The Land

Earthlands is located on approximately 166 acres of open fields, pasture, and mixed hardwood forest. The area contains two streams and a variety of wildlife habitats. Over 20 miles of hiking, skiing, and horse trails lace the area. There are numerous 19th century homestead sites nearby as well as the famous "Indian Caves."

The parcel is abutted by over 1000 acres of protected land. Earthlands is close to the Quabbin Reservoir and is situated within the unique Swift River Valley. The Valley, running from Phillipston town line to the Quabbin Reservoir, is a major watershed containing large tracts of hardwood and evergreen forests at varying successional stages. There is a wide variety of bogs, swamps, and rivers and ponds in the area. The terrain, for the most part, is quite rugged and hilly with many outcrops and cliffs. Wildlife abounds because of extensive protected habitat. Local history is rich. Signs of early Nipmuck Indians of the Algonquin Nation can be seen and there are a variety of 19th century homestead sites in the Valley.

The National Science Foundation's environmental research of Petersham is surrounded by some of the most scenic and culturally significant landscapes of central New England. The majority of the Valley is protected through the foresight of several state-wide environmental organizations including the Massachusetts Audubon Society, the Trustees of Reservations, Harvard University Forestry School, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the Metropolitan District Commission.