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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 / What Does Open Space Mean to You?

What Does Open Space Mean to You?

November 3, 2020

You may have seen signs in several places around Chesterfield advertising a public auction of properties. Or you may have seen the article in the Daily Hampshire Gazette Monday. A number of individuals and local conservation organizations agree that three of the properties slated to go up for auction have features that make them valuable areas to conserve, particularly the property along River Road at the Chesterfield Gorge, one of the region’s most visited sites. This parcel is surrounded by conserved land and if developed could permanently alter the experience of visiting the Chesterfield Gorge for those who hike, run, fish, bike, cross country ski, or snowmobile. 

River and rocks, surrounded by trees
The east branch of the Westfield River at the Chesterfield Gorge

For decades HLT has worked to protect unique landscapes and habitats in the Hilltowns. And in that time we’ve learned that the most successful projects come from collaboration with landowners, towns, partner organizations, and passionate individuals. Collaboration requires effective communication, and we would like to help facilitate that. 

We want to hear from community members who use open space in the Hilltowns. We feel delivering a collective voice to decision makers thinking about the protection of properties like these will be more compelling than many separate ones. If you would like to see this land and other open space in the Hilltowns conserved, please share your comments with us by filling out the form below.  

Filed Under: Announcements

Events Calendar

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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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    • Affiliation with The Trustees
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    • Newsletters
    • Contact
    • Open Positions
  • Land Protection
    • Conservation Restrictions
    • Agricultural Preservation Restrictions
    • Financial Incentives
    • Donating or Selling Land
    • Estate Planning
    • Landowner & Town Resources
  • Properties
    • Trails & Maps
      • Big View Trail
      • Bradley
      • Breckenridge
      • Clary Hill
      • Conwell
      • Hilltown Boulders
      • Historic Dam Trail
      • Locke’s Loop Trail
      • Robert’s Meadow Brook Trail
      • Round Top Hill
      • Stevens
      • Two Mamas Farm Waterfall Trail
    • Land Stewardship
    • Conservation Stories
  • Get Involved
    • Events
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • Support
    • Legacy Giving
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    • Vernal Pool Conservation

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© 2026 Hilltown Land Trust | Hilltown Land is a 501c3 nonprofit organization | Est. 1986