About Us

The Westford Conservation Trust is a private, non-profit, non-governmental organization incorporated in 1984 under Massachusetts law for the purpose of preserving land and other natural resources. The Trust is a charitable, 501-C3 organization, for which all donations are tax deductible. The Trust is run by a volunteer Board of Directors. Since its beginning, the Trust has acquired a number of open space areas and trails through both direct ownership and permanent conservation restrictions.

• To preserve open land, water resources, wildlife and other natural resources.
• To establish and maintain trails.
• To preserve and protect historic sites.
• To educate the public about the wise use of natural resources.

At present, membership stands at over 200 families who are interested in the protection of open space in Westford. We hold numerous parcels of land for the benefit of Westford's citizens and wildlife, and hold easements on over 60 trails in town. We organize educational walks for Westford schools, scout groups, and families, and sponsor Westford Academy scholarships. We sponsor the Westford Wildlife Watch column printed monthly in the Westford Eagle. We work with the Town government to help secure open space parcels and to pass other open space initiatives.

The Westford Conservation Trust is often mistaken for the Westford Conservation Commission, which is a governmental function of the Town of Westford. The Commission members are appointed by the Selectmen for three year terms. They are the Town body responsible for protection of Westford natural resources with major responsibility for administration of the State's Wetlands Protection Act and the Westford Wetland By-law.

Frequently asked questions about the Trust.

Westford Conservation Trust Officers and Directors

As our by-laws require, Directors, Associate Directors, the Clerk and the Treasurer are voted into office by the membership of the Trust at the Annual Meeting on the first Thursday in November each year. A nominating committee presents a slate, and nominations are also taken from the floor. The President and Vice President are elected by the Board at the next Board meeting. Other positions are appointed by the Board at various times.
 

President	Marian Harman
Vice President	Richard Emmet
Treasurer	Mark Tincknell
Clerk	William Harman
Directors	Ron Deschenes Diane Duane Richard Emmet Marian Harman Bill Harman Leonard Palmer Peter Severance Mark Tincknell
Honorary Director	C. Thomas Paul
Associate Directors	Shelagh Brady Michael D'Antuono Rose Marie Koester Elizabeth McGuire Bill Morton
Newsletter Editor	Diane Duane
Land Steward Chairman	Leonard Palmer

Westford Conservation Trust Committees

Names of contact persons are underlined.