Another significant parcel of land in Harvard has been permanently protected, thanks to efforts of the Harvard Conservation Trust and a generous gift of a conservation restriction by Alice Thayer.
A field off South Shaker Road will be preserved by the Harvard Conservation Trust. (Courtesy photo)
Alice’s mother, Connie Thayer, had a dream to preserve their 5.50 acre field as open space for everyone to enjoy. The field is located on South Shaker Road across the road from the former home of Harvard Shakers’ South family. It is currently cultivated for hay, and in the fall the neighbor’s sheep can be seen grazing this historic parcel of land. In Harvard, agriculture is still an important part of the town’s fabric. According to Harvard’s draft Open Space plan, agriculture and horticultural activities account for nearly 1,500 acres in town. With such an abundance of orchards and farmland in Harvard, the Trust works hard to save these precious components of the town’s landscape, not only for their visual beauty, but for their functional uses as well.
The Harvard Conservation Trust’s mission is to protect open spaces in Harvard, including those that are actively farmed. Over the Trust’s 36-year history it has helped to permanently protect almost 600 acres, with some land continuing to be used for farming and horticultural purposes. The Trust is a membership-based nonprofit organization run by a volunteer board that works diligently to preserve Harvard’s landscape and rural lifestyle. Anyone interested in helping the Trust with land protection, stewardship, membership, and events is invited to contact me at mgentry@harvardconservationtrust.org or 978-456-9292.
Marylynn Gentry, executive director
Harvard Conservation Trust
