Richardson Memorial Preserve was originally granted to Unity Barn Raisers by the family of Carl Richardson in 2003 and then transferred to SRLT in 2013.  Rolling fields, mixed woods and over a mile of Sandy Stream frontage are just some of the highlights.  The 116-acre property sits high on a ridge and offers a beautiful view.  Forest management was initiated in 2014, but not completed until 2021 by using low impact strategies. 

 

A field road leads to the lowermost field from the kiosk.  Snowshoers and skiers are welcome, but hunting is not allowed due to donor request.  Woodland trails were added following the forest management.  The fields are leased to two local farms for production of hay, vegetables and grains.  Grassland areas are managed to promote grassland bird nesting.  To learn more about this click here.  Sadly, PFAS contamination was recently confirmed at the site, so the future of agriculture here awaits further testing and possible mitigation strategies.

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Directions from downtown Unity to Richardson Memorial Preserve:
Turn onto Depot Street (Route 139) at the Dunkin' Donuts and proceed by the church.  At the stop sign, turn right onto Route 139/Route 220 and drive for four miles. After Thorndike village as you climb the rise turn soft right onto Bailey Road.   After the stop sign continue straight on the gravel road for a half mile to the end and then turn left onto Stevens Road.  The kiosk for the preserve is on the right, nearly immediately.

Our goal of improving forest health while maintaining wildlife habitat was achieved thanks to direction from Two Trees Forestry.  An event was held at the preserve on 9/10/22 in which foresters Jon Doty and SRLT Stewardship committee member Daniel Hill demonstrated how successful the low impact management strategy has worked out less than one year after work was completed.  

 

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Post harvest - September 2022 -Learn more about the recent forest management work here.