Dartmouth’s magnificent Allens Pond is one of the most significant coastal habitats in southern New England. Through this land conservation project, the Coalition is working to save some of the last remaining unprotected acres on Allens Pond.

From Horseneck Road to Barney’s Joy, visionary land owners and conservation organizations have worked together over decades to protect and preserve Allens Pond. If you’ve ever explored Mass Audubon’s Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, you’ve experienced firsthand the benefits of this conservation among the sanctuary’s 600 acres of unspoiled salt marshes and rugged beaches along Buzzards Bay – recognized as one of the most significant coastal habitats in southern New England.

But Allens Pond isn’t safe from the threat of development – at least not yet. Along the pond’s northeast edge lie 217 acres of unprotected land. The largest parcel is the aptly named Ocean View Farm, which has narrowly missed being covered with new homes several times in recent years. Stretching out like a banquet table to the waters of Allens Pond and Buzzards Bay, the farm’s rich soils and magnificent views are a real estate developer’s dream.

Now, we have a chance to save the 120-acre Ocean View Farm, the tree-filled shoreline of the Powel family’s 58 acres, and 39 acres of sustainable farmland at Round the Bend Farm. These are some of the last unprotected acres on Allens Pond. By saving this land, we can complete the conservation of this special place and ensure that Allens Pond remains the same for future generations.

To make this vision a reality, the Coalition is working in close partnership with the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) and Round the Bend Farm. (Download PDF handout to learn more.)

To support the Allens Pond Conservation Completion Project by making a memorial gift for Dartmouth resident Dick Leeson, donate online now.

As part of this project, Round the Bend Farm in Dartmouth will grow their sustainable farm by 55 acres, encompassing part of the threatened Ocean View Farm.

Last week, Dartmouth residents voted to contribute $600,000 in Community Preservation Act funding to purchase 60 acres of Ocean View Farm. DNRT will own these acres, which they will eventually open to the public via a new trail from Allens Neck Road. The remaining 150 acres will be protected with permanent conservation restrictions, which will prevent development and preserve Allens Pond’s exquisite wildlife habitat, working farmland, and scenic beauty.