AVIS and Conservation Commission Celebrate New Reservations

New Reservations Celebrated in Andover

On Saturday, April 29, 2017, The Andover Village Improvement Society (AVIS), and the Town of Andover Conservation Commission celebrated the acquisition of three recently acquired parcels of land along the Merrimack River off River Road in Andover. A new AVIS parcel (26.6 acres) was purchased from Melmark New England. The Town parcel (7 acres) was donated by Pulte Homes as required by a condition from the Town on their permit to build an over-55 housing complex on an adjacent site. Both parcels were part of the former Franciscan Seminary which closed in 1977. The celebration also included a thank you to the Behrakis family which donated six (6) acres to AVIS along the Merrimack River.

Over sixty (60) people celebrated these new reservations on a sunny and breezy day. The event was hosted at the property of Melmark New England, a school for children and young adults with autism. Festivities included hikes through the conservation land and along the Merrimack River as well as speeches by Town Manager Andrew Flanagan, Conservation Commissioner Kevin Porter, and AVIS President Mike Timko. June Black, representing Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, spoke about the commitment to protect and preserve rivers and habitat for native species. Kristen Sykes of the Appalachian Mountain Club, speaking on behalf of the Bay Circuit Alliance, highlighted the importance of protecting the recreational access to over two miles of the Bay Circuit Trail which follows the river in that area.

The attendees enjoyed picnic lunches as well as dessert and beverages provided by My Marketing Solutions. Children enjoyed activities such as planting seeds and learning about Moose antlers and other items found in nature. All were excited about these new properties which will be available for all to enjoy.

AVIS is a 123-year old land conservation organization with a mission to acquire, protect and maintain land in its natural state in the town of Andover, Massachusetts. AVIS’ twenty-one reservations include forests, fields, wetlands and vernal pools and are open to the public for hiking, birding, skiing and quiet enjoyment. Those seeking more information or who wish to donate to support open space should call Susan Stott at (978) 475-3748 or go to the AVIS website, www.avisandover.org.

Photos submitted were taken by John Hess and are:

Man kneeling – David Dargie, AVIS Land Manager, teaches Kate Livermore and Naomi Wilson about nature during the celebration on April 29, 2017 of new reservations acquired by AVIS and the Andover Conservation Commission.

Three people with sign – As part of the April 29, 2017 celebration of new reservations acquired by AVIS and the Andover Conservation Commission AVIS Trustees Susan Stott and Mike Timko present a new trail sign to George Behrakis. Mr. Behrakis (on left in photo) and his family donated six (6) acres of land to AVIS to help protect the Merrimack River.

Woman in pink dress – Speaking at the celebration on April 29, 2017 of new reservations acquired by AVIS and the Andover Conservation Commission, Kristen Sykes of the Appalachian Mountain Club explains the importance of protecting the Merrimack River and the Bay Circuit Trail along the River.

Young man in scout uniform - At the celebration on April 29, 2017 of new reservations acquired by AVIS and the Andover Conservation Commission, Eagle Scout Robert Pothier talks about the plans to have Boy Scouts improve the recreational trail system along the Merrimack River. These new reservations protect the river and allow access for the public to this important natural resource.