Maplecroft Farm Protected!
Essex County Greenbelt, in partnership with The Town of Ipswich and the Trust for Public Land, successfully purchased the agricultural and preservation restrictions of over 247 acres of Maplecroft Farm on Argilla, Northgate, Essex, and Heartbreak Roads. Protection of the diverse and scenic landscape - agricultural fields, forest, and saltmarsh - maintains a signature scenic working landscape treasured by Ipswich residents and visitors alike.

At Town Meeting on Monday, October 19, 2009, Ipswich voters overwhelmingly voted in favor of supporting the protection of this important 247 acres of agricultural fields, irreplaceable scenic views, important wildlife habitat and recreational trails. (Press: Salem News, "Ipswich to Spend $2.2 Million on Open Space," October 20, 2009.)

The Importance of Conserving Maplecroft Farm
The Maplecroft Farm property, owned by the Raymond family for many decades, is one of the highest conservation priorities for the Town of Ipswich and for Essex County Greenbelt. It has long been identified by the Town as a critical landscape to conserve, and it figures prominently in Essex County Greenbelt’s regional conservation plan. The property’s sheer scale, and the combination of prime agricultural soils, scenic values and high quality wildlife habitat make it unique in our region.

Project Map (click map for full size) download map





Press
Press release: "The Trust for Public Land Announces Multi-Year Lease Agreement Over Raymond Fields at Maplecroft Farm" (10/8/2009)

Press release: "Agreement Would Protect Maplecroft Farm in Ipswich" (8/3/2009)

Contacts
David Santomenna at Greenbelt: (978) 768-7241 x18 or dts@ecga.org