We work on food systems projects and planning in the nine-town North Quabbin region in north-central Massachusetts: Athol, Erving, New Salem, Orange, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Warwick, Wendell.
Planning and collaboration can be challenging in a region with a relatively low population (about 30,000 people), the loss of major industry in the two main mill towns, and a county line that divides this small region into two separate schools systems, two different planning authorities, two county-based “buy local food” organizations, and two overlapping health care territories.
The area is also rich in natural resources and advocates who are working to strengthen health and vitality in the nine towns and the region as a whole. You can find out more about the beautiful North Quabbin from the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce. Casey Williams’ town-by-town maps, like the one below, are another great window into the area, which includes mill towns, hill towns, farmland, forest, and many creative and caring people.
