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Community Forests of Massachusetts


Arms | Battle-Dorrance  | Carlstrom | Carlstrom II | Chase |  Confarm | Edminster | Ehrich  | Falby | Fawcett  | Fittz  | Goodale | Groton Place |  Hagar Woods | Donald Hagar | Hartnett-Manhan  | Herrick | Holden-Rice |  Hosmer | Howland | Kemp | Keyes | Maxon-Pederson | Minacapelli | Mumford | Nelson  | Norton |  Park of Two Georges  | Parker | Phelon | Pine Nook | Powers | Prichard  | Prouty Woods  | Read |  Rice Sanctuary  | Sabine Woods | Warren Smith | Thayer  | Warren |  Webb | Weld  | Wells | Welz-Roberts | Wharton | Wile | Wright



Summary of Massachusetts Foundation Forests      Back to Main Directory (view other states)

Arms Acres
      Blandford, MA /100 acres
In 1972 Mrs. Robert A. Arms of Blandford, Massachusetts gave this parcel of mixed forest to NEFF. A beautiful stream winds through the forest, now known as Arms Acres. The forest lies near Cobble Mountain and Otis Reservoirs, northwest of Springfield and just east of the Berkshires, in Hampden County. 
MA Directory     All States Directory


Battle-Dorrance Memorial Forest
      Orange, MA / 55 acres
The Battle-Dorrance Forest in Orange, Massachusetts, was a Walden Pond for Harry A. Battle. Mr. Battle gradually acquired the four separate parcels that now make up the forest from various members of his family. He built a cabin for shelter and moved to the property for summers, after wintering in Mexico. Mr. Battle was less than five feet in height, but he carefully pruned every tree in his forest to five or six feet. Mr. Battle also built a pond entirely by hand, moving the materials and earth with his wheelbarrow. His infrequent trips to town were made on foot or bicycle. In 1974 a fire from his wood burning stove destroyed his cabin, so he sold the property to his cousin and left for Mexico. Elizabeth Dorrance, a conservationist, made the gift to the Foundation to ensure the survival of this twentieth-century Walden Pond.
Map Available

Directions: The property is located on the north side of Route 2A, approximately 1.75 miles west of Orange.
MA Directory      All States Directory



Carlstrom Memorial Forest
      Shrewsbury, MA /74 acres
Sixty-five acres of this beautiful woodland was given to NEFF in 1979 by Mr. Carl F. Carlstrom in memory of his wife, Mary C. Carlstrom. In 1981, Mr. Carlstrom gave an additional 9 acres. Carlstrom Memorial Forest has been intensively managed by NEFF since 1973. Timber stand improvement is completed over more than half of the forest, and 15 acres of wetland are managed mainly for wildlife. 
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Carlstrom II Forest
      Northboro, MA /31 acres
Two years after donating the Shrewsbury property, Mr. Carlstrom gifted a second forest in Northboro, only a few miles away. Mr. Carlstrom hoped his land conservation efforts would be noticed and followed by his neighbors. Unfortunately, he passed away before this happened, but his land conservation philosophy continues to be championed by NEFF. 
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Chase Memorial Forest
      South Royalston, MA /114 acres
Mrs. Walter J. Glassett of Needham, Massachusetts gave NEFF this parcel in 1978. Chase Memorial Forest had been in the Chase family since 1841 when Mrs. Glassett's grandfather, Francis Chase, bought the initial 75 acres of the family farm. Mrs. Glassett was born on the farm in 1902, where cows, horses, sheep, apples of twelve varieties, various grains, and vegetables provided everything the family needed. In 1920 a fire destroyed the farm buildings, and afterwards the land, which had been farmed since 1765, was used to grow hay, pasturage, firewood, and timber. The Chase Memorial Forest will continue to produce timber and firewood while providing a diversity of habitat for wildlife. 
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Confarm Forest
      Lancaster, MA /56 acres
This parcel was given in 1979 by Mr. Nathaniel Thayer Dexter in honor of his mother, Constance V. R. (Thayer) Dexter. It lies adjacent to the Thayer Forest, also given by Mr. Dexter. The property contains an excellent riparian forest along 4,000 ft. of frontage on the Nashua River.
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Talcott White Edminster Forest
      Freetown, MA / 83 acres
This forest was given by Mrs. Jeanne Edminster in memory of her husband. The parcel includes a beautiful stand of white pine and an extensive wetland providing excellent wildlife habitat. This forest has been managed for 47 years and had been in the same family for over 150 years.
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Ehrich Forest
      Royalston, MA /126 acres
Dr. and Mrs. Robert W. Ehrich of Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, gave this forest to NEFF in 1979. The property, located at 2,000-foot elevation, was purchased in 1962 as a buffer to land which they already owned. The Ehrich's goal was to preserve their land while producing valuable timber.
Dr. and Mrs. Ehrich increased the size of their original gift with the addition of 26 acres in 1987. This land lies between the town road and the original parcel.
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Falby Forest
      Boylston and Northboro, MA /167 acres
Miss Gertude I. Falby of Northboro, Massachusetts gave NEFF this parcel in 1980. The forest of hardwood stands with some mature pine is exceptionally beautiful. A number of small brooks run through the forest leading to a spectacularly clear pond.
Map and description of conservation lands in Boylston/Northboro area
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Fawcett Forest
      Boylston, MA /7 acres
About three hundred feet of shoreline on Rocky Pond were protected when this forest was given to NEFF in 1984. The forest, which abuts the Falby Forest, was given in memory of Paul N. Fawcett by his family.
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Fittz Family Memorial Forest
      Orange, MA /75 acres
Jean Hankins donated this 75-acre tract to NEFF in 2001 in honor of Jean’s parents, Paul H. and Dorothy L. Fittz. Protection of this property was a priority for NEFF because it is adjacent to already protected lands, provides excellent wildlife habitat, includes a diversity of tree species, and protects several streams that feed into the Quabbin Reservoir.
The Town of Orange purchased a conservation restriction over the property with funding support from the Massachusetts Self-Help Grant Program. A hiking trail was recently installed that links the Fittz Family Memorial Forest to the Orange Town Forest to the south.
The conservation of this property was an integral step in the beginning of a large-scale conservation initiative in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Orange designed to expand the protected corridor that reaches from the Quabbin Reservoir to the Orange/Wendell State Forests.
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Goodale Family Forest
      Hudson, MA /33 acres
In 1967 Francis Goodale of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania donated this property which had been in the Goodale family since 1702. The Goodale Family Forest is in an area under heavy pressure for industrial park development along Route 495. The protection of this land provides a variety of open space benefits to the community.
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Groton Place and Sabine Woods
      Groton, MA/ 200 acres
Groton Place, 54 acres with 1,800 feet of frontage on the east side of the Nashua River in Groton, Massachusetts, was given to NEFF by the The Groton Place, a non-profit organization. In addition to majestic white pine and plantations of softwood, there are two small ponds and extensive plantings of rhododendron, azalea, and other flowering shrubs. The well-groomed walking trails are heavily used by the community. The property also contains several unique sculptures and a burial site, where Buck Dumaine and his horse are buried. Sabine Woods, 146 acres of beautiful forested land along Groton's famous Farmer's Row, was donated to NEFF in 1977 by the heirs of Mary Lawrence and Stephen Webb Sabine. The land was farmed from 1914, when Mary and Stephen Sabine acquired the property, until Mr. Sabine's death in 1971. The principal products were fruit, Guernsey cattle and Shetland ponies. Mr. Sabine's improvements to the land include the many foot and bridle paths that crisscross the forest and a pond at which his cattle could drink.
Map Available

Directions:
The property is located on the south side of Route 225 on the east side of the Nashua River in Groton.
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Hagar Woods
      Marshfield, MA /39 acres
This forest was donated to NEFF in 1989 by Joseph A. Hagar in memory of his father, Joseph C. Hagar, who had purchased the property. The forest has been managed by NEFF since 1975 and is enrolled in the Tree Farm program.
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Donald Hagar Forest
      Marshfield, MA /22 acres
Donald Hagar, Joseph A.Hagar's brother, donated this parcel, which abuts Hagar Woods, in 1993. The forest supports a fine stand of white pine, protects a beautiful brook and small pond, and forms a buffer against development. The forest abuts land owned by the Massachusetts Audubon Society.
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Hartnett-Manhan Memorial Forest
      Easthampton, MA /148 acres
Dennis E. Hartnett bequeathed this parcel on the Manhan River to NEFF. The property is of considerable historic interest, since it contains an abandoned lead mine which may have provided bullets for the Revolutionary War. It is believed that patriot Ethan Allen was once employed there as a lead miner.
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Mary A. Herrick Forest
      Boxford, MA /96 acres
William E. Dorman donated his family's Tree Farm to NEFF in 1990. It is a superb example of a well-managed Tree Farm with mature forests, a productive Christmas tree plantation, and an excellent trail system which Mr. Dorman has taken great pains to construct. The forest was given in memory of Mary Herrick, who was related to Mr. Dorman’s mother. She was the fifth generation of her family to live on the property, and her great love for the outdoors and the town of Boxford inspired Mr. Dorman to donate the forest to NEFF.
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Hosmer Woods
      Orange, MA /187 acres
Miss Phoebe Lee Hosmer donated this parcel in 1959. The area was logged in the early 1920s and low quality hardwoods took over. NEFF has encouraged the growth of white pine and now the forest consists of well-managed white pine stands.
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The Howland Forest & Wildlife Preserve
      Heath, MA /295 acres
In November of 2000, David and Margaret Howland generously donated 67 acres in Heath to NEFF. This is NEFF’s third demonstration forest in Heath comprising a total of 295 acres.

The Howland Forest & Wildlife Preserve is comprised mostly of northern hardwoods, white pine, and hemlock. It contains a major tributary to Avery Brook and includes a variety of habitats from older hardwood stands to younger mixed stands of pine and hemlock. The property abuts land protected with an Agricultural Preservation Restriction to the south and land subject to a conservation restriction to the north.
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Kemp Woods
      Groton, MA /85 acres
This land was donated by Richard and Adelaide Bissell in memory of Mrs. Bissell's stepmother, Mrs. Kemp. The forest supports good stands of oak and pine, and a large beaver swamp, providing excellent wildlife habitat. The forest lies adjacent to 113 acres of industrial forestland and a 120 acre town forest. The result is a well-managed forest and a source of pride for the Bissells, NEFF, and the residents of Groton.
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Phoebe R. Keyes Woods
      Groton, MA /57 acres
Phoebe Keyes Bentinck-Smith and her husband, William, donated this land in 1990 and 1991. Given in memory of her mother, the forest links town-owned forest, Groton School forest, and two Foundation Forests, covering over 550 acres. During the first timber thinning, a good road was seeded, offering exceptional passive recreation opportunities such as birdwatching, hiking and cross country skiing.
Map Available
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Maxson Pederson Memorial Forest
      Alford, MA /82 acres
This property came to the Foundation in 1996 by the will of Dr. Leslie Ann Pederson in memory of her parents, Robert and Alice Maxson Pederson. The property is located in the Berkshires and provides diverse wildlife habitat, and supports an excellent managed forest. The property had been managed by NEFF since the early 1980's and has been the site of several workshops demonstrating sustainable forest harvesting techniques.
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Minacapelli Family Forest
      Boylston, MA /15 acres
In 2001, NEFF received a generous gift of fifteen acres of forest in Boylston from the Minacapelli family of California. The property is contiguous with NEFF’s 152-acre Falby Memorial Forest. The property links the Falby Memorial Forest to a public road and offers great potential as a trailhead for a footpath through the Falby Memorial Forest and along Rocky Pond.
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Mixter-Nields Memorial Forest
  Hardwick, MA /420 acres
This parcel was given to NEFF by Mr. and Mrs. David M. Mixter of Darien, Connecticut, and Mr. and Mrs. James F. Nields of Hardwick, Massachusetts. The Mixter-Nields Forest is rich in wildlife, timber, and history.

The Mixter family have been residents of Hardwick since the early 1800s, and by 1925, the Mixter Farm had the largest registered purebred Guernsey herd in the world. The woodland was originally assembled by David Mixter's father and uncles, primarily as a family recreational area for hiking, fishing, riding, birdwatching, and cross-country skiing. Mr. Mixter and Mr. Nields, whose families have been close friends for years, acquired complete interest in the property during the late 1960's.

Six hundred acres of the original Mixter holdings were sold in 1992 to the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife as public open space. The land to the north and west of Greenwich Rd. is part of the Metropolitan District Commission's Quabbin Reservoir. 
Map Available

Directions:The forest is one mile west of Hardwick Center on Greenwich Rd., just beyond the intersection of Greenwich Rd. and Muddy Brook Rd. 
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Mumford Wildlife Forest
     Natick, MA /33 acres
This forest was donated to NEFF in 1982 by the Mumford and Benedict families of Dover, MA. The property abuts other protected land owned by Massachusetts Audubon and is in close proximity to protected land owned by The Trustees of Reservations. Surrounded by stone walls, this hardwood forest has a good system of woods roads. A 1974 timber sale of 55 thousand board feet stimulated vigorous understory growth. Heavy use by deer and grouse is evident. Mr. Mumford once reported seeing a bald eagle on the property.
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Nelson Memorial Forest
      Marshfield, MA /130 acres
In 1958 Miss Katharine Dorothea Nelson presented NEFF with 108 acres of one of the finest stands of pine and hemlock in Massachusetts. Nineteen years later, Miss Nelson's heirs -- Margaret H. Milholland, Anne Felton Spencer, Hugh Kingsbury Tyson, and Penelope L. Adams -- gave an additional 22 acres to this forest in Marshfield. Sailing barges that carried apples and firewood to Boston once stopped at a stone dock, called Packet Landing, on the North River of the Nelson Memorial Forest. The barges are gone, but traces of the old stone dock remain, and visitors to the forest now frequently see grouse, hawks, and bald eagles only 25 air miles from downtown Boston.
The "Friends of the Nelson Forest" has recently been formed to encourage neighbors and nearby residents to become actively involved in the stewardship of the forest. The trails in the forest are easily accessible and popular in the area for hiking.
Map Available

Directions: From Route 3 south, take Rte. 139 south to Marshfield. Turn almost immediately onto Union St going north. Turn east on Highland St., pass the North Marshfield Post Office. At the top of the hill turn left into what looks like a driveway; parking for the forest is a few hundred feet off the main road. If you cross Cove Creek or reach Spring St., you’ve gone too far.
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Norton Memorial Forest
      Gloucester, MA /121 acres
The Norton Forest was given to NEFF in 1975 by Professor and Mrs. Frederick H. Norton of Gloucester. This intensively managed land, consisting mostly of plantings of pine, received an award from the American Forest Institute as the Outstanding Tree Farm of Massachusetts. Professor Norton did most of the planting and road building on the forest. The contrast between the appearance of Norton Memorial Forest and adjacent unmanaged land is startling, since Gloucester rests on bedrock with very thin soils. The property abuts Dogtown State Forest. The forest is a popular area for hiking.
The buildings and open fields within the forest are privately owned by relatives of Professor Norton. 
Map Available

Directions: From Rockport, take Rte. 127/Washington St. through Lanesville, pass the UMASS Marine Lab (right), pass the Bayview Fire Station (left), proceed about 3/10 mile to left turn at Revere St. Proceed to the very end. At the Norton Farm sign, proceed down the dirt road. 
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Park of Two Georges
      Harvard, MA /24 acres
In 1993 Bayard and Lois Underwood and Benjamin and Mary Alice Foster donated this parcel to NEFF, in memory of two friends, both named George. The intent of the donors was to have the property utilized for research and educational activities. A local botanist has identified the rare "culver's root", and a rare four-toed salamander was also seen on the forest. The donors hope that other residents in town will follow their lead and protect more land for future generations to enjoy.
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Parker Family Woods
      Lancaster, MA /60 acres
Cornelia C. Parker donated this land in 1986 to protect a beautiful forest and a small, brook-fed pond from development. Parker Family Woods is a short distance from Thayer Forest and Confarm Forest in Lancaster.
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Phelon and Holden-Rice Memorial Forests
     Granville, MA /1,040 acres
The Holden-Rice Memorial Forest was given to NEFF by Mr. Douglas M. Rice in 1973, who had bought the old Holden forest a few years earlier. Mr. Rice is a retired brakeman who used to work on Amtrak passenger trains between Springfield, Massachusetts, and White River Junction, Vermont.
Mr. Russell E. Phelon gave his 1,000 acre abutting forest to NEFF in 1984. His goal was to have the forest remain productive, while maintaining a blueberry crop on the open acres. Foundation foresters have carried out extensive management programs over the years, fulfilling Mr. Phelon's dream of maintaining a healthy and productive forest. The acres devoted to blueberries are leased to a commercial grower. 
Map Available

Directions: From the center of Granville, go west on Rte. 57. Enter forest from either North Lane #1 or #2. 
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Pine Nook
     Deerfield, MA / 66 acres
The property was purchased from Frederic Giebel in December 2002. Mr. Giebel, a forester by education and profession as well as cooperative founder of the Massachusetts Forestry Association, nurtured the development of the forest, from infancy, after acquiring the property in 1957. Ensuring his past stewardship efforts continue to reach fruition, forming the foundation for future stewardship, compelled Mr. Giebel to work with NEFF, in protecting the land well beyond his life time.

Decades prior to his ownership, most of the land was open pasture used for grazing dairy cows.

Directions:
Pine Nook is in Deerfield, MA east of RT 5 and west of the Connecticut River on the east flank of Pocumtuck Ridge. From RT 5 in South Deerfield go east on RT 116 for 1.38 miles. Turn north on River Road and go 3.6 miles to Pine Nook Road. Turn left on Pine Nook Road, the forest is immediately on the left side of the road.

GPS coordinates of the forest sign are 42.51584 N 72.57077 W
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Donald A. Powers Memorial Forest
      Charlton Depot, MA /87 acres
In 1980 the Episcopal Diocese of western Massachusetts gave NEFF this forest land within the 400-acre woodland facility of Bement Camp and Conference Center. Old stone walls crisscross the property, attesting to its use as a farm, probably up until the late 1940s. Now it is primarily woodland, with an extensive red maple swamp lying at the base of a high ridge. Donald A. Powers, whom the forest honors, was assistant director and resident caretaker of Bement Camp until his death in an accident. He worked to preserve the resources of the facility by having it designated a Tree Farm in 1979. By giving the land to NEFF, the Episcopal Diocese has assured that the forest will remain forever a living memorial to Donald A. Powers and his work in forest conservation.
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Prichard Forest
      Middleton, MA /148 acres
Mr. Charles R. Prichard, Jr. donated this land in 1986. The donation enlarged an already protected area and it delighted his family, who were concerned about protecting the environment. Since donating the parcel, the family has been working with other concerned neighbors to enlarge this fine wooded area.
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Prouty Woods Community Forest
      Littleton, MA /107 acres
NEFF purchased this 107-acre property from the Prouty family in the fall of 2003 to establish an exemplary forest demonstration site and the main house serves as the headquarters for the organization. Prouty Woods is a truly unique and significant tract of woodland within minutes of Route 495. The property includes 1600 feet of frontage on Long Lake and the top of “Wilderness Hill” with expansive views to the west and north including Mount Monadnock. The combination of forest, hay field and riparian zones provides much needed habitat for a variety of species. The forest has been under professional forest management for many years. Walking trails maintained by the Littleton Conservation Trust connect to a town-wide system of walking trails.
Map Available

Directions: Traveling North or South on Route 495 take Exit 30 (Routes 2A/110). Turn at the end of the ramp for Routes 2A/110 East. Proceed a short distance (approx. 1000 feet) and turn right on Rogers Street. The yellow Littleton Historical Society building will be on your left. Very quickly at the top of the hill turn right onto Foster Street. Almost immediately you will see the fire station on your left, and at the far edge of the Fire Station parking lot is Wilderness Road. The NEFF Prouty Woods Community Forest sign directs traffic to the left onto Wilderness Road. Proceed up Wilderness Road. To access the forest, follow Wilderness Road to the gate and park next to the barn. A trail map is located at the kiosk. To access NEFF offices, take the first right into the Prouty House driveway. Park behind the garages and walk down the driveway. The main entrance is under the portico.
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Harriet Carpenter Read Forest
      Rowe, MA /100 acres
This property was a testamentary gift to the Foundation in 1995. This land had been in Mrs. Read's family since 1810. Mrs. Read was a friend of Newland Smith, a longtime client and friend of the Foundation who gave the Warren W. Smith Memorial Forest in neighboring Heath. One year later, the Foundation purchased an additional 14 acres in Heath that was originally a part of this 100 acre property. The property has frontage on Dell Road and Cyrus Stage Roads in Rowe.
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Dorothy Frances Rice Sanctuary for Wildlife
      Peru, MA /276 acres
In the late 1920's, Oran and Mary Rice established the Sanctuary in their daughter's memory. Care of the Rice Sanctuary was entrusted to NEFF in 1974. The property has a large pond and a well-groomed trail system that traverses a variety of habitats. Trail guides are available at the Visitors Center. The trails are highlighted in several regional publications and each year they are utilized by hikers and cross country skiers from all over New England.
Many natural resource professionals have worked with NEFF on a management plan for this property to enhance both the timber and wildlife value of the land. The property is bounded on the north by protected land owned by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Map Available

Directions: From the center of Peru take Rte. 143 west, towards Pittsfield. Take a left on South Rd. After 1 mile see gate and sign for Sanctuary directly ahead. Park outside of the gate. 
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Warren W. Smith Forest
      Heath, MA /128 acres
Newland and Caroline Smith donated this parcel in 1988 in honor of Mr. Smith's grandfather, the original owner. The forest has been managed by NEFF since 1962. There is an old town road running through the land, along with a beautiful brook and a fine view of the mountains.
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Thayer Forest
      Lancaster, MA /100 acres
One hundred acres of mostly pine woodland in Lancaster, Massachusetts, was given to NEFF in 1976 by Nathaniel Thayer Dexter in honor of his grandparents. Mr. and Mrs. Bayard Thayer purchased various parcels of land which comprised the original estate. Bayard Thayer's father was Nathaniel Thayer, Jr., a Boston banker instrumental in financing New England's textile industry and western railroads. His father, Nathaniel Thayer, was a liberal minister who hired Charles Bullfinch (architect of the Massachusetts State House) to design his first church -- the First Unitarian Church of Lancaster. The church still stands as one testament of the Thayers' contributions to New England.
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Winslow Warren Forest
      Walpole, MA /20 acres
The original size of this gift was thirteen acres, given by Mrs. Winslow Warren of Walpole. In 1994, Mrs. Warren and Burgess Small made possible an addition of 5.3 acres to the south and west sides of the original tract. In 1996 another 2.8 acres were added to the landholding across North Street, giving the property access to Willett Pond, again through the generosity of Mrs. Warren and Mr. Small.
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Webb Forest
      Orange, MA /49 acres
This parcel was given to NEFF by Jon M. Webb, Sr. in 1989. This is a land-locked woodlot on the west side of Hosmer Woods Forest, making a valuable addition to the active land conservation program in the Orange area.
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Phillip Weld Forest
      Wareham, MA /39 acres
This pine and oak forest was conserved forever in the name of Phillip Saltonstall Weld by his cousin, Eloise Choate, in 1985. The parcel is surrounded by other conservation land, both public and private. The town owns a water main right-of-way which was enlarged and then seeded, providing excellent access into the property.
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Wells Memorial Forest
      Shelburne, MA /65 acres
Mrs. Fred W. Wells of Shelburne gave this forest to NEFF in 1973. It consists of 65 acres of high quality hardwood, actively and conscientiously managed by its previous owner, who was a farmer.
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Peggy Welz-Roberts Memorial Forest
      Windsor, MA /114 acres
Mrs. David R. Geary of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, gave this parcel to NEFF in memory of her mother. Mrs. Geary's great-grandparents, Stanislaw and Catarizina Pisiewski, bought the Windsor property in 1919, and for 45 years they farmed the land. In 1964 their daughter and her husband, Veronica and Edwin K. Welz, Sr., purchased the property, which passed to their granddaughter, Linda A. Geary. Under NEFF's ownership, the once productive farm will become a productive forest, supporting wildlife and giving pleasure to all who come to enjoy its quiet beauty.
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Wharton Plantation
      Groton, MA /722 acres
Mr. William P. Wharton, one of the original incorporators of the New England Forestry Foundation, deeded this land to NEFF in 1968. The land was pieced together by Mr. Wharton over many years as abutting parcels came on the market. The property was originally abandoned farm land which Mr. Wharton had planted into pine plantations, hence the name, Wharton Plantation. The property surrounds two sides of Baddacook Pond, a secondary source of drinking water for the town of Groton. There are extensive trail systems throughout the property. Recent beaver activity has added significant wetland acreage. The property contains an active heron rookery. 
Map Available

Directions: Take Rte. 495 to Exit 31, onto Rte. 119 toward Groton for 9 miles. Look for Lawrence Academy on right and white church on corner of Rte. 40. Take sharp right onto Rte. 40, continue for 2 miles. Look for a sign for the Groton Water Dept., a black school bus sign and a metal guard rail on the left. Old Dunstable Rd. is on the left after the guard rail. Look for a small brown cape set back from the road one mile on the left. This is NEFF headquarters and parking is provided.
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Wile Forest
      Westborough, MA /87 acres
This woodlot was donated in 1986 by William H. Palmer Wile. The property is known as No Man's Land, and Mr. Wile wanted to protect it for future generations to use and enjoy. At the time of donation, Mr. Wile was presented with plaques from the town and NEFF in recognition of his desire to slow down the development of the area. Since that time, houses have steadily crept up the hill to No Man's Land, but they are stopped by a well-managed forest of sugar maple and ash.
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Wright Forest
      Chester, MA /970 acres
Conservation Restrictions are held by the state of Massachusetts. As a result the property is closed to all motorized recreation.

An interesting feature is the very active railroad line, which traverses the property. The forest has significant wildlife habitat and fisheries resources. The Westfield River is one of the most scenic and wild rivers in the state and is recognized trout stream. The property combines riparian areas, open fields, lower, middle and upper slope habitats.

The Wright Forest was donated by the Trustees of the estate of Mildred Gibson Wright Revocable Trust on September 29, 2003.

Directions:
It is on RT 20 just south of the center of Chester. It is on the northeast side of the Westfield River. Access to the property is by fording the river at the picnic area pull-off just south of town.

GPS coordinates of the Forest Sign are 42.26117 N 72.95874 W
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