New - Castle Hill Farm Conservation Land
On May 4, 2023, The Town of Northbridge became owners of 96.76 acres of land located to east, west and south of Castle Hill Road. The sale culminated an extensive process undertaken by the Northbridge Community Preservation Commission (CPC). The land was purchased with CPC funds and the sale was approved by residents via a vote at the Fall 2022 Town Meeting. In accordance with Massachusetts requirements, the land is under the management of the Northbridge Conservation Commission and will be placed under a Conservation Restriction (which stipulates that the land will be permanently preserved for conservation and passive recreational uses) to be held by Metacomet Land Trust.
Prior to being bought, an extensive inventory of the property was completed by Conservation Staff (click link below to view the Baseline Documentation Report). A conceptual master plan for the property was also prepared and was vetted with project stakeholders, other town boards/committees and residents during a series of public meetings.
The property directly abuts other preserved and/or undeveloped land in Northbridge (Riley Pond and Fletcher Forest) and Uxbridge (Hundred Acre Lot). It contains a number of ecologically-important habitats including pristine forest, passive meadows, shrublands and vernal pools. The Commission intends to manage most of the meadow and shrubland habitat at the site.
The land contains several existing trails that are currently being rehabilitated and marked). Construction of new trails is already underway (see Conservation Lands tab on our main page for maps). Once complete and through connections to offsite trails, loops of a variety of lengths and difficulties will be available to the public.
A kiosk has been purchased and will be installed at the end of Castle Hill Road later this summer. Other amenities to be installed at the property include rustic benches, a small paved parking area, and informational signage.
The Commission wishes to thank all of the individuals, town boards/committees, residents who made this purchase possible. Individuals wishing to help construct, maintain and/or donate funds for the land can contact our Conservation Agent.