Striar Conservancy - Halifax, MA

Unplug and unwind amid the diverse habitats of the Taunton River basin, which birds, fish, and mammals call home.

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The Striar Conservancy along the lower Winnetuxet River includes rich wildlife habitats, meandering trails, and a feeling of having left the 21st century behind. The Winnetuxet River is in the Taunton River basin, the second-largest river basin in the state. The river and the preserve’s large area of undeveloped land provide ideal habitat for as many as 90 species of birds, making this site a paradise for birders. Enjoy views of the Winnetuxet and its floodplain as you watch for Wood Ducks, American Woodcocks, and Ruffed Grouse. The Upland Sandpiper and Barn Owl, state-protected species, occur close to the preserve. Walk the trails through the mature woodlands and across spring-fed streams. A trail-side display interprets many of the property’s natural features.

The diversity of the area’s river habitats, including marshes and seepage swamps, is exceptional. This preserve supports state-listed rare species, including the bridle shiner, Coopers Hawk, and Mystic Valley amphipod. Deer, fox, and the locally uncommon river otter all thrive in the area, and the marshes and meanders of this segment of the river support one of the best warm-water fisheries in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Access:

Watch your step on narrow (16-inch-wide) bog boards that require stepping up and down. Look out for exposed roots, which frequently cross the trail. The terrain is characterized by small hills of relatively low and consistent grade. The trail becomes flooded during wet seasons, creating muddy and potentially inaccessible conditions. Please stay on marked trails to protect sensitive habitats, including vernal pools.

Acquired:

1999-2000: 158 acres donated to Wildlands Trust by Steven and Brian Striar and Soozen Striar Tribuna.

2001: 6.5 acres purchased by Wildlands Trust, funded by the Sheehan Family Foundation and L. Knife & Son, Inc.

2018: 3.6 acres donated to Wildlands Trust by Ernest Stevens and Jeanne Wilson Baum.

The morning sun shines down on the Winnetuxet River, a tributary of the Taunton River, in Halifax, Massachusetts.

Grass grows on the shore of a pond at the Striar Conservancy, a Wildlands Trust preserve in Halifax, Massachusetts.

A man walks on a trail through ferns in the forest at the Striar Conservancy, a Wildlands Trust preserve in Halifax, Massachusetts.

History:

Acquisition of this preserve evolved from Wildlands Trust’s participation in the Taunton River Stewardship Program. In 1998, with support from the National Park Service, the lower Winnetuxet was identified as one of four top priorities for conservation along the Upper Taunton and its several headwater tributaries. Wildlands and the Town of Halifax joined forces to establish a multi-property conservation area encompassing nearly 250 acres along the Winnetuxet. Across the river from this preserve is the Randall-Hilliard Preserve, which the Town of Halifax purchased with support from the Sheehan Family Foundation, the Division of Conservation Services, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Guidelines for Preserve Visitors During Hunting Season:

On preserves where hunting is permitted, visitors should wear bright orange or red clothing.
Check the Preserve webpage to see if hunting is permitted on the preserve during regulated hunting season in Massachusetts.
Safety is the highest concern for all visitors and pets during hunting season.
Hike on marked trails only.
Dogs should always be leashed.
Avoid trails along preserve boundaries since abutting land may allow hunting.
Stay informed on hunting season and visit Mass Wildlife website here.

Location:

On south side of Thompson Street (Route 105), Halifax, MA

Directions:

From Route 3: Take Exit 18 (old Exit 9) merge onto MA-3A N/Main St. Take a slight left onto MA-106 W. Continue on MA-106 W for roughly 8 miles, then turn left onto MA-105 S. Continue on MA-105 S for 2 miles. Parking lot is on the left.

From Route 44: Take MA-105 N/Plympton St. Drive for roughly 0.5 mile and turn left onto MA-105 N. Continue on for roughly 4.3 miles. Parking lot is on the right.