Sylvester Field Fundraiser Frequently Asked Questions

Question:         Didn’t the Town of Hanover already own Sylvester’s Field next to the old Sylvester School?

Answer:           This project is about a different piece of land. The land was once part of Sylvester’s Farm, owned by the same family who donated Sylvester School to the town in 1927. 

Question:         Where is Sylvester Field located?

Answer:            It’s in the Hanover Four Corners neighborhood, near Marylou’s News. It’s across the street from 128 Washington St.

Question:         I thought this was being donated, why did we need to raise funds to preserve it?

Answer: The land last belonged to the Estate of Clay Robinson. Due to the laws that control trusts and estates, it couldn’t be simply donated. The next of kin of Clay Robinson made an enormous effort to preserve this field and negotiated a very fair price for Wildlands Trust to purchase the land.

Question:         Why didn’t the Town of Hanover buy the land?

Answer:            Annual maintenance costs will be significant. Wildlands Trust is an excellent organization with lots of experience and the resources to manage this property. The next of kin of Clay Robinson has opted to work with Wildlands to preserve this property.

Question:         Did the Town of Hanover have a part buying the land?

Answer:            Yes. A Community Preservation Committee (CPC) article was voted on at the Hanover Town Meeting in May 2021. This article allocated $250k to purchase a conservation restriction on the property to ensure its permanent protection. These funds went toward the purchase of the property.

Question:         What is a Conservation Restriction (CR)?

Answer:            A conservation restriction is a permanent, legally binding agreement between the landowner (Wildlands Trust) and the CR holder (the Town of Hanover) to ensure the protection of the property in perpetuity.

Question:         How does the Town of Hanover benefit from the purchase of the Conservation Restriction?

Answer:            Everyone benefits by having access to the 20-acre open space at Sylvester Field for passive recreation, yet Wildlands Trust will bear the responsibility and financial obligation of maintaining the land. The town of Hanover will not be burdened by supplying resources (schools, water, EMS, etc.) to this area, as would be the case if this land was developed for housing.

Question:         What does Wildlands Trust need to raise money for now at Sylvester Field?

Answer:            Wildlands Trust is currently fundraising for property enhancements and ongoing stewardship of the land at Sylvester Field. Funds raised will be used for a parking area, signage and other amenities, as well as property maintenance.

Question:         Where can I find out more about the Community Preservation Act Funding?

Answer:           www.communitypreservation.org

Question:   Is there any other information available about Wildlands Trust’s purchase of Sylvester Field?

Answer: Yes, you can read the article, “Historic Hanover Field Permanently Preserved.”

Question:         Can you tell me more about Wildlands Trust?

Answer:           Wildlands Trust is the regional land trust for southeastern Massachusetts. Headquartered in Plymouth, it is a qualified 501 (c)(3) charitable, non-profit organization.  All gifts are tax deductible. Tax ID# 04-2973205

Question:   Are gifts of stock accepted?

Answer: Yes, gifts of stock are invited.

Still have questions? Contact Sue Chamberlain, schamberlain@wildlandstrust.org or 774-343-5121, ext. 114.