With deep forests, rocky coasts, and rich salt marshes, Buzzards Bay is a haven for wildlife of all types. Migratory birds flock to our shores along the Atlantic Flyway, while frogs and salamanders thrive in the vernal pools that pop up in our woods each spring. So grab a pair of binoculars and visit one of these places to seek out our region’s special birds and wildlife.
Marion’s popular Washburn Park hearkens back to the historic town common where locals can walk and play.
Size: 132 acres
Parking: Several unpaved parking areas throughout park
Facilities: Bicycle Rack, Restrooms, Trash, Picnic Tables, Playground
Parking: Several unpaved parking areas throughout park
Facilities: Bicycle Rack, Restrooms, Trash, Picnic Tables, Playground
With rolling waves and a long, sandy shoreline, Cherry & Webb Beach is a favorite summer destination for Westport residents.
Size: 80 acres
Parking: Large unpaved parking area; resident beach sticker required year-round
Facilities: Picnic Tables, Bicycle Rack
Parking: Large unpaved parking area; resident beach sticker required year-round
Facilities: Picnic Tables, Bicycle Rack
With a cozy picnic table nestled in a grove of trees, Church Wildlife Conservation Area in Rochester is a lovely picnic spot.
Size: 21 acres
Parking: Small dirt parking area off Marion Road
Facilities: Picnic table
Parking: Small dirt parking area off Marion Road
Facilities: Picnic table
Take an island excursion to Cuttyhunk and discover Church's Beach, a Buzzards Bay paradise with crystal-clear waters.
Parking: None (boat and foot access only)
Facilities: None
Facilities: None
Hunt for remnants of an old settlement among fields and forest along the Mattapoisett River at Church's Field in Rochester.
Size: 32 acres
Parking: Small gravel parking area
Facilities: Picnic table
Parking: Small gravel parking area
Facilities: Picnic table
Collins Woodlot in Falmouth offers great hiking along two miles of trail through wild-feeling forest.
Size: 130 acres
Parking: Small unpaved pull-off on Service Road; small unpaved pull-off on south side of Brick Kiln Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved pull-off on Service Road; small unpaved pull-off on south side of Brick Kiln Road
Facilities: None
Part of the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve, Copicut Woods in Fall River showcases unique natural features.
Size: 516 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area on Indian Town Road; small unpaved parking areas on Yellow Hill Road and Copicut Road
Facilities: Picnic Tables
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area on Indian Town Road; small unpaved parking areas on Yellow Hill Road and Copicut Road
Facilities: Picnic Tables
The idyllic pastures and sweeping salt marsh views at Cornell Farm in Dartmouth will captivate nature lovers of every age.
Size: 130 acres
Parking: Medium-sized crushed-shell parking area
Facilities: Picnic tables
Parking: Medium-sized crushed-shell parking area
Facilities: Picnic tables
With its short trail through the forest, Davis Park in Acushnet is perfect for a brief escape to nature.
Size: 16.5 acres
Parking: On-street
Facilities: None
Parking: On-street
Facilities: None
Make community connections and explore a unique wilderness at Davis-Douglas Conservation Area, the headquarters of the Wildlands Trust.
Size: 232 acres
Parking: Large paved parking lot at visitor center on Long Pond Road; unpaved parking areas at Emery Preserve East and West trailheads on Ship Pond Road
Facilities: Learning Center, Bicycle Rack, Water Fountain, Restrooms (in Davis-Douglas Farm), Trash, Picnic Tables
Parking: Large paved parking lot at visitor center on Long Pond Road; unpaved parking areas at Emery Preserve East and West trailheads on Ship Pond Road
Facilities: Learning Center, Bicycle Rack, Water Fountain, Restrooms (in Davis-Douglas Farm), Trash, Picnic Tables
An easy walking trail circles through peaceful Delano Memorial Forest, passing by the placid waters of the Sippican River.
Size: 110 acres
Parking: Small parking area off Marys Pond Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Small parking area off Marys Pond Road
Facilities: None
Demarest Lloyd State Park in Dartmouth is a true gem for beachgoers, explorers, and Buzzards Bay lovers of all ages.
Size: 200 acres
Parking: Large paved parking area
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash
Parking: Large paved parking area
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash
Launch a kayak from DePina Landing in Marion to explore the Sippican River’s rich natural habitats.
Size: 0.5 acres
Parking: Small paved parking area
Facilities: Kayak Launch, Picnic Table
Parking: Small paved parking area
Facilities: Kayak Launch, Picnic Table
Don’t let its name fool you: Destruction Brook Woods in Dartmouth is packed with unparalleled beauty.
Size: 283.8 acres
Parking: Medium-sized crushed-shell parking area on Slades Corner Road; small dirt pulloff on Fisher Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized crushed-shell parking area on Slades Corner Road; small dirt pulloff on Fisher Road
Facilities: None
Dike Creek Reserve stands out for its graceful mix of well-tended fields, woodlands, forested swamp, and expansive views of Dike Creek Marsh.
Size: 77 acres
Parking: Small gravel parking area
Parking: Small gravel parking area
The Doggett's Brook nature trail tucked into the woods behind the ball fields in Rochester is perfect for a walk after a game.
Size: 100 acres
Parking: Large unpaved parking area at Dexter Lane Field
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Playground
Parking: Large unpaved parking area at Dexter Lane Field
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Playground
If you want to explore a classic Wareham landscape, Westgate Conservation Area is an ideal spot.
Size: 49 acres
Parking: Small gravel parking area off Papermill Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Small gravel parking area off Papermill Road
Facilities: None
Explore forest, streams, wetlands, and a summer corn field, all at Dunham's Brook Conservation Area in Westport.
Size: 159 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: None
A wide, sandy beach on outer New Bedford Harbor, East Beach is a summertime destination for city families.
Parking: Large paved parking lots; additional street parking
Facilities: Pier (asphalt), Restrooms (seasonal), Trash
Facilities: Pier (asphalt), Restrooms (seasonal), Trash
This rocky stretch in Westport offers stunning views of the Elizabeth Islands across the Bay’s sparkling waters.
Parking: Sandy/gravel parking along East Beach Road; resident beach sticker required year-round
Facilities: None
Facilities: None