Conserve the Valley You Love











19 Towns. One Valley.
One Mission.
Kestrel Land Trust is dedicated to conserving the land that sustains the quality of life and ecological integrity of the Connecticut River Valley.

Help Complete the South East Street Rail Trail Project in Amherst!
Threat: For decades, this parcel of land, known as the Old Rock Farm, was the site of intensive condominium development plans. A foreclosure by Greenfield Savings Bank in January 2013, however, has created a unique opportunity to purchase the parcel for conservation.
Recreation and views: Conservation of this land will help complete the greenway along the Norwottuck Rail Trail in South Amherst. This parcel affords a beautiful wide-open view of the Mount Holyoke Range and the Pelham Hills.
Wildlife: This land has long been recognized as a great spot to observe many species of birds, including bald eagles, pileated woodpeckers, and Baltimore orioles. The field hosts milkweed plants, which are essential to the life cycle of the monarch butterfly, and the land borders a certified vernal pool providing habitat for wood frogs, painted turtles, and spotted turtles.
How you can help: To inspire neighbors and others to help conserve this land, an anonymous donor has generously contributed a challenge gift of $25,000. As of March 28, $16,000 in private contributions is still needed to make this purchase possible. Please make your tax-deductible contribution today! Click on the button below and select "South East Street Rail Trail" from the Program Designation menu.
June Outing: East Leverett Trails
Join Kestrel and the Leverett Trails Committee to celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1, from 9 to 11 a.m. We will be exploring the recently completed East Leverett Trail system around Doolittle Brook, including the new Teawaddle Hill Farm Conservation Area. Led by a members of the Leverett Trails Committee--a collaboration of the Leverett Conservation Commission and the ... more

Rene Theberge
Kestrel Is Still Focusing on the Range
Almost 10 years ago, Kestrel led a campaign called "Focusing on the Range" to highlight the Mount Holyoke and Mount Tom ranges in the Valley, "...a beautiful corner of the New England landscape that also has an important place in the cultural history of the United States." This description comes from the visually stunning video that was produced in partnership with WGBY TV, The Trustees of Reservations, PeoplesBank, Connecticut Valley Summit, Friends of the Mount Holyoke Range and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. You can watch this video online by clicking here: You'll fall in love with the Range all over again.
Kestrel Applies for National Accreditation