For a year now, the Sippican Lands Trust has been working with Peter Jensen of Creating Trail Experiences and Scott Hobson, biologist with Caputo and Wicks LTD, studying the 19.8-acre Osprey Marsh property in preparation for a boardwalk that will provide wheelchair accessibility to the walking trail.
The property, gifted to the organization by the Howland family, is situated between Point Road and Planting Island Cove and contains forests, salt meadows, and marshlands. Howland asked that the open space be made accessible for the enjoyment of all people including those with mobility issues.
On May 5 during a meeting of the Sippican Lands Trust, Jensen and Hobson described the natural environment within the marshland parcel and the process of determining the viability of constructing a timber boardwalk – one that would give access from a trailhead off Point Road to the terminus looking out to Planting Island.
The entrance to the heavily vegetated land would consist of a trailhead, approximately 400 feet in length, of hard-packed sand and gravel sufficient for wheelchairs, carriages, and other wheeled devices. From there, the boardwalk would be another 1,400 feet meandering towards the cove.
Hobson described the natural wonders people would be able to observe and enjoy via the boardwalk. He painted a picture of rich lush mosses, trees and bushes that bear fruit, and a canopy that would provide shade. For animal lovers, he said species such as snakes, mammals, birds, and amphibians inhabit the recreational open space. Of birds alone, he named flycatchers, red wing black birds, herons, warblers, wild turkeys, and the star of the show – the osprey.
Jensen explained that creating a man-made structure in wetlands and associated bordering vegetated acreage was no small task. But he assured the residents that federal regulations stipulated how recreational boardwalks are to be constructed along with best practices he has honed over his years of experience in this specialized field of construction.
As for the impact the boardwalk would have within the Osprey Marsh, Jensen said it would definitely be a major feature in the marshland, but the benefit to people make the project worthy in terms of ‘wellness.’ The sustainable trail would provide “physical wellness, mental wellness, spiritual wellness, environmental wellness, and economic wellness,” Jensen said.
Both Hobson and Jensen stressed that boardwalks of this type give people with physical challenges an opportunity to enjoy outdoor experiences – and through access comes inclusion.
On the subject of cost, which pricked the ears of those in attendance, SLT President Chris Bryant responded, “We are going to need a lot of money.” He said the project would cost upwards of $300,000. SLT Executive Director Robin Shields added that through fundraising and grants that sum was achievable. She said the SLT hoped to have the project completed sometime in 2018.
Bryant closed the presentation by cheerfully asking the audience for assistance, “Everybody talk this up in the community.”
If you want more information about this project or the Sippican Lands Trust, visit www.sippicanlandstrust.org or call 508-748-3080.
By Marilou Newell