Packard Manse

Conserving a Suburban Oasis

Stoughton, Massachusetts

In the heart of heavily developed Stoughton, Mass, lies 12 acres of field and forest that will remain a natural sanctuary forever. This property is the site of an ecumenical center, run by a group whose philosophy of social action and spiritual consciousness has evolved during the last decade to include great concern for the natural environment.

The Packard Manse property is one of the last open spaces in the area, a sanctuary for all living things and a peaceful refuge from the ever-increasing busyness of the world.  “Pausing awhile among these tall pines and oaks we know we are little and part of something greater than ourselves…”

This tiny and aging group’s strong beliefs sustained their desire to conserve their property in spite of financial adversities. In 1998, the group began to work with the Religious Lands Conservancy to preserve this land. In 2006, with the help of the Wildlands Trust of Souteastern Mass, a conservation restriction was finalized. By this act, these acres of mature white pine and pink and white trillium, home to the Elderberry Long-horned Beetle and valuable protection for the town’s water supply, will remain in this natural state forever.

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