Advancing the social, educational, civic and economic interest of the village and it’s inhabitants
CONSERVATION AREAS
Beaver Brook Greenway
The old Starkus farm on Haydenville Road had been acquired by Northampton as conservation land in 2010 and designated the Beaver Brook Greenway. Though the property consists of 106 acres, the six acres lying between the road and Beaver Brook were rehabilitated between 2017-2019 by Broad Brook Coalition and Leeds Civic Association members with the aid of a grant from the Community Preservation Committee. The area boasts many interesting visitor features. A raised wildlife blind overlooks Beaver Brook. Along the trails interpretive signage describes the natural and human history, farm relics and the Starkus perennial garden. Two picnic tables are set in a small shaded clearing. Endangered species thrive in this conservation area, so please NO dogs. Limited parking is available between the two designated signs at the Corrosion Control Facility on Haydenville Rd.
Robert’s Hill section of Sawmill Hills Conservation Area
Robert’s Hill is a unique 1010 acre treasure in Leeds. The trail network is pretty diverse. The Green Diamond Trail was once part of the stagecoach route from Boston to Albany and is relatively flat. The Blue Rectangle Trail leads to the summit through a hemlock grove and dense mountain laurel patches. Halfway to the summit begins the foothills to the Berkshires, a transition zone where some southern tree species and some northern species grow. The summit offers a spectacular western view. Remnants of a stone quarry can be seen on the eastern side of the summit. Limited street parking is available at entrances on Dimmock Street, Water Street and Reservoir Road.
Sawmill Hills Conservation Area
Sawmill Hills encompasses XXX acres of wooded hills that stretch between Sylvester Road to the west, Spring Street to the east and Ryan Road to the south. There are hiking trails and off road vehicle trails. Vernal pools and wetlands pepper the southern portion.Three parking and access points are on Sylvester Road and one is at Avis Circle off of Ryan Road. Please respect all private property signs.
