The Opportunity
Help us revive the Beaver Brook watershed, restore natural systems, and create new recreation opportunities.
In partnership with Hilltown Land Trust (HLT) and with community support, we’re working to purchase and transform 288 acres of floodplain, wetlands, and forest into a dynamic hub for conservation, community, and recreation. Situated along Route 9 in Williamsburg and Northampton, the Beaver Brook Golf Course has been manicured and manipulated, impacting the floodplains and native habitats of the valley.
With your support in raising $1.5 million, we’ll restore the land and provide rich opportunities for accessible public recreation, ecological restoration, and community engagement.
Donate
From donor-advised funds to multi-year pledges, there are a number of ways to support! For more information on how to make a gift over $10,000, or to learn how you can further support this initiative, contact Chelsea Friedman, Associate Director of Philanthropy, by email or phone, 978-870-1267. Check donations can be sent by mail to The Trustees, 200 High Street 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02110. Please include Beaver Brook in the memo line of the check.
Vision for Beaver Brook
As a new Trustees property, the existing 9-hole golf course will be rewilded into a community park, offering accessible trails and scenic views.
Rewilding the Golf Course to Native Habitats
Replanting native species and regrowing floodplain habitat will allow the brook to naturally meander and help mitigate flooding that occurs in nearby neighborhoods and farm fields, enhancing the biodiversity and climate resiliency of Beaver Brook.
Additionally, Beaver Brook is a cold-water fishery with core aquatic habitat, and the property’s 175 acres of forest provide vital carbon storage and upland habitat for various species. As climate change threatens biodiversity and leads to more frequent, heavy rainstorms, restoring and reconnecting this landscape will help strengthen its resilience.
Accessible Recreation
Located along a bus route and near a long-distance bike path, Beaver Brook is highly accessible from Northampton, Amherst, Easthampton, and Holyoke.
The diverse trail network, which stretches through floodplains, wetlands, and forests is perfect for a range of outdoor activities. The varied ecosystems and rewilding process will provide rich opportunities for environmental education, making Beaver Brook a valuable resource for visitors, schools, and community organizations.
With potential for inclusive, accessible trails, mountain biking, cross country skiing, and connections to nearby conservation areas, Beaver Brook will be a key destination for recreational and educational experiences.
Community Gatherings and Partnerships
With sweeping views, the large timber frame pavilion will be an ideal location for community gatherings and educational programs. In the future, existing buildings will serve as potential western Massachusetts headquarters and office space for The Trustees and HLT, as well as much needed storage and workshop space.
Existing amenities such as restrooms, parking, and gathering spaces will ensure a comfortable and welcoming experience for visitors. The space offers a rare combination of easy access to nature, active experiences, and the ability to be together in community.
The Challenge
Help us rewild Beaver Brook and transform this property into a resilient landscape for recreation and conservation. The total cost of acquiring and activating Beaver Brook is $5.5 million, which includes acquisition and property activation costs, as well as the cost to ensure its long-term care.
The Trustees and HLT are jointly seeking private contributions of $1.5 million to complete the purchase and restoration of this property.
Help us reach our June 30, 2025 deadline to raise the funds in gifts and pledges.
Take Action
Check donations can be sent by mail to The Trustees, 200 High Street 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02110. Please include Beaver Brook in the memo line of the check.
Join us to learn more
Virtual Lunch & Learn
Zoom
Wednesday, April 16 | 12NOON – 1:00PM
Hear from Katie Theoharides, President and CEO of The Trustees, and land conservation experts about this momentous conservation effort and how you can be part of protecting this critical landscape.
Experience Beaver Brook
Beaver Brook Golf Course, Williamsburg/Northampton
Thursday, May 15 | 4:30 – 6:30PM
Experience Beaver Brook firsthand and discover its incredible conservation opportunities. Join us for guided walks from 4:30-5:30PM, followed by light refreshments and remarks at 6PM, including a special address from Katie Theoharides, President and CEO of The Trustees.
The event is free, but advance registration is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plan for rewilding?
Rewilding Beaver Brook will return most of the golf course to a natural condition, especially along the streams and ponds. We will allow the existing grasses to grow, plant native trees, grasses, and wildflowers, and look for opportunities to encourage the streams to re-establish their natural channels and floodplains. We will also proactively address invasive plants that threaten the ecological health of the land.
Will the entire golf course be rewilded?
No. We will maintain and connect the existing cart paths as recreational trails. Our restoration priority will be the wetlands and floodplains, and some of the golf course falls outside of those classifications. These areas could be used for more active recreation in the future. Some potential recreational uses include new community gardens, picnic areas, sculpture trails, mountain biking, and disc golf. We will also maintain some lawn area close to the pavilion for expanded gathering space.
When we acquire Beaver Brook, we will conduct wetlands and habitat assessments which will determine how much land is available to host recreational activities. We will hold listening sessions and engage the community in evaluating which uses are most needed and wanted.
What about housing on a portion of the land?
Housing is needed across the state and in this region and contributes to local economic development and taxes. In addition to being a priority area for land conservation, ecological restoration and public recreation, portions of Beaver Brook might be well suited to a small housing development. Beaver Brook is on the public bus line, near public water and sewer, and near the Mill River Greenway. Knowing that the region has a housing shortage, the Town of Williamsburg included a feasibility study in a grant application for the Hilltown Community Development Corporation to explore the potential of housing on approximately 3 acres of the golf course site, or less than 2% of the overall property. This is currently only at a very exploratory phase and any housing development considerations would require extensive planning, site assessment, community input, and fundraising.
What happens if The Trustees does not meet the fundraising goal?
If we haven’t reached our goal by the end of June, there is a possibility of extending the timeline to allow for continued fundraising. If the project falls far short of our goal, we will need to scale back our plans for replanting and repurposing buildings. We hope that everyone capable of contributing to this project donates. You can also make a pledge for a multi-year commitment to make a larger gift possible.
Will there be opportunities for community members to offer input on future uses of Beaver Brook land?
Yes! You can share your thoughts via this online form or come to the community outreach session which will be planned for shortly after we acquire the property.
What are the economic development impacts of the project?
As a nonprofit organization, our conservation lands are generally exempt from property taxes. Beaver Brook is currently enrolled in Chapter 61B, which provides for a 75% reduction in property taxes. As such, any future reduction in property tax revenue to the Town will be minimal. As a Trustees property, Beaver Brook has the potential to generate economic activity and attract visitors that may also support local businesses.
Other than donating money, how can I help?
You can help spread the word about the project to your friends and neighbors. Once we acquire Beaver Brook, we will enlist volunteers for stewardship projects.
Staying informed and participating in community outreach sessions will help shape the future of Beaver Brook. By engaging in stewardship projects and contributing your ideas and efforts, you will play a vital role in realizing the vision for this land. Together, we can transform Beaver Brook into a thriving natural space that benefits the environment, the community, and future generations.