Star of the Sea Multi-Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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Star of the Sea is a private drive. PARKING is allowed by DNRT @ N41 35.752 W070 57.922. Marked by large boulders and a fence along both sides of the road. Park on grass at either side but DO NOT park at the 2nd trailhead. The main trail will be where you must park but the conditions on that trail are EXTREMELY WET at times. You may have to go to the 2nd trailhead slightly up the road on the right,if this occurs walk up the paved road to the next trailhead and enter at green DNR.
Star of the Sea Properties played a role in the history of Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust. Today there are houses at the head of the harbor. Prior to these homes the only point of interest was the estate of Captain Williams Schultz, which included a 27- room waterfront mansion. The property was then purchased by the Catholic Church and used for the nuns. They lived in the mansion, used the beach and walked the woods northwest of the mansion.
In 1971 the 150-acre property sold for 100,000. A few Dartmouth residences realized what the extensive development would do to these fragile lands. The church accepted a down payment on the property but they later sold it to land developers without notification. The initial efforts put forth by the group failed. The bright side to the story is that the loss of the Star of the Sea led to the incorporation of Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust.
In the last 40 years DNRT’s goals have remained. “ To acquire and preserve the natural resources and wildlife areas for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations, to preserve and protect historic sites, to educate the public about the wise use of natural resources, and to work with other organizations having similar purposes.”
With a joint effort from the new owners of Star of the Sea Villa, Town of Dartmouth, Conservation Commission and DNRT the harborview homes and the protected land provide and important buffer for the waters of the Apponagansett River, Padanaram harbor, and Buzzards Bay.
During 1925-1950 much of the land closest to Russells Mills Road was a sand and gravel pit. Noticeable wetland depressions and intermittent mounds of dirt reflect the past use. You may see cranberry, the insect eating sundew, rushes, and in the spring hundreds of tadpole. Poor soil on the higher ground favor species such as pitch pine, bayberry and gray birch. The eagle scouts have helped with the trails that wind south through oak, beech, red maple and sinewy muscle-wood with holly and witch hazel. The information provided above can be found in "A Guide to Outdoor Recreation in Dartmouth 2001" by DNRT.
This land can be very muddy, wet & slippery proceed with good boots. Be carefully not to slip on bridges. There is no hunting on this property but be aware & use caution. Please observe posted rules, regulations, and all private property signs.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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Treasures
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