Mattapoisett Land Trust acquires 26 acres of land

MATTAPOISETT — Twenty-six acres of land from Strawberry Point and the Pine Islands south and west of Pine Island Pond were recently donated to the Mattapoisett Land Trust.

The donated land is made up of 26 acres of coastal landscape, including cobble and sand beaches, coastal dunes, salt marsh and the Pine Islands, according to the Mattaposiett Land Trust.

The Pine Islands have been a well-known feature of Mattapoisett since colonial times. They are first mentioned as “Second Island, Middle Island, Great Island and Goat Island” in Book 3 of the Proprietor’s records of the Town of Rochester and are also reportedly shown on a plan drawn by Benjamin Hammond on May 30, 1749, according to the Mattapoisett Land Trust.

Early settlers used the surrounding salt marsh for grazing livestock and may have kept animals on the islands themselves.

According to Mike Huguenin, the president of the Mattaposiett Land Trust, the public will be able to access the land by small boat or walking via Pine Island Pond. The organization is also looking to create hiking paths over the next few years.

“We are deeply honored that the family chose the [Mattapoisett Land Trust] to care for these beautiful lands in perpetuity,” Huguenin said.

The land was donated by Lauri Carlson, John Jennery and Faith Ball, who are the children of David and Janet Jenney.

The land had been in the Jenney family since the early 1930s, beginning with Janet Jenney’s parents.

“Our family has cherished these lands for three generations for camping, hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the landscape and wildlife," Ball said. “We want them protected in their natural, wild state for man, many generations to come.”