Heins Farm Information

The 84 acre Heins Conservation Land was aquired by the Town of Sturbridge in 2006 and put under the care, custody and control of the Sturbridge Conservation Commission.  The property was originally part of the neighboring Heins Family Farm (which is private property).  The Heins Conservation Land is of great cultural and historic significance to Sturbridge.  Passing through the property is the historic Stafford Turnpike, for which the 1.2 mile "Stafford Turnpike" trail is named.  There is a historic marker on the site, which documents this important town landmark.

In addition to the Stafford Turnpike Trail, there are two additional walking/hiking trails on the property, the .5 mile Cabin Loop Trail and the .6 mile Pond View Loop Trail.

All of the Trails on this property have been constructed by volunteers, with donated materials, labor and funds. The trail system and trail maintenance is a testiment to the hard work of the Trails Committe members, Public Lands Advisory Committee, and other volunteers.

Parking
There is a parking area located on Leadmine Road for visitors of the Heins Conservation Land.  The parking area is located on the left, right accross from the Heins Conservation Land.

The parking area is a firm process gravel surface, 2 designated handicapped spots, 1 van accessible, total parking 12 cars

Trails
3 trails - 2.1 miles: On National Trails Day 2008 3-trails were officially opened, one (1) an ABA rule compliant trail, two (2) a universally accessible trails, and one (1) loop trail. Trail Access information (TAI) posted

2 Handicapped Accessible benches (100%) – One (1) located on the ABA rule compliant trail, one (1) on universally accessible trail.

Ramps
The bridges that were constructed on this property were designed to be handicapped accessible with adequate approaches and safety edges. 

Site Access
Firm process gravel packed surface (ABA compliant) minimum 3’ wide.

Land Management
In 2008 the Conservation Department applied for and received funds from the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service for habitat restoration work at the Heins Conservation Land.  The funds were received throught the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP).  The funds are for a 6.5 acre portion of the property that was an old field that became overgrown with invasive species like Japanese Barberry, Oriental Bittersweet, and Honeysuckle.  In addition the field was becoming established with White Pine and other woody vegetation.  A total amount of $16,176 was awarded to be used over the course of an 8-year period for tree removal, brush hogging and spraying for invasive species. 

The goal of this plan was to create whats called "Early successional habitat" on the property, which is grassland and shrub land habitat. Early successional habitats are endangered in Massachusetts, as are many of the species that utilize them.

Since 2009 we have been working to administer the WHIP contract, and this has resulted in some changes in the landscape on the Heins Conservation Land.  Please see the photographs below illustrating the changes.

wooded area
September 2009 - Prior to start of work

heavily wooded area
September 2009 - Prior to start of work

March 2010 - Post brush hogging - open area next to woods
March 2010 - Post brush hogging - open area next to woods

April 2010 - Post tree removal, pre clean-up - wide open cleared field
April 2010 - Post tree removal, pre clean-up

April 2010 - Post tree removal, pre clean-up - wide open cleared field
April 2010 - Post tree removal, pre clean-up