A conservation group recently purchased a golf course in western Massachusetts, and they plan to rewild the property to create a hub for outdoor recreation.
The Trustees of Reservations has acquired Beaver Brook Golf Course in Williamsburg and Northampton. Trustees officials said they have already begun planning and assessment work toward rewilding the property, which features 288 acres of floodplain, wetlands, and forest.
In March, the Trustees announced they were working to purchase Beaver Brook, and they launched a fundraising campaign to raise $1.5 million by June 30 to complete the purchase. They have reportedly raised $1,246,450 to date, and officials said fundraising efforts will continue to support the transformaton of the property.
Plans for Beaver Brook include creating a community park with accessible walking trails and scenic views. The surrounding wooded hills have informal trails that the Trustees said they will improve, providing enhanced connectivity and access.
The property and trails will support snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and mountain biking, among other activities. The existing cart paths will provide accessible trails to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers.
Existing buildings on the property will be repurposed to provide flexible space for community gatherings, a potential western Massachusetts headquarters, office space for the Trustees and its affiliate Hilltown Land Trust, and workshop space for the Trustees’ and HLT’s stewardship staff and equipment.
“We are thrilled to add Beaver Brook Reservation to our special places in the Valley and grateful to so many people who contributed to our fundraising campaign to protect and restore this landscape for everyone forever,” said Katie Theoharides, president and CEO of The Trustees. “Rewilding this landscape and restoring the floodplain and wetlands gives us a great opportunity to showcase nature-based climate solutions while providing the community with beautiful open space and an opportunity for outdoor recreation and a place to gather.”
Highly visible from its location on well-traveled Route 9 in Northampton and Williamsburg, Beaver Brook provides The Trustees with a prominent presence in the Connecticut River Valley.
Wendy Ferris, the Trustees’ vice president for the Central and Valley Region, said area residents can expect visible restoration work on the property to start in 2026 after a period of planning and assessment. Golfing is no longer allowed on the property.
“We will spend this year getting to know this land, learning about the best way to create and support a diversity of habitats, and planning an accessible trail system that welcomes all members of the community,” said Ferris. “This will take time to do well, but we know it will be worth the wait.”
For now, the buildings on the property – a pavilion and clubhouse – will not be open to the public until the property is fully open in 2026. The public is welcome to walk on the property’s trails and paths now, and The Trustees’ stewardship staff will keep some pathways mowed this summer and fall.
Work such as the planting of native trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers will begin in 2026, with volunteer opportunities available for the public to participate in the work.
Ferris will be offering informal public engagement opportunities this summer and fall, which will be posted at www.thetrustees.org/beaverbrook. Information about supporting the restoration and transformation of Beaver Brook is also available on the Beaver Brook webpage.
