You can help protect scenic coastal farmland on Nasketucket Bay

Owned and farmed by the Carvalho family for generations, 62-acre Indian Rock Farm in East Fairhaven is home to fields, forests, streams, salt marshes, and a unique granite outcrop. We now have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve this beloved landscape forever to protect clean water in Nasketucket Bay, conserve coastal habitats, and open it up for people like you to enjoy.

Indian Rock on Carvalho Farm in Fairhaven

“Indian Rock” emerges near the southern tip of Carvalho Farm, part of the same vein of granite that created Wards Rock just offshore in Nasketucket Bay.

Carvalho Farm is a high priority to preserve because of its close proximity to Nasketucket Bay – one of the healthiest waterways in all of Buzzards Bay. The farm is one of just a few missing gaps in a large complex of permanently protected land on the north side of Nasketucket Bay.

Conserving the farm’s large agricultural fields, forest-lined stream, and rich salt marshes will prevent further development along the coast, create a natural corridor of habitat for wildlife, and allow the existing farm fields to remain in active use.

map of Indian Rock Farm and protected land on Nasketucket Bay in Fairhaven

Once preserved, the Coalition will open and manage Carvalho Farm for people to explore for activities such as walking and birdwatching. We’ll develop a trail alongside the fields and into the woods, allowing people to visit the unique “Indian Rock” granite outcropping that emerges near the southern tip of the farm overlooking Shaws Cove. The property’s proximity to the Phoenix Bike Trail and Shaw Farm Trail will link the farm with easy bicycle and walking access.

Earlier this month, Fairhaven residents voted to give $150,000 in Community Preservation funds to help protect these 62 acres. But to complete this project, we still need the support of people like you who cherish Nasketucket Bay’s scenic coastal farmland. By donating now, you can help protect this property for everybody to enjoy.

Download this flyer to learn more about Indian Rock Farm and the campaign to save land on Nasketucket Bay.

Category: On the Land

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Working to Save Buzzards Bay

The Buzzards Bay Coalition is a membership-supported organization dedicated to improving the health of the Buzzards Bay ecosystem for all through education, conservation, research, and advocacy.

We work to protect clean water on the Bay and on the land: