The Monadnock Conservancy has been given another year to finish raising 1.5 million to purchase over 100 acres of land around Cunningham Pond in Peterborough. The Conservancy, which has raised about half the money so far, aims to protect and conserve the land after purchasing it.
The Monadnock Conservancy has been given another year to finish raising 1.5 million to purchase over 100 acres of land around Cunningham Pond in Peterborough. The Conservancy, which has raised about half the money so far, aims to protect and conserve the land after purchasing it. Credit: Staff photo by Nicholas Handy

PeterboroughFundraising total for Cunningham Pond preservation now over $1 million

Two anonymous donations totaling $350,000 will aid the Monadnock Conservancy’s fundraising effort to conserve land surrounding Peterborough’s Cunningham Pond. 

Monadnock Conservancy Executive Director Ryan Owens said in an email Friday that over $1 million of the $1.5 million needed has now been successfully raised. 

The Conservancy has until the end of the year to raise the money to purchase a 104-acre parcel of land that abuts the southern shore and extends east. 

When purchased, the Conservancy will keep the land open to the general public, allowing people to explore, hike, walk their dogs, and picnic for free.

The Conservancy plans to create a new trail head parking area off Cunningham Pond Road, which will connect it to a number of existing trails in the area. 

For instructions on how to donate visit savecunninghampond.org or call Owens at 603-357-0600, ext. 103.

By Nicholas Handy