Who we are
As one of the last surviving coastal farming communities in Massachusetts, Westport has a unique variety of landscapes, from the East and West Branches of the Westport River to neighboring farmlands, quiet woodlands, pristine beaches, and fertile marshes. All who know Westport appreciate these landscapes and their irreplaceable contribution to the Town’s agricultural heritage, natural beauty, and traditional way of life.
In 1972, recognizing the vital importance of Westport’s natural resources, and the need for community involvement in preserving them, a group of local residents formed the Westport Land Conservation Trust. Since then, the Land Trust has joined the efforts of various Town and State agencies to help many Westport property owners protect their land in keeping with its simple mission:
To acquire and preserve natural resources, farmland and wildlife areas for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations; to preserve and protect historic sites; to educate the public about the wise use of natural resources; and to work with other organization having similar purpose.
What's New
Historic Palmer Farm sold to local couple
The historic Oscar Palmer Farm has been sold! On May 24, 2011, the farm became the property of Laurie Marinone and Norman Anderson of Briggs Road here in Westport. The property has been protected by a conservation restriction held by the Town’s Conservation Commission and the Westport Land Conservation Trust.
Herb Hadfield Conservation Area doubled in size
The Town of Westport and The Westport Land Conservation Trust officially opened the Herb Hadfield Conservation in 2004. The beautiful 50-acre woodland property along Angeline Brook was obtained in 2002 thanks to a generous donation from the former owners, William and Cynthia Krause, along with funds from the town’s Agricultural/Open Space Trust Fund, the Land Trust and The Trustees of Reservations.
112 new acres protected!
2011 proved to be as busy as ever for the Land Trust. We added 88 acres of land protected by Conservation Restrictions (CRs) and 24 acres of land to the Land Trust’s own holdings.
New 2012 Winter Spring Events!
There are so many ways to get out in the off-season and enjoy the land. Print out the Winter/Spring Events Flyer and refer to it over the next few months.
New signs at Old Harbor Wildlife Refuge and Brookside Conservation Area
Have you been looking for The Old Harbor Wildlife Refuge, but driven right by it? Take another drive along Old Harbor Road, look to the river side of the road (east), and stop by the area for a quick walk.
Land Trust Purchases 75 acres along Wings Brook
The dream of having a green corridor connecting Slocum’s River in Dartmouth to the East Branch of the Westport River near Hix Bridge is 75 acres closer to reality thanks to the purchase of 75 acres along the Wings Brook stream corridor east of Horseneck Road.
Wesport Land Trust Press Release
Westport Land Conservation Partnership Announces Achievement of Significant Milestone: 2,000 Acres of Open Space and Farmland Protected in Last Ten Years