GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The city of Greenfield has recently accepted over 36 acres of land for conservation. The newly formed Conti-Gauley Conservation Area is made up of three contiguous parcels between the Mohawk Trail and Shelburne Road and will be available for the public to enjoy through passive recreational uses.

From the City of Greenfield:

Greenfield Announces Conservation of Over 36 Acres
The City of Greenfield is excited to announce the conservation of over 36 acres between Mohawk Trail and
Shelburne Road.

The newly formed Conti-Gauley Conservation Area is made up of three contiguous parcels donated by two sets of
landowners. Randall Gauley and Shirley Young donated a 10.12-acre parcel. Richard and Gloria Easton donated
the other two parcels, totaling 26.44 acres. The City acted through its Conservation Commission to accept the
land for conservation and passive recreation uses.

Mayor Virginia Desorgher and the Greenfield Conservation Commission visited the land earlier this year. “We
saw tracks and other signs of wildlife, including moose, during our visit,” said Mayor Desorgher. “I am thankful
to the former owners for their willingness to conserve this beautiful and valuable land for the benefit of people
and wildlife for generations to come. As we seek to intelligently and incrementally develop our downtown and
neighborhoods, we must also continue to preserve still-pristine areas such as this.”

There are currently no formal trails or public parking areas for the Conti-Gauley Conservation Area. The
Conservation Commission is eager to work on plans to enable public access in the future. “As with the other
conservation areas within Greenfield, this will be a place for the public to enjoy the outdoors through passive
recreational means, such as hiking, snowshoeing, and birding” said Jessica Siegel, Conservation Agent for the
City of Greenfield.

The Greenfield Conservation Commission continues to welcome land donations, as well as monetary donations to
fund future land acquisition and conservation efforts. Interested individuals should contact Conservation Agent
Jessica Siegel at jessica.siegel@greenfield-ma.gov to learn more. Additional information about the Conservation
Commission, including a list of conserved areas and associated trail maps, is available on the Commission’s
webpage.