Greenbelt Meets Ambitious Fundraising Goal to Protect 66 Acres Near Chebacco Woods in Hamilton

After a rigorous four-month fundraising campaign, Greenbelt has raised the $3.7 million needed to permanently protect 66 acres of ecologically significant land at 133 Essex Street in Hamilton, adjacent to Chebacco Woods. A long-standing conservation priority, this acquisition will expand protected lands around Chebacco Woods by more than 20%, safeguarding this cherished regional resource and the many environmental benefits it provides to the community.

“This conservation project truly captured the community’s interest, with nearly 700 individual donors contributing — a record for any Greenbelt land campaign — and generating extraordinary support from across the region,” says Greenbelt President Chris LaPointe. “It’s incredibly heartening to see this level of enthusiasm for a project we’re so excited to bring to life.”

In addition to individual contributions, the land campaign received strong grassroots support from a range of community organizations, including Save Chebacco Trails & Watershed, the Chebacco Lake & Watershed Association, and the New England Mountain Biking Association. 

Having now successfully met its ambitious December 31, 2025, fundraising deadline, Greenbelt will finalize the land acquisition in January 2026. In the months that follow, efforts will focus on mapping the property, improving signage, and enhancing trails, with a community celebration planned for later in 2026.

Greenbelt is especially grateful to the Rich family for their partnership in conserving this land. Having owned the property for more than 67 years, the family’s willingness to work with Greenbelt has helped to ensure the permanent protection of this treasured landscape.