Introducing the Grace M and Robert S Fay Woods

July 18, 2025

Candace and Richard Erickson (left), Laney Wilder (OLT Executive Director-middle), and Scott Gerrish (OLT Board Director-right)

Opacum Land Trust is pleased to announce the acquisition of 28 acres of forestland that will be permanently protected as the Grace M. and Robert S. Fay Woods. The property, located on East Hill Rd in Monson, adds to more than 13,000 acres of nearly contiguous protected lands in this area at the intersection of Monson, Brimfield, and Wales.

The newly conserved property sits less than a quarter-mile from both the Brimfield State Forest and Conant Brook Dam conservation area, creating an expanded corridor of protected habitat for wildlife and recreational opportunities for the public. It also holds historical significance as the former site of the Munn District schoolhouse, whose foundation can still be seen on the property.

The land was purchased through a generous memorial donation from Candace and Richard Erickson of Wilbraham in memory of Candace’s parents, Grace M. and Robert S. Fay. The Fay family maintained deep roots in Monson for six generations, and both Grace and Robert were active community volunteers and founding members of the Monson Historical Society.

“You can volunteer and give back while you are alive, but very quickly people forget who you were and what you did,” said Candace. “Conserving a property in my parents’ names is a way to keep their memory alive while giving back to the community that they loved.”

The property, which consists of forest, wetlands, and vernal pools with rocky outcrops and beautiful stone walls, reminds Candace of the forests that she played in as a child growing up in Monson.

Their participation in this project reflects the Erickson’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community service. “Rick and I believe that land conservation is very important,” Candace noted, “and my parents taught me that if you can give back, you should.”

Opacum plans to open the property to the public once a parking area and trails are constructed. Stay tuned for updates!