The Chatham Street property, an entrance to Hull’s once-secret woods   In 2007, donations for a down payment helped the Hull Conservation Land Trust secure the Chatham Street property.    The Chatham Street property has a unique role to play in the 40-year effort to protect the Weir River Estuary.  In the 1960s, along with World’s End, the Weir River Woods became one of the first protected areas in the Estuary.  Trails with benches were created for both places.  However, during the 1970s, in response to teenage drinking in the Woods, neighbors sealed its entrance.  Over the years, the Woods faded from most people’s memory.  In 2001, a study for the Hull Conservation Commission recommended a new entrance on Chatham Street.  But the Town-owned land along the street has beautiful trees and ledge.  Then, in January 2007, the “Chatham Street property” came up for sale.  So a group of Hull residents formed the Hull Land Conservation Trust to be able to protect it and other land in Hull.   By May 2007, approximately 150 donors gave over $25,000 to buy the $233,000 property with a Hingham Institution for Savings mortgage and private loans.  The Chatham Street property now protects woods habitat, provides a grassy parking area, and leads to a gentle passage to the Weir River Woods, Hull’s once-secret woods. By the end of 2009, a total of over $110,000 had been raised, including covering interest through July 2010.  We are delighted that the Woods have been "discovered" by visitors on outings, including Scouts and the Jacobs School fifth grade.   We would like to invite you to become an HLCT donor-member to help raise $75,000 to provide the local match for a March 2010 application by The Trustees of Reservations for Massachusetts Conservation Partnership Grant to pay for a Conservation Restriction on the Chatham Street property to keep it protected forever.  Please contribute whatever amount is right for you.  With teamwork anything is possible.