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Your donation to Greenbelt's Annual Fund supports the work we do all year long. Thanks to many generous donors, Greenbelt has helped protect more than 19,000 acres across Essex County since our founding in 1961.
Much of the land we've conserved over time is critical for protecting our water resources. It safeguards drinking water quality, reduces flood risk, protects coastlines, and keep our rivers healthy and flowing. And as our climate changes, the interplay between water resources and land conservation is more important than ever.
Contributions to the Annual Fund allow Greenbelt to continue our conservation work. Thank you for your support. We can't do it without you.
GOAL
TOOLS
LOCAL IMPACT
Conserving The Land
Greenbelt’s Artichoke River Woods Conservation Area in West Newbury encompasses more than 46 acres of beautiful woodlands and ponded wetlands along the Artichoke Reservoir.
The Algonquians, one of the region’s original inhabitants, likely harvested Jerusalem artichokes in this area. It’s thought that this is where the name “Artichoke River” originates.
In the late 1800s, Preston Roger’s grandfather began purchasing the parcels that became Artichoke River Woods to expand his dairy farm. Raised in a home down the street, Preston and his wife Debora acquired this property in 1980 and managed it for wildlife habitat, firewood and trails (which are the basis for the trail system managed by Greenbelt today).
Preston and Debora first met with Greenbelt in 2016. With a vision to protect their woodlands forever from development, discussions about conservation options ensued. In early 2020, Greenbelt and the Rogers agreed to a conservation acquisition by Greenbelt that would protect their land.
Multiple Partners Achieve Conservation Goals
The property’s significant conservation values - including critical water resources - brought together two municipalities and two state agencies to partner with Greenbelt on this project.
Funding was provided by Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds from both Newburyport and West Newbury, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), who together acquired a conservation restriction on Artichoke River Woods.
Greenbelt fundraised from generous private donors to acquire the land. Two state grants – the Commonwealth’s Drinking Water Supply Program and Conservation Partnership – were also instrumental to completing this acquisition
Your gift to Greenbelt's Annual Fund directly supports the work that makes projects like Artichoke River Woods possible.
Please consider a generous donation today. Thank you.
Greenbelt's Federal Tax ID (EIN) is 04-2664297
Receive four beautiful Greenbelt notecards and envelopes with your Annual Fund gift of $150 or more.
