O'Donnell Property Protected; Callahan State Park Expands

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O'Donnell Property. Photo by Dany Pelletier.
O'Donnell Property. Photo by Dany Pelletier.

Add another success story to the flurry of conservation projects that SVT and our partners have completed in recent weeks.

Callahan State Park gained 33 additional acres on June 28, when the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) purchased the O’Donnell Property in Marlborough. This purchase was the culmination of a long-term, collaborative effort to protect the property, which shares a ½-mile boundary with the state park.

Visitors to Callahan State Park have likely crossed the O’Donnell Property without realizing that it was privately owned. Nearly ¼ mile of the Beebe Pond Loop Trail cuts through the property and connects two portions of the Callahan State Park trail system. By protecting the land and adding it to the park, the project partners have ensured that the public will always have access to the full trail network.

DCR first identified the property as a priority for protection nearly 20 years ago due to its critical location. The department contributed $1.25 million toward the purchase price. 

The City of Marlborough and SVT also played key roles. The City contributed $150,000 toward the purchase, and SVT raised another $100,000 from foundations and local individuals.

"It's amazing to see what can get done through partnerships," said Christa Collins, SVT's Director of Land Protection. "Federal, state, city, and private dollars came together to protect a beautiful piece of land in the public interest. We couldn't be more delighted at the outcome."

We thank everyone who contributed to this successful effort.