OUR HISTORY

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

VISITING PROPERTIES

PUBLICATIONS

PROTECTING LAND

GETTING INVOLVED

OUR HISTORY
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Q: What is a "reservation?"

A: When founded in 1891 by landscape architect Charles Eliot, The Trustees of Reservations name was much better understood. The term “reservation” was used by Eliot to describe his own notion of "park-making." Unlike Frederick Law Olmsted, whose approach to designing parks was to start from scratch, Eliot favored selecting natural or cultural landscapes that had inherent beauty and interest and then improve, preserve, and open them to the public — the vision that has guided the mission of The Trustees of Reservations ever since.

Q: I'm doing some research on The Trustees of Reservations. Where can I find more information?

A: You will find information about the organization in the About Us section of this web site. You may also order a copy of Saving Special Places - a Centennial History of The Trustees of Reservations: Pioneer of the Land Trust Movement.

 
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
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Q: Does The Trustees of Reservations receive direct government funding?

A: No. However, from time to time, The Trustees applies for state or federal grants to support specific stewardship projects.

Q: Where does The Trustees of Reservations get their funding?

A: The Trustees of Reservations is funded through a combination of membership dues, annual contributions, admission fees at properties, special events, competitive grants, and endowments. Visit our annual report archive to download PDF files of past annual reports.

Q: How can I donate to The Trustees of Reservations?

A: Click here.


VISITING PROPERTIES
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Q: When are properties open to the public?

A: Most properties are open every day, year-round, sunrise to sunset. There are exceptions, most notably for historic house and garden properties. It is best to check the page about the property you intend to visit for operating hours.

Q: Do you offer group tours?

A: Many properties offer group tours. Use our property directory to find more information about tours of a specific property.

Q: How do I find out about events at properties?

A: Click here, for our events calendar.

Q: Is there a booking service for buying tickets to special events or programs?

A: No. Each event listing on our events calendar explains how tickets can be purchased. Many events do not require advance purchase of tickets, although we often require pre-registration and many events are free with paid general admission.

Q:  I'm a teacher. Can I bring my students to properties?

A: Of course! Use our property directory to find contact information and to let them know your plans. Note that parking can be limited and there may be admission fees at some reservations.

Q: Can I hunt on Trustees of Reservations land?

A: Hunting is permitted on some reservations, subject to specific permit requirements and other management regulations. Signs are posted during the hunting season. Where hunting is permitted in the vicinity of a reservation, but not permitted on the reservation itself, the potential exists for trespassing by hunters from adjacent hunted land. During hunting season, wear bright orange or red clothing, hike only on clearly marked trails, and avoid reservation boundaries. Report any violations to The Trustees, local police, or state environmental police. For more information, contact the appropriate regional office before setting out.

Q: Can I ice skate on ponds?

A: Ponds that do not allow skating are posted as “No Skating.” Elsewhere, visitors who choose to ice skate on reservation ponds do so at their own risk. Visitors should remember to check first that ponds are sufficiently frozen before ice skating.

Q: Can I fish on properties?

A: A Massachusetts State Fishing License is required for freshwater fishing at all reservations where fishing is permitted. Please observe catch-and-release policies and other fishing regulations as they apply. A license is not needed for saltwater fishing at coastal properties.

Q: Can I go swimming at properties?

A: Properties that do not allow swimming are posted as “No Swimming.” Elsewhere, visitors who choose to swim do so at their own risk. Lifeguards are not present at most reservations.

Q: What visitor facilities are available at properties?

A: Facilities vary by property. For details, check the page about the property you intend to visit.

Q: How do I get directions to properties?

A: Check the page about the property you intend to visit for travel directions as well as a link to Mapquest showing the location of the entrance(s) to the property.

Q: Where can I walk my dog?

A: Conduct a property search to get a list of properties where dog walking is permitted. Please read the Recreational Activities page for suggested dog walking etiquette and check the page about the property you intend to visit for site-specific dog walking regulations.

Q: Can I drive my vehicle on the beach?

A: At Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge and Wasque on Martha's Vineyard and at Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge on Nantucket, four-wheel-drive vehicles with current over-sand vehicle (OSV) permits and all required emergency equipment on board may drive on designated areas of the beach. Permits may be purchased at the gatehouse of each of these properties. For more information, email our Islands Regional Office or call 508.693.7662.

PUBLICATIONS
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Q: Where can I buy the Property Guide?

A: The Property Guide is an exclusive benefit of membership and is not for sale. When you join, you will receive a copy in your new member packet. Members can buy a replacement copy for $15 (check or credit card) by calling 978.921.1944.

Q: How do I get trail maps?

A: Visit our trail map library to download PDF files of trail maps or mail order printed copies.

Q: Can you send me an Annual Report?

A: We do not print sufficient quantities of our annual report to make it available to the general public. Visit our annual report archive to download PDF files of past annual reports.


PROTECTING LAND
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Q: I need advice about protecting my property. Who should I call?

A: Visit our land conservation techniques page and then speak to a community conservation specialist in your area. Call 978.537.4458 x312 or email our Land Conservation Department to be put in touch with the appropriate staff member. Or use our staff directory to get in touch directly.

Q: Does The Trustees of Reservations acquire land outside of Massachusetts?

A: For the most part, no, though we can. We do own land in adjacent states that is contiguous to properties we own along the Massachusetts border. Examples include parts of Bartholomew's Cobble (Connecticut) and Mountain Meadow Preserve (Vermont).

Q: Does The Trustees of Reservations preserve working farms?

A: Yes. Appleton Farms is our best example which, operates as a community-supported agriculture program (CSA). Powisset Farm in Dover is our second CSA. We also own properties that are maintained as agricultural landscapes, though not operated as in the past; Weir River Farm is a good example. We also lease parts of properties to local farmers who help us to maintain them as agricultural landscapes, such as Fork Factory Brook.

Q: Does the organization preserve historic buildings and collections?

A: Yes. Sixteen of our properties contain historic buildings, including nine historic house museums and two lighthouses that are open to the public. Many contain object collections (including paintings, textiles, furniture, and various decorative arts) as well as archival collections (including photographs, prints, and paper materials). See our Facts & Figures page for more details.


GETTING INVOLVED
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Q: Does The Trustees of Reservations offer internships?

A: Yes, but informally. Use our staff directory to contact the staff member who works most closely with your area of interest.

Q: How do I find out about job opportunities with The Trustees of Reservations?

A: Click here.

Q: How do I find out about volunteer opportunities with The Trustees of Reservations?

A: Click here.

Q: How do I become a member of The Trustees of Reservations?

A: Click here.