Marking 50 Years of Conservation in Westport

For 50 years, the Westport Land Conservation Trust has played a major role in preserving more than 5,000 acres of farmland and greenspace in Westport.

The non-profit organization also owns more that 1,600 acres of land outright, much of which is used for the benefit of wildlife and the public.

Executive Director Ross Moran joined Townsquare Sunday this week to discuss the work of the Trust and some of its goals for the future.

"In Westport we focus on the preservation of key ecological and agricultural resources and ensure that those resources are there for public enjoyment for years to come," Moran said.

Moran said sometimes the Trust purchases land and opens it to the public with walking trails or areas along the shoreline of the Westport River. He said it works with farmers and other land owners to permanently protect their property from future development.

Moran said the Westport Land Conservation Trust is "ahead of the game" when it comes to protecting farmland. The Trust has protected 2,300 acres of farmland in Westport, using what's called an "Agricultural Preservation Restriction" to protect the property from future development while allowing it to remain a working farm.

As part of its 50th anniversary, the Trust is offering three free events for the public to enjoy. The first is a Full Moon Walk on October 9, followed by a Nocturnal Animals Pop-Up Tent on October 21-23, and then a Halloween Happening for children on October 23. You can learn more by visiting the Trust's website at westportlandtrust.org.

The full Townsquare Sunday interview with Ross Moran can be heard here:

Townsquare Sunday is a weekly public affairs program heard every Sunday morning at 6 a.m. on 1420 AM and 99.5 FM.

The program highlights individuals and organizations hoping to make the SouthCoast a better place to live and work.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please e-mail the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.

Here's a List of All the Snakes Native to Massachusetts (Two Can Kill You)

Did you know that there's a species of rattlesnake found in the Bay State? Or that two of our local venomous serpents can be deadly to humans — but despite what your parents told you, the water moccasin isn't one of them? (They don't even live in Massachusetts.) Love them or hate them, these slithery little suckers are everywhere. Here's what snakes you're most likely to find in your backyard.