Help Protect the Former Candlewood Golf Course Land!
Preserving Scenic Landscape, Wildlife Habitat, and Clean Water
Greenbelt and the Town of Ipswich have an exciting opportunity to permanently protect the former Candlewood Golf Course. Preserving these 26 acres at the corner of Candlewood Road and Essex Road (Route 133) will help safeguard public drinking water, scenic views, and important wildlife habitat along one of the region’s most iconic scenic byways.
The Candlewood property has long been a high conservation priority for Greenbelt and the Town of Ipswich. The property is adjacent to two public drinking water wells and lies within the aquifer recharge area that supplies these wells. Preserving and restoring this land — which includes wetlands, a potential vernal pool, an intermittent stream, and grasslands — will help filter water entering the aquifer and improve flood mitigation, groundwater recharge, and habitat for vulnerable species.
Conserving this land will:
- Help protect Ipswich’s drinking water
- Expand the regional network of conserved land
- Allow Greenbelt to restore important wildlife habitat
- Provide an opportunity for a new public trail
- Further preserve views along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway
Vote YES on Article 8 at the October 20 Special Town Meeting in Ipswich!
Meeting Details
- Date: Tuesday, October 20
- Time: 7:00pm
- Location: Ipswich Middle/High School, 134 High Street, Ipswich
Article 8 authorizes the Town of Ipswich to acquire a conservation restriction on 3 Candlewood Road for $850,000, of which $500,000 will come from Ipswich Bond Funds ($9 per household per year for 10 years) and $350,000 from the already-awarded MA Drinking Water Supply Program Grant.
Project Funding
The Town has secured a $350,000 State Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant for this initiative. A YES vote on Article 8 at Town Meeting will authorize the Town to use $500,000 in Open Space Bond funds, together with the $350,000 state grant, to acquire a conservation restriction on the premises. Greenbelt will own the land and be responsible for long-term stewardship. Greenbelt's fundraising campaign and the sale of the existing house will contribute the remaining $975,000 towards the overall purchase price of $1.825 million. Greenbelt's remaining fundraising goal is $95,000.
If you would like to discuss gift options, including pledges, gifts of stock, or other donations, please contact Rachel Horgan, Director of Development and Community Engagement, at 978-768-7241 ext.122.
Click here for more ways to give.
Your Gift Can Help Protect 26 Acres along Candlewood Road
Let our Development Staff Assist You
- Rachel Horgan
Director of Development & Community Engagement
978-768-7241 ext. 122 - Anna Fletcher
Membership & Annual Giving Manager
978-768-7241 ext. 110