The Mattapoisett Land Trust is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to purchase 22 acres of woodland and wetland in western Mattapoisett from Greg and Jeanne Downey of Mattapoisett. The property lies southwest of Mattapoisett Neck Road between preserves previously protected by the Mattapoisett Land Trust and the Wildlands Trust.
The property is identified by the Commonwealth’s Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program both as “Core Habitat” and “Critical Natural Landscape,” indicating that it is among the most critical lands for protecting the natural diversity of Mattapoisett. Adding the Downey property to the previously protected land in the area will create a permanently protected region of over 200 acres, extending from Brandt Island Cove to Mattapoisett Neck Road.
Fund-raising activities will continue during the spring as the MLT prepares for the acquisition in June. The MLT has received a grant of $75,000 through a North American Wetlands Conservation Act, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but it still needs to raise approximately $40,000 before the closing. Donations can be made through the MLT website at www.mattlandtrust.org, or by sending donations to the Mattapoisett Land Trust, P.O. Box 31, Mattapoisett, MA, 02739. All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
For those interested in visiting the property, the Land Trust will sponsor a walk on Saturday, May 2, beginning at 2:00 pm from the junction of Whalers Way and Mattapoisett Neck Road. For more information call 774-263-6657 or email info@mattlandtrust.org. Or visitors may simply wish to drive by the property at their leisure to see if there is activity on the existing osprey stand. MLT protection should provide many more years of viewing pleasure.
Founded in 1974 as a 501(c)(3) organization, in its 40 years, the Mattapoisett Land Trust has protected over 700 acres following its mission of protecting land in order to enrich the quality of life for Mattapoisett residents and visitors.