Photo by Maggie by the Millimeter
In 1974, with growing concerns worldwide about the quality of the environment, eleven citizens of Mattapoisett, concerned about the rate of development in the town as well as its effects on native flora and fauna, formed a non-profit organization with three primary goals:
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To acquire and preserve natural resources and wildlife areas for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations
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To educate the public about the wise use of natural resources
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To work with other organizations having similar purposes
They quickly built the membership to 200 concerned citizens and later that year received their first donation of land from Mrs. Joan Woodcock, a 17-acre parcel on Long Plain Road. The deed, like many that would later transfer property to the Land Trust, included a restriction that the land be used only for conservation purposes "in perpetuity”.
After 51 years, and with the contributions of hundreds of Mattapoisett residents and visitors, the Mattapoisett Land Trust now holds properties totaling more than 900 acres.
Friends of the Mattapoisett Bicycle and Recreational Path is a registered 501(c)3 that supports the completion of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail.
The partially completed 4.5 mile multi-use path runs along the shore of Buzzards Bay, through our historic small town, and into quiet wooded areas in Southeastern Massachusetts.
We have worked hard to make this extraordinary path a reality.
We stay informed, share what we know, get out the vote when necessary, and raise money for design and other items the town government cannot fund.
