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- EIN 45-3244076
- (978) 597-5413
- 88 S Harbor Rd Townsend MA 01469-1306 USA
- www.squannacookgreenways.org
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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Environment, Parks & Playgrounds
Mission: Squannacook greenways' goal is to build, maintain, and promote the squannacook river rail trail (srrt) as a source of recreation and safe non-motorized transportation. The squannacook river rail trail is a proposed conversion of approximately 3. 7 miles of abandoned railroad in townsend and groton massachusetts into a recreational trail based on the successful model of the wachusett greenways. The stone dust trail will provide a safe alternative to bike-unfriendly route 119 and an enjoyable route for human-powered travel between important natural, historic, and cultural landmarks. The srrt has potential to become a long-distance trail extending to the nashua river rail trail in ayer, massachusetts and to the mason-greenville railroad trail in new hampshire. This rail trail would be used by the public without fees, as specified in article ii of our articles of incorporation.
Programs: The year 2017 was a important one for the squannacook river rail trail. Fundraising was a key activity, and with over $53,000 raised, we are now on track for a planned construction start date in nov. 2018. We won two major grants, one from the community foundation of north central massachusetts for $15,000, and a second from the bruce j. Anderson foundation for $10,000. We ran a successful capital campaign with local businesses, where over 10 businesses pledged $1000 and will be recognized with their name on a granite pillar. We also made important steps forward in securing permitting for the project to begin. We worked with the townsend historical society to secure a permeant easement across the harbor church parking lot, and easement required for the permit to be submitted. Finally, we also held a number of public outreach events, including a family day where parents and children walked the future rail trail to learn what it will be like.