After nearly five decades of stewardship, the Andover Village Improvement Society (AVIS) has officially acquired ownership of the Goldsmith Woodlands, a 140-acre nature preserve nestled between South Main Street and Foster’s Pond.
The deed transferring the property from The Boston Foundation to AVIS was recorded on May 16, 2025. The transfer marks a significant milestone for the local conservation organization, which has managed the property since 1977.
“This is a very exciting moment for AVIS,” said Susan Stott, who led the transfer negotiations. “We are thrilled to take on full responsibility for this property, and to move forward with our plans to install AVIS’s first All Persons Trail that will provide access to this beautiful land for people of all abilities.”
The Goldsmith Woodlands was originally preserved in 1966 by Bessie Goldsmith, who established a trust and fund to protect the land “as a sanctuary for wild animals, birds, flowers, and trees.” The Boston Foundation became trustee in 1996, maintaining ownership while AVIS managed the land.
In 2000, AVIS expanded public access by acquiring a portion of land at 491 South Main Street to create off-highway parking. A nearby parcel was added in 2004 to accommodate a small parking area.
The woodlands have since become AVIS’s most-visited reservation, known for its gentle terrain and scenic views of Foster’s Pond. The organization now plans to construct an All Persons Trail leading to Bessie’s Point, a popular overlook. The trail will be designed to meet federal accessibility standards and will feature a crushed stone surface, constructed by the Appalachian Mountain Club’s professional trail crew.
A $100,000 MassTrails grant awarded in June 2024 will help fund the project. Discussions about additional funding with The Boston Foundation ultimately led to the full transfer of the property.
“The Boston Foundation continues to be a proud steward of Bessie Goldsmith’s legacy in and beyond Andover,” said Kate Guedj, Senior Vice President and Chief Philanthropic Officer at The Boston Foundation. “The transfer of this parcel to AVIS enhances that legacy by making it possible for visitors of all abilities to access and enjoy one of the community’s most special natural spaces.”
AVIS officials expressed gratitude for the foundation’s support and said they look forward to making the Goldsmith Woodlands more inclusive for all members of the community.
More information about the Goldsmith Woodlands and the All Persons Trail project is available at avisandover.org.