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Hilltown Land Trust

Dedicated to protecting the working lands, native habitats and rural beauty of the Hilltowns since 1986

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You are here: Home / Announcements / History and Legacy

History and Legacy

March 22, 2022

Margaret Waggoner was a Renaissance woman, with a passion for many topics including history, poetry, physics, and the natural world. A retired physics professor and Dean of Smith College, Margaret lived in Goshen for 20 years, and worked actively to preserve the town’s history as Chair of the Historical Commission and President of the Williams-Boltwood House Trust.

Margaret cared deeply for wildlife and knew she wanted to conserve her land, which includes extensive wetlands and sensitive wildlife habitat. She was in the process of doing so with Hilltown Land Trust when she passed away in September of 2021. Because she knew it might not be completed in her lifetime, she included language in her will to ensure the land would be conserved.

In addition to wildlife habitat, Margaret valued the peace she found through quiet contemplation in her woods and wanted others to experience the same on her trails. Thanks to her generous gift, people and wildlife will be able to enjoy her land in perpetuity.


To learn more about the ways you can leave a green legacy for The Hilltowns, visit the Green Legacy Circle page on our website or contact Katie Carr: katie@hilltownlandtrust.org or (413) 628-4485, ext. 5.

Margaret Waggoner, seen from behind, walks along a path in the woods using a walking stick. She is dress in jeans and a red top with a red vest. Next to her is a long rock wall, and she is surrounded by autumn leaves on the trees.
Margaret in her Woods

Filed Under: Announcements, Newsletter, Planned Giving

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9:45 AM - Breckenridge Sanctuary Snowshoe--Meet at James School
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10:00 AM - Winter Wildlife at Bullitt: Guided Trek with the Trustees of Reservations
10:00 AM - Oxen Logging Demonstration - For Landowners & Aspiring Landowners
12:30 PM - Oxen Logging Demo for Kids
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Breckenridge Sanctuary Snowshoe--Meet at James School
04 Mar
Mar 4th, 2015    
9:45 am - 12:00 pm
Helen E. James School
Join the Hilltown Land Trust (HLT) for a mid-week snowshoe on Wednesday the 4th of March on our beautiful Breckenridge Sanctuary. All are welcome for [...]
More Info
Winter Wildlife at Bullitt: Guided Trek with the Trustees of Reservations
Winter Wildlife at Bullitt: Guided Trek with the Trustees of Reservations
Mar 7th, 2015    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Bullitt Reservation
  • Hands-On
  • Hike
  • Workshop
Learn to identify animal tracks with an experienced nature educator while exploring the fields and forests at Bullitt. Pre-registration required. Snowshoe rentals available - quantities are [...]
More Info
Oxen Logging Demonstration - For Landowners & Aspiring Landowners
Oxen Logging Demonstration - For Landowners & Aspiring Landowners
Mar 7th, 2015    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Jackson Swamp
  • Workshop
Learn about low-impact sustainable forestry with forester Tom Jenkens. Meet his oxen team and watch them in action on Hilltown Land Trust's Jackson Swamp property.  Learn [...]
More Info
Oxen Logging Demo for Kids
Oxen Logging Demo for Kids
Mar 7th, 2015    
12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Jackson Swamp
  • Family Fun
  • Kids
  • Workshop
Can we really cut down trees and help the animals of the forest? Learn how! Watch how the strength of these working animals help a forester "weed" the forest, and can actually help other trees grow. Meet a real oxen team and watch them in action as you learn about low-impact sustainable forestry with experienced forester Tom Jenkens.
More Info
Events on Mar 4th, 2015
04 Mar
Breckenridge Sanctuary Snowshoe--Meet at James School
4 Mar 15
Williamsburg
Events on Mar 7th, 2015
Winter Wildlife at Bullitt: Guided Trek with the Trustees of Reservations
Winter Wildlife at Bullitt: Guided Trek with the Trustees of Reservations
7 Mar 15
Ashfield
Oxen Logging Demonstration - For Landowners & Aspiring Landowners
Oxen Logging Demonstration - For Landowners & Aspiring Landowners
7 Mar 15
Chesterfield
Oxen Logging Demo for Kids
Oxen Logging Demo for Kids
7 Mar 15
Chesterfield
  • About
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      • Robert’s Meadow Brook Trail
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      • Two Mamas Farm Waterfall Trail
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© 2026 Hilltown Land Trust | Hilltown Land is a 501c3 nonprofit organization | Est. 1986