Broz & Simon Farm on Rice Corner Road, Brookfield
 
Opacum Land Trust is very pleased to announce that it is accepting a Conservation Restriction on approximately 105 acres of land on Rice Corner Road, Brookfield. The generous donors, Dr. Gwen Broz and Mr. Tim Simon, are putting into action their wish for permanent conservation of their farm.

The 105-acre Conservation Restriction on the Broz & Simon Farm Conservation Project was officially recorded at the Worcester Registry of Deeds on December 28th, 2007.  Thanks to Gwen Broz and Tim Simon, and to all of you who donated to the stewardship fund to protect and defend this property in perpetuity.

The Purposes of the Conservation Restriction is to permanently preserve:

  • About sixteen acres of pasture and hayfields that provide breeding and nesting habitat for grassland birds including bobolinks and bluebirds

  • Approximately 89 acres of forestland and treeline that buffer the pasture and function as upland habitat for predatory animals, migratory birds, and for rare and common species of animals and plants including turtles and amphibians.

  • The forest, of mixed age and various native trees, which will be allowed to mature.

  • A cranberry, black spruce and sphagnum hummock bog.

  • Several vernal pools.

  • Three amazing old growth trees that dot the treeline at the pasture, and provide shade for grazing animals.

  • The scenic views for everyone who travels along Rice Corner Road in Brookfield.

Conservation of this property creates a buffer and expands wildlife corridors for MassWildlife's "Hamilton Woods", which is located on Gay Road in Brookfield and abuts this property.   This property falls within Supporting Natural Landscape on the state's BioMap published by the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program of the MA Dept Fish & Game. Preservation of this property will contribute significantly to conservation of the native biodiversity in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Rice Corner Road

Brookfield, Massachusetts

Click for a Video Clip
 of the Rice Corner Road Pasture


An old sugar maple at the treeline in the pasture on Rice Corner Road, Brookfield, MA

Make a donation today and help ensure the existence of places like this for future generations.

 There are two ways you can contribute:

  • Send your check to:

Opacum Land Trust, Inc.
P.O. Box 233
Sturbridge, MA 01566

 

Thank You for doing your part to preserve our beautiful countryside!

Please note:  Map represents approximate boundaries

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