Franklin Land Trust Tour

Please join Bill Pastuzek (former GBTU president) and his wife Ellen Smith along with Mike Vito (Deerfield River Trout Unlimited President) and fellow GBTU members for a tour of the Crowningshield and Gundell properties.

The Franklin Land Trust (FLT) purchased the 82-acre Crowningshield Farm in March of 2015, and added the Desmond property in June of 2016, creating the Crowningshield Conservation Area. The property contains over 1 mile of frontage along the West Branch of the North River.  The West Branch and its tributaries are state-listed coldwater fishery resources, home to native brook trout whose habitat is declining.

The property has been acquired and conserved through the generous support of Franklin Land Trust’s members, Trout Unlimited, the MA Department of Fish and Game and Fields Pond Foundation. It is managed in partnership with these and other organizations such as National and local chapters of Trout Unlimited, the Deerfield River Watershed Association and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments. 

Note: Registration is limited to 12 participants so please sign up early

Optional: early morning fishing on the Deerfield River

10AM - Tour Meet Up Crowningshield Barn
Noon - Lunch on the tour / hike
Continue tour 

Optional: explore Cider Days at Pine Hill Orchards and / or explore the Deerfield River with your rod and expertise

NOTES:  This tour is a hike through hilly & steep terrain so please ensure you are up for the challenge of several hours of hiking. It is hunting season, so please wear your blaze orange (we will have a few extra).