Trustees of Reservations Seeks to Protect Charles River Watershed by Acquiring Iconic 180-Acre Millborn Farm in Sherborn and Millis

The Trustees of Reservations on October 13, 2023 announced that, facing a deadline of December 31st, it has raised about $9.6 million of the $14.4 million needed in order to acquire and protect the "iconic site" of Millborn Farm, a site that lies in Sherborn and Millis, in the heart of the Charles River Valley. It continues to fundraise for the remainder.

The sum of $14.4 million represents the amount needed for the acquisition, reservation activation costs, and an endowment for the long-term care of the property.

“Millborn Farm is a highly desirable property for many of its features, but also because it would provide us with the opportunity to help protect the Charles River and its watershed,” said Katie Theoharides, CEO and president of The Trustees. “Protecting the river floodplain is important during this time of increased flooding due to climate change. The more than a mile of waterfront at this property provides important storage for flood waters, as well as critical wildlife habitat.”

The property includes 180 acres of open landscape crisscrossed by stonewall-lined hay fields, forestland, farm lanes, and more than a mile of waterfront along the Charles River, Bogastow Brook and South End Pond. The farm contains 75 acres of productive hay fields and grasslands that support native pollinators, plants, and wildlife. One hundred and thirty-nine species of birds have been documented at Millborn Farm and it is believed that as many as 50 more species frequent the property.

Adding Millborn Farm to the Trustees portfolio would result in connecting navigable water to nine other Trustees reservations. It would connect Cedariver in Millis and Shattuck Reservation in Medfield to the south, and Bridge Island Meadows to the east, across South End Pond. Rocky Narrows in Sherborn, Medfield Meadow Lots in Medfield, Peters Reservation in Dover, and Charles River Peninsula in Needham to the north all abut the Charles River. Further, hiking trails from Shattuck Reservation connect to Noon Hill Reservation in Medfield and those from Peters Reservation connect to Chase Woodlands in Dover. The connectivity would make a water trail possible between the nine different properties.

Theoharides said The Trustees’ vision for the property includes having it open to the public for self-guided exploration and passive recreation, including birdwatching, hiking, horseback riding, and snowshoeing. A multi-year plan to revitalize the property would also include future engagement and experiential learning opportunities, as well as school partnerships and field trips based on community needs and interests. Given the extensive waterfront, Trustees engagement staff would collaborate with Trustees ecologists to determine how best to provide water access, which could include boardwalks, viewing platforms, a kayak launch or managed shoreline access.

“The Trustees has a long, rich history of land conservation in the Charles River Valley,” Theoharides said. “Our deep connections to the communities in this region are evident, and we hope to conserve Millborn Farm for the public’s use and enjoyment forever. There truly is no other property in the region like it.”

Thanks to The Trustees of Reservations for contributing this news to Westwood Minute.

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