Astore Quarry Restoration Project

The Astore Quarry Restoration Project was founded by Chick Astore, of West Stockbridge, and his wife, Sissy Gunn of Stockbridge, in 2006. Chick grew up on this property, as most teenagers...of varying generations, did. But it was home to Chick he loved the land and could be out in those 32 acres all day. Mowgli of the Quarry..

The Massachusetts Historical Archaeology Commission has asked us to host an event for Historical Archaeology Month, which is October. We have a great opportunity to show the historic significance, of the role played. by the J.K. Freedley Marble Works, during the industrial Revolution, and, in the making of town of West Stockbridge.

Joel Priest and The Darrow School students of the Helping Hands Program, have been working with us with invasive plant control, along the riparian areas of the Williams River. Our restoration plans were written by the NRCS and Massachusetts State Forestry. We want schools, teachers, nature groups and foragers to consider a visit, for the study of:' conservation awareness and practices, identification of medicinal and edible plant, foraging, riparian and river research, all aspects of earth sciences and outdoor survival can be found here, "Outside the Box"!

We lost Chick in 2016, he took a fall, while walking a path he had walked a thousand times, in a place he loved more than being at home, but a mis-step was all it took. And he was gone. My husband was a visionary, and I am getting the chance to carry out his dream for this property to become
an outside class room and learn the history, the wildlife and the beauty of this hidden jewel..."Outside the Box"

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