Opacum Land Trust

We saw that Opacum Land Trust was offering free trees, which would be planted by them on our property. Several varieties of trees they offer have flowers or fragrance or leaf color at different times of year. We signed up for a free tree, and our experience with Opacum Land Trust has been stellar.

Every aspect of customer service has been top notch with this program. Steve Brady and Jeff Hehman sited the trees in proper places for environmental factors- boundaries, wind, sun and other plants. They arranged the Dig Safe. Along with volunteers, they dug, planted, and staked trees. One of the nicest aspects of the program is that these knowledgeable professionals took the time to answer all of our questions on how to help these trees flourish to maturity. It has been an exceptional experience. We look forward to the beautiful blooms and shade of our Red Horsechestnut and Tulip trees in the years to come.

Outstanding group of people who work very hard for open space that everyone can enjoy. Their properties and trails offer great hiking.

A beautiful piece of land with well maintained trails. A real gem!

Opacum Land Trust is such a treasured gem, we love to walk the trails and take part in the hikes, forestry, wildlife, bird talks and programs they offer. One of our favorites is always the edible woods walk. A wonderful group to be a part of!

A wonderful organization to volunteer for! They do great work in S. Central MA and I love their trails!

A small group of community volunteers, with a close eye on this area, which surrounds the intersection of two interstate highways, about 20 years ago organized Opacum Land Trust to serve residents and visitors. Bedrock frugality, steadfast devotion and deliberate action produced early and continuing success. Many hands keep the success going. I myself have helped raise funds at plant sales and, in my 70's, I cleared brush. As Opacum develops, it features a lean staff and nearly no staff turnover. The Trust attracts more and more local supporters, who add their commitment, energy and enthusiasm. Opacum is on the move! I daresay Opacum is the darling of its many communities, where land preservation, sound conversation and recreation that leaves only footprints truly count.

Opacum Land trust is a 13 town land trust in central Massachusetts. It is a wonderful organization that adds to the beauty of our communities by helping towns protect land and offering wonderful opportunities for recreation. During this time of Covid 19, we all need places to walk in the woods, clear our heads and enjoy the beauty of the natural world. Opacum aids towns by providing information, being a resource for land protection, advocating for tree planting in our urban communities and maintaining trails on its public lands. Opacum also reaches out to help individuals with the conservation of their land, whether is it helping a land owner understand the current use programs in our state, getting a forest management plan, or helping with estate planning, they are willing to take the time to just talk to people and give them good information to make decisions on how to manage the land they love.

Several years ago, after noticing local news stories about the progress of a grassroots organization named Opacum Land Trust, which devotes itself to local land preservation and sensible recreational uses, I decided to join and attend its annual meeting. There I met thoughtful people pursuing responsible, achievable goals. They obviously cared. And they held--and hold--a clear-eyed appreciation for the perseverance required to build and protect a valuable community resource. At the annual dinner I sought out the leaders (who made themselves easy to find). They understood that progress arises from sustained sound programming and meticulous attention to finances, like matching bookends keeping everything shaped up. Today I happily support Opacum Land Trust. It's growing. It's thriving. And that happens thanks to the backing of the general public and Opacum's organizational strengths as evidenced by its regional alliances and justified donor action.

Opacum Land Trust has been a driving force for conservation in our area since its inception. After joining the board more than 15 years ago as the Treasurer I have seen this group, and its supporters, work tirelessly for our area's land, waters, and vistas - keeping our beauty intact for generations to come. The real benefits, however, are often unseen and unnoticed. Water quality, diversity of species, habitat protection - all of these things increase our collective quality of life even if we don't realize it. I'm proud to be part of this organization and am excited for its future!

I went to their cycling tour last year and it was a blast! I signed up for this year's event as well however it was understandably canceled due to Covid. They did a great job communicating about the status of the event as the health situation in the country deteriorated and offered to return my entrance fee once they made the call to cancel the event. I told them to keep it since the whole point is to raise funds for local land conservation anyways. I often mountain bike on their properties in central Massachusetts and appreciate the well marked trials and maps. PS, their pancake breakfasts are awesome!

Opacum Land Trust is a rad group of volunteers who are dedicated to protecting open space in central Massachusetts where families like ours can hike, bird watch, and mountain bike.