The project will transform previously farmed cranberry bogs back to wildlife-friendly natural freshwater wetlands and grassland habitat.  This natural habitat restoration will better absorb and filter water moving into the Mattapoisett River, the harbor and Bay downstream and the public drinking water supply in the ground underneath.  The trail system will be reconfigured and improved.  Several bridges and boardwalks will be installed throughout the restored site to enhance the visitor experience, and the main parking area will be expanded at this popular recreational property.  Trails at the Bogs will be temporarily closed during construction.

Visitors are encouraged to explore several other trails in the area, including New Boston Trail, Tinkhamtown Woodlands, and a new trail system at Red Brick Farm, slated to open in early February. Click here to download an updated trail map.

The Coalition acquired the this property from Decas Cranberry Company following their agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) to permanently retire the cranberry bogs and to restore natural wetlands on the property. The project will restore approximately 43 acres of freshwater wetlands, benefitting natural vegetation and habitats, improve fish and wildlife passage along Tripps Mill Brook (a tributary of the Mattapoisett River), improve turtle nesting habitat, and restore floodplain connectivity.  This ecological restoration project was designed in conjunction with GZA Engineering and partners at the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration (MA DER) and USDA-NRCS.  Construction will be by Luciano’s Excavation, Inc. of Taunton, MA.

Funding for the restoration project has been made possible by the USDA-NRCS, MA Division of Ecological Restoration (DER), MA Department of Conservation & Recreation’s Recreational Trails Program, and the Massachusetts Environmental Trust.

The restored site with its improved trail linkages will re-open in late-2024.