The Homesteaders on Tunnel Road
Billy Hardison, an artist, and wife Leonda Hardison, a musician who has played with the likes of Muddy Waters, moved to their Tunnel Road homestead in 1968 in search of a rural, creative life immersed in nature. “We wanted a place where we could raise our children in the country and give them the kind of life we grew up with,” Billy shared. Over five decades, they raised five children—all born in the house, four delivered by Billy himself—and stewarded their land with minimal disturbance.
The family’s connection to the property began with an unforgettable journey down the mountain in a Volkswagen Bug. “We were looking for a place to live and had heard of this house. So, we took a look at the map and saw we could come down Tunnel Road. The road got steeper and narrower, and there was no way to turn around,” Billy recalled. “I got out and built little bridgeways over the holes with stones… and we kept going.”
Now, after more than half a century, the Hardisons made the decision to conserve their 82-acre forest in Rowe, MA. “We knew we couldn’t live there forever,” Billy said. “The bridge across the river needed serious repairs… so this is going to help us resettle.” With the full support of their adult children, the family chose to protect the land while retaining a house lot and a small riverfront strip for continued family use. “I actually did talk to a logger… but the amount of money he said we’d get wasn’t worth it. And we didn’t really want to log it,” Billy reflected. “I’m happy that it went to you folks.”
On July 21, 2025, Franklin Land Trust (FLT) permanently conserved the property, which abuts FLT’s Nan Williams Conservation Area. The land strengthens regional wildlife corridors and protects habitat for rare species, including bats that hibernate in the nearby Nan Williams cave. Recognized by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program for its BioMap Core Habitat and role in sustaining landscape connectivity, the forest drains directly into the Deerfield River, a Cold Water Fishery and designated Priority Habitat of Rare Species.
“Working with the Hardisons has been a true joy,” says Alain Peteroy, Deputy Director at FLT. “Their self-reliance and dedication are deeply inspiring. We’re grateful for the trust they’ve placed in us—it’s been a privilege to be part of this journey with them.”
FLT will manage the land as forever wild alongside the Nan Williams Conservation Area, with efforts focused on invasive species control and limited, safe public access.
This conservation success was made possible through a grant from the William P. Wharton Trust, an anonymous foundation grant and Mass Audubon’s 30×30 Catalyst Fund—a $75 million initiative launched in 2024 to accelerate land conservation across Massachusetts. The fund supports the global “30×30” commitment adopted at COP 15 in 2022, which aims to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030.
“The important forest on this 82-acre parcel was at risk of conversion, but is now preserved as habitat for rare bat species, recreation, environmental education opportunities, and to preserve the cold water fishery of the adjacent Deerfield River,” said David O’Neill, President & CEO of Mass Audubon. “Promoting regional connectivity between protected lands and protecting wildlife and biodiversity is precisely why the Catalyst Fund exists, and we’re thrilled we could play a small part in our partners’ amazing efforts to conserve this land.”
“This remarkable opportunity would not have been possible without the William P. Wharton Trust, Mass Audubon’s 30×30 Catalyst Fund and the generous support of the Anonymous Foundation,” says Mary Sabourin, Executive Director at FLT. “We’re deeply thankful for their partnership and vision in making this conservation project a success.”
FLT extends heartfelt thanks to the Hardison family for their decades of thoughtful land stewardship and for entrusting FLT with the permanent protection of this special place.