Bun Lucy Field

Conservation Easement

May 20, 2024

Just off West Side Road in North Conway, 38.5 acres of farmland and forest now carry a lasting legacy: the Bun Lucy Field, permanently conserved in honor of Herbert Hoover "Bun" Lucy (1928–2022). A respected local figure, Bun devoted over 50 years to conservation, community service, and sustainable land use. This land now reflects his lifelong commitment to protecting the place he called home.

More than a beautiful open field, Bun Lucy Field plays a vital role in our region’s future. With only 5% of New England’s land dedicated to agriculture, conserving farmland like this is not just important—it’s essential. This property includes 20 acres of active pasture and cultivation, prime soils for food production, mature maple forest used for sugaring, and over 3,000 feet of wetland habitat along the Saco River.

It’s also part of a high-priority groundwater recharge area, helping to protect drinking water for the North Conway Water Precinct.

The Lucy family’s commitment to conservation is deep-rooted. In 2016, they protected 45 acres at the historic Lucy Family Farm. Today, descendants continue that legacy, working with the Upper Saco Valley Land Trust to conserve additional family farmland along Lucy Brook.

“Both of my parents (Chet and Lydia) felt strongly about protecting the original character of the landscape,” says Nat Lucy. “Uncle Bun's field is a keystone parcel for wildlife, water quality, and scenery. With so much development pressure in the Valley, Marianne and I feel it is crucial to preserve what we can.”

By protecting this land with a conservation agreement (technically referred to as a conservation easement), Nat and Marianne Lucy have given a gift to our community as a whole. As with all of our conservation agreements, they still own the land, pay property taxes, and can sell, bequeath or transfer it to new owners in the future. The conservation agreement ensures that the land will remain free from haphazard development, forever.

This conservation success was made possible with support from the NH DES Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund Program, and the vision and commitment of a family who understands that what we choose to protect today shapes the valley we’ll share tomorrow.

State(s): NH
Town(s): conway
Acres: 38.5
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