Peace and Quiet in Suburban Boston at Adams Farm

Article and photo by Eric H.

Walk about a mile into Adams Farm in Walpole, MA, and you'll hear something quite unfamiliar to the Boston, MA, suburbs: absolute silence.

With the exception of leaves rustling, birds chirping or other melodious sounds of nature, the chance to get away from it all in an otherwise developed area results in a refreshing, tranquil feeling.

Adams Farm, off North St., features more than 365 acres of town-owned land,hundreds of conservation land acres adjoining the property, and land owned by the New England Forestry Foundation and the Norfolk County Agricultural School. The total acreage adds up to 700-plus acres, an unbelievable amount of open land for the suburbs! It's a perfect four-season natural recreation destination, ideal for activities like hiking, picnics, horseback riding, non motorized mountain bike riding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. Adams Farm is also an ideal place for fall foliage leaf peeping.

In 2006, local residents and businesses contributed money to create a red barn with a white fence and pavilion, thus adding a true New England look to the property -- not to mention opportunities for locals to hold events (with permission from the owners).

Adams Farm is owned by the Friends of Adams Farm, a group of locals residents dedicated to preserving open land "for future generations to enjoy." This area could have become a golf course or another commercial entity, but through hard work and perseverance, this group of true, local New Englanders worked in civil fashion with appointed and elected officials to make this natural gem a reality.

It's great when locals speak up in hopes of creating a land that is silent! The natural beauty at Adams Farm truly represents the best of rural New England, yet is so close to all the suburban and urban lifestyles that brought us here.

Visit the Adams Farm Web Site for more information