Friends of Massasoit State Park

03/07/2026

Check out these beautiful photos of Massasoit State Park in the so-called off season though there really isn't an off-season at Massasoit. There is always something interesting to see at the park!

01/10/2026

Here's a helpful tree ID graphic. A fun activity for winter hikes at the park!

Want to get better at identifying trees this winter? One of the fastest ways is to compare similar trees growing side by side. When we do this, we easily detect differences in features that otherwise seem similar.

Pictured here are two oak species and two hickory species that grow in eastern North America. Notice the obvious differences. Shagbark hickory (no surprise) has shaggy bark. Mockernut hickory has tightly ridged and furrowed bark. Shingle oak develops lighter colored ridges resembling ski tracks. White oak has the lightest colored bark of all the species mentioned.

Unlike the two hickories, white oak and shingle oak tend to hold onto their dead leaves throughout the winter season — a trait known as marcescence.

Oaks and hickories aren’t closely related, but they do fill similar ecological niches. Both groups provide sources of hard mast (acorns and hickory nuts) for animals including humans, squirrels, chipmunks, jays, woodpeckers, turkeys, and white-tailed deer. Both groups serve as host plants for caterpillars of several butterflies and moths. Both groups associate with a large number of fungi and lichens.

With several weeks of winter left, we can make significant progress with our winter tree identification skills. Spend lots of time with trees. Be observant. Be curious. Ask lots of questions, and enjoy the process!

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Hope you can get out to enjoy Massasoit today, or over the weekend. The holiday weather is supposed to be very nice! This handsome guy was photographed showing off on a sidewalk in Dartmouth, MA:

11/15/2025

Here's a fun, active day-after-Thanksgiving event offered at Massasoit by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation:

Gratitude After Gravy Hike

Massasoit State Park, 1361 Middleboro Avenue in East Taunton, MA

Friday, November 28, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Meeting Location: By the Contact Station in the Main Parking Lot

Would you rather connect with nature than compete with the Black Friday shopping crowds? Did you overindulge during your Thanksgiving feast and want to burn some calories? Then come hike the trails of Massasoit State Park on this 4 -mile, moderately paced recreational hike! Great for ages 13+, children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy hiking shoes and blaze orange, bring drinking water and a snack. Steady rain cancels. To confirm in case of inclement weather, call (508) 272-9376.

11/14/2025

Just an opinion here, but fall is the BEST season to be walking or bicycling at Massasoit State Park. Get outdoors and enjoy the cooler weather!

05/14/2025

More lovely bridge work at Massasoit. Thanks to our local Eagle Scouts!

04/03/2025

Massasoit 2025 Camping season campsite online reservations open tomorrow:
https://massdcrcamping.reserveamerica.com/camping/massasoit-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=MA&parkId=32611 #

03/18/2025

Thanks to the Eagle Scouts for making Massasoit a more walkable park for all! Get out there and enjoy the warmer weather and longer days! 🌳🌱🌿

02/09/2025

Celebrating the Greeter Pine that resides near the main parking lot at Massasoit! Enjoy the snow this weekend!

12/13/2024

The piney wetlands of Massasoit State Park are so peaceful and beautiful in the winter.

12/06/2024

This is SO important to cities large and small and to rural forested areas in Massachusetts. Please take a minute to sign for long-term protections for our trees!

Right now, the Healey Administration is drafting the Environmental Bond Bill (EBB). We expect this important piece of state legislation to be one of the first bills to be taken up by the MA State Legislature. The bill designates billions of dollars in funding for environmental programs and efforts i...