by Marty Green ·
Friday, January 9, 2026
The Harvard Conservation Trust announced its purchase of a long-desired property along Ayer Road that more than doubles the size of the Pin Hill conservation area. The new 29-acre parcel, at 87 Ayer Road, includes a historic slate quarry and the north summit of Pin Hill, with its views stretching across woodlands and to the town center.
Many Harvard residents have likely walked the trails that extend from the current town conservation area of Pin Hill onto this land, as the previous owner did not object to walkers. Those who climbed to the top of the north peak for its views were probably unaware they were on private land.
The existing paths will make it easy to expand the Pin Hill trail network. “People who like to climb will love it,” said Abbe Alpert, an HCT trustee. Protecting this large open space along a main road near Harvard’s center “adds to the rural feel of the town,” she said.
The Pin Hill land recently came on the market at a price of $1,350,000 and would have been divided into four housing lots and one unbuildable lot. To make the purchase, the Harvard Conservation Trust put together funds from a range of sources, but is now seeking donations to bridge the remaining gap to cover the total cost.
The Harvard Conservation Commission will be purchasing and holding the conservation restriction on the property for $450,000. This funding will help toward the total purchase price. A Conservation Partnership grant from the state supplies an additional $425,000. And smaller grants from the Marion Stoddart Greenway Program and the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers Wild and Scenic Land Protection Program total $45,000.
To cover the full price, including surveys and legal costs, the trust needs an additional $452,000. The trustees hope to raise much of that money through donations. Some will also come from the Erhart Muller Conservation Collaborative, which will match donations dollar for dollar. This Muller bequest can be used only for land purchases, Alpert explained.