The Edwards Family operates Pinecrest Tree Farm, making holiday memories for so many local families who are looking to cut a tree down together. Cut-your-own Christmas trees are not the only gift the Edwards have provided to the people of Westport.
Protected in 2011 with a conservation restriction held by WLCT, the 25+ acre Pinecrest Tree Farm on Pine Hill Road had been in the Edwards family for generations. With over 1,000 feet of frontage on the Westport River, protection of the Farm was critical to preserving the wild and scenic nature of the upper east branch as well as helping preserve the water quality of the river.
In the landowners’ family for over 70 years, it was the owner’s desire to see the land preserved for future generations of landowners and river-users.
The 2011 Conservation Restriction met many of WLCT and the Town of Westport’s Open Space criteria including:
- protection of the town’s working rural landscape
- protection of the town’s natural areas including wetlands, wildlife habitats and coastal areas
- protection of an Aquifer Recharge Area
Located on the eastern side of the East Branch of the Westport River (Noquochoke), the 26-acre property is part of a preserved corridor that consists of river, working farmland, and forests.
Preservation of the Edwards property protects
- important agricultural soils
- Core Habitat as defined by the Commonwealth’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program
- highly scenic natural landscape of the Westport River
2017 Holiday Tree
WLCT is entering the final stages of completing it’s largest land acquisition to date, the 82-acre St. Vincent de Paul Camp and tree farmer Paul Edwards (pictured below with WLCT Executive Director Ross Moran) donated a 15+ foot tall tree for WLCT to display at the camp on Adamsville Road. Mr. Edwards recognizes the vital importance of saving this large track of land for the public and wanted to participate by contributing to the project in a unique way!
