The Mattapoisett Land Trust has entered into an agreement to purchase 22 acres of woodland and wetland in western Mattapoisett from Greg and Jeanne Downey. 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 a “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 more than 200 acres extending from Brandt Island Cove to Mattapoisett Neck Road.

Fundraising activities will continue during the spring as the land trust prepares for the acquisition in June. The trust 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 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 3, beginning at 2 p.m. 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 drive by the property to see if there is activity on the existing osprey stand.

Founded in 1974 as a nonprofit organization, the Mattapoisett Land Trust has protected more than 700 acres following its mission to enrich the quality of life for Mattapoisett residents and visitors.