MassWoods

1968

Gavin and Helen Egerton bought the farm in Sheffield Massachusetts, where they raised four children and worked the family farm.

2003

The Egerton farm was left in trust to all four children after both Gavin and Helen passed away within months of each other.

2005

The children Ann, Margaret, Joy, and Billy decided that the only way to provide for all their needs was to sell the farm.

2006

Siblings where informed by their neighboring farmer and land renter about an Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) conservation alternative and were recommended to contact Sheffield Land Trust (STL).

2007

In June STL helped the Egerton Family save the farm by using multiparty efforts including an APR through the Department of Agricultural Resources, and a loan provided by the Open Space Institute (OSI) to substitute the required 20% community contribution until adequate funds could be raised.

2008

STL is raising funds to reach their goal of attaining $147,000 in community donations to pay off the loan and interests.