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Bourne: Lyman Preserve

This page is about Lyman Preserve in Bourne. You can also go to the general Bourne page for other preserves there.

Link to website

Location on a map

PDF Map of Lyman Reserve

Lyman Reserve (visited Spring 2020) is a 210-acre property that straddles the borders of Bourne, Plymouth, and Wareham. There are two sections of the reserve, the primary section and the Beach Trail. The trails, while obvious enough, aren't particularly well marked. The main section has a brook with spots for fishing (catch-and-release only).

Sign about fishing at Lyman Preserve

River with grasses on the side at Lyman Preserve

The trail that goes over the bridge travels up the river (mostly separated from it by trees), then tapers off to the end of the property and into woods. A trail also loops up to some 'Pine Barrens' which is a field area that has some unique flora and small fauna. There was a sign there (sorry, no picture) that talked about controlled burns helping preserve this field, which is more complex than a field of grass. It includes slow shrubs and some trees. According to an article that we found on-line, "As the world’s first and Massachusetts’ largest conservation and preservation nonprofit and one of the largest private landowners of fire-adapted ecosystems, The Trustees has conducted successful management through prescribed fire for the past 20 years...." Pitch Pine were specifically mentioned on the sign as one of the plants that require fire to continue supporting this ecosystem.

The bridge over the brook is new. There is a great view of the Bourne Railroad Bridge, in its typical elevated position, from here.

Bourne Bridge seen over a small metal bridge

On the other side of Red Brook Road is a trail that leads down to Buttermilk Bay. This trail goes through woods and then has a loop that includes a beach.

Tip of a pine branch

From the beach, we could see Mute Swans in the water.

Paul taking a photo with a Mute Swan in the background

We counted 16 swans! One spent a long time doing some grooming. They can move their necks into astounding positions, including actually having it upside-down while grooming.

Three Mute Swans swimming with sea algae

Mute Swan

Mute Swan looking towards picture taker

Mute Swan grooming, feather over beak

Mute Swan grooming, head hidden by wings

Mute Swan grooming, head behind wing and upside down

Mute Swan grooming its chest

Mute Swan grooming under its wing

One Mute Swan grooming and another swimming by

In addition to the swans, some Lesser Yellowlegs Sandpipers were here as well (sorry, we didn't get a picture).

Back to the main Bourne page

Back to the Preserves main page

Updated August 2020