Special places : a newsletter of The Trustees of Reservations

12 Pages·1993·1 MB·English

by  The Trustees of Reservations

PLACES
SPECIAL
A
Newsletter of The Trustees of Reservations Winter 1993
strewn woodland and the extensive wetland in the
central part of the property.
Ravenswoodisespeciallyprizedby local residents,
walkers, andnaturalists. TheRavenswood Trustees,
<- JohnCunningham,Marietta Lynch,Catherine
Lastavica, and Fleet BankofNew England, selectedThe
Trustees ofReservationsaspermanentstewardofthe
V!
propertyaftera careful review ofthepark'sneeds,
especially theneedfora residentcaretaker.
JfA
The Rock House Reservation in West Brookfield,
1 80 acres, takes itsname from a massive rock shelter
created by glacial tumbling ofa bedrock outcrop.
This cave-like shelter was used by Native Americans
as a wintercamp andhas been a popularnatural
landmark for local residents. The reservation also
includes a scenic pond and a number ofrock forma-
RockHouseReservation in ivestern WorcesterCountybecame tions ofscenic and geologic interest. A trail network
the 75th reservation ofTheTrustees. Glacialerratics, likethe traverses the rugged upland. This property, with
onepicturedabove,arepepperedabout thelandscape. Photo by endowment, was donated by Walter Fullam ofWest
Ed Esleeck. Brookfield and Princeton, NewJersey.
Our 75th reservation Enhancement of exisiting properties
arrives with new year TheCentercoordinated theprotectionoffourproper-
ties thatenhanceexistingreservations.
Coddings Meadow Overlook, 14 acres, is a small
The LandConservationCenterhadabusyandpro- but strategic purchase to augment Doane's Falls
ductive year-end, thanks to the remarkablegenerosity Reservation in Royalston. Located at a scenic bend in
ofseveraldonorsand toinnovative privateandpublic Lawrence Brook, upstream from the falls, the site
partnerships. Our74th and75thproperties, affords a wonderful view ofwet meadows and will
Ravenswood ParkinGloucesterand theRockHouse be a delightful picnic and canoe launch area. Sur-
Reservation inWest Brookfield,head thelist, which rounded by lands acquired by the state's Division of
alsoincludes threeimportantadditionstoexisting Fisheries and Wildlife, this is a key parcel for the
reservationsandsix perpetualconservationrestrictions. protection ofLawrence Brook. Purchase ofthe
After 103 years ofcontinual stewardship under Overlook is stillbeing funded through contributions
committed local trustees, 600-acre Ravenswood Park from the Central Regional Committee and from other
in Gloucester has been transferred to The Trustees of Trustees' supporters.
Reservations. This heavily forested park was estab- AttheNorrisReservationinNorwell,siblings
lished in 1889 by Samuel Sawyer, a successful Richard andDaleMcMullanandCarolineMcMullan
Gloucester businessman and philanthropist. Burkedonated theadjacentMcMullanWoods (16
Ravenswood is noted for its picturesque collection of acres). This giftincludes470 feetalongtheNorthRiver
lichen-covered glacial erratics and for its population with a smallboathouseand a veryattractivewoodland.
ofsweetbay magnolia, for which the nearby village is TheNorrisReservation trailnetworkhasbeen fully
named. Well-maintained trails thread theboulder- extendedbya loop throughMcMullanWoods.
Continuedon page3
Special Places Page 2
Dear Trustees:
begun while I was Commissioner ofFood and
As members and supporters ofThe Trustees of Agriculture, and the Watershed Protection Program
Reservations, you are counted among those most in central Massachusetts.
interested in and committed to the preservation of In recent weeks, we at The Trustees have been
open space and historic places. All ofus who care workingclosely with the Secretary and the Governor
about the Massachusetts landscape and its special to shape a major proposal for a new open space bond
places should contact GovernorWeld and our state act. This act would authorizenew capital funding for
legislators and let them know there is vigorous the most importantcategories ofopen space, but the
support for continued public investment in state and moneywould notbe appropriated andbonds would
municipal open space protection. not be sold unless the state's economy allowed. We
Many of the most important success stories have expect this legislation to be filed early in '93, and we
beenjoint ventures between private land trusts and will push hard for its passage.
the state. Over the last ten years, in a model ofpublic While the recession has put a damper on develop-
and private cooperation. The Trustees and other land ment, we suspect that even a slow recovery and a
trusts have worked closely with agencies such as the modestly improving real estate market will send
Departments of Environmental Management, Fisher- many Massachusetts landowners to theirbrokers. We
ies and Wildlife, and Food and Agriculture, the private conservationists and the state must be in a
Division ofConservation Services, and the Metro- position to work together creatively when enviro—n-
politan District Commission. Working together, we mentally critical properties come on the market
have saved some ofthe mostenvironmentally and preferably longbefore their owners make their
significant parcels ofopen space in the Common- decisions and set their prices. With a renewed
wealth: large tracts ofproductive forest, thousands of commitment ofopen space investmentby the Com-
acres ofscenic farmland, importantnatural areas and monwealth, we and our conservation colleagues in
wildlife habitats, hundreds ofmunicipal parks and more than 100 land trusts throughout the state can
open spaces. make sure that the most important available lands
We can all thank Governor Weld and his fine are purchased.
Secretary of Environmental Affairs, Susan Tierney, Yourcallsand letterswillhelp usconvince the
for their staunch support ofo—pen space investment in Governoraridlegislature tliat thereisstrongpublic
very difficult circumstances and for their recogni- supportforthe passageofan openspaceactwithout
tion ofthe vital role that land trusts play in this delay. Thefuture ofourCommonwealth dependson it!
process ofland protection. Unfortunately, while
some 1987bond authorizations remain, several ofthe
state's high priority open space acquisition programs
are out ofmoney or willbe in thenextfew months. Frederic Winthrop,Jr. ^
These include the agricultural preservation program. Director
Frederic Winthrop,Jr. Regional
Director Supervisors
John F. Coleman Richard O'Brien
DeputyDirectorforFinance Central Region
The Trustees
andAdministration
ChristopherKennedy
of Reservations Richard T. Howe Islands Region
Deputy Directorfor
TheTrusteesofReservations isdedicated topreserving PropertyManagement Wayne N. Mitton
forpublic use and enjoymentpropertiesofexceptional Northeast Region
scenic, historic and ecological value throughout Lisa McFadden
Massachusetts. Founded in 1891, itis theworld's oldest DeputyDirector ThomasS. Foster
land trust. for Public Information Southeast Region
Today, TheTrustees own and manage 75 properties,
totaling more than 18,500 acres, and protectan addi- Ann F. Powell Stanley I. Piatczyc
tional 8,500 acres through the useofconservation Deputy Director Western Region
restrictions. for Development
TheTrustees ofReservations is a private, non-profit
organization and relies forsupportentirely upon WesleyT. Ward Lisa McFadden
membership dues, contributions, admission fees, grants Deputy Director Marah Ren
and endowments. forLandConservation NewsletterEditors
Special Places Pa^e 3
Continuedfrom cover pletes the protection of the undeveloped portions of
Funds to cover the costs ofacquisition and start-up Great Island, an effort begun in 1986 with the dona-
were raised by the Norris Reservation Local Commit- tion by the Chase family ofa conservation restriction
tee from 130 contributors. on 240 acres.
The third addition to an existing reservation is the The partnership The Trustees entered into three
extraordinary gift by Essex County Greenbelt Asso- years ago with landowners and a local land trust to
ciation of 16 acres preserve the eastern shore of the West Branch of the
adjacent to the Westport Riverbore fruit again at year's end. Gifts of
Coolidge Reserva- two abutting conservation restrictions, from Nicholas
tion ill Manchester. and Varick Niles and Mary Elizabeth Katzenbach,
The parcel was given brought the reach ofprotected shoreline to more than
to Greenbelt in 1984 1,700 feet. The restrictions, with 10 acres ofopen
by Catherine field, woodland and salt marsh, will be co-held with
Coolidge Lastavica the Westport Land Conservation Trust.
and her late uncle, Lucy Richardson donated a conservation restric-
William A. Coolidge. tion on 57 acres ofhayfield, pasture and salt marsh at
Greenbelt's gift will Thomhill Farm in Essex, across Island Road from
greatly assist in our the Stavros Reservation. The property is a prominent
stewardship ofthe feature ofthe view from both the Crane Wildlife
Coolidge Reserva- Refuge and Crane Memorial Reservation, as well as
tion. We will create from White's Hill on the Stavros Reservation.
EssexCountyGrccnbdt Executive a small parking area
DirectorEdivardBeckerwith offSummerStreet, Creative partnerships
Trustees'Chairman Norton Sloan. from which trails The Trustees passed two milestones in efforts to
Greenbelthas beenan essential will lead to the high preserve Upland Farm, adjacent to the Bryant
pCaorotlniedrgeinRetsheerveasttiaobnl.ishmentofthe lHieldlgeasndofaBluonnggatlheow THhoamneksstetaodaicnhaClulmenmgienggrtaontnf{rseoemFatlhle1S9w9e2entewWsalettetrer).
shore ofClarke Pond. Special thanks go to Greenbelt, Trust and more than 130 individual gifts, we com-
which has been an essential partner in the establish- pleted our $45,000 fundraising drive before year's
ment ofthis beautiful reservation. end. In addition, the Land Conservation Center
assisted on Frank and Bernadette Herron's generous
Conservation restrictions
year-end gift ofanother agricultural preservation
The Trustees accepted gifts ofsix conservation restriction to the state, protecting an additional 48
restrictions totaling366 acres. In each of these cases, acres ofthe farm and more than a half-mile of
generous and farsighted landowners have given up frontage on State Route 112.
development rights to protect the natural and scenic The Center also played a pivotal role in preserving
values oftheir land forever. 100 acres ofopen space in the growing community of
Dr. Jon Liland donated a conservation restriction HoUiston, at the same time encouraging the forma-
on 150 acres at Maple Hill Farm, Hardwick. This tion ofa new land trust. In December, the Avery
property includes agricultural fields, woodlands and Dennison Company made a generous gift of
an extensive wetland system, including a beaver Wenakeening Woods to The Trustees' affiliate. The
pond on lovely Moose Brook. Massachusetts Farm and Conservation Lands Trust
Louisa Von Clemm ofLondon, England, donated (MFCLT). MFCLT retained a conservation restriction
a conservation restriction on 54 acres at Hillhurst in on the parcel and transferred ownership of it to the
Natick and Wellesley, overlooking LakeWaban. newly formed land trust. UpperCharles Conserva-
Visible fromWellesley College and the lakeshore tion, Inc. In addition, Avery Dennison donated a
path used by Wellesley residents and students, the conservation restriction to The Trustees on the
property iticludes managed woodlands, hayfields, riverfrontportion ofadjacent property the company
wetlands, a small pond and a graceful carriage drive. retained. Congratulations to UpperCharles Conser-
This restriction is a key part ofthe effortby The vation, Inc., which hopes, through public accessibil-
Trustees and landowners to protect the scenic and ity, to foster greater appreciation of the natural
environmental integrity ofLake Waban. environmentandhistory ofthe landscape.*
At Smith's Point, South Yarmouth, Fayette —
Scheuch ofHartford, Conn, donated a conservation Wesley Ward, Director, Land Conservation Center;
restriction on 36 acres ofshoreline, dunes, wetlands, Valerie Talmageand Charles Wyrnan, Land Protection
and forested upland comprising the northerly Specialists
portion ofGreat Island. The property is clearly
visible to passengers on the ferries enteringand
leaving Lewis Harbor. This project virtually com-
Special Places Page4
that LongHill be adequatelyprovided forfinancially.
Long He didn't want the family's gift to become a burden
Hill:
for The Trustees, but was adamant that Long Hill
A gift to us all have the same excellent care it had received fromhis
family.
Marjorie Russell Sedgwickhad provided an
LongHillismanythings endowmentfor thepropertybybequestand Ellery
tomanypeople: an Sedgwick,Jr. made annual donations to the property.
In addition, as part ofhis estate planning, he pro-
elegantFederal-style
housesetat theend ofa vided for a very generous gift toThe Trustees of
A Reservations' Pooled Income Fund.
longdrive in Beverly.
bleaandustcyaapnedofchexacrempt—ionaal whiTchheaPloloolwesdaIdnocnoomretFoumnadkies aa pgilfatnonfecdapgiitvailntgotaool
springgardenof charity while retaining the income from the capital
weepingcherrytrees for life. Upon the donor's death, the capital comes to
anddriftsofspring the charity. When Ellery Sedgwick, Jr., died last year,
bulbs. Headquarters of the principal from his Pooled Income Fund gift was
The Trustees ofReser- added to the Long Hill endowment.
He also left Long Hill another legacy. His daugh-
vations.
Above all. Long Hill ter, Irene Sedgwick Briedis, hasjoined the Long Hill
BenefactorandfriendofLong is a gift to all ofus from Committee and is fillingher father's role as Sedgwick
Hill, Ellery Sedgwick,Jr. faanmoilldya—ndthperSoemidngewnitck fwaimtihltyhreeGpraersdeenntaCtiovmemiattLteoengtoHidlel.veIlroepneaisMawsotrekrinPglan
family. It is a testament to their love ofa place and that will document the history and horticultural
importance ofthe Sedgwick Gardens and ensure that
theirpublic spirit.
In 1916, the 114-acre property was purchased by the property remains many wonderful things to
manypeople.*
Ellery Sedgwick, noted author and editor ofAtlantic
Monthly magazine, for a summerestate. He and his
wife, Mabel Cabot Sedgwickhired architect Philip
Richardson to design the house around woodwork
they salvaged from the 1802 Isaac Ball House in
Charleston, South Carolina.
On the crest ofa hill, surrounded by forest and
wetland, Mabel Sedgwick, an accomplished horticul-
turist and author ofThe Garden Month byMonth,
turned abandoned pastures into extraordinary
gardens. Using the native pasture cedars that were a
feature ofthe site, Mrs. Sedgwick added mountaiii
laurel, exotic weepingJapanese cherries and a
profusion ofspring bulbs.
AfterMabel Sedgwick's death, the garden came
under the care of the second Mrs. Sedgwick, Marjorie
Russell. A distinguished gardener and propagator of
rare plants, she added a notable collection oftree
peonies, rhododendrons, stewartias, lotuses and
Japanese maples to prolong the blooming season and
add autumn color.
Life at Long Hill was always lively. Four children Statelyweepingcherries, an explosion ofcolorfulazaleas,and
grew up in the house, and literary friends of Mr. delicate treepeoniesgreet springtimevisitors at LongHill.
Sedgwick's made for varied and interest—ing com- Photo by Dorothy KerperMonnelly.
pany. It was the four Sedgwickchildren Henrietta
E. S. Lockwood, Ellery Sedgwick,Jr., S. Ca—bot
Sedgwick, and Theodora Sedgwick Bond who in
1979 gave Long Hill to The Trustees ofReservations. A
Long Hill made the transition from a private reminder that theSedgwick Gardens
summer home to a multi-faceted public reservation Horticultural Library is open to the public Tuesdays
with thousands—of visitors each year. But it didn't from 9:30 A.M. to 1 P.M. and Thursdays from 12:30
lose its family Long Hill had long been a part of to 4 P.M. Volunteer librarians Alice Davis, Verda
their lives and they remained committed to the McAleer, and Diana Ward welcome visitors to
property. Ellery Sedgwick, Jr., was deeply concerned browse or borrow.
A N D A
C L E R
A
Listing of Updated and Nezvly Scheduled Events
M4A4R4C*H
the family and lower the heavy burden ofinherit-
ance taxes. The Trustees will hostsites in Great
MAR
SAT, 6 lOK Classic Ski Race Barrington, Gardner and Lowell for this televised
Notchview Resenmtioii, Windsor. 413-684-3722 estate planning conference, sponsored by the
Cross-country ski race open to all! Bread andjam Southern New England ForestConsortium, Inc. For
prizes. 10 A.M. Entrance fee formembers and detailed information, please contactVirginia Slack.
non-members: $6.
MAR
TUES, 23 Long Hill Volunteer Luncheon
MAR
SAT, 6 Ski by Moonlight Long Hill, Beverly. 508-921-1944
Notchview Resenmtion Windsor. 413-684-3722 A luncheon will be held at Long Hill at 12:30 P.M.
,
Ski 25 kilometers oftrails through northern for anyone interested in volunteering at the prop-
hardwood forest and spruce plantations. Refresh- erty this spring and summer. Please call Lillabeth
ments served at the lodge. 7P.M. Members free. Wies to R.S.V.P. by March 15, 1993.
Non-members $6. The$6feefor the lOK raceentitles
you to freeadmission to the moonlight ski. SAT, MAR 27 Clean-up Day
RockHouse Reservation, W. Brookfield. 508-840-4446
SAT, MAR 6 A MEMBER'S EVENT Discover theCentral Region's newest reservation
Who's "Whoo?" Did you hear? by helping us get it ship-shape for its grand open-
Bear's Den, No. Nezv Salem. 508-544-6959 ing later in the year. Bring gloves, bow saws,
Cross-country skiing, sleigh rides and snow loppers, hand pruners and a picnic lunch. 10 A.M.-
sculptures. Enjoy a "winterbarbeque" and go on a 2 P.M. To volunteer, call Mike Barbour.
Night Owl Walk led by Bob Clark. Wrap up the
day beside a warmbonfire gazing at the winter
sky. Skiing, sleigh rides, sculpture: 1-4 P.M.;
barbeque 4:30 - 6 P.M.; owl walk 6:15 - 7:45 P.M.;
bonfire and stargazing begins at 7:45 P.M. Adults
$20, children 6 -12 $15. Please use the form below
A4P*R4I4L
to register.
SUN, MAR 7 Identification ofTrees in Winter SAT, APRS Annual Work Day
World's End, Hingham. 617-821-2977 ChapelbrookReservation, So. Ashfield. 413-298-3239
John Tinker, localnaturalist, will lead our walk. Roll up yoursleeves, wear warm clothes and
Learn to identify trees in winterby means ofbark, sturdy shoes, and help clean up the trail at
buds, bud scars, etc. 1 P.M. Free admission. Chapelbrook. Join us at 9 A.M.
WED, MAR 10 Orchard Pruning Day SAT, APR 3 Buds & Bark: Birch or Beech?
LongHill, Beverly. 508-921-1944 Szoift RiverReservation, Petersham. 508-840-4446
Come to Long Hill to help prune the orchard! If Trek the trails to track tall timber and other trea-
you don't want to prune, we need plenty ofhelp sured trees. Learn to identify common trees and
gathering up the branches. 9:30 A.M. Soup served shrubsby their buds, bark, and shape. lOxhand
at noon. Thanks in advance! To volunteer, contact lens andhand pruners recommended. Bring a
LillabethWies. picnic lunch. 10 A.M.-2 P.M. Members: adults, $3,
children 6 -12 $2. Non-members: adults $5, chil-
MAR
SAT, 20 Clean-up Day dren $2. Call to register.
Brooks Woodland Preserve, Petersham. 508-840-4446
Help clean up winter's debris on the trails and TUES, APR 6 Symposium:
roads. Bring bow saws, loppers, hand pruners and GertrudeJekyll & the Art of Gardening
a picnic lunch. Wear warm clothing and gloves. Castle Hill, Ipswich. 508-356-4351
9 A.M.-3 P.M. To volunteer, call Mike Barbour. In celebration ofthe 150th anniversary ofher birth.
HorticultureMagazine and the Long Hill Garden
MAR
SAT, 20 YourFamily's Land: Committee are presenting an all-day symposium
Legacy or Memory on MissJekyll's place in gardeninghistory.
Various locations statewide. 508-921-1944 9 A.M.- 4 P.M. To register, contactMary Ellen
Learn how estateplanningcanhelp keep land in Colligan. Members: $89. Non-members $99
WED, APR 7 Workshop: construction, layout and design. Morning session
Distinguished Sedgwick Garden Plants followed byhands-on field applications. Geared for
Long Hill, Beverly. 508-921-1944 teenagers and adults. 8:30 A.M.- 4 P.M. Admission
Explore the beauty, attributes, care and garden includes textbook. Members $15. Non-members
uses ofsome specialSedgwickGarden plants $18. Boxed lunch option: $7.50. Enrollment limited.
during garden tours, discussion and slides. 9:30 Registration required.
A.M.-12:30 P.M. Members $25. Non-members $28.
SAT, MAY 1 VolunteerWork Day
MON, APR 12 The Old Manse Opens Rocky Woods Reservation, Medfield. 508-359-2802
The OldManse, Concord. 508-369-3909 Help with trail maintenance. Bring hand tools,
Visit this National Historic Landmark, built in gloves, warm clothes, lunch and your family. We
1769 as the first parsonage in Concord. Guided have work forall ages. Meet at parking lot in
tours focus on Emerson, Ripley and Hawthorne, Rocky Woods at 9 A.M. To register, call Donna
who all lived and worked here. Open weekdays 10 Meaney at 508-359-2802.
A.M.-5 P.M. Sundays and holidays 1-5 P.M.
Closed Tuesdays. Members free. SUN, MAY 2 "SplendorofSpring" GardenToure
Bradley Reservation, Canton. 617-821-2977
SAT, APR 17 Birds, Bogs & Brunch The formal gardens will be at theirpeak with a
Bullard Farm B&B, No. New Salem. 508-544-6959 large number ofbulbs inbloom. Join us for guided
Jump out ofthosejammies,jolt down thatjava, tours ofthe grounds given every hour on the hour
andjoinJohn Green on a sunrisejunket to learn from 11 A.M.-3 P.M. Free admission.
about the flora and fauna ofHarvard Forest's Tom
Swamp. Thejaunt will be followed by lunch and SUN, MAY 9 Fourth Annual
John's slide program ofEverglades National Park. Mother's Day Rare Plant Auction & Sale
Meet at Bullard Farm at 7A.M. Members: adults Long Hill, Beverly. 508-921-1944
$15, children 6-12 $10. Non-members: adults $20, Special hardy plants forsale at Long Hillby
children $10. Seniors: 15% discount. Groups of 10 auction and at pre-priced tables. Great gifts for you
or more: 20% discount. Call to register. and Mom! 10 A.M.- 4 P.M. Free admission.
MON, APR 19 Patriots' Day Parade SAT, MAY 15 Clean-up Day
The OldManse, Concord. 508-369-3909 Doane's Falls, Royalston. 508-840-4446
Join us in historic Concord for a Revolutionary Clear trails, fix signs, and paint gates to prepare
battle re-enactment and Patriots' Day Parade. Doane's Falls for the season. Bring gloves and wear
Call for detailed information. work clothes. 9 A.M.-12noon. To volunteer, call
Mike Barbour.
SUN, APR 25 Stevens-Coolidge Place Opens
MAY
Stevens-Coolidge Place, No. Andover. 508-682-3580 SAT, 15 Stevens-Coolidge Place Plant Sale
Tour the former Coolidge summerhome, filled Stevens-Coolidge Place, No. Andover. 508-682-3580
with a renowned collection ofChinese export This annual plant sale, held in conjunction with the
porcelain and American decorative arts pieces. North Andover Garden Club, is open to all. The
Then enjoy strolling and picnicking in the restored first floorofthehouse willbe open for touring.
gardens. Grounds open daily year-round. House Free admission.
open Sundays 1-5 P.M. andby special appoint-
ment. Members free^^g.^,^;,^; SAT, MAY 22 VolunteerWork Day
kr^"'-''^^/:!.^,
Noanet Woodlands, Dover. 508-359-2802
Work will focus on trail maintenance. Bringhand
tools, gloves, bug repellent, lunch and your family.
Meet at the Caryl Park parking lot on Dedham
Street in Dover at 9:00 A.M. To register, call Donna
Meaney at508-359-2802.
MAY
SAT, 1 Shoreline Clean-up
World's End, Hingham. 617-821-2977 0^-'/ TUES, MAY 25 Beauty for All Seasons
Help us clean up the shoreline alongWorld's End. Long Hill, Beverly. 508-921-1944
Litter and debris are particularly heavy as a result Learn to extend yourenjoyment ofthe garden
of the severe coastal storm ofDecember '92. Meet throughout all seasons. Jim Cross, ovv'ner of
atentrance at 9 A.M. Bring gloves and trash bags. Environmentals Nursery, a nationally known
woody plant nursery specializing in unusual and
MAY
SAT, 1 Trail Construction Workshop dwarfconifers and flowering shrubs, will lecture at
Swift River Reservation, Petersham. 508-840-4446 10:00 A.M. Members $10. Non-members $12. $Pre-
Learn proven techniques and methods for trail registration required.
SAT-MON, MAY 29-31 SUN, MAY 30 Bird Songs & Wildflowers
Emerson Days at The Old Manse Notchview Reservation, Windsor. 413-684-3722
The Old Manse, Couconi. 508-369-3909 Ed Neumuth will lead a nature walk that begins
Celebrate the heritage ofThe Old Manse and the at 6 A.M. and picks up late starters at 8 A.M. for
lives of William Emerson, Concord's patriot an additional hourofdelight. Free admission.
minister, and his grandson, Ralph Waldo Emerson,
as you tour the house. Saturday 10 A.M.-5 P.M. MON, MAY 31 Mission House Opens
Sunday and Monday 1-5 P.M. Members free. Non- Mission House, Slockbridge. 413-298-3239
members: adults $4.50, children 6-12 $2.50, seniors Visit the 1739housebuilt byJohnSergeant, first
$3.50. Group rates available. missionarytotheMahican Indians. Features 17th-
and 18th-century furnishings,colonial period
SAT, MAY 29 Col. Ashley House Opens gardens, anda small Indian museum. OpenTues-
Col. Ashley House, Ashley Falls. 413-229-8600 day-Sundayand Monday holidays 11 A.M.- 4P.M.
Built in 1735, the Ashley House exemplifies early Closed Tuesdaysafterholiday. Members free.
18th century architecture. Features a noteworthy
collection ofAmerican redware and 18th- and early MON, MAY 31 Naumkeag Opens
19th-century furnishings. Open weekends and Naumkeag, Stockbridge. 413-298-3239
Monday holidays 1-5 P.M. FromJune 30 through The forme—r Choate estate is a classic Gilded Era
Labor Day: Wednesday-Sunday and Monday "cottage" its 26 rooms filled with imported and
holidays 1-5 P.M. Members free. early American treasures. Fletcher Steele's master-
piece gardens dominate the hillside. Open
SUN, MAY 30 A MEMBER'S EVENT Tuesday-Sunday and Monday holidays 10
Coddings Meadow Canoe & Barbeque A.M.-4:15 P.M. Closed Tuesdays afterholiday.
Doane's Falls, Royalston. 508-840-4446 Members free.
Canoe Lawrence Brookandenjoya chickenbarbeque
afterwards. Putin and takeoutatCoddings Meadow
Canoe Landing. MeetatCoddingsMeadow Landing
at 10A.M. Barbequeat 12noon. Adults$10,children
$7.50. Limitedcanoe rentals: $25. Please use the
form belowto register.
R E G S T R T O N
I I
FOR MEMBER'S EVENTS
Pleaseregister soon, asspace is limited attheseevents. Members arewelcome tobring non-memberguests. A
confirmation letterwith directions willbesenttoyou uponreceiptofyourreservation. Mail thiscouponwith
yourcheck to:
Membership Office
The Trustees ofReservations
572 Essex Street
MA
Beverly, 01915-1530
TTORDonor#
Please acceptmy reservation(s) forthe following:
Name(s)
SAT March 6:Whose"Whoo"DidYou Hear?
Number inparty x$20peradult
X$15 perchild (6-12) Address
.
SUN May30: Coddings Meadow
Canoe & Barbeque City State Zip
Numberin party x$10peradult
x$7.50 perchild (6-12)
(-
Rentalcanoe(s) x $25each. Phone
Canoesseat3adultsor
2adults and 2children. Total amountenclosed$_
Special Places Page 8
TheItalian Garden
Campaign goal for To the west of the Great House is the Italian Garden,
a sunken garden surrounded by masonry walls and
embellishedby wooden pergoals and wrought-iron
major capital projects gates. A grotto functions as a stage each summer
during the Castle Hill Festival, a varied and ac-
claimed celebration ofthe performing arts. Many
The Centennial Campaign ofThe Trustees seeks nationallyknownartistshaveperformed in thegarden,
funds for the protection ofnew land and the care of enrichingthemagicalsettingwith theirtalent.
existing reservations. This article, the fourth in a The masonry walls of the garden are in serious
series, explains the needs behind our goal to raise $2 need ofrepair, the wooden pergoals mustbe com-
million formajor capital projects. pletely removed and replaced, and the wrought-iron
gate mustbe treated before it sustains irreparable
At the Crane Properties damage. In order to deal with the most pressing of
The Crane Properties contain some ofthe most these issues and ensure that the Italian Garden will
superb natural and designed landscapes in the be available forconcert use, $100,000 is needed.
Commonwealth. Situated in the estuaries ofthe Beach Buildings
Ipswich and Essex Rivers, the properties cover over
2,000 acres and include a major barrier beach, Crane Beach is the most popular swimmingbeach
islands, salt marshes, and acres oflandscaped north ofBoston and is visited each yearbynearly a
grounds surrounding a palatialhome, the Great halfmillion people. Three smallbuildings presently
serve multiple purposes at thebeach: refreshment
House.
stand, administrative offices, first aid center, security
The GreatHouse headquarters, and bathhouses.
In 1925, Chicago industrialist Richard T. Crane, Jr., The Trustees wish to upgrade these structures to
hired architect David Adler to build a grand summer servebetter the visiting public and, in particular, to
house on his Ipswich property. The resulting Great provide convenienthandicapped access. In addition,
House, considered Adler's masterpiece, reflects the we hope to construct a visitor's center, which would
grand country houses ofStuart England. provide interpretivematerialon the barrierbeach
The interior of the Great House has many fine and its endangered shorebird populations as well as
features. In addition to a 63-foot gallery with a 16- classroom space for visiting school groups.
foot ceiling, there is a library with ornamental wood To upgrade the beach buildings and provide an
carvings by the 17th-century master, GrinlingGib- interpretive and educational center, the campaign
bons. Bedrooms feature panels from an 18th-century seeks to raise $250,000.
London residence and tenbathrooms testify to
Chappaquiddick
Crane's corporate success; some are embellished with
sterling silver fixtures, others contain soft-hued The Trustees manage three properties on Chappa-
Italian marble or Delft tiles. quiddick Island: Mytoi, Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge,
Working from period photographs and the and Wasque Reservation. The latter two comprise
catalogue ofGreat House furnishings sold at auction over 700 acres ofbarrierbeach, salt marsh, sandplain
by Parke-Bernet in 1950, a volunteer committee has grassland, pine and cedar woodlands, heathland,
carefully assembled furnishings and supervised the ponds, and streams. Cape Poge and Wasque are
restoration ofinteriors to recreate the elegant home favorite surffishing sites and are home to large
enjoyed by the Crane family in the first halfofthis numbers ofshorebirds, including the endangered
century. Work on the interior restoration of the house piping plover.
hasbeen financed by special gifts and through The The three properties onChappy pose a significant
Trustees operating budget. H—owever, the mechanical managementchallenge. Protecting and maintaining
systems ofthe—Great House plumbing, heating, these varied natural resources forpublic access and
and electrical and its exteriormasonryneed major enjoymenthas become increasinglycomplex over the
retro-fitting and restoration. past few years as visitor activities threaten the safety
The Conservation Center ofthe Society for the ofnesting plovers.
Preservation ofNew England Antiquities was hired In response to the growingmanagement pres-
in 1992 to assess needs and provide guidance in sures. TheTrustees have increased both full-time and
undertaking the Great House restoration. With the seasonal staffon Chappy and now wish to provide
results ofthe studies in hand, we are eager to raise staffhousing at Wasque. This will allow for a year-
the funds to carry out this much-needed work. round presence on the island, improvingsecurity,
Agoalof$1 millionmustbereached toretro-fitthe public safety, and management ofnatural resources.
mechanicalsystemsandrestoretheexteriormasonry. Providing staffhousinghas the additionalbenefitof
.
Special Places Page 9
helping The Trustees attract and retain well-qualified,
experienced property managers.
To construct a staffhouse on Chappy on land If only we had
owned by The Trustees will cost $150,000. . .
<<An army ofenthusiastic volunteers willing
to staffa membership table at upcoming
events. Donate a few hours to promote The
Trustees and your favorite property. Contact
Shawn Berry at the Membership Office in
Beverly. 508-921-1944
•w^An EMT "Jump Kit" to enhance the safety
program at Doane's Falls in Royalston. A
fully stocked first-aid/EMT kit would be a
real lifesaver! An opportunity for great
exposure in a community thathas been
particularly supportive of our safety efforts.
Call DickO'Brien, Central Regional
Supervisor, ifyou can help. 508-840-4446
i^A gravely tractor or a tractor with a brush-
cutting deck to keep the grounds at Long
Hill better groomed. Do you have one or
know ofsomeone who is no longer using
theirs? Lillabeth Wies, Long Hill
Superintendent, would like to hear from
you. 508-921-1944
m-Anumber ofperiod pieces for the museum
rooms at Castle Hill in Ipswich!
•1930s clothing
•1930sbreakfastchina
•picture frames for 1930s-era photos
Shorcbirds on Cape Pogc. Photo byT. C. Fitzgerald •hatboxes
Nantucket •Turkish towels with a "C" monogram
•cigar boxes, pipes, and a thermidor
The northeast section ofNantucket Island is shaped Please contact Betsy Hathaway at Castle Hill
like a g—reat fish hook, formed by miles ofbarrier with leads on any ofthese items.
beach wild country, buffeted by wind and wave,
508-356-4351
buthome to a rich variety ofbirds and wildlife. Three
conservation organizations protect over 1,350 acres of
this land, includingnearly 18 miles ofshoreline. The "w"Experienced landscape photographers to
largest portion is The Trustees' Coskata-Coatue help bolster our aging photo files. We'd
Wildlife Refuge, 1,127 acres ofbeach, dunes, estuary welcome n—ew photos ofany ofour
properties with or without people; color
and woodlands.
The Trustees have a full-time staffperson on slides orblack-and-white prints; winter,
Nantucket and wish to provide staffhousing at spring, summer, or fall. Call Lisa McFadden,
Medouie Creek, a lot donated for that purpose. The Deputy Director for Public Information, for
facility will also house interns and provide space for details or for a list ofpriority properties in
equipment storage. Because construction costs are your area. 508-921-1944
higher on Nantucket, it will require $200,000 to build
a staffhouse there. "w"Volunteers to assist in the day-to-day
operations ofthe Membership Office. Help is
Raising$2millionforcapitalprojects throughthe needed stuffingenvelopes, sortingmail, and
CentennialCampaignwillallowTheTrustees todeal inputting data. Minimum commitment of3
with thesemajorprojects,as wellas withanassortment hours per week, please. Contact Shawn
ofsmallerprojectsacross thestate. Theseareitemstoo Berry at Headquarters. 508-921-1944
largeforinclusionintheannualbudgetprocessand
too-longpostponedduetolackoffunds.*
Pag^
Special Places 10
H
O
R
T
S S
OF ALL SORTS
The Membership Office extends visit Bartholomew's Cobble and available year-round from the
a special THANK YOU! to Elly let Don Reid broaden your Public Programs office at Castle
1
Andrews ofHamilton, whose knowledge ofthis treasure of Hill. The costis $8 formembers,
volunteer hours have now southwestern Massachusetts. $10 for non-members. Please call
topped 100. For over a year Elly 508-356-4351 to order.
has enthusiastically assisted the Thanks to a generous grant A
!
department in everything from from the Cabot Family Chari- bill to amend the state's
bulk mail sorting to envelope table Trust, two new interpreta- Conservation Restriction Act,
stuffing to stenciling signs for tive pieces havebeen prepared proposed and supportedby The
membership events. Her contri- for the Great House at Castle Trustees ofReservations, failed
bution of time and talenthas set Hill. Guided tours of the beauti- by a whisker in the closinghours
the standard for a committed and ful Stuart-style mansion are now ofthe legislative session on
growing volunteerforcenow enriched by a video introducing January 5th. Our thanks to
operatingin theMembership guests to the history ofthe house Senator Robert Wetmore of Barre
Department. and the family ofRichard T. and Representative Steven
Crane, Jr., who built Castle Hill Angleo ofSaugus, the principal
early this century. sponsors ofS. 1673, for their
Also available throughThe efforts on its behalf. Thanks also
Trustees and various North Shore to all of our members who
book shops is a 48-page guide- expressed their support of this
book to Castle Hill. The soft- legislation through calls and
coverbooklet is filled with letters to the statehouse. Trustees'
anecdotes of the Crane family's staffis currently assessing how
summers in Ipswich, as well as a best to proceed with the new
section discussing in detail the legislature.
architectural features thatmake
Castle Hill such a striking build-
The Western Region is pleased ing. With a full-colorcover
to have Don Reidjoin The donated by aerial photographer
Trustees as warden-naturalist for Laurence R. Lowry, the booklet is
Bartholomew's Cobble. Don an ideal keepsake ofa visit to a
returns to his native Berkshire very special place.
County from employment with The video and guidebook are
Massachusetts Audubon and The primarily the work ofCarroll
Nature Conservancy as a teacher- Cabot, longtime member of the
naturalist. Collections Committee for the
Don has been a naturalist for Great House and chairman ofits
Mark
overeighteen years and is a Public Program Committee. Baerhas been hired by
specialist in leading groups in Working with PaulVan Ness, The Trustees for the position of
bird identification and natural who shot and edited the video, Historic House Administrator for
history tours. This January, Don and Trustees' Assistant Director the Western Region. His responsi-
began working with a volunteer for Public Information, Marah bilities include overseeing the
committee that has been develop- Ren, Mrs. Cabot has created two activitiesoftheColonelAshley
ing a comprehensive master plan vivid presentations ofthe house House, the Bryant Homestead,
for management ofthe Cobble, a and its family. MissionHouseandNaumkeag.
277-acre National Natural Land- The Trustees are extremely A graduate ofConnecticut
mirk. grateful for the generous support College with a BA in Anthropol-
MA
Early springbrings a wealth of ofthe CabotFamilyTrust, which ogy, Markholds an in the
wildflowers, rare ferns and made these fine additions to the History ofArt and Architecture
migrating birds to this special interpretation materials possible. from Brown University. Hejoins
geological niche. We invite you to The Great House guidebook is The Trustees after working for