A historic farm with mature forest, biodiverse wetlands, and sweeping views of Mount Wachusett will either be conserved forever or lost to development.
October Farm and its 82± acre landscape is the focus of an ambitious land protection project led by North County Land Trust in partnership with Mount Grace Land Trust and the Town of Westminster.
The farmland from which October Farm gets its name has been active since the late 1700s and more recently was the original location for Wachusett Brewing Company. The beautiful hay fields with prime agricultural soils remain intact today, offering impressive views of Mount Wachusett and the night sky.
But here’s the secret: October Farm connects to more than 350 acres of unprotected forests, fields, and wetlands in the northern foothills of Mount Wachusett. These beautiful woodlands store an impressive amount of carbon, and the flourishing beaver pond is home to a diverse mix of wildlife and plant species. Existing trails winding through the forest present connection opportunities into adjacent Town-owned conservation land.
October Farm has been targeted by developers in part of a widespread pattern to build over natural landscapes in the Wachusett viewshed. North County Land Trust is working with the landowner to protect it through a conservation restriction. There is a small window of time to protect October Farm and prevent fragmentation of this historic and ecologically valuable landscape. A successful project will secure the land’s permanent protection, keep local land in agriculture, grant public access to the trails, and preserve this iconic vista in rural Massachusetts, but only if funding to purchase the conservation restriction is secured by June 2027.
- Water protection: Conserving October Farm protects part of the headwaters feeding Wyman Pond and the Nashua River.
- Landscape connectivity: The property connects to adjacent forestland and anchors a key corridor linking Mount Wachusett to surrounding habitats.
- Biodiversity hotspot: A productive beaver pond supports great blue herons, kingfisher, mink, turtles, ducks, and spring peepers as well as many wildlife species that benefit from access to healthy wetlands. This sits on the verge of a well-maintained, mixed-age forest hosting many species of permanent and migratory birds and invertebrates.
- Climate resilience: According to The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient Landscape mapping, the property’s forest provides above average carbon storage.
- Community access: Existing trails will become open to the community, with great potential to connect to trails on Town-owned conservation land, offering opportunities for expanded public access.
- Historic farmland: A working farm since the 1700s, conserving the land will protect imperiled farmland and prime agricultural soils.
- Urgency: Without conservation, this parcel can easily be developed. At least seven single-family estate homes are buildable without special approval. Development would permanently alter the character of the Wachusett Mountain area and broader habitat values.
- A strategic beginning: October Farm is a keystone parcel that strengthens the foundation for future conservation efforts in the North Wachusett region.
- Total Acreage: 82± acres
- Landscape Types:
- Mixed-age forest, 53 acres
- Beaver pond and wetlands, 14 acres
- Active hayfields on prime agricultural soils, 15 acres
- Conservation Method: Conservation Restriction on approximately 82 acres out of a total of 87 acres. Approximately 5 acres will be excluded around the farmhouse, barn, and garage (surveyed out of the CR).
- What is a Conservation Restriction? A conservation restriction is a legally binding agreement that permanently protects private land from development while keeping it in private ownership. As the CR holder, North County Land Trust will monitor the conservation restriction in perpetuity.
- Public Access: Public access to existing trails will be permitted. Opportunities to connect to a nearby trail network on adjacent Town-owned conservation land will be explored.
- Partners:
- Mount Grace Land Trust
- Town of Westminster: Hager Park Commission, Open Space Committee, Conservation Commission
- Project Status / Timeline: North County Land Trust has a signed MOU with a conservation buyer, who recently purchased the property. This project is expected to close in June 2027.
Project Cost: $1,750,000
- CR Purchase and Diligence Expenses: $1,400,000
- Stewardship and Project Expenses: $350,000
Projected Income: $1,750,000
- Private Foundations and Grants: $375,000
- State and Municipal Funding: $625,000
- Gifts from Individuals: $750,000
We Need Your Help
NCLT is seeking gifts to close the remaining funding gap and permanently protect October Farm. Every contribution brings October Farm closer to permanent protection. We invite you to speak with one of our team members to learn more about October Farm or discuss how your support can help secure this land for future generations.
Philanthropic support is essential to complete this project and secure permanent conservation of October Farm. Any funds raised beyond our goal will directly support other local conservation efforts.
Make A Gift to October Farm
You can make a gift online now or send a check to North County Land Trust, 325 Lindell Ave, Leominster, MA 01453. The check should be made out to North County Land Trust with “October Farm” in the memo.
For Westminster Residents
There may be other ways you can help North County Land Trust protect October Farm and other landscapes in the North Wachusett region. If you’d like to stay informed on ways to help, sign up for our “October Farm” mailing list.