Since 1970, Kestrel Land Trust has conserved and cared for forests, farms, and riverways in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, while nurturing an enduring love of the land. Kestrel has conserved more than 27,000 acres throughout Amherst, Northampton, and their surrounding communities, and we are responsible for stewarding more than 3,000 acres of protected lands. Throughout our history, we have partnered with landowners, governmental agencies, citizen groups, and other organizations to protect farmland, woodlands, wildlife habitat, water resources, historic landscapes, and scenic vistas throughout the Valley. Our region is the culturally dynamic home to five major colleges. Along the river, rich soils are actively farmed, while the surrounding hills harbor beautiful forestland