Welcome to Mount Watatic

We have great news! For the first time ever, Mount Watatic is public land. In July 2002, the Department of Environmental Management, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, the Ashby Land Trust and the Ashburnham Conservation Trust purchased the mountain. But there is more to the Watatic story than meets the eye.

Did you know the beauty of Mount Watatic was almost lost?

In 2000 commercial development of the mountain had begun. The plan for the summit included a fenced area with a massive radio tower, service building, and parking area. An additional 174 acres were approved for residential development. It took an enormous effort by many people to prevent this from happening. With your help, the natural beauty of Mount Watatic will stay protected. No towers, no buildings, no development, ever.

Did you know there is more to protect than beauty?

Bear, moose, deer and bobcat roam the slopes and swamps around Mount Watatic. Large animals need large spaces. Mount Watatic abuts additional protected land, creating a preserve of over 1000 acres. The wetlands, steep slopes and rocky summit of Mount Watatic form a special habitat. Mount Watatic is the only remaining nesting site for the sharp-shinned hawk in eastern Massachusetts. Four threatened dragon fly species also make their home here.

Did you know there's a place for you on the mountain?

Mount Watatic is public land now. Enjoy hiking, snow shoeing, horseback riding, hunting, bird watching, blueberry picking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing on the trails of Mount Watatic. The 92-mile Midstate Trail and the 21-mile Wapack Trail meet on Mount Watatic.

Hike to the summit, delight in the spectacular views, and think of the value of publicly protected land to you and to future generations.

Did you know that you won't be the first ?

"It would evidently be a noble walk from Watatic to Goffstown perchance, over the Peterboro mountains, along the very backbone of this part of New Hampshire, the most novel and interesting walk that I can think of in these parts." Henry David Thoreau, 1860

How you can help:

In an increasingly developed region we must have open spaces to share with wildlife, nourish the spirit, and provide clean water. But there is no way around it, preservation doesn't happen by chance and it isn't free. It takes dedication and hard work to preserve land. And it takes money.

In 1620 it took tremendous efforts to develop homes in the midst of wilderness.

Today it takes tremendous efforts to keep wilderness in the midst of development.

May we count on your financial support to complete the preservation of Mount Watatic? Contributions to the Campaign for Watatic are tax deductible.

Your special effort today will help preserve a mountain for tomorrow.