The Pascommuck Conservation Trust
Preserving our past. Protecting our future.
John Bator , Trust President, and Marty Klein, Board Member have planted the butterfly gardens with about 3 dozen plants purchased last year. Thankfully, the rain has kept the planting beds moist. However we are asking that anyone taking a walk along the trail during a dry, hot spell bring a jug of water to keep the soil moist and the plants growing.
It was a grey foggy day as members of the Pascommuck Trust, dignitaries and the public gathered at Mutter’s Field to officially mark the opening of Mutter’s Field Accessible Trail. John Bator, president of the Trust, spoke first followed by Marty Klein, major organizer of the trail construction. Char Gentes, president and CEO of Riverside Industries, also spoke and announced that the non-profit, which serves the developmentally disabled, will contribute $500 annually for the next five years for trail maintenance. “Our people are already using this trail, and will use it a lot in the future,” she stated. Mayor of Easthampton, Karen L. Cadieux, Mayor, also spoke. The ceremony was followed by official ribbon cutting by the mayor surrounded by Alice Mutter and Family, Trust President John Bator, and Marty Klein.
On Sunday November 29th a small red granite bench was installed at the Angel Memorial located at John Bator park. A dedication ceremony was held afterward.
Hundreds of local parents have mourned the losses of their children at the memorial in John Bator Park located on Williston Avenue. The monument is a replica of The Christmas Box Angel Memorial Monument in Salt Lake City, Utah, by sculptor Ortho Fairbanks. That statue was commissioned by Richard Paul Evans, author of the 1993 novel “The Christmas Box.” In the book, a woman mourns the death of her daughter at the base of a childlike angel statue.
Future plans for the park include replacement of the gazebo which has suffered some vandalism in recent years.
October 25, 2016
“A Place in Nature for Everyone”
In 2012, PCT acquired a 6 acre parcel of land, located between E. Green and East Streets, consisting of a large meadow, surrounding woodlands and two small brooks, adjacent to its most visited property, the Brickyard Brook Conservation Area (11 acres). After considerable deliberation, the Board decided that, given the mostly flat terrain here and other factors, the property would be an ideal location for an accessible trail, designed for visitors of all abilities to use and enjoy.
The Mutter’s Field Accessible Trail (MFAT) consists of an 1800-foot loop skirting a 2-acre meadow, with a connection to our non-accessible, Brickyard Brook trail. The trail offers a quality, passive outdoor recreation opportunity for people of all abilities, in a tranquil setting with striking views of Mt. Tom. Along the trail, we’ve installed seven, beautiful accessible benches and picnic tables, built by Easthampton carpenter and PCT supporter, Kevin Mulligan.
Some of the features you will find here include:
In the fall of 2016, we installed five colorful, interpretive signs, created to educate visitors about some of the natural features found at the trail. In addition, PCT began the process of controlling/eradicating non-native plants that have invaded much of the property. Over the next several years, we hope to restore it to a place where native plant species can flourish.
It is expensive to maintain a property like Mutter’s Field. PCT, an all-volunteer non-profit organization, has limited resources to keep this property looking beautiful. Therefore, we hope you will support us by donating to our MFAT maintenance endowment fund. We are also seeking volunteers to help out in a variety of ways. Please contact us if you’d like to contribute your time and skills to this most worthy cause.
Thank you to all who have helped make this dream a reality for all of us to enjoy!
Please contact Molly Goodwin at goodmol@hotmail.com if you would like to volunteer.
The Pascommuck Conservation Trust is in need of volunteers of every skill level and ability for whatever time and energy you are willing to commit. We are an entirely volunteer organization, and truly appreciate all help that people can give. Perhaps you enjoy working outside in nature, meeting and talking to new people, writing about the environment and your community. Or you have a particular skill you enjoy using in art, woodworking, computers, finance, etc. Whatever your skill set we welcome you.
We are seeking volunteers on a number of different levels. The PCT is recruiting new Board of Director members who are willing to commit to one meeting a month along with other responsibilities commensurate with their skills and their personal level of dedication. Board members vote on issues such as property acquisition, property maintenance, fundraising, etc. For anyone with financial skills and interests we are also in need of a new Treasurer.
There are a number of PCT “Special Project Volunteers” who are involved on a less time consuming but equally vital role within the organization. These non-voting members volunteer for projects they enjoy within a time frame that fits in their own personal schedule. Their tasks range from property clean up to sign making to writing thank you notes and anything in between.
Your skill level is not as important as your commitment. John Bator, Trust President, plans to meet with volunteers at each property to discuss what needs to be done, and answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for your efforts in helping to maintain Easthampton’s special places!