Franklin Land Trust accepts 124 acres in Shelburne
Greenfield Recorder - Richie Davis SHELBURNE — When it comes to “scenic byways,” the Mohawk Trail through Shelburne readily comes to mind, and now a conservation restriction has been placed on a 124-acre property directly along the highway to preserve it as woodland and pastureland. Franklin Land Trust helped the Town of Shelburne accept a conservation restriction on property of John A. and Margaret G. Payne, the land trust using $400,000 in state Scenic Byways funding just before the Nov. 16 death of... Read More
Saving a stunning view for generations to come
Greenfield Recorder - Wednesday, December 26, 2018 ERVING — The view from the French King Bridge is stunning, drawing visitors to stop for photos or to simply take in the panorama year-round. What those visitors may not know is that the view is protected though land preservation efforts like the 5.39 acres recently purchased by Franklin Land. That land is just west of the French King Restaurant and Motel. The Nov. 27 acquisition from the Prondecki family, which has owned the land surrounding the restaurant and motel since the 1950s, completes the four corners of the... Read More
A heartfelt thanks to land preservationists
Greenfield Recorder Those who appreciate the pastoral nature of Franklin County owe that rural ambience to the many landowners and farmers who shield their fields and forests from development. Many of them work with local land trusts to preserve that protection in perpetuity. And so it is we all — residents or visitors, driving or bicycling — get to enjoy this picturesque backdrop in our travels. Franklin Land Trust has protected 34,000 acres in our region over 32 years, for example, and since 1986, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust has helped protect more... Read More
Conserving Land for You (Annual Report)
Thanks to you—our faithful land conservation supporter—significant lands throughout western Massachusetts are now permanently conserved. With your help, the Franklin Land Trust closed out our 31st year with the completion of 11 new projects, permanently protecting 1,032 acres in 2018. Because of you, FLT has helped to conserve a total of 32,000 acres of forests, farms and waterways over the last 32 years. We tip our hats to you! View Annual Report Read More
Passing the Baton
In early September, FLT’s Executive Director Rich Hubbard announced his plans to retire in 2019. After 14 successful years with FLT, Rich has decided it is time to move on and enjoy his new grandchildren. FLT’s Board could not be more appreciative of the fine work Rich has done on behalf of all of us and our beloved western Massachusetts home. Our beautiful landscape of active farms, woodlands and wildlife habitat would be so different now if Rich hadn’t been there to ensure that this valuable resource has... Read More
Thank You!
D2R2 was a huge success because of all our wonderful volunteers, hosts and sponsors. Without you, this remarkable ride wouldn't be possible. And to our riders, thank you for making the day an incredible adventure for all of us! Even the weather couldn't keep your spirits down! Check out #D2R2 on social media for thousands of great photographs and stories from the day. Our 2018 Hosts Pioneer Gardens, Inc., Deerfield, MA www.pioneergardens.com Paul Chapley, Deerfield, MA Bill & Sharon Melnik, Deerfield, MA Janet Clark &... Read More
Planning a bumblebee friendly garden
List of native plants for bumblebees and other native bees. Read More
Charlie Cohn
We were deeply saddened to say goodbye to the former President and Treasurer of the FLT Board and longtime friend, Charlie Cohn. FLT’s first Executive Director, Mark Zenick, sent along his reflections on Charlie. While I was so fortunate to have Charlie as a prized and beloved friend for more than four decades, the land preservation community knew no more ardent champion of rural values and rural landscapes. While leading the Franklin Land Trust, I so benefitted from Charlie’s keen insight and implacable wisdom during his long tenure on FLT’s Board of Directors. He taught me and reminded... Read More