Mills Woodlots
6 small lots came to the NLC through the generosity of members of a Mashpee Wampanoag family, Emma Jo Mills and her brother Jeffery Mills
Location
GPS location: (41.653812,-70.452337)
No trails are planned. Closed to the public.
Natural & Cultural Significance
There is ample historical significance as the land was designated some of the many “woodlots”. In the 1800s, woodlots in Mashpee were threatened by clear cutters from neighboring towns. At the time, Mashpee old growth forests were abundant, while lands from Cape Cod to the Berkshires had been logged for wood and fuel. Mashpee was not yet a town then but rather classified as an Indian Plantation with assigned non-native missionary overseers. The Tribe enjoyed shared use of all the “natural resources” until the overseers started to sell the wood.
The NLC purchased these woodlots totaling just over 1 acre to make a statement about our organization's values; both culturally and historically. Culturally, we consider all land as sacred, no matter the size, shape, or location. We also value the sanctity of the homes and of other living things that dwelled on those little lots whether wearing fur, feathers, scales, or shells. These lots abut Santuit Pond and are also very likely part of a former Wampanoag village or campsite underscoring the importance of our efforts to put it into conservation in perpetuity. Emma and Jeffrey both want to protect this area from the fast encroaching developments around Santuit Pond.