The Surrenden Farm Reserve Parcel is a 14-acre parcel, part of 360 acres rescued from “elimination by building development” in 2006 in a coordinated conservation effort by the Town of Groton, Groton School, the Groton Conservation Trust, and Mass Wildlife. Except for the Reserve Parcel, all 360 acres were subjected to comprehensive conservation restrictions in 2006 limiting further development.  The Reserve Parcel is remote, situated to the east of Shirley Road, abutting Groton’s boundary with Ayer.  Shirley Road is now a bucolic dirt country lane, much enjoyed by walkers in these Covid times. Now, the Town of Groton’s Affordable Housing Trust is considering compromising the outstanding effort of 2006 by building a large housing complex on part of the land that the Town of Groton fought to preserve. The Surrenden Farm Reserve Parcel is a remote natural habitat that exemplifies the beauty of Groton; we should not build on it.

To complicate things further, accessing this new building development would require upgrading the current “way” into a major road through the “General Field." The “General Field” is the beautiful expansive land seen on the right when traveling on Farmer’s Row right before Groton transitions into Ayer.  This area serves as the starting point for a scenic walk along Shirley Way enjoyed by thousands each year.  The path starts in the General Field, extends through the fields, winds past a barn, and ends at the Surrenden Farm Reserve Parcel containing acres of forest and preserved nature. Many walk, ski, snowshoe, run, and bike this land, enjoying nature at its finest and scenic vistas.  Many gather at dusk in the General Field to enjoy the sunset or stay late stargazing.  Many (animals, plants, and other wildlife) live in the Surrenden Farm Reserve Parcel’s natural habitat. All of this is now in jeopardy from the proposed costly venture to build housing units.  Furthermore, upgrading the way to a road (which would include a wetland crossing), sanitation, electrical, water, and other infrastructure challenges add enormous complexity and costs to the proposed development.

There is a need for a reasonable and thoughtful solution to provide additional affordable housing in Groton.  There is a need to find a location that is well suited and does not isolate future affordable housing residents.  There is a need to find a location that does not come with eliminating a gem of nature.  This location does fit the criteria of how and where affordable housing should be built in Groton.  Building on the Surrenden Farm Reserve Parcel would disregard nature preservation, eliminate a walkway that is a natural resource enjoyed by many, expose the Town of Groton to expensive infrastructure costs, and displace nature and beauty that is the signature of our Groton community.  The epic conservation effort to preserve the lands of old Surrenden Farm has proven to be exactly what its makers envisioned.  This is an area that is collectively viewed as a treasure for all; we should not undo the past conservation efforts, instead, we should extend them.

This is an appeal to Groton residents, to those who enjoy this land, and to those who value nature preservation: make your voice heard.  Please join in speaking out.  By signing this petition you believe and support all of the following:

• We should not build on the Surrenden Farm Reserve Parcel. 
• We should more permanently preserve this area as an open space or a recreational nature habitat for all to continue to enjoy. 
• We should preserve the Surrenden Farm Reserve Parcel that characterizes the natural beauty of the Town of Groton, Massachusetts.