The Pepperell Town Forest

The town forest in Pepperell was established in 1925 on land which formerly served as the town poor farm, in addition to land purchased by the town. Town poor farms were a widely practiced means of welfare throughout New England up until the end of the 19th century. Responsibility for welfare then shifted from towns to county or state governments, providing the opportunity for communities to retain ownership of town farm woodlots and convert them to town forest.

Over 21,000 trees were planted in this 100 acre forest.