Location
Lyndeborough, NH

Size
161 Acres

Year Protected
2009

Benefits
Open Space Protection
Habitat Protection

Key Features
Seasonal Stream
Ledge Outcroppings
Deer, Moose and other Wildlife Habitat
Views

Property Uses
Hiking
Cross-Country Skiing
Snowshoeing
Wildlife and Nature Observation

Hilltop Preserve

Protecting a Dream in Lyndeborough

by Eric Masterson

Behind every easement is a story – in this case, one that began back in 1946 when Jerry Rand bought 170 acres abutting Pettingill Hill Road in Lyndeborough. Since then, the town’s population has more than tripled, Jerry now holds the Boston Post Cane (bestowed upon the oldest resident in town), and his land hosts the town’s last dairy farm.

From day one Jerry had a clear vision for the farm.  Growing up in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, he developed an early appreciation for country life that only one who has grown up in the city can know.  He recognized through his own experience of city life that children brought up in isolation from the natural world are the poorer for it.  This realization lies at the heart of Jerry’s dreams for the land.  

In his younger years, he began to give back by inviting inner-city kids to the farm on weekends, where he maintained cabins for visitors.  A dug swimming hole provided relief from the summer sun, and cows provided cool, refreshing milk for the campers.  He continued this tradition until his advancing age prompted his thoughts to turn to the future.

I have a stack of letters that Jerry wrote over the last few years to selectmen, foundations, and anyone with a receptive ear.  The letters outline his vision for the future of his farm.  In essence, Jerry wants to see the land continue as a retreat for children, especially those from inner-city and deprived environments, as noted in this quote from one of his letters: 

…from way back it was planned for this country setting to become “Hilltop Home,” a refuge for some of those in serious need……it represents a life-long effort to share the best that Nature provides, with those who have known only the least, often through no fault of their own.

Jerry is implementing his vision one step at a time.  He contacted PLC to implement the first step – protecting the land. Once funding is in place, PLC will accept an easement on the entire parcel.* The land includes more than 1000’ of frontage on Burton Pond and 7620’ of frontage on Pettingill Hill Road–  sufficient for more than 26 houses if it were to be developed under current zoning regulations.   The land is primarily forested with the dominant species being red and white oak, hemlock, white pine, and beech.  Portions of the forest are relatively old and mature with little sign of previous logging.  The large size of this parcel, coupled with the adjacent 79-acre Brooks easement, also held by PLC, provides significant habitat for moose, white-tailed deer, bear, fisher, porcupine, and numerous songbird species.  Multiple vernal pools provide breeding habitat for wood frogs and other species.  Survey work conducted this spring recorded northern leopard frog, a species of special concern in New Hampshire.  The property also harbors a pristine red maple-black gum basin swamp near Burton Pond.

Jerry has worked with PLC to craft an easement that will allow nonmotorized public access to the property.  He has requested that the deed prohibit forestry in order to preserve this fine example of a mature woodland – an increasingly rare phenomenon in southern New Hampshire.  I hope you will take an opportunity to visit the property so that you can appreciate the legacy that Jerry is leaving for us all. 

Note:   This article appeared earlier this year in the PLC newsletter, Piscataquog News.  Late this past summer, at Jerry’s request, PLC accepted the conservation easement on his property, aptly named "Hilltop Preserve" although the necessary funds had not yet been raised.  We are sad to report that Jerry passed away in October.  Tax-donations towards the completion of this project are gratefully accepted.  Contact PLC to learn how you can contribute or click on the link to contribute.