Forty Caves Expansion, Berlin

Matthews Property, Berlin, MA.
Like Forty Caves, the Matthews Property Features Interesting Rock Formations. Photo by SVT.

Expanded! On April 17, 2026, SVT purchased a 10.96-acre parcel in Berlin from the Matthews Family. This property sits just steps from the 256-acre Forty Caves Conservation Area, and it plays an important role in supporting habitat for forest-nesting birds and other wildlife. It also features upland habitat that is critical to the survival of amphibians that rely on vernal pools for breeding. In addition, Forty Caves and the Matthews Property are part of the watershed of the North Brook, which is classified as a cold-water fishery that supports native brook trout.

SVT will now manage the land as part of Forty Caves, which includes lands owned by SVT and the Towns of Berlin and Clinton.

Project Background 

The Matthews Family offered to sell this property to SVT, and we were eager to accept the opportunity to permanently protect the land and

  • Safeguard water resources and forest health 
  • Strengthen habitat connectivity across the landscape 
  • Create a buffer between Forty Caves and the nearby residential area

SVT continues to raise funds to cover the purchase price and our project costs. Please help us raise these funds so we can take first-class care of this land forever. 

Learn More and Donate

*Your gift to this land protection project will cover a variety of associated costs such as the fully allocated cost of staff time, transaction costs, and a contribution to the long-term land stewardship expenses and legal defense to protect the conservation values of any SVT property. Your donation may help cover any previously incurred expenses connected with this project. Any funds raised beyond what is needed for this specific land protection project will be allocated to future similar conservation efforts.

Why Protect This Land

Matthews Property, Forty Caves Expansion-Winter Wetlands. Photo by Staff.

The Matthews Property consists of mature forest of oak, maple, and pine trees with some interesting rock formations. There is a healthy understory of native plants and very few invasive plants. A stream and a small area of wetlands can be found on the northern end of the parcel. 

The habitats in the Matthews Property support a diversity of species and include an upland habitat that is critical to the survival of amphibians that rely on vernal pools for breeding. In fact, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife have identified this parcel as Priority Habitat for Rare Species and BioMap Core Habitat for both Rare Species Core and Vernal Pool Core. The designation as Core Habitat indicates that this is part of a larger expanse of intact good quality habitat. 

The Matthews Property is separated from the Forty Caves Conservation Area by only a 0.73-acre parcel and shares many of its habitats. Both properties are part of the watershed of the North Brook, which is classified as a cold-water fishery that supports native brook trout.

Forty Caves is a beloved natural destination known for its striking rock formations, quiet forests, and wildlife habitat. The conservation area spans the boundary of Berlin and Clinton and includes lands owned and managed by SVT and the two towns.

An ecological inventory of Forty Caves indicates that it supports a variety of forest-nesting bird species and native wildflowers, and the nearby Matthews Property likely supports the same species. The protection of the Matthews Property will help to extend these habitats, and it will add further protection to Forty Caves by creating a buffer between the conservation area and nearby residences.

SVT's purchase of the Matthews Property ensures the land will remain permanently conserved and cared for as part of SVT’s conservation network.

Property Map

Forty Caves Expansion Map: Matthews Parcel Shown in Red

How We Protected This Land

The Matthews Family offered to sell the 10.96-acre property to SVT for the appraised price. We closed on the sale on April 17, 2026, yet we continue to raise funds from foundations and individuals to cover the purchase price as well as our project costs.

SVT thanks the Family of George and Doris Meyers for its financial support of the project.

*Your gift to this land protection project will cover a variety of associated costs such as the fully allocated cost of staff time, transaction costs, and a contribution to the long-term land stewardship expenses and legal defense to protect the conservation values of any SVT property. Your donation may help cover any previously incurred expenses connected with this project. Any funds raised beyond what is needed for this specific land protection project will be allocated to future similar conservation efforts.