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.

Gutter wide
photo by Mary Barnett

Threat To The Gutter

Climate change now poses a growing threat to Rattlesnake Gutter Road’s 190-year-old stone retaining wall and obsolete drainage system, a situation made urgently clear by a devastating flood in the summer of 2023. Unless substantial steps to stabilize the roadway and install a new drainage system are soon taken, what has become the most heavily-used
recreational trail in Leverett is in danger of collapse and the activities it supports – walking, bird watching, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing – may be severely curtailed. Learn how you can help.

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.

Read More

Mother's Day Fern Walk 5/11/2025

Randy and Janice Stone of the Pioneer Valley Fern Society will lead a fern walk on Mother's Day May 11, 2025 beginning at 1:00pm at the 4H Forest parking area on Shutesbury Rd. The hike will be preceded at 12:30 by a 30 minute introduction to fern identification.

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.

Gratitude

As our world changes around us, we are grateful to find the protected and publically accessible natural spaces in Leverett a place of peace and familiarity. Many in Leverett have found solace and rejuvenation on the network of trails criss-crossing and connecting RGT and other protected properties. Many members and friends of RGT continue to provide financial support during these uncertain times 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. If you want to get more involved with RGT, please feel free to contact someone directly or use the Contact link at the top of the page.