Organization Launches Effort To Preserve 34 Acres Of Farmland In North Andover, Boxford

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — Essex County Greenbelt is seeking to permanently protect about 34 acres of farmland, wetlands, wildlife habitat and open space in North Andover and Boxford through a $3 million conservation campaign.

The property, now known as Old Barn Farm, is part of the historic Barker Farm, which has operated continuously since 1642. According to Greenbelt, the land represents nearly one-third of the remaining unprotected farmland at Barker Farm and is currently at risk of development.

The farm continues to produce vegetables and hay and is considered one of the oldest continuously operating agricultural enterprises in the United States.

Greenbelt officials said the project comes as farmland across Massachusetts faces increasing development pressure. The organization cited a 2025 analysis showing that nearly two-thirds of Essex County's 22,296 acres of farmland remain unprotected.

If the project moves forward, Greenbelt plans to lease about 21 acres of agricultural land, primarily in Boxford, to local farmers through long-term agreements intended to support farming operations. Another 10 acres would be managed as wildlife habitat and incorporated into Greenbelt's Carter Fields Conservation Area, creating a new public trail connection to Barker Road.

The project would also protect wetlands that help support water quality in nearby Lake Cochichewick, according to Greenbelt.

To date, Greenbelt has secured a $1 million private donation for the effort. An additional $1.25 million is expected through Community Preservation Act funds from North Andover and Boxford. The Boxford Trails Association/Boxford Open Land Trust has also committed to raising $250,000.

Greenbelt said it has until December to raise the remaining funds needed to complete the acquisition and permanently conserve the property.