About Us
About DLCT
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
The Dover Land Conservation Trust (DLCT) is a private, nonprofit organization that protects land and the rural nature of Dover for current and future generations. It promotes the preservation of Dover’s rural character by conserving and maintaining land for the protection of our groundwater quality, passive recreation and scenic views.
Since its establishment in 1965, the Dover Land Conservation Trust has relied solely on generous individuals to help us acquire and preserve about 500 acres of land so that current and future generations may enjoy our many hiking, biking, and walking trails, as well as for the betterment of wildlife and plant life. In addition, DLCT holds Conservation Restrictions (CRs) on almost 250 acres of privately owned land. Although CRs always provide public benefits like views, preserving wetlands or forest, etc., they often do not permit public access.
Highlights Of Our Work Over The Last Decade
In 2015, with the Trustees, DLCT acquired 24 acres at the top of Pegan Hill, now named Lewis Hill, in honor David Lewis, a former Trustee and President. In 2017, with the support of the family, we added the 21-acre Porter Woodlands on the banks of the Charles River, across from the canoe landing on Bridge Street and running up to Smith Street. In 2019, we protected 36 acres of cherished fields and woodlands at the corner of Strawberry Hill and Dedham Streets, now our Blake Reservation. In 2022, with great support from the neighborhood, we added the former Church Woodlot on Pine Street to DLCT’s Snow Hill Reservation, our first property. In 2023, a generous landowner donated 14 acres abutting Hale and the town’s Larrabee Estate.
In the last decade, we also partnered with landowners to preserve almost 110 acres with Conservation Restrictions (CRs) on their properties.
DLCT actively partners with many organizations in and around Dover, including the Trustees, Norfolk Hunt Club,
Dover Mothers Association, Hale, Dover Boy Scouts, Dover’s Open Space Committee and Dover’s Conservation
Commission. Dover’s outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife benefit from the many contiguous open spaces and the
extensive interconnected trail networks for walking, running and riding.
DLCT Relies on our Community for our Success
We depend on Dover’s community for assistance on all aspects of land conservation. DLCT is an all-volunteer, nonprofit (501c3) organization that receives no town or government funds. Our board of nine is ably assisted by volunteers and professional services, both contracted and donated, for tasks like mowing, bookkeeping or legal advice.
Our Ranger, a volunteer, coordinates maintenance and improvements on our properties and trails. Many dedicated neighbors assist by mowing nearby properties and clearing trails. Help from volunteers is always welcome!
Generous landowners have donated half the acres that the DLCT now owns and DLCT has been fortunate to work with conservation-minded families to acquire many more of its acres at an attractive price.
Financially, DLCT relies on the steadfast generosity of past and present residents of Dover and our surrounding communities. Our Annual Appeal raises money to maintain and improve our properties and trails. To acquire special properties, campaigns solicit one-time donations from neighbors, community members and family foundations.
DLCT is completely dependent on the generosity of people like you. Please visit our “Support DLCT” page to learn more.
Board of Directors
Amey Moot, President
Mark Adamczyk, Treasurer
Stephen Bates, Ranger
Henry B. Faulkner, Emeritus
Thomas D. French
A. Boynton Glidden, Emeritus
Gilbert G. Menna
Sara Molyneaux
Sarah E. Stuart
David A. Yuknat