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Amesbury —- Greenbelt, Essex County’s Land Trust, is pleased to announced that an important link in Amesbury’s conservation corridor has been permanently preserved with the successful completion of its community-based fundraising campaign. Greenbelt, along with Amesbury Trails, worked to protect a substantial portion of Whittier Hill – the city’s last unprotected ridge line – during the last half of 2016.

“Greenbelt is very thankful to the residents and businesses of Amesbury and surrounding towns who donated to the project, allowing us to acquire the property for conservation,” said Ed Becker, Greenbelt’s President. The land trust purchased the parcel from a private landowner at the end of year. 

A meandering trail under the canopy of towering trees will greet visitors when the 21-acre Whittier Hill Reservation formally opens to the public in late spring.  The public will be invited to participate in a dedication of the reservation, followed by a walk to the top of Whittier Hill, featuring spectacular views of the bucolic hills and valley that is Woodsom Farm.

In addition to preserving important forests and woodlands, Whittier Hill Reservation will provide public access to an existing trail and allow for the expansion of the trail system behind Cashman School.  Residents will be able to access the new reservation from Whitcher Court, across from Amesbury’s Town Park on Friend Street.

“Community support was the key in ensuring that current and future generations will enjoy this important scenic and recreational resource forever,” Becker concluded.

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Ken Aspeslaugh