Facilities

Location: Behind 1237 Russell Road, across from the Irving Gas Station
Access: Parking and informal trailhead can be found at the DOT pull-off along route 20/Russell Road, directly across from the Irving Gas Station.
Description: 14 acres of forested land between Route 20 and the Westfield River with informal hiking trails. There is 911 feet of frontage on the river, 1 acre of wetland, and 11 acres of floodplain forest. There is about 3,000ft of informal trails created from past owners.

Purpose: Protected for public access, outdoor recreation and education, and conservation purposes.

History: The property was purchased in 2024 with funding from the Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Grant Program through the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services and Community Preservation Act and places into Conservation Restriction with Mass Division of Fish and Game (MassDFG). The property was historically used as pasture in the late 1800s and early 1900s, though it is now young forest. It creates additional habitat connectivity and protection along the Westfield River as it shares a property line with land owned by Mass DFG to the southeast and undeveloped land owned by the City of Westfield to the northwest.

Permitted Uses: Hiking, (intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails), Kayaking, Canoeing, Hunting and Trapping, Fishing, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Bird Watching, Wildlife Observation, nature and educational walks. Please note that hunting is allowed on this property and the adjacent Westfield River Access property, subject to regulations established by Mass DFG. Please contact Mass DFG Western Office for information on hunting at Tekoa Narrows.

Prohibited Uses: Dumping, cutting of vegetation, unauthorized motorized/off-road vehicles, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fires, swimming, mining. Carry In, Carry Out!