Home / Environment / Fairhaven's Marsh Island Transformed from Dumping Ground to Public Oasis
Fairhaven's Marsh Island Transformed from Dumping Ground to Public Oasis
1 Nov
Summary
- Marsh Island, formerly known as "Tin Can Island", now open as public park
- Restoration project led by Buzzards Bay Coalition and Fairhaven-Acushnet Land Preservation Trust
- Wampanoag tribes involved in reclaiming the land for cultural and ceremonial use
In a significant environmental and community development project, the former "Tin Can Island" in Fairhaven, Massachusetts has been transformed into a new public park known as Marsh Island. The 22-acre site, co-owned by the Buzzards Bay Coalition and Fairhaven-Acushnet Land Preservation Trust, has undergone a $5.6 million restoration effort over the past several years.
The first phase of the project, completed in 2023, has opened six acres of the land to the public, featuring walking paths, lookout spots, and restored salt marsh vegetation. Plans are in place to expand the park to 11 acres by 2030, once a local radio station's lease on the remaining land expires.
The restoration project has also recognized the historical significance of the land to local Wampanoag tribes. Tribal members have been involved in the process and now have the right to conduct cultural ceremonies, hunt, fish, and gather plants on the site. The Buzzards Bay Coalition hopes this will help the tribes feel a sense of ownership and connection to the reclaimed land.
For local residents, the new Marsh Island park represents a significant improvement from its previous state as an illegal dumping ground. Longtime Fairhaven residents are excited to explore the revitalized space and create new memories there with their families.
