Join our fight to save Westport's farms and open spaces, so that future generations can enjoy their products and scenic beauty.

Make a donation!

An Active Farming Community
One of the most scenic agricultural areas along the southeastern coast of the Commonwealth, Westport maintains a strong farming tradition. From Allen's Neck on Buzzards Bay to Blossom Road and the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve, Westport contains one of the highest concentrations of active farms in the region. The town also boasts 11 working dairy farms, more than any other community in the state.  Many of these farms have been protected through agricultural preservation restrictions, but many more are at risk of being converted to residential subdivisions.

An Ecologically Rich Watershed
The relatively undeveloped shoreline of the Westport River's East and West Branches supports a wealth of ecological and scenic resources, including several endangered plant and bird species. Spring-fed streams contribute to the vitality of the river, including Angeline Brook, one of the healthiest streams in the Westport River watershed. Angeline Brook also supports a native anadromous brook trout population, an indicator that the watershed is relatively healthy and undisturbed. The age and structural diversity of the upland forest near the brook shows little history of human use and may represent primary forest. Because of these significant ecological attributes, Angeline Brook is an important source of high quality fresh water for the Westport River estuary — and a focus area for The Trustees.

The Threat
Because Westport's open spaces not only provide scenic views, but also sustain the local farming and fishing economies, their loss could have economic as well as ecological implications. And while efforts over the past 30 years have managed to protect some of Westport's farms and forests, only 10 percent of the town is permanently protected, compared with 25 and 50 percent, respectively, in the adjacent communities of Dartmouth and Fall River. With commuter rail service potentially returning to the region within five years, there is an urgent need to rapidly increase the amount of farms and forestland under permanent protection, before they are developed.

A Bold Plan for Conservation
The Westport Land Conservation Trust and The Trustees of Reservations have developed a bold plan to accelerate the pace of conservation in Westport, with an ambitious goal — protect 2,000 acres in Westport by the year 2007. The partnership established the Westport Land Conservation Office in 2000 and has built a strong collaboration of supporters. Our partnership is now poised to lead the town, other conservation agencies, and individuals in creating conservation opportunities and raising the resources necessary to achieve our goals. But our success and the future of Westport's open space and scenic character rely on the generosity of supporters like you! Please join us in preserving the special places that define Westport's unique character.

Making a Donation

• By mail:  Please mail check payable to The Trustees of Reservations, along with your name, address, daytime phone and email address (if applicable), to:
  
  Westport Campaign
  The Trustees of Reservations
  1100D Main Road
  Westport, MA  02790
  
  
• By phone: Call 978/921-1944 x1861 to make a donation using a credit card.
  
  
• On-line: To make a contribution online, please click here.

For more information, please contact: