On Sunday afternoon about 50 people ventured out among the fields and woods off East Street in Petersham. We got a chance to explore the land, see some of its hidden treasures – like Bell Rock, and talk about the future. The Town is working with the East Quabbin Land Trust to permanently protect the property by purchasing a conservation restriction on the land which will allow farming, forest and wildlife management, and for the future owner to build a single-family residence.
Click here to read the property handout.
The land was recently purchased by the East Quabbin Land Trust from the family of Fred and Ethel Gross. They loved the land. Mr. Gross would spend weekends at the property haying the fields and working in the woods. Conservation of the property leaves a lasting legacy!
The land trust and Town are in the early stages of seeking a farmer or farm family to purchase the land once the restriction is in place. The goal is to encourage active farming, conservation of the brooks and woods on into the future. A request for proposal will be distributed in September with more details.