Ellis-Walker Property Fully Conserved

Another conservation success! On April 23, SVT closed on a conservation restriction (CR) on the Ellis-Walker Property in Westborough, putting the finishing touches on a multi-year project to permanently protect these 34 acres of open meadow, forest, and wetlands along Bowman Street.

The Ellis-Walker Property sits in a corridor of open space that includes the Bowman West Conservation Area and the Upton State Forest. Together, these lands provide habitat for wildlife, protect important water resources, and feature hiking trails for area residents.

SVT and the Town of Westborough have been working to protect this land since 2023, when Merrie Walker and the Walker family agreed to sell the property to the Town for conservation. With SVT’s project and fundraising assistance, the Town purchased the land in August 2025 using a combination of Town Funds, a Land and Water Conservation grant, and a contribution from SVT.

In return for SVT’s support, the Town agreed to grant us a conservation restriction (CR) to permanently ensure that the land can never be developed. Thanks to the efforts of many people, we closed on the CR on April 23. Going forward, the Town will work with the Westborough Conservation Land Trust to manage the land and clear and maintain trails. SVT will monitor the property to ensure its ecological properties are fully protected.

Thank you to everyone who financially supported this project and made its success possible: the Manton Foundation, Highland Partners Charitable Fund, Bafflin Foundation, the Family of George and Doris Meyers, Merrimack Conservation Partnership, an anonymous foundation, and the individuals who contributed to SVT's fundraising campaign.