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The new Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve represents a monumental achievement in land conservation—a collaborative effort of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the City of Fall River, and The Trustees of Reservations to protect 13,600 acres of unbroken forest in Fall River, Freetown, and Dartmouth. It's an ambitious undertaking, and the first project in the state to apply the concept of unified ecological management to such a large area owned by multiple partners.

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Download the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve Goals (Word - 30K)

But this is just part of the picture. The Bioreserve harbors a rich mix of plant and wildlife species in a wooded landscape punctuated with glistening ponds and the remnants of historic farms and trails. It also protects Fall River's drinking water supply and will provide access to recreational opportunities for 400,000 people who live and work in the Fall River and New Bedford area. The Trustees of Reservations is proud to be a partner in this bold venture and to take the lead in offering creative programs that will encourage the region's residents to explore and enjoy the wonders in their own backyard.

Biodiversity
The impressive scale of this forested landscape is a key reason the partners moved to protect it: it's big enough to sustain the native biodiversity of this region. A walk in the woods offers insights into that diversity, from the signature Atlantic white cedar swamps to the enticing calls of nearly a hundred species of birds. The Trustees is taking a leadership role in the biological research and management planning that will ensure the long-term health of an ecosystem with statewide significance.

Clean Water
All those acres also protect an important network of ponds, streams, and wetlands. The Bioreserve permanently safeguards the drinking water supply for the City of Fall River by preserving the watersheds of North Watuppa Pond and the Copicut Reservoir. As they flow through intact forests—rather than over the hard surfaces of developed areas—the many streams in the bioreserve will always carry clean water to those ponds and to the region's rivers and bays.

History
Stone bridges and walls, an abandoned quarry, the ruins of mills and farmhouses—all are visible signs of human activity on this land. Investing in primary research and archaeological surveys will enable The Trustees to target preservation efforts at Copicut Woods and to captivate visitors with tales that illuminate the fainter traces of history on the landscape.

Recreation
A primary goal of the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve is to provide opportunities for appropriate public use and enjoyment of this wonderful natural environment. The Bioreserve has many trails, which traverse the full range of natural communities and take visitors to places of scenic beauty and cultural importance. The partners intend to design and mark a unified trail network, create new access points, and issue new maps to guide visitors' explorations.

Education
One of the most remarkable aspects of the new Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve is that it is within 10 minutes of downtown Fall River and within 10 miles of more than 400,000 people. About half the regional population lives in the cities of Fall River and New Bedford, which affords The Trustees an opportunity to engage urban residents generally bypassed by conservation programs and to offer them a framework for appreciating the value of the natural resources in their own backyard.

We need your support!
The Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve has an ambitious price tag—$16.1 million for the first phase alone. The city and state have contributed $12.1 million, while The Trustees' commitment is $4 million to purchase and endow a 500-acre gateway parcel (Copicut Woods), prepare it for the public, and launch a comprehensive education program for young people.

Your support will help us make the Bioreserve a reality for the people of Southeastern Massachusetts.  All contributions are tax-deductible.