Trust and Taylor
Fundraiser brings music legend to Ashburnham
By Lindsay Sauvageau JOURNAL CORRESPONDENT

Since the Ashburnham Conservation Trust was incorporated in 2001 it has helped protect almost 1,400 acres of land in and around Ashburnham, according to Director Gary Howland.

Soon, another 1,200 acres will be added to that list, thanks to the efforts of this all-volunteer board. But the real strength behind the Conservation Trust, according to Howland, is the support given to the group by the community.

"Our goal is to connect existing protected parcels together within the area. The connectors are important for recreation and habitat reasons," said Howland. "But we couldn't do what we do without fundraising, without support from the community."

The Conservation Trust with help from other conservation, state and local agencies has recently helped Ashburnham protect 281 acres on and around Mt. Watatic and 460 acres of land around Bush Hill. The Trust donated nearly $1 million towards the Watatic project and $177,000 to the Bush Hill Preserve project with money raised through community fundraisers.

"We try to do one good sized fundraiser a year," he said. "This year we have an amazing concert to offer people."

On Friday, Sept. 28, the Conservation Trust will be hosting an evening concert at Oakmont Regional High School featuring the talented and internationally famous Livingston Taylor and once again, the Trust is hoping to get community support.

"The money we raise doesn't just go to the purchasing of land, it helps pay for things like appraisals and baseline projections," said Howland. "It's how we do what we do."

The concert will run from 8 to 10 p.m. at Oakmont Regional High School and Howland says audience members can expect an unforgettable per- formance.

"I think people will have a good time. It's not every day that we can get such a well-known name to play in town." he said. "Taylor puts on a good show. He's very interactive with his audiences. I've heard his music before and he does a wonderful job."

Taylor was born in Boston and raised in Chapel Hill, NC, according to a brief bio available on the Conservation Trust's Web site (ashburnhamconservationtrust.org). He has toured with other famous artists like Linda Ronstadt, Jimmy Buffett, Fleetwood Mac and Jethro Tull and has recorded over 10 albums. According to the information provided on the Web site, the Ashburnham performance is be one of more than a hundred shows performed by Livingston across the nation this year.

Howland says that tickets are selling quickly and though some may be available the night of the show at the door, people should get their tickets ahead of time.

"People should come, have fun, listen to good music and help us preserve Ashburnham," he said.

Tickets are general admission and cost $25 for general admission and $20 for students. They are available at the Ashburnham Family Pharmacy, online at ashburnhamconservationtrust. org or by phone (978) 827-6427. Tickets can also be bought through the mail by sending checks to ACT, P.O. Box 354, Ashburnham, MA 01430.