Arthur's Orchard

In 2018 Dorothy French granted a Conservation Restriction on 3.4 acres off Johnson

Road in memory of her late husband Arthur. Arthur’s grandfather – also named Arthur –

established this apple orchard in 1912. Dorothy’s gift included a partial monetary

reimbursement through the MA Conservation Land Tax Credit with assistance from the

Trust. This land has been in agricultural production since the mid 18 th century and will

continue to produce local food commodities because of this conservation covenant.

Additionally, the permanent protection of this land contributes to the enduring rural

agricultural landscape treasured by Sterling residents, as well as providing added

protection to the Stillwater River watershed – an important tributary to the Wachusett

Reservoir public water supply.