Grant money received to build an Accessible Nature Play Trail at Copicut Woods in Fall River, Freetown

The City of Fall River and The Trustees of Reservations have received more than $90,000 in state grants to fund the Bioreserve Loop Trail Project and build an Accessible Nature Play Trail at Copicut Woods, the gateway to the 16,000-acre Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve.

According to a release, Fall River will receive nearly $43,000 to identify, create and mark a 20-mile Bioreserve-wide loop trail through Fall River and Freetown. The project is expected to enhance public access to hike, run, and bike in the Bioreserve in addition to upgrading existing wetland crossings and providing a new visitor parking area.

“Creating a permanent long trail provides another way for residents and visitors alike to enjoy more of the natural beauty and cultural landscapes this vast forest has to offer” said Paul Ferland, City of Fall River Department of Community Utilities Administrator.

At The Trustees’ Copicut Woods, a 516-acre parcel in Fall River consisting of upland forests, wetlands, and waterways, a $50,000 grant will be used to construct an 1,850-foot Universal Access Nature Play Trail. It will replace an existing trail that runs from the main parking lot to the heart of the property, that will be universally accessible and feature small nature play installations for young children.

“We are so grateful for this grant because it provides expansion of overall accessibility and engagement at one of our most beautiful yet underrated properties,” said Jennifer Klein, Director of Outdoor Experiences. “COVID has put a spotlight on the importance of safe outdoor places and this new trail allows universal access to everyone who wants to enjoy this special place.”

There are more than five miles of trails at Copicut Woods that connect to the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve, one of the largest protected tracts of land in Massachusetts that stretches from Fall River to Freetown to Lakeville. Fall River controls about 5,000 of the Bioreserve’s 16,000 acres, with more than 50 miles of hiking trails in Fall River and Freetown.

The MassTrails Grant Program is funded through the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s capital budget, and from the motor fuel excise tax on off-road vehicles.