Mount Grace & Franklin County Community Land Trust Protect Historic Four Corners Property in Montague
Mount Grace and Franklin County Community Land Trust (FCCLT) have successfully protected the historic 47-acre Watroba property at the intersection of Old Sunderland and East Taylor Hill Road in Montague, known colloquially as Four Corners. Located within the Connecticut River Farm Scenic Byway Corridor, the property boasts stunning views of Mount Toby to the south, along with vibrant wetlands, productive forestland, and fifteen acres designated as prime farmland and farmland of statewide importance.
“The landscape feels both partially wild and partially cultivated, with an open, pastoral charm,” says Walker Korby, a Montague resident who has been involved in efforts to protect the land. The three parcels in this 47-acre conservation project are divided by the intersection of Old Sunderland and East Talor Hill Roads, with each parcel sitting on a different corner of the crossroads – hence the name Four Corners. “The central location of these parcels and the crossroads play an important part in the neighborhood’s sense of connectivity to a shared landscape both from a geographical standpoint and an emotional/spiritual one.”
“Like states across the nation, Massachusetts is on the verge of an unprecedented generational transfer of land, particularly farmland and other undeveloped parcels. How these lands are owned, stewarded, and accessed will define the ability of communities throughout the Commonwealth to respond to the converging challenges of the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and inequitable access to farmland, open space, and housing,” says Mount Grace’s Farm Conservation Program Manager, Tyson Neukirch. “The pace of this transfer requires creative approaches to land-acquisition and conservation. Mount Grace is eager to cultivate collaborative relationships with communities, donors, and strategic partners throughout the region to build more resilient and equitable communities through thoughtful land conservation and stewardship.”
Protecting these incredible landscapes is about protecting our waterways, wildlife corridors, the air we breathe and our fragile climate. It is also about protecting history, memories, and memories yet to be made. “I have caught years of sun rises from the four corners,” said Emma Ellsworth, Executive Director at Mount Grace. “It brings me so much joy to know that this beautiful spot will be here for the next generation to enjoy on morning walks, jogs, or just to pause and look.”
Mount Grace will hold the deed to the property. Now, the regional land trust will embark on a multi-phased, community engagement process along with FCCLT and other local stakeholders to explore how additional community-identified needs could get integrated with the conservation of this beloved open space. Proposed uses of the land include recreational trails, community-focused farming infrastructure, and, if viable, a small amount of social housing. Mount Grace and FCCLT are excited to be collaborating on this innovative approach to community conservation and look forward to working with the residents of Montague to create a master plan for the property.