Great River Preserve - Bridgewater, MA
Discover the natural diversity of the Taunton River corridor at this expansive yet serene preserve.
Download this map and track your hike on the Avenza Maps mobile app (above)
Great River Preserve encompasses a wide range of habitats and features that few other properties along the river mainstem can rival. It includes over a mile of pristine river frontage along one of the most scenic and undisturbed stretches of the Taunton River, as well as expansive open fields, mixed pine/oak woodlands, vernal pools, and habitat for several rare species, including the Eastern box turtle. It is a vital link in the 1,400-acre stretch of river corridor extending from the Cherry Street Bridge on the Halifax/Bridgewater line downriver to the Summer Street Bridge and the extensive fields of the Bridgewater MCI Complex. First-time visitors to the preserve often remark on its rural feel, which is attributable, in part, to the demise of the nearby Auburn Street Bridge and the consequent lack of auto traffic through the area. Another contributor is the 349-acre Taunton River Wildlife Management Area, which abuts the preserve to the east and west and features additional hiking trails.
This preserve offers one of the most diverse and inviting opportunities for walking and nature study anywhere along the Taunton River mainstem. Trails will carry visitors through woodland, riparian, and open field habitats.
Access:
Wide (7 to 8 feet), flat, mowed grass paths make for easy strolling on much of the preserve. Be aware of the season, however, as sections of the trails can become flooded in the spring and fall, making waterproof shoes a wise choice. The path to the river overlook platform along Auburn Street is paved and, like the wooden platform itself, wheelchair accessible. A wheelchair-accessible parking area at the end of Auburn Street lies directly before the paved path. Trails include bog boards, requiring a ~6-inch step up, and bridges, requiring no step up.
Acquired:
Purchased from the Lehtola family in 2009.
History:
In 2009, Wildlands Trust and the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) acquired 230 acres along the upper Taunton River in Bridgewater. Wildlands' 125-acre portion of the acquisition is now known as the Great River Preserve at Conihasset in recognition of and respect for the site's Native American history.
The project was borne of two chance occurrences: Wildlands Trust board member Howard Randall facilitating a conversation between Wildlands Trust and the Lehtolas; and, following extensive review by a subcommittee comprised of board and staff members, Wildlands’ board agreeing to modify our long-standing hunting policy in 2008. Until this policy revision, Wildlands Trust prohibited hunting on all of its preserves. Wildlands now permits hunting on select preserves only, including Great River Preserve at Conihassett. As DFG’s Joan Pierce related:
“The Lehtola acquisition represents a real victory for land conservation along the upper Taunton River. This project wouldn’t have been possible without Wildlands' willingness to revise its hunting policy and we appreciate the diligence and foresight [Wildlands Trust] exhibited in amending the policy. Hunting is an integral component of managing and maintaining healthy ecosystems all across the Commonwealth, but particularly in Southeastern Massachusetts, which presently supports an abundance of white-tailed deer”.
Guidelines for Preserve Visitors During Hunting Season:
On preserves where hunting is permitted, visitors should wear bright orange or red clothing.
Check the Preserve webpage to see if hunting is permitted on the preserve during regulated hunting season in Massachusetts.
Safety is the highest concern for all visitors and pets during hunting season.
Hike on marked trails only.
Dogs should always be leashed.
Avoid trails along preserve boundaries since abutting land may allow hunting.
Stay informed on hunting season and visit the MassWildlife website here.
Location:
Off Auburn Street, Bridgewater, MA
Directions:
From the West: Take Route 28 heading southeast on Main Street towards Central Square, Bridgewater, take slight right onto Route 104E (Central Square) and continue on 104E for 1.7 miles before turning right onto Walnut Street and then left onto Auburn Street.
From the East: From Intersection of Routes 58 & 106 (Halifax) follow Route 106W turning left onto Route 105 South/Thompson Street. After 1.9 miles, turn right onto Summit Street, slight right onto Walnut Street, and 1st left onto Cherry Street. Continue on, taking left onto Short Street then left onto Auburn Street.
Parking:
The main parking lot lies on the right/southwest side of Auburn Street. Limited roadside parking is allowed for 0.5 miles on the same side of the road. There is NO roadside parking permitted beyond this point toward the end of the road. This is private property. A wheelchair-accessible parking area is available at the end of Auburn Street, directly before the paved path through the fields.
If parking is not available, we encourage you to try one of our other preserves, such as Striar Conservancy in Halifax, which features 165 acres and views of the Winnetuxet River.
