On May 4, Mass Audubon purchased the 858-acre property in Becket, formerly known as the Berkshire Fishing Club. This land, now dubbed Palmer Brook, has long been a conservation priority due to its size, location in a conservation corridor anchored by the 16,500-acre October Mountain State Forest, and potential for carbon storage.
The Right Time
Over the years, there have been several conversations with the owners, none of which yielded an agreement to protect the property. But, in 2024, Mass Audubon successfully negotiated with the family, who have owned the property since the 1960s, to acquire the property for $5 million.
With this agreement in hand, a plan was set in motion to identify partners and funding sources.
A coalition of conservation partners came together to support the acquisition, including the local Becket Land Trust and regional Berkshire Natural Resources Council. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) made a $1.25 million commitment, and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Landscape Partnership Grant Program awarded an additional $1.25 million.
The balance of the funding was provided by MathWorks via their investment in Mass Audubon’s 30x30 Catalyst Fund as well as many individual gifts and grants.
Why This Land Matters
Almost all the acres are forested, which provides excellent habitat for forest-dependent birds as well as moose, bear, and other species. A forest of this size also acts as a natural climate solution, storing carbon and preventing it from entering the atmosphere.
The property also contains a 125-acre lake impounded by an earthen dam constructed by the former owners for recreational purposes and a small lodge.
With Gratitude
Land conservation projects like this only happen thanks to the generosity and commitment of Mass Audubon members and donors, state and local partners, conservation-minded landowners, and a supportive community.
We are deeply grateful to MathWorks and all who contributed and partnered with Mass Audubon to ensure the permanent protection of the Palmer Brook land.
Next Steps
Mass Audubon envisions this landscape as the future home of Palmer Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, which will require planning, additional funding, and improvements before the sanctuary could open to the public.
With your support, this extraordinary property will become our second largest publicly accessible wildlife sanctuary in the Berkshires.
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