Helen Perry saves her land in West Stockbridge

Helen Perry on her property

No one has ever appeared more thrilled to execute a conservation restriction than Helen Perry was last December. Feeling giddy ourselves, we feebly offered Helen the Uni-Ball pen she'd signed with, wishing instead it were a ceremonial Mont Blanc.

Truth be told, anyone who travels West Stockbridge Mountain can be grateful for Helen's generous deed.

Particularly in winter, the fields on the land offer a sweet wash of open vista and sky to passersby coming up from the village of West Stockbridge. Standing on the property itself, one takes in glorious southerly views of Maple Hill and Tom Ball Mountain.

A great many people have enjoyed those views over the years as Helen and her late husband Tod, longtime director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, opened their home to scores of great musicians and music lovers.

With Tod and her sons Rod and Doane very much in mind, Helen Perry made the conservation choice. Bravo, Helen!