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.

Dragonfly
photo by Mary Barnett

Annual Meeting

The most excellent and tasty annual celebration of the Rattlesnake Gutter Trust will be held on Sunday, June 26 at 1:00 PM opposite 11 Putney Road, on the lake front. Should it be raining, join us at the Town Hall. All friends of RGT are invited to the (very short) Annual Meeting and this relaxed informal gathering.

Leverett Trails

The Leverett Trails Committee is active once again. We're co-sponsored by RGT and the Conservation Commission. Seth Heminway has volunteered to be the new chairperson and work parties are being shceduled again. We'll announce new work days here and on LeverettConnects.

See the Trails link above for photos, video and maps

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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.

Hoping for in-person activities in 2023

We are hopeful to schedule in-person events once again in 2023. Keep checking here for the latest news of any activities. In the meantime, take a walk on one of the many trails which crisscross Leverett. Click the Trails link above for maps. It's a great way to step away from daily demands to renew and restore.

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.