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Published: January 15, 2010

Mass Audubon Celebrates Land Protection Milestone

On December 30, 2009, Mass Audubon acquired its 100th conservation restriction (CR) covering 222 acres of land at Whetstone Wood in Wendell through a generous gift from land conservationists, Mason and Ina Phelps. “It seems very fitting that our 100th conservation restriction covers such a large area of ecologically significant land and that it involves important conservationists as donors,” said Mass Audubon’s Director of Land Protection Bob Wilber.

The grantors—Mason and Ina Phelps—are land conservation advocates known for the profound difference they have made to preserve land in the North Quabbin region. Mass Audubon’s Whetstone Wood represents the fulfillment of the vision the couple first articulated nearly 50 years ago. According to Mason, “Whetstone Wood should serve as an area where natural processes, not human activities, are in control.”

A conservation restriction (CR) is a tool to provide permanent protection of land while allowing that land to remain in private ownership. In this case, Mass Audubon will monitor this private property annually to insure that current and future owners do not violate the terms of the CR, which are drafted to protect the special conservation values of the land. Mass Audubon’s first CR was acquired in 1970, soon after the statewide statute creating CRs was enacted. The nonprofit organization now holds 100 CRs on privately owned land, covering nearly 5,000 acres. Mass Audubon is a nationally-recognized CR leader, and has produced a handbook on that subject that was distributed to land trusts and municipal Conservation Commissions free of charge.

Whetstone Wood is a mosaic of forest, wetland, and water bodies that provide habitat for forest interior species and those requiring diverse habitat. The protected land is home to fisher, bobcat, moose, and many other species. Whetstone Brook arises from springs in the south, flows through the entire length of Whetstone Wood, through the Wendell State Forest, and eventually into the Millers River. Thanks in large part to the Phelps’ work over the last half century, both individually, and in partnership with Mass Audubon, most of the Whetstone Brook watershed lies within protected land.

Whetstone Wood serves as an important link between two significant blocks of protected land in Massachusetts—50,000 acres at Quabbin Reservoir located to the south, and 20,000 acres of other protected state land located to the north and west, ultimately extending to Mount Toby and the Connecticut River corridor.

Mass Audubon’s land protection efforts protect critical habitat for native species and provide many quality of life benefits, including the protection of clean drinking water and locally grown food, and places for people to experience and reflect upon the wonders of nature. Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for 34,000 acres of conservation land, provide educational programs for 200,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at the local, state, and federal levels. Mass Audubon’s mission and actions have expanded since our beginning in 1896 when our founders set out to stop the slaughter of birds for use on women’s fashions. Today we are the largest conservation organization in New England. Our statewide network of 47 wildlife sanctuaries welcomes visitors of all ages and serves as the base for our conservation, education, and advocacy work. To support these important efforts, call 800-AUDUBON (283-8266) or visit ww.massaudubon.org.