Huppert Conservation Area
The Huppert Conservation Area is 19 acres of mostly oak hardwoods forest which contains a level bog that drains into the Quabbin Reservoir. It abuts the Phillipston Wildlife Management Area and is part of at least 12,000 acres of contiguous protected land. It is a hot spot for biodiversity and 16 acres are critical in supporting the Quabbin Reservoir watershed.
In 2022 Mount Grace and Nipmuk Cultural Preservation, Inc signed our first Cultural Use and Respect Agreement for the Huppert Conservation Area . This agreement invites all Nipmuc people to the land and reserves them rights beyond those granted to the general public, such as harvesting medicinal plants, camping, and holding ceremonies on the land (learn more HERE).
Mount Grace deeply respects and values the Nipmuc connections to their land, which includes much of the Quabbin region. We are committed to exploring how we might play a role in helping the Nipmuc regain critical land access and consider this agreement to be the first step in our continuing partnership.
Public Access
The Huppert Conservation Area is open to the public for non-motorized recreation including hunting and fishing.
Directions
From the center of Petersham, head east on East St. Turn left onto Old East St. Turn left again on Narrow Lane, go about .25 miles and you will be at the southeast corner of the property.
Ownership
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust
Gift From
Mick and Louise Huppert (2011)
Year Protected
2011
Property History
The Huppert Conservation Area was established thanks to the generosity of Mick and Louise Huppert, a Petersham couple who donated their land to Mount Grace though the Massachusetts Conservation Land Tax Credit Program. The East Quabbin Land Trust holds a conservation restriction on the property. Mick was a lifelong conservationist who served on the Board of Directors of both Mount Grace and East Quabbin Land Trust.
