Greenbelt Protects 120-plus Acres of Working Farmland and Forest in Merrimac

In June, Greenbelt successfully acquired Hoyt Farm in Merrimac, one of the largest remaining unprotected farms in the Merrimack Valley. Spanning more than 120 acres of working farmland and forest, the property will be renamed Silver Brook Farm, honoring its original colonial name and the stream that winds through the landscape.

This significant conservation milestone was made possible by a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, support from private foundations, and the generosity of numerous donors — including many from the Merrimac community — whose enthusiasm and commitment were essential to the project’s success.

“Over the past 15 years, Greenbelt has cultivated an enduring partnership with the Hoyt family, grounded in a shared vision for the future of their property,” says Vanessa Johnson-Hall, Director of Land Conservation. “It’s a privilege to honor their deep commitment to safeguarding the land for farming and ensuring its permanent protection for generations to come.”

Beyond securing this vital agricultural acreage and supporting access to fresh, locally grown food, protecting the property also allows Greenbelt to expand public trails from the Merrimac Town Forest, preserve wetlands that feed the East Meadow River — Haverhill’s primary drinking water source — and support the region’s resilience to climate change.

“Greenbelt’s acquisition of Hoyt Farm is a tremendous win for the Merrimac community,” says Chris Manni, Merrimac Select Board Chair. “This acquisition protects open space, preserves our town’s character, and ensures that future generations will be able to enjoy this special landscape. On behalf of the Merrimac Select Board, I thank Greenbelt for their leadership, partnership, and commitment to conservation in our community.”

A former dairy farm, Silver Brook Farm has been continuously cultivated for over 200 years, with the same family stewarding the land for the past century. For the last 60 years, the land has been leased to several generations of the Lesiczka family, owners of Wally’s Vegetables in Haverhill, who will continue to farm the property under Greenbelt’s permanent protection.

In Phase I of this conservation effort, completed in December 2023, Greenbelt protected close to 22 acres of forest on the property. The recent Phase II campaign completed in June secured approximately 100 acres, ensuring that this historic farmland will remain permanently preserved for agricultural use, outdoor recreation, and open space.

Since its inception, a central part of Greenbelt’s mission has been to support the long-term success of the region’s agricultural community. Through partnerships with more than 80 farm families, Greenbelt has successfully protected over 1,500 acres of valuable agricultural land.