Bridge Island Meadows
Millis, MA
80 acres
Bird Watching Walking/Hiking (Strenuous) Fishing Picnicking Dog Walking Not Permitted Canoeing/Kayaking Difficult Access

About Bridge Island Meadows

Paddle to this small upland amid the extensive Charles River floodplain and bushwhack up a hill to views of the surrounding wetlands.

What makes Bridge Island Meadows a special place?
Your timing has to be just right to reach this hidden gem – you can only reach it by canoe or kayak and only when the water is flowing in Bogastow Brook. When the intermittent waters of the brook enter South End Pond, a wooded upland rises to the east above the floodplains of the Charles River. But for intrepid paddlers, your reward is a short bushwhack to a 130-foot, tree-covered knolls that offers unforgettable glimpses of the surrounding floodplain.

Just how do you reach the reservation? It’s surrounded by wetlands, making access extremely difficult. Kayakers can paddle on the Charles River, turning west into a stream that leads to South End Pond. Bolder paddlers can creep along Bogastow Brook to South End Pond. Landing is a challenge, as grasses grow tall and thick.

Trails
None. The reservation is surrounded by wetland and comprises an upland that is dense with vegetation.

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1/2 hour.

Regulations & Advisories

Dogs are not allowed.

The Trustees reserves the right to photograph or video visitors and program participants for promotional use, and usage of our properties implies consent. Find the full policy here.

Directions

South End Pond
Millis, MA 02054
Telephone: 508.785.0339
E-mail: charlesrivervalley@thetrustees.org

Latitude: 42.192
Longitude: -71.346

Get directions on Google Maps.

Located on the southeast shore of South End Pond. Access is by canoe or kayak only via Bogastow Brook, which runs adjacent to the Reservation. Bogastow Brook is a small, intermittent brook, thick with vegetation, making access very difficult. Bogostaw Brook may be entered from South End Pond, which is connected to the Charles River via a small tributary near the Medfield State Hospital

Admission

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1/2 hour.

Admission
FREE to all

Property History

Property Acquisition History
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John D. Constable in 1974.

Conservation and Stewardship

Management Planning for Our Properties
 


Since 1891, The Trustees of Reservations have worked to protect special places in Massachusetts and maintain them to the highest standards. To ensure these standards are met, a program of careful planning and sound management is essential. Comprehensive property management plans are created for each reservation and are completely updated approximately every ten years. We often work with volunteers, property users, and members of the community to carry out this planning, which typically involves several steps:
 


  • Describing in detail the site’s natural, scenic, and historical resources; identifying management issues related to the protection of those resources. 

  • Describing how visitors use the property; outlining the opportunities that the property provides for people to become involved in the work of conservation and caring for their community.

  • Developing a detailed list of management recommendations, a work plan, and a description of financial needs for implementing the actions.

  • Developing a prescribed routine management program for the reservation that will guide staff work plans, volunteer involvement, and the allocation of human and financial resources.


View Bridge Island Meadows management plan.

Maps and Resources

At present, a downloadable trail map is not available for Bridge Island Meadows.



Planning Your Visit

Before You Go
We encourage you to visit as many Trustees properties as you can.

Wherever your travels take you, please observe all posted regulations, follow special instructions from property staff, and keep in mind the Stewardship Code:

  • Protect wildlife and plants.
  • Guard against all risk of fire.
  • Help keep air and water clean.
  • Carry out what you carry in.
  • Use marked footpaths and bridle paths.
  • Leave livestock, crops, and machinery alone.
  • Respect the privacy of neighboring land.
  • Enjoy and share the landscape with others.

Click on links below for further visitor information:

Before Setting Out

Enjoying Trustees Reservations

Safety

About Hunting on Trustees of Reservations Land

Tell Us What You Think

We’d love to hear about your visit! Here are three easy ways to let us know what you think:

  1. Take our visitor survey. If you have a question for us, you can ask us in the survey and we’ll get back to you.

  2. Post a comment about your visit on our Facebook page.

  3. Share your experiences with other visitors on our website. Simply fill out the form below, and we’ll post your comment right here on this page.




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