A message from the owners
I wanted to share some thoughts and history about the land we hope the Wareham Land Trust will one day protect. This parcel—hopefully to be known as River Walk—has been in my family since my grandfather acquired it in the late 1800s or early 1900s. Thanks to the Chapter 61A forest management designation, we were able to keep it from development, preserving its natural beauty while retaining it for our family.
As a child, I spent summers on Cromesett Point, where the dense, untamed woods were nearly impassable. In 1986, I bought a parcel on Cromesett Point from my parents, where I built a house. Shortly thereafter, I began clearing trails during the winters. I discovered a hidden world along the Weweantic River, which I had never seen before. Decades of careful forest management have transformed this land. The 38′ hurricane had wiped out the mature white pines, making way for scrub oak, maple, pitch pine, and mostly bull briers. The forest management resulted in the slow return of mature white pine forests, and with it, a thriving ecosystem has emerged. White pines now stand tall, holly trees flourish, and diverse wildlife has returned.
Though it’s bittersweet to pass this land on, I take comfort in knowing it will be preserved rather than developed. The Wareham Land Trust’s work is invaluable, ensuring that future generations can explore and cherish the landscapes that define our town. Protecting land like this isn’t just about conservation—it’s about safeguarding the character, charm, and outdoor spaces that make our community special. I hope the WLT can continue its mission of creating lasting places for people to connect with nature. The Wareham Land Trust has, and continues to, create many trails around town that give us all public access that never existed before. It is really fun and educational to see some of these places. These days many people spend their time glued to a screen. I’d say take a hike, or maybe I should say a walk in the woods!
Bob Gleason