Hutsell Brogan Preserve

Meeting with Bruce and Molly throughout the acquisition process was a real treat, and that’s not just because they grow some of the tastiest tomatoes around!

Spending time with folks who have deep ties to the land in their care and are considering who will care for that land after them is always extremely rewarding.

Three adjoining landowners, all related, made ACRES’ acquisition of the Hutsell Brogan Preserve possible through generous donations. John Zimmerman and Margaret Timm donated 10 acres alongside their neighbors and relatives, Bob Bayer and Kate Brogan. Bruce Hutsell and Molly Brogan sold the remaining 33 acres to ACRES at a deep discount. We coordinated three separate closings simultaneously, an uncommon occurrence we were glad to make happen.

The 53-acre property features high-quality woodlands, a shrub wetland and early successional fields. These varied habitats support a diverse array of plant species and a rich bird population. Its proximity to an existing preserve is also a plus.

What do future plans hold for this area? We’re already making plans for wetland and upland restoration, which aim to reduce the presence of invasive species and likely involve planting a few thousand trees.