To the Editor;
There are very few places left in our village where nature still exists as it was intended. Along our shoreline lies one of the last remaining sanctuaries, a thriving ecosystem that has quietly sustained wildlife for generations. At a time when nearly every available piece of land is being developed, places like this have become priceless not because of their market value, but because of what they provide to all of us.
I lived on Neck Road for 25 years, where my home directly abutted the Mattapoisett River, and I now live in the Village. Living in both places has given me a broader perspective on how our town has changed over the years and an even deeper appreciation for the importance of thoughtful growth and preserving what makes Mattapoisett so special.
I chose to live on the Neck because it was one of the last places in town where wildlife still had room to exist alongside people. I watched foxes, coyotes, deer, turtles, fishers, bobcats, eagles, hawks, owls, and countless songbirds thrive there. Today, as more trees disappear and open spaces are lost, we increasingly see wildlife wandering our neighborhoods in search of food and shelter. They are not invading our communities; we are steadily removing theirs.
This property is more than a few cottages. It is part of a living, interconnected ecosystem that protects our shoreline, supports wildlife, and preserves the history and beauty of our village. Once it is developed, it can never truly be replaced.
This week, I walked past the church sign that read, “Hope for Humanity.” Those words stayed with me. Hope for humanity is found in the choices we make. Owning an extraordinary piece of this planet is not only a privilege; it is a profound responsibility. There is honor in being the steward of land that cannot be replaced and protecting it for future generations.
Private property comes with rights, but some properties offer something far greater than financial return; they offer the chance to leave a lasting legacy. One of my former neighbors chose to work with the Land Trust to permanently preserve their property, ensuring that future generations could experience the same beauty and wildlife they had enjoyed. That decision became a gift to our entire community.
I hope the owner of this jewel considers a path that protects this land for future generations, whether through the Land Trust or another steward who values preservation.
For years our village has continued to change. Open land has disappeared, trees have been cleared, and historic landscapes have given way to development. As the wife of a carpenter, I have spent a lifetime watching our town grow, and I have become increasingly aware of the pace of change and what is being lost along the way.
If every remaining natural space is viewed only for its development potential, eventually there will be nothing left to protect.
Hope for humanity begins with the choices we make today. My hope is that we choose stewardship over short-term gain, preservation over regret, and leave our children not just memories of what once was, but a village where nature still has a place to thrive.
Michelle Huggins, Mattapoisett
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