The Mattapoisett Land Trust dedicated its newest trail one year after the group purchased 24 acres of woods and marshland near Mattapoisett Neck Road.

Saturday morning was a good day for a late spring walk as residents explored the Osprey Preserve after a brief dedication ceremony from Mattapoisett Land Trust President Gary Johnson.

Purchased on June 2, 2014, the land is now part of the 132-acre Brandt Island Cove District that includes property owned by the Wildlands Trust and private property under a conservation restriction. The restriction prohibits future development.

“The whole area will be protected in perpetuity. We think it’s a nice addition,” Johnson said. “It offers a picturesque walk near the marsh.”

Johnson said the Osprey Preserve was purchased with a $75,000 grant received through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. The grant application was only successful because of the assistance provided from the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program, the Buzzards Bay Coalition and the Wildlands Trust.

There are trailheads at the end of Whalens Way and Tara Road where there is a small parking area. At Whalens Way walkers should park on the wooded side of the street.

The property is home to two osprey nests. One is located atop a man-made platform and a second nest can be found in a tree near the trail’s end.

As if on cue, an osprey flew directly overhead during Johnson’s dedication on its way to a nest.

“We ordered that fly over,” he quipped.

In addition to the dedication, the Mattapoisett Land Trust hosted a talk by Kathy Zagzebski, president and executive director of the National Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay. Zagzebski described the work of the center in saving abandoned seal pups and how volunteers can help the group’s efforts.

“We’ve got a half day of activity sponsored by the Land Trust,” Johnson said. “It’s a great time of year to be outdoors and learn about nature.”