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Photo courtesy of Hale Education. Hale is now one of the largest privately owned conservation landscapes in southern New England.
8-24-2026 8:55pm
PRESS RELEASE: Hale Education Permanently Protects Over 1,100 Acres in Landmark Conservation Effort
Darlene Cancell
Editor
DOVER/WESTWOOD, MA — Hale Education and The Trustees of Reservations on August 21, 2026 announced the permanent protection of over 1,100 acres of land in Dover and Westwood, the most significant conservation achievement in Hale’s 108-year history and one of Greater Boston’s biggest conservation wins in more than half a century.
With two sweeping Conservation Restrictions (CRs) officially approved by the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the select boards of Dover and Westwood, Hale is now one of the largest privately owned conservation landscapes in southern New England. Larger than New York City’s Central Park by several hundred acres, it joins the ranks of similarly expansive preserves, including Boston’s Emerald Necklace and Mass Audubon’s Ipswich River and Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuaries in Topsfield and Sharon (respectively).
The protected land includes forests that capture carbon and support climate resilience, wetlands that filter the Charles and Neponset river watersheds, and critical habitats for native plants and animals. It also features trails, ponds, and outdoor classrooms that support outdoor education, recreation, and community programs.
Photo courtesy of Hale Education.“This is a defining moment for Hale and Massachusetts,” said Dr. Aaron Morehouse, executive director of Hale Education. “We’ve always believed the outdoors should be a classroom and a common ground. And by protecting this land forever, we’ve made good on a promise that future generations will have a unique place to learn, explore, and build community just a few miles from downtown Boston.”
This milestone was made possible by Hale’s Campaign for Kids, Conservation, and Community, a $38.5-million fundraising effort supported by more than 3,000 individuals, foundations, and corporations. This broad community support allowed Hale to place two CRs on its land, legally ensuring it will forever be protected as a place where people can connect with nature, children can learn and explore, and Hale can offer its education and camp programs. The campaign also shored up Hale’s endowment, providing a financial foundation for long-term land stewardship, educational programs, and public access.
“The Trustees is thrilled to partner with Hale to secure this significant conservation outcome,” said Katie Theoharides, President and CEO of The Trustees. “The Trustees protects places where people and nature can thrive together, and Hale is a powerful example of why that work matters. Landscapes designed for outdoor recreation, like this one, give communities room to learn, play, gather, and connect with the outdoors while also protecting forests, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience. By helping ensure Hale remains conserved and accessible forever, we are advancing a model of conservation that supports both healthy ecosystems and healthy communities.”
Photo courtesy of Hale Education.Hale’s CRs will be held by The Trustees, the largest private holder of CRs in Massachusetts. With more than 50 years of conservation experience and nearly 400 restrictions across the state, The Trustees is well-positioned to ensure Hale's conservation commitment is upheld for generations to come. Hale retains full ownership, operational control, and management of the property and will maintain its long-standing outdoor programs and facilities that serve more than 16,000 people per year.
Conservation Restrictions are among the strongest forms of land protection available in Massachusetts, and Hale’s CRs guarantee the property will remain intact and accessible for future generations. In addition to protecting open space, the CRs safeguard public access and use of more than 25 miles of trails, formalizing a tradition of community enjoyment.
Importantly, the move strengthens Hale’s mission. Since the land remains privately owned by Hale, its award-winning camps, extensive school programs, and longstanding community partnerships will continue to operate in their natural home. Future mission-aligned development, such as cabins, classrooms, or wellness facilities, will be limited to clearly defined zones and monitored by The Trustees.
“This effort took many years of planning, hundreds of conversations, and a shared commitment to the public good,” Morehouse added. “We’re incredibly grateful to the thousands of people who made it possible. Together, we’ve protected not just a place, but a promise.”
About Hale Education
Hale Education, Inc. is a private nonprofit widely recognized for its flagship camps, youth programs, family and community activities, school partnerships, and professional development opportunities. It serves several thousand children and families annually and invites visitors to enjoy its 1,200+ acres of forests, ponds, and meadows in Dover and Westwood, Massachusetts.
About The Trustees
The Trustees is Massachusetts’ largest — and the nation’s first — land conservation and preservation nonprofit. Today, through the support of Members, donors, and partners, The Trustees helps conserve nearly 52,000 acres and welcomes the public to more than 120 inspiring locations across the state to experience landscapes where nature, wildlife, and people all thrive.
Thanks to Hale Education for sharing this news with Westwood Minute.
