Mayo Farm
Stowe Land Trust's first project, the Mayo Farm remains one of its most prominent legacies. Anchoring the rural character of Stowe's lower village, Mayo Farm is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, and its event fields host festivals, sporting events, and other activities year round. The Stowe Recreation Path runs along the southern boundary of the property and the Stowe Quiet Path traverses the property in various locations.
The 235 acre property is fairly gentle in topography, ranging from 700 ft to 740 ft, and consists primarily of open meadows and fields. The property has spectacular views of Mount Mansfield and the Green Mountains to the west and the Worcester Range to the south. It contains prime agricultural soil and wetlands. The west branch of the Little River runs along the southern, central section of the property and the eastern portion of the property is buffered on either side by hardwood trees.
Public Access
The property is open to the general public and can be used for all types of unorganized, dispersed, outdoor recreation. Where agricultural practices are in use, public access is limited or prohibited.
Directions
The Mayo Farm is in Stowe's central village. It is located on the east side of Weeks Hill Road, divided by Mayo Farm Road and West Hill Road. It can be accessed from Weeks Hill Road off of Route 108, or from West Hill Road off Route 100.
Weeks Hill Access: From the intersection of Route 100 and 108 in Stowe Village, head north on Route 108 for 0.6 miles. Turn right onto Weeks Hill Road. Mayo Farm will be to your right after Willy’s Auto Shop. Take Mayo Farm Road to drive through the property.
West Hill Access: From the intersection of Route 100 and 108 in Stowe Village, head north on Route 100 for 0.8 miles. Turn left onto Weeks Hill Road. Mayo Farm will be on both sides of the road. Take Mayo Farm Road to drive through the property.
Facts
- 235 acres
- Stowe town land
- Purchased in 1989, 25-year easement granted in 2003
- Central village, Stowe
The Mayo Farm was purchased by Stowe Land Trust in 1989 and transferred to the Town of Stowe. At the time it was purchased, it was the single largest parcel of land ever purchased solely by a Vermont municipality for conservation and agricultural purposes. After the acquisition, residents and users of Mayo Farm held a diversity of visions of use for the property. In an effort to establish clear use guidelines for the Farm, the Stowe Conservation Commission (SCC) embarked on a year-long process to explore management options for the property. As a result of this process, the SCC proposed a 25-year term easement. In 2002, at Town Meeting, Stowe residents approved the 25-year term easement on the Farm.