From P.J. Kilkelly

Thistle Dew Farm is a 28-acre farm located on Highland Street, on the Ashland town line. For decades, it has been farmed by Charlie Nickerson, who now wishes to see the farm permanently protected. The current owners of Outpost Farm will purchase the property and continue to farm it, but first, Mr. Nickerson will ensure that the property is never developed by selling an Agricultural Preservation Restriction, to be held jointly by the Town and the State. The APR will permanently protect the farm from development and require that it stays in active agriculture. 

The state Department of Agricultural Resources has offered  $465,588 toward the purchase of the APR, based on a 2018 appraisal of the property. An additional $644,412 is needed to reach the fair market value of the restriction.

Holliston voters will be asked to commit $500,000 of Community Preservation Funds toward the purchase of the APR at Special Town Meeting on October 28.  To make this project a success, we must raise an additional $150,000.

For more information, see www.svtweb.org/thistledew

Thistle Dew boasts excellent farmland soils, and was identified as a priority for acquisition in Holliston’s 2013-2020 Open Space and Recreation Plan. It’s part of an extensive corridor of already protected land that includes Warren Woods and MassAudubon’s Waseeka Sanctuary. A trail around the perimeter of the property will allow for public access.

The public is invited to view thistle Dew Farm on Sunday October 20th at 1.00pm. (Rain date Oct 27) The farm is located at the corner of Highland Street and South Street on the Ashland line. Please enter the property from South St (driveway with the farm stand)