Notchview
42°30′19″N 73°2′12″W / 42.50528°N 73.03667°W
Notchview, located in Windsor, Massachusetts in the Berkshire Country, is a 3,100 acre property currently managed by the Trustees of Reservations.[1]
History
Early 19th century farmers made attempts to cultivate the region, but rocky soils and a short growing season soon forced them to farm elsewhere. By the year 1900, these farms were bought up and became larger private estates. Lt. Col. Arthur D. Budd merged these holdings into the 3,000-acre Notch View Farm, which he bequeathed to The Trustees of Reservations in 1965. In 1993, an additional 93 acres from the Smithers Woodland Preserve were added to the reservation.[1]
Land
Notchview is a part of the Hoosac Range, part of Vermont's Green Mountains. Judge's Hill the highest point on the reservation at 2,297 feet.[1] With the exception of some southerly facing fields, most of the Reservation is covered with a red spruce and northern hardwood forest. Areas with poor drainage contain a spruce and fir tree mix that lends a Boreal forest appearance.
Recreation
Under management of the Trustees of Reservations, During the winter months Notchview is now a primary Nordic Skiing center, with a 30-kilometer trail system (18 km groomed) for classical and (10 km) for skating. Snowshoeing is also allowed on the property. Notchview is one of the locations of the Bill Koch Youth Ski League, The youth division of NENSA. Notchview was the host of the Bill Koch League Festival in 2001, 2005, and is planned to host the event in 2009, in partnership with TD Banknorth Notchview is open year-round, with summer and autumn activities of hiking and bird-watching. A ski lodge and office accommodates skiers, with hot drinks and restrooms available. Small 3 walled shelters have been constructed in some of the fields as a picnic location or to provide a wind barrier for resting skiers.
External Links
References
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