Capt. David Cushman, Jr. Preserve -
Duxbury, MA

Stroll among the unique flora and fauna of grassland and salt marsh ecosystems along the Bluefish River.

A trail leads from the parking area into a field, skirting the edge of a woodland. English oak, a non-native species, is found in the tree line. At the eastern margin of the field, large Norway spruces can be distinguished from native conifers by their long, five-to-six-inch cones.

Tree and Barn Swallows sweep the air for insects above a variety of grasses and wildflowers, including black-eyed Susan, Queen Anne’s lace, sweet goldenrod, and small white aster. Birders should keep an eye out for meadow-loving species such as Eastern Meadowlarks, Eastern Bluebirds, Field Sparrows, Savannah Sparrows, and hawks. To maintain a diversity of habitat, Wildlands mows the Cushman field after the nesting season, thus preventing its return to forest.

From Anchorage Lane and the spur trail, visitors are afforded lovely views of the Bluefish River and salt marsh. The vegetation here is a mixture of cordgrass, salt marsh hay, and salt-loving wildflowers, such as sea lavender and seaside goldenrod. Watch the marsh and river for Great Blue or Green Herons, Great or Snowy Egrets, Least Terns, and a variety of ducks. At low tide, you may glimpse feeding shorebirds, such as Greater Yellowlegs, Black-bellied Plovers, and Killdeer.

Access:

The trail around the grassland is mowed and very flat, making Cushman Preserve among our most accessible properties. Watch your step over exposed roots along the marsh-side trail.

Acquired:

Donated to Wildlands Trust in 1985 by Lura Oakes Cushman.

History:

Nestled along the banks of the tidal Bluefish River, the Cushman Preserve offers both natural and historical interest. Captain David Cushman, Jr. purchased the land from relatives of his wife, Mary W. Alden (a direct descendant of John Alden), whose family had held the property since the 1620s. The captain’s home, “The Anchorage,” was built in 1846 and housed many treasures from his voyages to China and the South Seas between 1840 and 1860. The house and property were donated to Wildlands Trust by Lura Cushman, the captain’s granddaughter. The house remains a private residence.

Location:

10 Anchorage Lane, Duxbury, MA

Directions:

From Route 3: Take Exit 22 (old Exit 11). Turn right onto Route 14 East toward Duxbury. Bear right at fork, staying on Route 14. Cross 3A through lights, pass schools. Turn onto Anchorage Lane on right. Follow gravel lane to preserve signs.

Parking:

Turn left off driveway at preserve sign. Please do not park in large field.