Looking for a meaningful gift idea? Give a CCF t-shirt, sweatshirt, mug, or hat! Click here to find the perfect gift!
Land is our common ground.
Since 1960, The Carlisle Conservation Foundation (CCF) has worked to preserve natural beauty and open space in Carlisle, Massachusetts. CCF was established as a private organization to work with the town, individual land owners and other organizations to protect open space for wildlife habitat, passive recreation, and scenic vistas; to provide education on local species; and to promote responsible development practices. By connecting land owners with volunteers and professional services, CCF helps preserve natural resources in Carlisle for all to enjoy.
Preserving open space is our common goal.
As an independent non-profit organization separate from town government, CCF advocates, encourages, and facilitates open space preservation through a wide range of land-ownership options, from limited development to government and private purchase. CCF also works with individuals and organizations to enforce wetlands protection, optimize and supervise subdivision and road planning, and sponsors education and advocacy efforts in our schools and community.
Land Preservation
CCF helps landowners discover options to preserve land and helps facilitate transactions.
Conservation & Advocacy
CCF works with town, state, federal, and other private organizations to advocate for land preservation and conservation.
Outreach & Education
CCF offers programming about conservation and natural resources for people of all ages.
Some of our success stories.
Every conservation story begins with a landowner. CCF helps owners achieve their goals by providing the support and knowledge necessary to protect their land in perpetuity. To view a complete list properties owned and protected by CCF, click here.
Spencer Brook Reservation
The Spencer Brook Reservation, over 30 acres of wetlands, woods and fields, is located at the intersection of South and West Streets. It was the first property acquired by CCF, launching the organization on its more than 60-year mission of preserving the natural beauty & rural character of Carlisle. The land was deeded to CCF in 1960 by A.E. “Ben” Benfield.
​
​
Benfield Conservation Land
The Benfield Conservation Land, located on South Street in the southwest corner of Carlisle, was acquired by the Town in 2004, part of a coordinated effort initiated by CCF to address conservation, recreation, and housing needs. The 25-acre conservation parcel (of the 45-acre purchase), with gently sloping fields leading past large pines to a platform with views across Spencer Brook, is accessible via a path behind Benfield Farms housing.
Poole's Swamp
Poole’s Swamp is a 15.2 acre wetland off School Street, home to water fowl, beavers and a multitude of native plants. The land was purchased by CCF in 1998 and was further protected by a conservation restriction held by the Town. A tributary of the Spencer Brook, these wetlands serve a vital role in flood control and water purification in addition to their role as habitat for a variety of flora and fauna.
Clark Farm
Clark Farm, located on Concord Street, has been in agricultural production since the early 1700s, and before that was part of a geographic area home to the Musketaquid Indians for thousands of years. Today CCF holds CRs for Clark Farm and the surrounding fields that protect the land from development and preserves the open and bucolic nature of the working farm in perpetuity. The views from Concord and School Streets are a permanent reminder of how open space beautifies our town and maintains its rural feel, which is so important to our mission of conservation.
Upcoming Events
Nature-focused outings and lectures in Carlisle are hosted by CCF and other local organizations. Unless otherwise noted, the walks and lectures are free of charge and beginner-friendly; all are welcome. Most walks last two to three hours at a leisurely pace. Be prepared for wet conditions underfoot; bring binoculars if you have them. If you have any questions, contact the outing leader by clicking on their names below or email CCF Board member Alan Ankers.
​
If you want to be added to the CCF email list for reminders about CCF Nature Walks & Talks, click here. Want us to reshare your photo? Email it to CCF with your caption OR post it to your Instagram account, then send a direct message to @ccf.nature and we will repost it. CCF will not provide your email to any other organization.
​
Dragonflies at the Bog
Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 10 a.m.
(CCF – Alan Ankers)
Learn about the jewels of the insect world as we walk the trails of the Cranberry Bog for dragonflies and damselflies (collectively known as “odes”). We’ll also check out butterflies and anything else interesting that we come across.​
​
Meet at the Cranberry Bog House on Curve Street. The walk will last about two hours.
Concord River Water Chestnut Pull
Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 9 a.m.
(CCF – Jonathan DeKock)
Join us for a fun morning of weeding the Wild and Scenic River in the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.
​​
​
Meet at the boat ramp in Bedford. The event will last three hours.
Ferns of Woods & Wetlands
Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 10 a.m.
(CCF – Katherine Adams)
Some ferns are generalists and are fine with some sun. Others only grow on rocks. Some are found near water. Some grow in beautiful symmetric clusters. We’ll see upwards of a dozen ferns as we walk near wetlands and on higher ground in this lovely woodland tract of mixed hardwood, pines and cedars.​
​
Meet at the Benfield Conservation Land parking behind the building at 575 South Street. The walk will last about 90 minutes.
​
Forest Plants at Towle
Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 10 a.m.
(CCF & The Carlisle Trails Committee)
Maddie Kiszewski, local botanist and owner of the Backyard Invasives Project, will identify indigenous uses of forest plants, highlight species that indicate clean land, and point out various edible plants.
​
Meet at the Towle parking lot off Westford Street. The walk will last about two hours.
Dragonflies at the Bog
Friday, July 3, 2026 at 10 a.m.
(CCF – Alan Ankers)
Learn about the jewels of the insect world as we walk the trails of the Cranberry Bog for dragonflies and damselflies (collectively known as “odes”). We’ll also check out butterflies and anything else interesting that we come across.​
​
Meet at the Cranberry Bog House on Curve Street. The walk will last about two hours.
Butterflies at the Bog
Sunday, August 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
(Massachusetts Butterfly Club, CCF – Alan Ankers)
For this walk on the trails of the Cranberry Bog we’ll focus mainly on butterflies while also looking at interesting dragonflies, birds or anything else that we come across.
​
Meet at the Cranberry Bog House on Curve Street. The walk will last about two hours.
Bugs at the Bog
Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
(CCF – Linda Graetz)
On this Insect Walk, we will look for & observe some of the 28 or so insect orders; we’ll target species in 7 of the orders and expect to find a few more. We’ll compare beetles and true bugs; bees and bee mimics; grasshoppers and katydids. Bring a hand lens if you have one, sunscreen & water. Binoculars & camera will also be useful. ​
​
Meet at the Cranberry Bog House on Curve Street. The walk will last about two hours.