In 2004, Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) purchased several properties that became known as the Ridge Hill Reserve, marking the successful close of a project that involved many groups and donations from more than 300 families. The properties included the 38-acre Jason Phillips Mill Site and the 85-acre Ridge Hill Reserve.

In 2006, DNRT added to the Ridge Hill Reserve by acquiring another 52 acres between the existing Reserve and protected land owned by the City of Fall River Water Department.

The land, most of it wooded upland, lies just south of the Copicut Reservoir between the Copicut and Shingle Island Rivers. The Reserve land abuts the 14,000-acre “Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve” and is very close to several other protected properties within Dartmouth. Creating these extensive areas of open space makes a real difference for wildlife. It also protects both private and public water supplies, the Buzzards Bay watershed, and the unique character of the Hixville area.

The Reserves include a millpond, beautiful pitch pines and hemlocks, white pines, and mature beech stands. Visitors should also watch for lady slippers in the late spring, blueberries, and huckleberries in late summer, and many different kinds of birds and plants.