Protecting 34 Acres in Boxford & North Andover
Property features Active Farmland, Wildlife Habitat, and Scenic Land
Greenbelt has an exciting opportunity to acquire and permanently protect approximately 34 acres of vital farmland, wildlife habitat, and scenic land in the communities of Boxford (28 acres) and North Andover (6 acres). This land is currently at significant risk of development.
The Old Barn Farm property will conserve nearly one-third of the remaining unprotected acreage at Barker Farm — a historic working farm and orchard in continuous operation since 1642, and one of the oldest agricultural enterprises in the United States. Today, Barker Farm continues to produce locally grown vegetables and hay while carrying forward its rich agricultural heritage.
Once protected, Greenbelt will lease 21 acres of agricultural land — primarily located in Boxford — to local farmers through affordable, secure agreements that support long-term farm viability and productivity. Also on the Boxford portion of the property, Greenbelt will steward an additional 10 acres as wildlife habitat, expanding the existing Carter Fields Conservation Area and establishing a new public trail connection to Barker Road.
In addition, wetlands that support the health of nearby Lake Cochichewick will be permanently protected, ensuring they continue to naturally filter water and enhance local drinking water quality.
Together, sustainable farming, habitat stewardship, and wetland conservation will strengthen climate resilience while preserving the region’s rural character, ecological integrity, and working agricultural landscape for generations to come.
For more information about this project, to ask questions, or to explore giving options, please contact Rachel Horgan, Director of Development & Community Engagement, at 978‑768‑7241 ext. 122
Conserving This Land Will
- Permanently protect 34 acres of active farmland, wildlife habitat, and scenic land
- Preserve 21 acres of productive farmland for ongoing agricultural use
- Conserve 10 acres of wildlife habitat, expanding Greenbelt’s Carter Fields Conservation Area in Boxford
- Protect wetlands that help filter water feeding into the Lake Cochichewick drinking water supply
- Enable Greenbelt to create affordable and secure access to agricultural land for farmers
- Strengthen regional climate resilience through land protection and stewardship
Join Us on a Site Walk
Greenbelt will be hosting guided site walks of the Old Barn Farm property on the following dates:
- Saturday, May 2, 4:00pm – 5:30pm (Click here to register)
- Thursday, May 7, 10:00am – 11:30am (Click here to register)
This event is free and open to the public. Parking is available at Carter Fields, 75 Carter Field Road, North Andover.
Please register in advance to ensure a space and receive parking information.
Project Funding
Greenbelt has secured a $1 million lead gift from a private donor to advance this project. Additional funding is anticipated through Community Preservation Act (CPA) allocations from the towns of Boxford and North Andover, as well as contributions from private individuals and foundations. Greenbelt seeks to raise an additional $500,000 to complete the campaign.
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 x122.
Click here for more ways to give.
Let our Development Staff Assist You
- Rachel Horgan
Director of Development & Community Engagement
978-768-7241 ext. 122 - Roberta Gallagher
Development Operations Manager
978-768-7241 ext. 113 - Anna Fletcher
Donor Engagement Manager
978-768-7241 ext. 110