Open Space Program

The Open Space Program is located in the Planning Department office in Town Hall, and is staffed by Hannah Wilbur the Open Space Manager and Beth O'Connor the Open Space Administrator.

Program Overview


Residents of Ipswich have long appreciated the beautiful landscapes, natural resources, and opportunities for outdoor recreation in town. Protecting these unique treasures from potential development on critical open space properties has been a priority for residents, and in 1994 the Open Space Committee was established to guide that commitment. Their focus was to develop plans and establish a program to protect open lands for both public enjoyment and important habitat values, which ultimately led to the creation of the Open Space Program. The Open Space Program brochure outlines the history and operation of the program. For additional information about the history of the Program and it's accomplishments to date, read About the Open Space Program.

Take a Virtual Tour of Nichols Field

Are you curious to know what Nichols Field is like? Or have you been there and wonder how others experience it?  Take the next seven minutes to watch the video and "visit" Nichols Field with some Ipswich locals who appreciate it for different reasons. Thanks to the artistic vision and creativity of volunteer Tess O'Connor, the Nichols Field virtual tour video was produced to give viewers a sense of the place, and a bit of understanding about why a few Ipswich locals appreciate it as permanently protected public open space. And during the quiet moments listen to the wind, the water, the birds and the insects, and imagine being there....

  1. Pony Express Property FAQs and Name Our Fields Survey

    The Pony Express Task Force wants the public’s feedback on a Name Survey they are conducting for the property, and to answer a few Frequently Asked Questions that have come up. Click below for answers to those questions and a link to the Name Survey. Click here...

  2. AMERICAN KESTRELS RETURN AGAIN!

    Returning again this spring to Strawberry Hill was a breeding pair of American Kestrels. For the sixth consecutive year a nesting pair of Kestrels has successfully raised a brood of chicks at the Town’s property. Read on...

  3. Enjoy A Self-guided Trail Walk at Turkey Hill Conservation Area

    Visit the Turkey Hill Conservation Area on Pineswamp Road to follow along on our Self-Guided Trail Walk. Visitors can pick up a brochure at the kiosk to learn about the natural features along the trail, while enjoying a peaceful walk in the woods! Read on...
View All