Amherst Land Trust

Two years after the Amherst Land Trust started real-estate negotiations . . . a year after it raised $400,000 to buy an historic piece of farmland . . . just weeks after it organized a day to start construction, it gifted Joshua’s Park to the people of Amherst.

Now, at the park’s 10th anniversary, the people of Amherst prize the park’s playground, community garden, lawn, patio, and open space. Few townspeople can imagine living without it.

The story of Joshua’s Park is, in microcosm, the story of the Trust. Over 50 years, The Trust’s all-volunteer board has arranged real estate deals to protect 17 properties and over 700 acres of land. See our video.

Other gems conserved: Wah Lum Reserve in Mont Vernon, Grater Woods next to Merrimack, Lindabury Orchard overlooking the Souhegan Valley, Bragdon Hill next to Bedford, the Schweiker easement on Baboosic Lake, the (in process) 93 acres of forestland on an easement within a proposed development on Spring Road. 

The land now protected is for walking, playing, and relaxing. For preserving water quality and wildlife habitat. For safeguarding the rural character in Amherst and surrounding towns. 

With donor dollars alone, without government help, enabled by trustees who are experts in environmental science, real estate, law, and finance, the Trust has protected choice pieces of land that would have gone into development. Listen to what our supporters say!

Our NH Gives Day goal in 2026 is to raise $15,000 and attract 50 new donors to our cause. Help us continue with our mission. Give generously to the Amherst Land Trust.