The Land

In addition to the fields and woods around the Main Farm on Bardwells Ferry Road, the Paynes currently manage several nearby hay fields, pasture lands and forests. 

We are proud to work with the Franklin Land Trust and others to steward these lands. As we move away from land management for beef production, our emerging priorities are:

  • Controlling invasive species to allow native plants to establish themselves.
  • Creating a balance of habitats to help maintain greater diversity of plants and wildlife species.
  • Managing for climate resilient forests
  • Contributing to community recreation and forest education activities

Dragon Hill Conservation Land

Clik Here to Learn more.

Gribbon Forest

We are pleased to have a partnership with Shelburne Open Space Committee to develop and maintain the Wooded Loop trail system on this actively managed forest land.  In 2021 we received a MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant to carry out a habitat cut here. With interpretive panels and tree identification tags along the way, a walk in these woods is a great place to learn about trees, timber harvesting, wildlife, forest regrowth, and climate change. 

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