By Matthew Bernat

matthew@sippicanweek.com

ROCHESTER — Mattapoisett and Rochester Land Trust volunteers and supporters know the only cure for spring fever is a dose of the outdoors.

On Sunday, Feb. 23 the trusts held a joint walk at the Mattapoisett Trust’s Olde Field Farm property, located near 232 New Bedford Road in Rochester.

About 20 people showed up to take advantage of the warm temperatures and clear skies. Weekend weather was a welcome respite from months of freezing and below freezing temperatures.

Mattapoisett Land Trust President Gary Johnson greeted the walkers (and a few canines) before walking on the snow-covered trail.

Donated in 1984 by Edith and Elliott Shoolman, the property was deeded to the Mattapoisett Land Trust because at the time Rochester had not yet formed a trust.

Johnson said the property's field will be maintained to attract birds, which were a source of joy for Edith.

“We know she had a great love of birds,” Johnson said. “She and Elliott were great benefactors to the trust.”

The Mattaposiett Land Trust also helps to educate tri-town students.

Every year, the trust pays for buses used to transport environmental students. The students are taken to Eel Pond in Mattapoisett. There, students analyze water samples from the salt pond. Other properties in Mattapoisett, such as the Nasketucket reservation, serve as open-air classrooms where students learn about nature.

Johnson said Mattapoisett and Rochester would soon draft a document to govern the property’s maintenance.

Johnson arrived last week clad in snowshoes and armed with a chainsaw to clear the trail, which had become overgrown.

The property is also home to interesting natural features. Johnson said a grove of large holly trees could be found on the site. One of those trees may be among the biggest in the state.

He encouraged anyone who stumbles upon the stand to notify the trust. For more information on land trust properties, visit www.mattlandtrust.org.