Any management decisions outside of the easement for the path are entirely up to the Chicoine family, provided that they do not detract from the agricultural potential of the land as regulated by the APR. Increased public access to the site on the Nature Path, as well as the planned expansion of nearby residential neighborhoods into the area immediately west of the White Brook APR, could allow for increased public engagement with this historic agricultural site through a community garden or a showcase of restorative agricultural practices such as agroforestry. This design envisions a community garden on the southwest corner of the property, production of chestnuts using restorative agroforestry techniques, and walking trails that could allow people to experience the exceptional views of Mt. Tom around the upper eastern pasture and the historic oak forest in the northeast corner of the property.
Alternative Alignment
Community Garden
Tractor Access Road Chestnut Orchard
Not for Construction. This document is a student project and not based on a legal survey.
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Galen Hammitt | Walker Powell | The Conway School
The Shared-Use Path emerges into the open field of the White Brook APR from the Giustina Conservation Area and skirts along the woodland edge to connect to Holly Circle at the northwest corner of the property. The path would attract many Easthampton residents, and connect them to the city’s rich agricultural legacy and future agricultural possibilities.
Prepared for the City of Easthampton | Spring 2020
The White Brook APR (Agricultural Preservation Restriction) is one of the few remaining agricultural areas in the White Brook area. The land is owned by the Chicoine family who raise grass-fed beef, pork, and chicken at their farm on Oliver Road in northwest Easthampton. There is currently little agricultural activity on the White Brook APR aside from hay production in the upper pasture on the eastern side of the property. The Chicoines are interested in providing increased public access to the White Brook APR and helping to preserve the rich agricultural traditions of Easthampton. They have granted the City an easement to establish a path from the southern edge of the property to the outlet on Holly Circle in the northeast corner of the property.
PLAINS TO SCHOOL: A Shared-Use Path for Easthampton
FINAL DESIGN DETAIL Chicoine APR
FINAL DESIGN DETAIL Chicoine APR
