Amherst Finally Buys Prized Conservation Land

A prime piece of conservation land between Amherst and Merrimack has finally been purchased after over twenty long years of waiting.

The Amherst Conservation Commission purchased land known as Grater Woods on Monday for $125,000. This includes two parcels of land that tie 100 conserved acres in Amherst to 500 acres in Merrimack.

Grater Woods has been designated as having the highest ecological value in the state, with diverse wetlands and habitats that are critical for many local species. The land can connect Merrimack and Amherst trails, which lead to other nearby trails for hiking, cross country, skiing and biking.

Funding for the purchase came from money raised by the Amherst Land Trust, which has supported local major land purchases over the years.

This purchase took as long as it did due to the on again/off again nature of negotiations with landowners over the years.