Dudley Conservation land trust Launches Campaign

---

The Dudley Conservation Land Trust (DCLT) is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with the Tierney family to acquire and conserve 21 acres of desirable land that straddles the Dudley, Oxford and Charlton town lines. The property is enhanced with a 3 acre field; a vernal pool and beautiful mixed hardwood and softwood forest. There is also a tri-town property boundary marker on the southwest portion of the property that provides a unique landmark worth seeking out by future visitors.

The Tierney lands – the last remaining unprotected lands that belonged to local conservationist and DCLT founder Chet Kulisa – are located on the northern end of a 

1.5 mile long farm landscape that stretches all the way down to the junction of Marsh Road and Dudley-Oxford Road in Dudley. In fact, Marsh Road has been designated as a scenic road by the Town of Dudley which reflects the beauty of the area with its stone walls, meadows and farm fields. To date, Mass Audubon and the Kulisa family have conserved over 200 acres along this road, with a further 100 acres of additional conservation land to be protected possible.

Tim Tierney had the following to say about their lands: “Our family is very pleased that the Dudley Conservation Land Trust is committed to acquiring this property. This reflects the values of stewardship, heritage and commitment to conservation that our parents, Chet and Ann Kulisa lived by. Together with the adjacent acreage they donated to be in perpetual protection, this land which has served our family for generations will remain a sanctuary for fauna and flora and a place for peace for all who come after us.” 

Recognizing the inherent value of these 21 acres, the DCLT has signed an option to purchase the property from the Tierney family for $540,000.  The price determined by an appraisal reflects the almost 1,000 ft. of road frontage which would allow a minimum of six houses to be built on the property.  Such development would spoil the natural state of this northern end of the scenic road; it would interrupt the wildlife habitat and corridor connecting other conserved lands in the area; and it would diminish the potential for future generations to access nature in the area. 

The good news is that the DCLT has until March 19, 2026 to raise the necessary funds to acquire this property. We intend to raise the money via a combination of grants and fundraising from the community. We are working with local partners in these efforts and invite members of the community and local businesses to support us. We all benefit from conserved lands.

If you are interested in making a donation, please mail a check payable to the Dudley Conservation Land Trust, PO Box 14, Dudley, MA 01571. Or click on DONATE button on Home Page.

Thank you!