This project includes the total acquisition and preservation of over 200 acres of ecologically significant land on Sodom Road in Westport. In addition to its core habitat characteristics, this property will increase public access for passive recreation by connecting to WLCT’s Westport Woods Conservation Park on Adamsville Road.
Eastern Box Turtles are a species of concern in Massachusetts, as their habitat is diminished due to development. The Sodom Road Conservation Project protects key habitat, a mosaic of mesic forest interspersed with early successional habitats is vital for Box Turtles and other terrestrial and wetland-loving animals.
Connecting a Corridor
At the end of 2024, WLCT acquired 142 acres and collaborated the with the Town of Westport and the Town Conservation Commission to place 37.9 acres of land into the care and custody of the commission, connecting 340+ acres of land for passive recreation–one of the largest conservation areas in our region open to the public.
The Sodom Road Conservation Project:
- creates an expansive trail experience from Westport’s most highly visited open space, Westport Woods
- protects key habitat in a large undisturbed corridor of land comprising several hundred acres
- provides long-term resiliency for the West Branch of the Westport River and Buzzards Bay by protecting the land around its tributaries
Collaborative Support
This project was supported by the Trustees and the Commonwealth’s Conservation Partnership Program through the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. More than 40 local families donated to the preservation of these incredible acres. WLCT received additional support from local foundations committed to the preservation of habitat and public access.
Additional information about this project can be found here or by contacting Ross Moran.