By Joe Stewart 

In a move that could permanently protect 16 acres of forested land in the heart of Wrentham, the Metacomet Land Trust (MLT) is collaborating with the Raymond family, owners of the White Barn Farm (WBF) property, to secure matching funds from Wrentham’s Community Preservation Committee (CPC) to protect the forest.   

In 2024, the MLT was awarded a Forest Reserve Grant from the Commonwealth to preserve those 16 acres. The Forest Reserve Grant, part of Massachusetts’ Forest as Climate Solutions Initiative, prohibits development and timber harvesting and lets forests mature naturally, sequestering carbon and preserving biodiversity.  

A Collaborative Effort for Preservation

At a June 12 meeting of the Wrentham Conservation Commission, MLT Board Member Kelly Phelan outlined the proposal: MLT will purchase two Beach Street lots (totaling 2.53 acres) using a 50% grant ($310,500) secured last year from the state’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and 50% CPC funding.  A Conservation Restriction (CR) will be held by the Conservation Commission on these two lots.   

Meanwhile, the Raymond family will place a CR on the remaining 13.48 acres to be held by the Conservation Commission and the MLT.  Combined, this will preserve 16 acres of land adjacent to Trout Pond and Knuckup Hill, creating a contiguous green space with 200 acres of town-owned open land.  

In an interview, MLT President Lisa Mosczynski said, “This project extends watershed protection, supports climate resilience, and enhances public access.” Mosczynski highlighted that these 16 acres will protect Wrentham’s drinking water supply, wildlife habitat and travel corridors, and improve access to open space areas, eventually enabling a green corridor from the Town Common, through Knuckup Hill and Trout Pond to Beach Street, perhaps even connecting with a future Metacomet Greenway.  

Protecting Wrentham’s Water

In a letter supporting the project, Wrentham’s Conservation Agent Darryl Luce emphasized the ecological significance of the property, noting its role in filtering runoff from nearby development and protecting Desert Brook, a key tributary to Lake Pearl—Wrentham’s primary drinking water source. 

In a brief interview, Luce noted that the WBF forest includes land that the state has designated as “aquatic core,” which are intact aquatic habitats (rivers, streams, lakes and ponds) supporting a diversity of aquatic species and important physical and ecological processes.  Such areas are key to protecting both plants and wildlife and drinking water supplies.  Without protection, the land could face development, further straining water resources.  

Luce summarized existing and planned development of parcels that affect Desert Brook.  The numbers correspond to the map.  

1. The former Marra Property, which Wrentham sold last year, is now a gravel operation and the owner plans ten homes when the excavation is complete.

2. The former Redbird Farm is currently being permitted for a 12-lot subdivision.

3. Across the street from the Redbird Farm property a 66-unit senior living facility is being permitted. 

4. A ten-home subdivision just down South St from WBF is being permitted.

5. Another 40-acre property next to the new gravel operation may be developed.

6. WBF itself could be developed into individual homes or even another subdivision.

A Family’s Legacy and a Community’s Future

Eliot Raymond, whose family has owned the land since the 1800s, shared how farm succession planning led to this conservation effort. 

“Preserving land in a family is hard,” he said, reflecting on the challenges of ensuring the property’s future. 

The Raymond family’s decision to pursue a CR aligns with their long-standing ties to Wrentham, including the legacy of Eliot’s grandfather, Dr. C. Stanley Raymond, who served as superintendent of the Wrentham State School, now known as the Wrentham Developmental Center.  

Next Steps 

MLT is seeking Town Meeting approval this fall to allocate CPC funds for half the purchase. However, CPC may not have sufficient funds and may instead recommend that Town Meeting approve a partial grant.  With that in mind, MLT has begun a fund-raising effort.   

With a deadline of June 2026 to finalize the grant, the clock is ticking. Supporters argue the investment is modest compared to the long-term costs of water treatment and lost open space. As Luce noted, “Preserving this watershed is as important as building a playground—it’s an investment in Wrentham’s future.”  

For more information, visit Metacomet Land Trust, visit http://bit.ly/4lt200q.