consists largely of forest and floodplain, and holds significant conservation value due to its 30 acres of sugar bush that are vital for a local maple syrup producer, according to the Franklin Land Trust. The land also has a reputation as a prime location for hiking, wildlife viewing and recreation. The Swift River runs through the parcel, which is situated on the border of a large undeveloped area that is home to many types of wildlife including moose and bobcat.
“We are so grateful for this generous gift and for the role the Norcross Wildlife Foundation played in ensuring that this land was protected back in 2001,” Mary Lynn Sabourin, executive director of the Franklin Land Trust, said in a statement. “This land is truly special, and we are committed to protecting it for the enjoyment of the community and for the benefit of the many species that call it home.”
To date, the Franklin Land Trust has helped protect more than 35,000 acres of farmland, woodland, wetland and natural habitat.