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Collaborative Effort Permanently Protects Marshfield Land for People and Wildlife

Mass Audubon’s North River Wildlife Sanctuary in North Marshfield, has recently grown by 10 acres. The new addition includes frontage on Hannah Eames Brook and lies within the watershed of the North River, helping to protect drinking water supply and supporting wildlife habitat for many species, including the river otter and barred owl.

“This purchase will allow Mass Audubon to expand the existing trail system at North River Wildlife Sanctuary and protects some wonderful wetland and upland habitat,” said Mass Audubon South Shore Sanctuaries Director Sue MacCallum. “Future plans for the 10-acre property include trails for hiking and nature exploration, developing programs for children that focus on local rivers and streams, and increasing opportunities for the sanctuary’s volunteer Trailblazer program, which assists with property management.”

The land was purchased from Robert and Sheralyn Bechtold of Marshfield with financial assistance from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environment and Energy’s Conservation Partnership Grant Program and the William Wharton Trust. Mass Audubon also supplied funds for the purchase from South Shore’s Land Protection Fund, which is supported by generous gifts from local residents. The project also included a partnership with the Marshfield Conservation Commission, which will hold a permanent conservation restriction on the property, a requirement of the state’s grant program. Mass Audubon Land Protection Specialist Bob Ford, who worked closely with the Bechtolds and local officials on this project, said, “We are very grateful to the Town of Marshfield and Conservation Commission for their ongoing support, the state partnership grant program, and the Bechtolds, who all worked together to see this beautiful property protected.”

The land contains red maple and oak forest and wetlands, and has been identified by both the state and the town as a priority for conservation. Without the Bechtolds’ conservation ethic providing Mass Audubon with an opportunity to preserve the land, it could have been developed, threatening the quality of the brook corridor, wetland resources, and the watershed. “Sherry and I are so happy that this land is now preserved forever in its natural state for the trees, animals, and people, who get to enjoy it,” said Robert Bechtold. “It’s a relatively small parcel, but every bit helps.”

A celebration of the property will be held when the trails are ready for public visitation.