Trustees Garner Support to Protect Connecticut Farm
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The nonprofit conservation organization announced April 29 that it was successful in its efforts to permanently protect John Bottass' Shady Maple Farm on Weatogue Road in Salisbury, Conn. Although fundraising continues, the Trustees said it was confident enough in the community response to move forward in its purchase of a conservation easement that protects the land from development.
Bottass has been working his 77-acre farm since 1966. The land abuts the preserved space of Bartholomew's Cobble in Sheffield that is owned by the Trustees.
"When you work the land, it gets dear to you. If you care about your land — if you're good to it — it'll be good to you. It never lets you down," said Bottass.
Facing retirement, he approached the Trustees for help in conserving his farm.
"John Bottass has been a friend and good neighbor to the Trustees for over 25 years and when he approached us to help him protect his land, we were all committed to making it happen," said Steve McMahon, the group's Berkshires regional director. "We are so thankful for the generous support of our neighbors, members and friends to the north and south of Bartholomew's Cobble who have helped us achieve such an important conservation success in these tough economic times."
The Bottass farm is on the Massachusetts/Connecticut border and forms part of the greater Weatogue Valley landscape, an area that contains the ecologically distinctive Bartholomew's Cobble, and the historically significant Ashley House. The valley was settled and farmed since Mohican times, holds an important place on the Upper Housatonic Valley African-American Heritage Trail, and the landscape was the subject of many books by former New York Times columnist Hal Borland.
"Not only is the valley incredibly scenic, it has an incredible sense of place," said McMahon. "The Trustees are glad that we can help preserve the character of this valuable community landscape."
Bartholomew's Cobble is a National Natural Historic Landmark with four miles of trails and one of the most diverse collections of ferns in North America. The Trustees of Reservations' nature center at the Cobble offers a variety of outdoor programs for all ages. Hikers on the Spero Loop trail stroll along the Housatonic River, enjoy a scenic view of Shady Maple Farm and may see bald eagles soaring overhead.
"It was really inspiring to see the community pull together to make this happen," said Lee Alexander, community conservation specialist with the Trustees. "This farm would not be protected without so many people lending a hand, however they could."
The Trustees hosted a small reception at the farm on Saturday, May 2, to celebrate the success and to thank community members who contributed to the project.
