This 1.41 acre location is the site of the original c. 1664 homestead of William and Anne Busby Nickerson, two of the earliest European settlers in the area. An archaeological dig, spearheaded by the Nickerson Family Association and undertaken on the property between 2017 and 2019, uncovered many details about the homestead. In developing a plan to restore vegetation to the dig site, CCF decided to complete a larger restoration on this property which was heavily affected by invasive plant species. CCF worked with Blue Flax Design to develop a multi-year restoration plan and received CPA funding to implement the plan.
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Over half an acre at the front of the property, between Rt. 28 and the dig site, was approximately 95% vegetated with invasive species including shrub honeysuckle, porcelain berry, and black locust. In the fall of 2019, the vegetation in this area was mulched and left for one year to smother resprouts. The mulch was removed in the fall of 2020 and meadow seeded. 15 trees and over 400 shrubs have since been added to the front meadow and the dig area. Work is still ongoing to establish a healthy meadow in the dig area after which CCF plans to open a short walking trail, allowing the public to visit the restoration and historic site.
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Use the button below to view the full Nickerson Invasive Species Management and Land Restoration Plan.