Rattlesnake Gutter Trust

A Land Trust in Leverett, Massachusetts

Rattlesnake Gutter Trust

Since 1988, the Rattlesnake Gutter Trust has worked to protect the natural and scenic area of Leverett. The Trust works to keep a balance between development and the protection of the forests, fields and waterways that we cherish. The Rattlesnake Gutter Trust has three main activities: to purchase and manage important conservation land, such as the East Leverett Meadow and the land abutting Rattlesnake Gutter; to assist Leverett landowners in protecting their property through conservation restrictions and helping to collect the required data and maps; and to sponsor and organize educational activities about the ecology and history of the landscape, including hikes, school events, lectures, and slideshows. The Rattlesnake Gutter Trust depends on financial support to accomplish these activities. Our funds come from membership dues, additional contributions from our members and others, and proceeds from RGT’s returnable cans and bottles shed at the Leverett transfer station. With ongoing support, the Trust can continue to protect the rural landscape that makes Leverett the special place we call home. Leverett will remain a great place to live as long as all of us work together to protect it.

Sunlit leaves
photo by Mary Barnett

RGT Members' Meeting

The RGT Trustees invite all members and the public to join us for our annual celebration on June 23, 2024, in Leverett's Town Hall at 2:00 pm. We will reflect on our recent work and celebrate the wild and natural places in Leverett while sharing good food and company. Hope to see you this Sunday.

Leverett Trails

The Leverett Trails Committee is actively maintaining the extensive network of walking trails throughout Leverett. We're co-sponsored by RGT and the Conservation Commission. We meet monthly on the 4th Monday at town hall at 7:00pm. Contact LTC at ltc-info@rattlesnakeguttertrust.org. We'll announce new work days here and on LeverettConnects.

See the Trails link above for photos, maps, and to report trail problems.

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Bottle Return Milestone

Your donations of returnable cans and bottles at the Leverett transfer station bottle shed has set a new annual record. Even though the shed had to be closed for the early part of 2021, once re-opened, your donations came streaming in and exceeded every past year.

These contributions provide a steady stream of income to support the mission of the RGT. Thank you!

Help is always needed at the bottle shed. If you can spare a few hours every month or so, use the Contact link above to volunteer.

Become a Trustee

The RGT is always looking for new members and trustees. If you value the preservation of Leverett's most unique natural areas, you can contribute in many ways; small or large. Use the Contact link above to reach out to RGT and get more information about how you can get involved.

Challenging Times

The danger of Covid-19 has brought unprecedented challenges to people and organizations alike. While RGT has not been able to continue its regular schedule of enrichment activities, many in Leverett have found solace and rejuvenation on the network of trails criss-crossing and connecting RGT properties. Many members and friends of RGT have continued to provide financial support which enables RGT to continue the ongoing work of maintaining and preserving the special places of Leverett.

We are grateful for the support you offer. We hope to see you soon on a trail or bench enjoying one of the many beautiful properties protected by Rattlesnake Gutter Trust.