FALL RIVER — The city of Fall River and The Trustees of Reservations have received more than $90,000 in state grants to fund two trail projects in and around a local bioreserve.

Fall River officials and the Trustees noted in a press release that the funding will go towards the Bioreserve Loop Trail Project and trail improvements at Copicut Woods, the gateway to the 16,000-acre Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve in Fall River and Freetown.

The projects make up part of the MassTrails Grant Program, a nearly $4 million initiative funding 52 trail projects across the Commonwealth.

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Fall River will receive nearly $43,000 to create a 20-mile loop trail through the bioreserve in Fall River and Freetown.

The project will also upgrade existing wetland crossings and create a new visitor parking area along with the new loop trail.

Meanwhile $50,000 will go towards a new 1,850-foot universal access trail at the Trustees’ Copicut Woods, a 516-acre parcel in Fall River consisting of upland forests, wetlands, and waterways.

It will replace an existing trail that runs from the main parking lot to the heart of the property and will feature nature play installations for young children.

“We are so grateful for this grant because it provides expansion of overall accessibility and engagement at one of our most beautiful yet underrated properties,” said Jennifer Klein, the Trustees' Director of Outdoor Experiences.

“COVID has put a spotlight on the importance of safe outdoor places and this new trail allows universal access to everyone who wants to enjoy this special place.”

There are more than five miles of trails at Copicut Woods that connect to the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve, which stretches from Fall River to Freetown to Lakeville.

The MassTrails Grant Program is funded through the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s capital budget, and from the motor fuel excise tax on off-road vehicles.

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