Thanks to the support of the Opacum community, we are thrilled to announce the protection of 165.5 acres of critical land, water, and wildlife habitat in Southbridge.

The newly conserved Robert F. and Jeanne R. Para Family Preserve is a perfect example of what we can accomplish when we work together and plan for the future. This property is home to a variety of wildlife and important habitats including several ponds where osprey and bald eagles fish for their dinner, active beaver colonies creating dynamic wetland habitats, and sandy uplands that are perfect turtle nesting spots.

And making this parcel even more important – the property borders Cohasse Brook Reservoir, an important source of drinking water for the town of Southbridge.  It not only expands the region’s protected habitat, but also safeguards the drinking water supply for Southbridge residents.

Robert and Jeanne Para purchased this land in 1956 for their family of seven. They built a home and gardens for vegetables and planted fruit trees and blueberry bushes. They created a beautiful place for the family to grow, live, and play.  Once the children were grown and had families of their own, they shared their love of this land, nature, forestry, ponds, brooks and wildlife with their children and grandchildren. 

For the Para family, completing this project fulfills a special wish. As Nancy Whittemore, trustee of the Robert F. Para Family Trust, puts it: “It was my parents’ dream that this land be protected and left in its natural state.” We’re honored to help make that dream a reality.

Future plans for the property include building a parking area and public trails. While we can’t welcome visitors just yet, we’re excited about the day when you’ll be able to explore this special place for yourself – stay tuned for updates!

This project was made possible through support from the town of Southbridge, our partners at the US Forest Service, Forest Legacy Program, the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act through Connecticut DEEP – this truly was a team effort.