SVT and the Town of Berlin realized a long-held dream in Fall 2022 when we permanently conserved the 100-acre Horseshoe Pond property on the northeast corner of Mount Pisgah—an environmentally important area that supports critical wetlands, an extensive wildlife corridor, and passive recreation.
Located at the intersection of Linden Street and Lyman Road, Horseshoe Pond (formerly known as McGrail Farm) was the largest remaining piece of unprotected land on Mount Pisgah. SVT temporarily purchased the property to give the Town enough time to secure grants to take ownership and create a public conservation area. The Town now owns the land and is currently in the process of granting a conservation restriction to SVT.
Together, we will forever protect the remarkable wildlife habitat at Horseshoe Pond, and we will maintain a hiking trail that connects to the Mount Pisgah network.
In fact, outdoor enthusiasts have been hiking across the Horseshoe Pond land and enjoying its dramatic topography for years, and the conservation of this land protects that right forever. This successful project provides additional access to open space in perpetuity for the benefit of all in the surrounding communities, and welcomes everyone to explore and enjoy this new conservation area. (Trail Map-English; Mapa de Trilhas - Portugues; Mapa del sendero - Español .)
This land was protected thanks to a Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program action grant, Town of Berlin funds, and additional funds contributed by private foundations and individuals.