Trees in a field at Pawtucket Farm

Pawtucket Farm Partnerships

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When Rollie Perron’s family decided it was time to sell their 20-acre Christmas tree and vegetable farm—the last family farm in Lowell—they wanted to ensure that the beloved property remained a meaningful resource to the surrounding community rather than succumbing to development pressure. 

In collaboration with the City of Lowell, Mass Audubon partnered with Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust (LP&CT) and Mill City Grows (MCG) to purchase and protect Rollie’s Farm in perpetuity. Now known as Pawtucket Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, this collaboration will bring the benefits of access to nature, fresh culturally relevant food, and educational programming to the people of Lowell for generations to come.  

Mass Audubon serves as the property owner and manager of Pawtucket Farm, with LP&CT and the City of Lowell jointly holding a Conservation Restriction on the land to ensure its protection in perpetuity. Mill City Grows manages the farming operations through an agricultural lease and works together with Mass Audubon and LP&CT to provide educational programs for the community.

Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust

Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust provides conservation leadership and programs focusing on four key areas: protecting places, conserving nature, activating stewards, and connecting people. LP&CT uses innovative and community-based approaches to improve residents’ lives and health, reduce nature deficit disorder, bring communities together, and minimize the impact of climate change. 

LP&CT provides opportunities for community members to reconnect with one another and nature by creating, connecting, and conserving places for them to explore and connect. LP&CT enables everyone, no matter who they are, where they live, or their income level to have the opportunity to experience nature right in their own backyard.   

Mill City Grows 

Mill City Grows fosters food justice by improving physical health, economic independence, and environmental sustainability in Lowell through increased access to land, locally grown food, and education. Our vision is a community that understands how to grow and prepare fresh food to support the long-term health of people and the land. Equitable access to land, knowledge, and fresh, culturally connected food is necessary for positive health outcomes, sustainable food policies, and access to life-giving food for our entire community.