New Farmland Acquired
September 20, 2025 – Our commitment to preserving Bridgewater’s rural character was strengthened when the BWLT, with the support of generous contributions, acquired nine acres of pastureland and hayfields along Warner Road and Christian Street. This newly protected property connects directly to our Le Vaillant Preserve, creating a 25-acre greenway just one block from the town center. The purchase was made possible through the generosity of Bridgewater residents Christine Amorossi, Lynn Brinton and Dan Cohn, and an anonymous donor, also from Bridgewater.
At the heart of the property stands a historic English bank barn, its hand-hewn beams suggesting it was built in the early to mid-1800s. The farmhouse that once accompanied the barn was relocated by mule to Rocky Hill Road in 1937. Other notable features include hand-stacked stone walls, a tributary to Clapboard Oak Brook, mature sugar maples, and black birches—many well over a century old.
The preserve will be named The Peardon Preserve, honoring the family who owned the land for more than 100 years. The property will continue to be used primarily for farming, while we will also explore opportunities to expand the public trail network linked to the Le Vaillant Preserve.
Christine Amorossi shared her personal connection to the land: “I grew up riding horses here and working in the hayfields. I saw this as an opportunity to keep the land exactly the same. Protecting our rural landscape is important to me.” Julie Stuart, Executive Director of BWLT, expressed her excitement: “We are very grateful to the donors who stepped up to help preserve this land in perpetuity. Bridgewater residents have relished the iconic red barn and the horses grazing nearby for decades. We plan to maintain it with the utmost care.” Christian Feuer, President of BWLT, emphasized its significance: “Keeping this piece of land as open space is important to the people of Bridgewater. Residents can continue to enjoy the rural views as they walk or drive by. It’s classic Bridgewater—and it’s why many people chose to live here.”
Above: Images of the new Peardon Preserve
New Preserve Announced
Thank You To The Witkin Family
The BWLT capped off an amazing year of land preservation in 2024 by announcing the permanent protection of 60 acres of forestland located along Tappen Road and Hemlock Road in Bridgewater (see map below). The land is being donated to the BWLT by Witco, an entity owned by Ed, Jane and Peter Witkin.
The Witkin Family has owned the Bridgewater property since 1951. The conservation value of this land is particularly high with several contiguous parcels that are already protected, thus extending a permanent greenway and wildlife corridor. The preserve will be called Tappen Brook Preserve and will be open to the public. There are trails on the property, traditionally used by horseback riders and now also used for other types of passive recreation. The BWLT’s new 5K Course crosses through this land.
Ed Witkin shared his family’s thoughts: “We have provided stewardship of this land as a home for plants, animals and people alike. We have enjoyed sharing this unspoiled refuge with anyone who craved a quiet walk in the woods. It brings us all joy to partner with the Bridgewater Land Trust in the creation of the Tappen Brook Preserve. Thanks to all at BWLT who helped make this happen”.
Christian Feuer, president of the BWLT, recognized the impact of the incredible contribution made by the Witkins. “This generous land donation is the largest we have received in over 30 years. This helps immensely with our mission of conserving our precious Bridgewater land.”
