“This project reinforces our commitment to preserve and protect our environment for generations to come,” said Bob Coates, WMECo Vice President of Customer Operations. “At the same time, we are ensuring our customers have the reliable electric service they require.”

WMECo's work at Wentworth Farm, which stems from a transmission line upgrade in neighboring Leverett and Montague, was approved by the Town of Amherst Conservation Commission and the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

Fishing, birding and nature walking are popular activities at Owen’s Pond, which was leaking and there was no control of water levels. A nearby culvert had also collapsed. As part of WMECo’s project that duct has been removed and the new waterway that’s been created allows fish to migrate to the nearby Fort River. There are also two new footbridges. A key component of the company’s project was removing more than an acre of invasive vegetation and replacement by more than 1,000 native plants. Bird houses have been put up to encourage the native Bluebirds and American Kestrels that thrive in this sanctuary. There are even turtle basking platforms.