Massachusetts Restored Century Bog Wetland Site
The state added a former cranberry bog to the Red Brook Wildlife Management Area to support native species.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Environmental
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Massachusetts officials have added the former Century Bog to the Red Brook Wildlife Management Area in Plymouth and Wareham. This project aims to convert the site into a functioning natural wetland and stream channel.
Why it matters
Restoration efforts help protect Red Brook and its surrounding ecosystem as cranberry farming declines due to climate change and economic shifts. The project secures vital habitats for species identified as having the greatest conservation needs.
The state has completed nine restoration projects to date, successfully returning 500 acres of wetlands and 10 miles of streams to their natural state. Restoration of Century Bog specifically targets the needs of 60 native species.
The players
Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration
This state agency manages programs to restore natural wetlands and protect vital ecological habitats across the Commonwealth.
The details
The Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration acquires land from retiring farmers to return former bogs to their original, natural function. By connecting these areas, the state protects the entire path of Red Brook from White Island Pond to Buttermilk Bay.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: Century Bog was officially added to the Red Brook Wildlife Management Area.
Deeper Dive
This project continues the work of the Massachusetts Cranberry Bog Restoration Program by scaling up the conversion of retired agricultural land. It marks a shift from active farming to permanent habitat protection for local wildlife.
The project creates a continuous, protected corridor that benefits local biodiversity and preserves regional water quality. These restored wetlands act as natural sponges, which can improve flood mitigation for surrounding communities in Plymouth and Wareham.
The takeaway
The return of these lands to a natural state ensures the long-term health of local waterways like Red Brook. Residents can expect improved ecological stability as the state continues its mission to convert inactive agricultural sites into protected zones.
Further reading
Learn more about local habitat recovery at the Environmental section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CAI.
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