Ethel Vashti Hill Reservation Created in Groveland
In mid-to-late June, Lady Slippers litter the forest floor like rose petals at a wedding.
Our showiest native orchid, these Lady Slippers bloom in the dappled sunlight that reaches the ground through towering white pines and oaks that have been carefully tended by Howard Hill’s family for three generations.
Last summer, Hill generously donated these 22.7 acres of woodlands and fields in Groveland to Greenbelt. It will be named the Ethel Vashti Hill Reservation in honor of his grandmother.
Hill grew up helping his father and grandparents take care of this land.
“I didn’t want to see it developed,” he said, “I’ve had such enjoyment out of it over the years.”
He preserved it with Greenbelt, he said, because he hopes future generations will also benefit from the beauty and solace these woodlands offer.
Hill and a cousin will continue to tend these forests and trails, and use the field out front for growing hay, as long as they can, after which Greenbelt will take over stewardship of this special place.
At that time, Greenbelt will open the property to the public so that all can enjoy the quiet of the woodlands, the sounds of the songbirds in the trees, and, if they are so lucky, the elusive Lady Slipper.