Stockbridge Tribe seeks to recover ancestral homeland at Fenn Farm
STOCKBRIDGE (May 12, 2023) — On a pristine, forested property at the northern tip of Monument Mountain is Fenn Farm — 351 acres of scenic undeveloped land.
The ancestral homelands once belonged to the Stockbridge Munsee Band of Mohican Indians. Last fall, it went on the market for $3 million following the death in July of owner Clover Swann, the artist, author and longtime member of the Stockbridge Land Trust.
Last week with the assistance of the Stockbridge Land Trust, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, and the Town of Stockbridge, the tribe submitted a $2.5 million funding application to the state’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Action Action Grant program for the purchase and conservation of the property. Grant awards are expected to be announced this summer.
In Memory of Terry Moor
Recently we learned of the passing of Terry Moore, a board member of the Stockbridge Land Trust on March 17, 2023.
Terry was a Trustee of the Land Trust for a little over 2 years, and although his time with us was brief, he left his mark on us in remarkable ways.
He was a life-long learner and used that methodical approach when contributing to Land Trust conversations and projects. His eye was always on the future conservation of our lands and was a strong advocate for connecting with the Town's residents to encourage their interest in conservation.
We will miss Terry, his vast knowledge and life experience, and his kind demeanor.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Terry's name to The People's Pantry, PO Box 1115, Great Barrington, MA 01230.
In Memory of Helga S Orthofer
We lost a beautiful advocate of our lands in Stockbridge, with the passing of Helga S. Orthofer on September 20, 2022.
Helga and her late husband John Kaiser were early environmental and conservation leaders in Stockbridge in granting to the Stockbridge Land Trust a conservation restriction on their scenic and environmentally sensitive lands located on East Street, a significant gateway entrance to our Town.
We are very grateful for the leadership and selflessness of Helga and her husband. As a token of our appreciation, the Stockbridge Land Trust made a donation to the Helga S. Orthofer Memorial Fund in memory of Helga. This fund supports the painter-in-residence program at Chesterwood which was established at the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.