Cynthia Magrath has a vision for her land and she’s willing to share it with her friends, neighbors and community. Her vision incorporates trails for the horses she loves, thinning to allow big trees to get bigger, clear cutting to create habitat for woodcocks, and preserving trees that provide food and homes for wildlife.  That vision was not easy to develop or to implement. She needed time and research to consider her options, and she cites her love of nature, her friends, and the Keystone program as influential in her process.

Cynthia is passionate about the trees on her property and she confesses to be a self-described “nature freak.” She bought 76 acres in 1995 to have enough space for her horses and create a small farm to sustain her family. She created garden plots, raised chickens for egg production, and learned how to hay. Through time, her vision for the property solidified and in 2005 she was prepared to look into state programs like Chapter 61 (current use property tax program) and speak to foresters about her woods.  The process of developing her vision began as an idea to create trails for her horses and make better habitat for wildlife.  Finding a forester who shared her vision became a priority for her and she found one who was respectful of her desire to preserve big trees and do partial cutting. 

Cynthia had friends who participated in the Keystone program and they spoke highly of the knowledge they gained as well as the economic benefits they learned about. The Keystone program began in 1988 as a way to educate more landowners about conservation and forest management techniques through a peer relationship model. Landowners who are committed to being a Keystone Cooperator agree to share what they learn in a 3 day weekend program with their neighbors, friends, and community members. Cynthia decided after researching the program to participate and through a competitive process was selected in 2008.

Through her Keystone experience Cynthia went to the Harvard Forest where she saw a clear cut that had been done to increase wildlife habitat for species like woodcock, ruffed grouse, and chestnut sided warblers. Although her forest management plan had been finished that year she immediately called her forester to amend the plan to include a clear cut on her property. Her experience through the Keystone program allowed her to realize the beauty that can come through a clear cut. Cutting on her property began in 2009 and will finish this year. Cynthia communicates with her neighbors in the spirit of being a Keystone Cooperator conveying a conservation message, and so they know what is happening on her property.

Cynthia’s property is in many ways a refuge for trees and animals alike. She describes a forest with a stand of Maple trees tucked far from the road, Elms that have not been struck by recent diseases, and glorious Yellow Birches. Wildlife such as deer,   turkeys, woodcocks, and bear roam her land and call it home. What Cynthia loves the most about her land is that it is ever changing, something that could also be said of Cynthia. Her vision changes with her new experiences and knowledge of the forest around her.  

 For more information about the Massachusetts Keystone program click here.