Help Greenbelt preserve over 90 acres of woodlands and stream on Parsonage Hill in Haverhill! Greenbelt has until June 30, 2024 to raise the funds for this purchase. Our fundraising goal is
$218,213.
This exciting conservation project comprises 2 parcels: 58.6 acres of land, with beautiful mature hardwood trees, an understory of native viburnums, ferns, and wildflowers, Camp Brook, a
tributary to the Merrimack River, and a network of existing trails that connect to an adjacent Greenbelt-owned open space.
The second nearby parcel is 32.7 acres, and is host to an active beaver family, creating superb wildlife habitat for migrating and resident birds, among other wildlife, in addition to
woodland, intermittent streams and wetlands.
Greenbelt’s Prioritization Analysis identifies Parsonage Hill as having high ecological resilience. This means that intact forests will help keep the area healthy during the stresses of
climate change.
Wetlands and forests absorb water from heavy rainfall events, preventing flooding downstream. Wetlands also hold water in times of drought. Forests help keep the air cooler. All of this
is in addition to providing critical wildlife habitat for species that rely on clean water and untouched woodlands.
Once conserved, Parsonage Hill will more than double Greenbelt’s existing open space in this area, creating access from Haverhill to approximately 173 acres of permanently conserved
land. In cooperation with the City, Greenbelt will formalize parking along Hannan Ridge Road for trail access.
Greenbelt will manage the land non-motorized recreation, wildlife, and habitat.
Expands existing conserved land to a total of 173 acres.
Protects intact forests, wetlands, and habitat along Camp Brook, which flows into the Merrimack River.
Creates public access from Haverhill to miles of trails.
Financing
The City of Haverhill has been awarded a State LAND Grant for $217,600 to buy a conservation restriction from Greenbelt. This conservation restriction sale, combined with a generous bequest
by a Haverhill resident to Greenbelt, has reduced our fundraising need to just over $218,000.