The Mandell Hill Preserve is a 200-acre property owned by the East Quabbin Land Trust near the center of Hardwick. There are approximately 29 acres of hay fields across this portion of the property for haying or grazing livestock. Along Barre Road there is a 5-acre field, with a 24-acre field to the southeast. Recreational trails and stone walls run through the middle of the 24-acre field. Please see the enclosed map.

Until 2021 these fields were grazed by cattle. The East Quabbin Land Trust seeks a farmer interested in either grazing livestock or producing hay from these fields and willing to agree to the following conditions:

• Sign a 5-year lease, including insurance coverage
• Maintain the field for hay or pasture
• Mow the field at least once annually
• Delay the first cutting until after July 15th to protect nesting bobolinks
• Keep livestock out of the western portion of the 29-acre parcel until after July 15th to protect nesting bobolinks
• Provide the annual lease payment at the beginning of the growing season
• Come with clean vehicle to ensure no weed seeds get transferred
• Share with EQLT the results of annual soil testing
• Maintain fertility of the field, without the use of biosolids

Please submit a bid by Tuesday, May 31st. Please submit a written bid to our PO Box or via email.

Please contact Cynthia at [email protected] or at 413-477-8229 with any questions.