Boyden Wildlife Refuge - Taunton, MA

 This is my first post!  Today we hiked at the Gertrude M Boyden Wildlife Refuge (aka the Bird Sanctuary) in Taunton, MA.  The park is owned and operated by the City's Conservation Commission and was featured in the local newspaper a few years ago.  I hadn't been before, but my husband Scott has fond memories of running there in high school.  There is no cost to visit.

We did about a one-mile loop.  Starting from the parking lot, we passed a few painted "alligators" along the way and headed to the Fairy Trail, where the girls loved to check out a dozen or so beautifully handmade fairy houses.  That trail led to a "Fragrance Garden," which was lovingly built as part of an Eagle Scout project in 2005.  

From there, we walked to the River Trail, which sadly had fallen into disrepair due to fallen trees and erosion.  There was also an unfortunate amount of graffiti and litter.  But the natural beauty of the River Trail is unmatched by many other local trails.  The path proceeded along the Three Mile River and led to a number of boardwalks through marsh land.  We ended in open meadows with a number of nest boxes for the birds.

The weather was cold but sunny.  I would definitely recommend the Fairy Trail for little hikers (it's adorable!), but the River Trail could use some work before I'd safely recommend it.  Overall, it was a great way to spend a winter's day.


 

 

 

 

 


































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