Farwell Quarry Land Protection Project
Benefits to Harvard’s Conservation Efforts
Expands the size of the Pin Hill conservation area
Safeguards a section of Bowers Brook, a major tributary of the Nashua River
Protects area of exceptional and diverse ecological significance
Preserves historic slate quarry
Expands trail network for hiking, biking, horseback riding and cross county skiing
Extends regional green-way connectivity and habitat corridors benefiting wildlife
Preserves the woodland views from summit of Pin Hill
About the Property
Farwell Quarry, 87 Ayer Road, is a 29.17-acre property adjacent to Pin Hill Conservation Land and extending to Ayer Road. Beloved for its natural beauty and sense of history, it offers exceptional ecological, recreational, and historical value to the town and the wider region.
The land encompasses a rich diversity of habitats: mixed hardwood forests, rocky outcrops, open fields, critical wetlands, and a stretch of Bowers Brook. A network of trails, connected to three former logging roads, winds through the property. These paths traverse the fern- and moss-covered uplands where in spring, lady slippers bloom along the paths, and rainwater gathers in the old quarry depressions, forming temporary vernal pools.
At the hilltop are remains of the historic slate quarry that once supported a thriving stone-cutting trade. Gravestones made from Pin Hill slate are in in cemeteries throughout the region, a testament to Harvard’s manufacturing past.
From the summit, there are views to the center of Harvard, and seasonal long views to the east, providing a sense of remoteness despite the land’s proximity to the center of town. Traveling north along Ayer Road from the center of town, this property has ¼-mile of steep, wooded frontage that enhances this scenic, hilly stretch of Ayer Road.
Funds Needed
The importance of this property, and the significance of preserving it has been affirmed locally and by the State of Massachusetts. The Harvard Conservation Commission will be purchasing, and holding the Conservation Restriction (CR) for $450,000 on the property. This funding will help toward the total purchase price. A Conservation Partnership Grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts supplies an additional $425,000. Funding of $20,000 is provided by the Nashua, Squannacook, and Nissitissit Rivers Wild & Scenic Stewardship Council through the National Park Service under CFDA: 15.962 – National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and a grant from the Marion Stoddart Greenway Program for $25,000.
These contributions have enabled HCT to move forward with the purchase; however, a substantial funding gap remains. To complete this conservation effort, HCT depends on the support and generosity of the community to close the remaining financial shortfall.
Partners
