Princeton Land Trust has received a generous donation from Judy and Chris Bice of the property known as Hall Fields. The 12 acres of open fields are located on the left side of Route 62 (Gregory Hill Road) when heading up the hill to Princeton Center. The property encompasses a small fire pond on the northeast side and a stream running through the center of the fields. “PLT is pleased to publicly thank the Bices for this generous gift. Judy and Chris wanted these fields to be managed and enjoyed by Town residents – their gift makes this a reality”, said Tom Sullivan, President of PLT.

Judy and Chris stated that “We are pleased to donate the Hall Fields to the people of Princeton. Although we have not been permanent residents since 1970, we have deep roots here. Princeton Center School 1950-1958, Wachusett Regional High School 1958-1962, and marriage in the Congregational Church 1967. We still own property east of the fields and visit annually. We know that the Land Trust and the good people of Princeton will maintain and improve the beauty of the fields; one of the gateways of our town”.

Judy remembers when her father was approached by trustees of the Land Trust decades ago about the possibility of conserving the fields. At the time he wasn’t quite sure if he was ready to do that, but she knows that he would be very pleased that the land is being conserved now. PLT plans to mow the fields to keep them open and has plans to add a trail along the east side of the property to connect from the road to other PLT properties leading out to a beaver pond. 

Preservation of these fields and maintaining the views heading into town, have long been goals for the Land Trust. PLT owns several properties in this area, most of which are connected by trails and open to the public.  

For information about PLT, visit  www.princetonlandtrust.us.

The Princeton Land Trust was founded in 1990 and since then, has acquired over 380 acres of land around town, many thanks to outright generous donations.  The Princeton Land Trust has also partnered with the town and other conservation groups to raise funds and secure state grants to protect land for conservation, recreation and agriculture including Fieldstone Farm along Rt 62 west, Four Corners Conservation Area, and Krashes Field.

The PLT annual meeting was held on August 21 at the home of Deb and Charlie Cary. The Land Trust recognized the contributions of two founding trustees: Wells Dow, who moved from town in 2016, and Paul Schlaikjer who is retiring in 2019. Both spoke and the meeting and related stories from the past years.

Join PLT on Monday February 18th at 6PM for a moonlight hike out at Four Corners. We will walk about three miles down Old Colony Road and back over the Midstate trail and PLT properties. Light Supper to follow at Bisbee's home on Gates Road.

On November 20, 2018, PLT will hold it's annual meeting at 7:00PM in the Coppertop Lounge at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area. In addition to our annual review of the status of PLT, Colin Novak, the executive director of the Greater Worcester Land Trust will provide a keynote address. All are welcome to attend.

PLT has acquired an open field of 2.78 acres near Russell Corner, on the southeast side of Route 62. This property was purchased by PLT using funds raised by neighbors and descendants of the Russell family to protect the land. To facilitate the purchase, PLT was offered a reduced sale price by the Littlefield family.

Vivian Bisbee has been elected as a Trustee for the Land Trust. Vivian, a long time Princeton resident, will take over the treasurer responsibility from Ellen O'Brien who has served in that post for many years.