Help Conserve Hoyt Farm in Merrimac
120-plus Acres of Valuable Farmland and Forest
Greenbelt is working to protect Hoyt Farm in Merrimac, one of the largest remaining unprotected single-ownership farms in the Merrimack Valley, encompassing more than 120 acres of working farmland and forest. Help us reach our fundraising goal by June 2025!
A former dairy farm, this property has been continuously farmed for more than 200 years, with the same family tending the land for the past century. Over the last two decades, the farm has been leased to local farmers Wally and Steph Lesiczka who own and operate Wally’s Vegetables in Haverhill.
In addition to preserving this vibrant farm for agricultural use and ensuring access to fresh, locally grown food, protecting this land will enable Greenbelt to expand public trails from the Merrimac Town Forest, safeguard wildlife habitat, and help make the region more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Phase I, completed in December 2024, protected 22 acres of forest at Hoyt Farm. This current
fundraising initiative for Phase II is focused on acquiring the remaining 100-plus acres, ensuring
the land will be used for agricultural purposes now and forever.
With your help, we can reach this goal and make a meaningful, lasting impact for the community!
Conserving This Land Will
- Complete the permanent protection of 120-plus acres on the highest hill in Merrimac
- Protect vulnerable working farmland for future generations
- Keep forests and habitat intact
- Expand public pathways
- Protect drinking water
Watch Video About Hoyt Farm
In this video, Greenbelt’s Director of Land Conservation, Vanessa Johnson-Hall, shares why conserving this vibrant working farm goes far beyond preserving agricultural land. It’s about ensuring access to fresh, locally grown food, expanding public trails, and protecting critical wetlands that feed the East Meadow River — Haverhill’s primary source of drinking water. Protecting this land also plays a vital role in helping the region adapt to the impacts of climate change. You’ll hear directly from the farm’s owner, George Hoyt, as he reflects on the land’s legacy and what conservation means for its future.
Join Us on a Site Walk
Greenbelt will be hosting guided site walks of the Hoyt Farm property on the following dates:
- Wednesday, April 30, 5:00pm (Click here to register)
- Saturday, May 3, 10:00am (Click here to register)
These events are free and open to the public. Pre-registration required.
Meeting place: Near 73 Birch Meadow Road, Merrimac. Follow signs for field parking.
Project Funding
| Source | Status | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| EEA Landscape Partnership Grant | Committed | $300,000 |
| Private Foundation | Committed | $250,000 |
| Greenbelt Fundraising Goal | $125,000 Remaining | $450,000 |
| Total Purchase Price | $1,000,000 |
Donate to Protect This Land Today!
Let our Land Conservation Staff Assist You
- Vanessa Johnson-Hall
Director of Land Conservation
978-768-7241 ext. 116 - Elizabeth Harkness
Land Conservation Specialist
978-768-7241 ext. 127 - Julia Fitzpatrick
Land Conservation Specialist
978-768-7241 ext. 129