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About the Dudley
Conservation Land Trust








The Dudley Land Trust is an all volunteer organization. We advocate for open space, nature, and wildlife conservation. We seek to facilitate the protection and acquisition of land in Dudley and the surrounding areas for conservation, passive recreation and farming, and to preserve the pastoral and scenic character of the area.

The Dudley Conservation Land Trust was originally organized in the early 1990's.  In the fall of 2004 it was reorganized to meet the current need for a local conservation organization and recently received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status


Recent Accomplishments

Installed sign and created trail at Keekamoochaug Wildlife Sanctuary - Summer 2009
Leovich Landing - Purchased 4.17 acres on the French River - June 10th
Boardwalk installed, Switchback trail to knoll created at Tufts Branch Valley Wildlife Sanctuary - Spring 2009

Accomplishments 2008

Acquired 81.28 acres in Tufts Branch Valley for $250,000 through grants and fundraising
Expanded membership to 147 members
Received $7,000 grant for baseline inventory for Tufts Branch Valley Wildlife Sanctuary from Mass Land Trust Coalition "Empowering Local Land Trusts" grant program.
Received $40,000 grant from anonymous source for shortfall and stewardship of Tufts Branch Wildlife Sanctuary
Sponsored Workshops:
   Bluebird Workshop by Bet Zimmerman
   Organic Wine Tasting by Samantha Straw from Marty's in Dudley
Hosted a Last Green Valley "Walktober" event on invasive plants
Began collaboration with "French River Connection" and Oxford citizen group to purchase and protect four acre river access point on the French River in Oxford
Created parking area and trail access to Tufts Branch Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and contracted for installation of boardwalk

Accomplishments 2006-2007

   Received three more land donations: 1.66 acres at the bottom of Tufts Hill from Ellis Bateman, 6.5 acres in the Tufts Branch Valley (now the Keekamoochaug Wildlife Sanctuary) from Prescott and Flora Beth Grout, and 2.44 acres on the shore of Peter Pond from the Tavormina family in memory of their parents Thomas and Rochelle Jedrznski.
   Expanded membership to 93 members
   Received grant of $12,000 from the Fields Pond Foundation for Tufts Branch Valley Campaign
   Sponsored workshops:
                                      Nature Walk with naturalist Tom Ryzewski 
                                      Butterfly Lecture by expert Jerry Schneider
                                      Presented "The Future of Agriculture in Massachusetts" by Rich Hubbard
   Hosted Quinebaug-Shetucket Heritage Corridor "Blueways and Greenways" workshop
   Performed a Spring Cleanup at Keekamoochaug Wildlife Sanctuary
   Inventoried Dudley unprotected open land to identify possible green corridors and wildlife pathways for  preservation
   Developed working relationships with Massachusetts Audubon and other conservation organizations
    Signed purchase and sale agreement for bargain sale of Tufts Branch Valley 81 acre parcel
   Launched Capitol Campaign for Tufts Branch Valley Project
    Raised awareness of our mission in the community through workshops, fundraisers, press releases, and contact with landowners

Join the Dudley Conservation Land Trust
     If you enjoy views of open space and natural landscapes and want them for your children
     If you support local agriculture
     If you favor wildlife protection
     If you appreciate the beauty of the dark night sky and the sounds of nature
     If you favor carefully planned development
     If you are concerned about the protection of natural resources including water quality
     If you enjoy walks on conservation land near your home
Click here for a membership form

Updated 8/22/09