The Fowl
meadow is a large piece of wetland which meanders 7.2 miles through
Norwood, Canton, Westwood, Dedham, Milton, Sharon and Hyde Park.
The Fowl
Meadow was almost paved over when in 1967 the state proposed to
extend Interstate 95, an eight-lane highway, all the way into
Boston instead of ending at Route 128 (as it does today). The
original proposal would have paved over much of the Fowl Meadow
and located a major interchange on top of Paul's Bridge, a
historic bridge located in Milton.
A
citizen lawsuit stopped the proposal. The lawsuit hinged on the
fact that the project would have transferred land from the MDC to
the Mass Department of Public Works. The lawsuit clarified the
fact that the transfer of designated conservation land for
development requires authorization by the state legislature even
if the transfer is only from one state agency to another. The
Neponset Conservation Association, which went on to become NepRWA,
was one of several groups that worked to save Fowl Meadow and
Paul's Bridge. The averted environmental tragedy is a positive
example of the crucial role citizen activists play in protecting
and restoring the Neponset River Watershed.
In
addition to providing wildlife with critical habitat areas, the wetlands of the Fowl Meadow serve as an effective flood
control barrier along the Neponset River. After heavy rains, the
wetlands soak up excess water and then release it slowly over the
course of several weeks. This sponge effect helps reduce the peak
river levels during floods, helps recharge underground aquifers,
and prevents water from rushing downstream - potentially causing
property damage in Hyde Park and Dorchester.
The
fastest way to see the Fowl Meadow and much of the Neponset River
is by riding the Providence or Attleboro branch of the MBTA
commuter rail. The trip from Sharon Station to South Station
passes by many of Fowl Meadow sights. Hiking shoes are not
required, but the sights go by quickly at 60 mph. For directions,
schedules and fee info, contact the MBTA at 1-800-392-6100.
