Help Conserve Hicks Farm
Conserve Green-Space for All in Perpetuity
Hicks Farm is situated in a rapidly urbanizing and underserved area of town where there is little-to-no public green-space and only private access to Mount Hope Bay. The 48.8-acre parcel is situated in a designated walkable community zone, near the Pocasset Elementary School, and is easily accessible to residents of southern Fall River.
For almost 300 years (since ~1732) the Hicks Farm property has been under the stewardship of the Hicks family, and the extended family now seeks to ensure that the land be conserved as public green-space. It is miraculous that this historically farmed landscape, crisscrossed by stonewalls, still exists undeveloped and available for conservation.
You can help us continue the legacy of land conservation in Tiverton. Keep reading to discover why this is so important, and how you can contribute to this initiative.
Development pressures in Tiverton are accelerating, making this conservation effort increasingly critical.
In March 2025, the South Coast Rail project restored commuter rail service to Boston from Fall River, New Bedford, and East Taunton making Tiverton even more desirable for further development. In fact, six potential developments that comprise at least 810 new housing units are currently under review by the Tiverton Planning Board. Most of the above units are slated for northern Tiverton.
Easy Access to Nature for Children at Pocasset School
The Pocasset Elementary School lies a few blocks to the northeast with only a playground and a few small athletic fields. It is a Title I school, serving children of low socioeconomic backgrounds and special needs populations. Proximity to Hicks Farm could allow walk-in access, eliminating typically prohibitive costs that are associated with field trips. Additionally, Tiverton recently closed Fort Barton Elementary School, causing an increase in the number of students served by the Pocasset School, all of whom could benefit from exploratory outings to Hicks Farm.
A Surprise Haven Amid Urban Density
A rare 17-acre stand of late successional New England mixed hardwoods includes red, black and white oaks, pignut hickory, red maple, sassafras, black gum, and a stand of towering big-tooth aspen. Canopy openings and rocky outcrops add the biodiversity of early successional species—gray birch, red cedar, black cherry, huckleberry, and highbush blueberry. A small stream meandering downslope reveals a shady, fern-sprinkled understory and mini-wetland. The parcel is ripe for research projects with universities, especially Roger Williams University with whom we already partner, as it sits within the Atlantic flyway migration route.
Shoreline Access with Uninterrupted Views
Hicks Farm’s preeminent ecological value is its 1320-foot pristine shoreline in a heavily urbanized area. As you embark through the forest towards shore, you will feel the pleasantly salty breeze and notice the shimmering water peeking through the trees. When standing on its wrack-line one can enjoy the solace of a salt water bay bounded by green shores, an uninhibited view of Mt. Hope, and the peaceful lap of waves. The rocky beach precludes extensive salt marsh vegetation which simplifies planning for recreational use and long-term beach management, making water access almost immediate.
Your Voice and Support Matters
Share your enthusiasm by spreading the word
Encourage others to join in your support of this project
Volunteer your time and expertise to the cause
Provide generous financial support
HOW TO DONATE TO THIS CAUSE:
Donate online by clicking “Give Today” at the top right corner of our home page. There will be an option to specify if you would like your donation to be allocated directly to conserve Hicks Farm before entering your payment information.
Checks can be made out to Tiverton Land Trust with the memo “Hicks Farm" and mailed to: PO Box 167, Tiverton RI, 02878
FAQs
Have questions about conserving Hicks Farm? Check out these FAQ’s and feel free to reach out to info@tivertonlandtrust.org!
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The total cost of conservation is $2.7 million. The Town of Tiverton has already agreed to contribute $1 million, leaving the remaining total of $1.7 million to be raised.
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These funds will be raised through a combination of state grants, public and private foundations, local businesses/corporate donations and donations from residents/individuals.
We will need to come together as a community to make this happen, so spread the word!
If you have grant writing experience, are a business owner or representative for a corporation that is interested in contributing, or have other skills/connections that may be able to support this cause, please contact us: info@tivertonlandtrust.org.
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If conserved, the 48.8 acres of field, forest and 1320 ft of waterfront will be accessible to all in perpetuity. It will provide passive recreational opportunities in a highly developed area, such as trail walking/hiking, birdwatching, and shoreline access for swimming and relaxing.
The property will also provide ample habitat for flora and fauna, supporting biodiversity research for local universities such as Roger Williams who we currently collaborate with.
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We are excited to be hosting walks through the property on October 4th, 18th and 25th at 9:00am. If you would like to join us for one of these walks, please register here as space is limited: https://forms.gle/JvZ7aox2KBzKDcDi9