Marsh Island

About Property

Donor: New Bedford Harbor Trustee Council (funds from the Bouchard Oil Spill settlement)
Acreage: 11 acres on the North side; 22 total acres north and south
Location: End of Taber Street, Fairhaven, MA
Year Acquired: 2002 & 2007
Access Point: End of Taber St
Caution: Hunters must apply as a future harvester-contact FALPT to apply (508) 965-1825

Formerly known as “Tin Can Island,” Marsh Island is a six-acre peninsula in Fairhaven overlooking New Bedford Harbor. Once the site of a granite quarry and later filled with dredged sand from the harbor, the island has undergone a remarkable ecological restoration. Reopened to the public in the fall of 2025, Marsh Island offers visitors the opportunity to experience a restored coastal landscape, observe local wildlife, and enjoy sweeping views of New Bedford Harbor. Whether you’re taking a leisurely walk, watching the sunset, or simply looking for a peaceful place to unwind after a busy day, Marsh Island is a beautiful destination to reconnect with nature and appreciate one of Fairhaven’s unique coastal treasures.

Restoration & Partnership

This ambitious restoration was made possible through the collaboration of multiple organizations committed to restoring and protecting our coastal ecosystems.

Ecological Recovery

Once the site of a granite quarry and later filled with dredged sand, Marsh Island has undergone a remarkable ecological restoration. Reopened to the public in the fall of 2025, the restored landscape now offers visitors the opportunity to experience a thriving coastal habitat, observe local wildlife, and enjoy sweeping views of New Bedford Harbor.

The restoration was made possible through the collaboration of the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game Division of Ecological Restoration, the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, the New Bedford Harbor Trustee Council, the NOAA Restoration Center, the Buzzards Bay Coalition, and FALPT.

Restoration Partners

Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game
Division of Ecological Restoration
National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
New Bedford Harbor Trustee Council
NOAA Restoration Center
Buzzards Bay Coalition
Fairhaven Acushnet Land Preservation Trust (FALPT)

Explore Local Lands with Fairhaven Acushnet Land Preservation Trust

From peaceful marshes to quiet woodland trails, the Fairhaven Acushnet Land Preservation Trust protects a variety of special places throughout Fairhaven and Acushnet. These beautiful natural areas are open for you and your family to enjoy—whether you’re looking for a scenic walk, a quiet hike, a picnic, or simply a chance to relax and reconnect with nature.

The following Trust-owned properties are open to the public for passive recreation, including walking, hiking, birdwatching, nature photography, and picnicking:

Winsegansett Marsh (Fairhaven) – Enjoy scenic walking trails that wind through coastal thickets and salt marshes, leading toward Winsegansett Pond and the shoreline of Buzzards Bay along Sconticut Neck Road.
Shipyard Farm (Fairhaven) – Explore a landscape of working farmland, upland forest, and picturesque salt marshes with beautiful views of Nasketucket Bay.
Marsh Island (Fairhaven) – Discover a restored salt marsh with walking trails and scenic overlooks of New Bedford Harbor, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.
Dietlin Woods (Freetown) – Wander peaceful woodland trails and experience the beauty and tranquility of a mature forest.

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