The Gertrude Boyden Wildlife Refuge was established in 1968 when the City of Taunton’s Conservation Commission purchased the Laura Thomas Estate. This beautiful site was often used by Arthur Cleveland Bent in his study of birds and their nesting habits. Bent was the world-renowned author of a series of books entitled“Life Histories of American Birds” The Gertrude Boyden Wildlife Refuge is situated North and East of the Three Mile River in the Westville neighborhood of Taunton. The refuge has grown from 14 acres to over 50 through subsequent donations and acquisitions. The refuge possesses great diversity in vegetation type and maturity level and creates access to a beautiful waterway that makes it a natural learning environment. The refuge serves as the headquarters for the Taunton Conservation Commission and possesses a large expanse of open fields, several picnic areas, fishing stations, and almost two miles of nature trails highlighted by a covered bridge and new wetlands boardwalk providing passive recreation, and bird watching.