Nichols Field - Gateway to Stowe

Stowe Land Trust, together with the Nichols family, the Town of Stowe, the State of Vermont, and many generous donors completed the conservation of this spectacular "gateway" property on Route 100 in July, 2004. "The protection of this field is a tremendous asset to the Town of Stowe" said Heather Furman, Executive Director for the Stowe Land Trust.

The Conservation Easement that was placed on the property keeps the beautiful rolling meadow from ever being developed and open for agricultural use, yet still allows for the Stowe Antique Car Show, one of Stowe largest attractions, and the operation of the Nichols’ family snowmobile business in the winter. The Nichols project is an excellent example of open-space protection and economic sustainability, demonstrating that protecting the environment and preserving economic vitality can be two sides of the same coin.

In March, 2004, the voters of the Town of Stowe voted overwhelmingly to support the conservation of the field. That critical vote set the stage for a fundraising campaign that received generous support from Stowe Land Trust members and donors, the Freeman Foundation and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board.