With an abundance of residential neighborhoods and sprawl-style commercial developments sprouting up across the South Shore, it is good to know that there is an active non-profit organization seeking to protect open space from development.

The Wildlands Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving land and preserving the natural heritage of Southeastern Massachusetts. We work to permanently protect and steward important habitats and landscapes, including woodlands and fields, ponds, coastal areas, agricultural lands, and river systems.

The Wildlands Trust has started a new Trailrunners program which features casual runs and walks through land that the Trust has worked to preserve as open space. This is a great way to highlight some of the beautiful open space land around the South Shore and today’s run was at the Great River Preserve in Bridgewater. The Great River Preserve is 125 acres of preserved land that abuts the Taunton River. These run walks are free and open to the public and are a great way to enjoy the outdoors. There’s no clock to time your finish, no competition involved; just good old fashion running on some beautiful and scenic trails!

To keep up to date about upcoming runs, please click here.