The William Forward WMA consists of 2,083 acres of salt marsh and upland habitat from sea level to 45 feet. Kent's Island is approximately 700 acres of upland surrounded by more than 1,300 acres of salt marsh. Marsh grasses dominate the marsh acreage. The marsh is green in summer but splendidly gold and russet in fall. Visit late in the season to catch the bird migration and miss the insatiable mosquitoes and greenhead flies of midsummer.
Blueberry Island is a small island, less than an acre, mostly covered by wild blueberry bushes and offers spectacular views of Kent's Island, the Parker River and the salt marsh. Both islands are devoid of any signs of human activity except for the periodic passing of the MBTA commuter train. On the northwestern side of the island is a large exposed rock face which makes a nice sitting area for signing the log, having a picnic, watching the sun set, enjoying the salt marsh view and watching the wildlife.
Blueberry Island is accessible by kayak or canoe or by hiking from Kent's Island at low tide. If going by boat, the best time to go is at high tide when you can launch your boat at the bridge next to the parking area. If going by foot, start at the parking area and walk 3/4 mile across Kent's Island along well marked trails. The trail ends at the salt marsh on the southern side of Kent's Island. Blueberry Island is a .14 mile hike across the salt marsh. Portions of the Parker River border both Kent's Island and Blueberry Island. This is tidal water and during high and flood tides the surrounding marshes between Kent's Island and Blueberry Island are underwater.
If hiking to the island, be aware that mosquito control ditches, some of which may be hidden by overhanging vegetation or tall marsh grass, cut much of the marshland between Kent's Island and Blueberry Island. These are used for draining the standing water from the marsh land which, in turn, helps control the mosquito population. The ditches are only a foot or two wide and most are only a foot deep but I did encounter a four foot deep ditch on a hike to the island. If you attempt a marsh crossing on foot at any time other than low tide, there is an added danger that the mosquito ditches could be hidden by tidal waters. Additionally, you will encounter mud and standing water, the depth of which will be determined by the level of the tide and if it has rained recently.
Expect and plan for ticks, mosquitoes, greenheads (July -August) and poison ivy. The area is open for deer hunting in October - December when you should wear blaze orange.
FTF
FTF bragging rights will be given to FTF by hiking and FTF by boat.
| FTF |
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| FTF by hiking |
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| FTF by boat |
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