Peppercorn Hill Gains 67 Acres with Protection of Kelly Property

It's official! The Kelly Property in Upton has been permanently protected and is now part of the Peppercorn Hill Conservation Area.

SVT has been working with Metacomet Land Trust (MLT) and the Town of Upton to protect this 67-acre property since early 2020. MLT purchased 25 acres of the land on June 15, and the Town of Upton purchased the remaining 42 acres on June 30.

SVT holds conservation restrictions over all 67 acres and will safeguard their critical ecological features into the future.

The Kelly Property sits within the Peppercorn Hill Conservation Area and abuts the Rockwood Meadows Open Space. The land hosts mature forests, wetlands, tributary streams of Mill River, a vernal pool, and impressive rocky outcrops. In addition, about 1 mile of the Peppercorn Hill trail network crosses this land.

By conserving the Kelly Property, we have protected its ecological features, closed a gap in the Conservation Area, and ensured that the public will always has access to the entire trail network.

The Town used Community Preservation Act funds to purchase its share of the land. MLT received a $56,500 state Conservation Partnership grant toward its purchase, and SVT helped MLT raise an additional $73,000 from foundations and local individuals.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this conservation effort. We could not have succeeded without your support.

Visit the property for yourself: A trail map is available on the Town of Upton website.