In September 1999 the Trust purchased an approximately 14.75 acre property on the Gulf River from Anne C. Bushnell. Funding for the purchase came from a bequest from Al Hunt, founder of the Gulf Association, and four neighbors. The Trust agreed to maintain the purchased property for wildlife habitat only.
This land is especially valuable for conservation as it combines 6 densely wooded acres with 8 acres of salt marsh. In a survey of the site, MA Audubon Society ornithologist David Clapp assessed it as “…a remarkably beautiful property and one that is likely to be very important to wildlife.”
The property consists of about half saltmarsh and half uplands that protect river frontage and provide wildlife habitat and nesting areas. The unspoiled wildlife habitat can be enjoyed by all those who canoe or kayak along this stretch of the Gulf River.
The upland portion of the land contains a mix of deciduous and non-deciduous trees as well as shrubs and brush. Bull briars and Black Swallowswort, both invasives, exist on the property. A botanical study done in 2004 identified over 130 species including 13 invasives. The trees identified included red maple, American holly, Eastern red cedar, tupelo, Norway spruce, white pine, wild black cherry, choke cherry, white oak, swamp white oak, black oak, European mountain ash, and Norway maple.