Shorebirds feed on the mudflats, and osprey, herons, egrets, and kingfishers dine richly in the salt marsh. The old hayfields surrounding the house and barns are home to bobolinks, meadowlarks, and bluebirds.

Allyn Cox Reservation has views of a New England salt marsh, with an open field, bordered by hedgerows on the edge of a tidal estuary in the Great Marsh ecosystem. Nature enthusiasts, dog walkers, painters, canoers, and birders visit throughout the seasons. Ospreys are often seen in a nesting platform in spring and summer.

Greenbelt headquarters is located here and serves as a venue for many events, such as the annual Art in the Barn exhibition. The property was settled by 1648 as a colonial salt marsh farm and for more than 350 years was a dairy farm and apple orchard.

The property was donated to Greenbelt by noted muralist Allyn Cox, whose work graces the U.S. Capitol Building. In 1940, Cox bought our current property as his summer home and made the barn into an art studio. He donated the property to Greenbelt in 1974.

Dogwood, cherry, pear, and apple blossoms make for a fragrant spring while hickory, sumac, and goldenrod create a golden aura in autumn.

From MA-128, exit 15, and School Street, go north on School Street (Southern Avenue) towards Essex. In 3 miles, turn right onto MA-133 (Eastern Avenue). In 0.5 miles, turn left at the Greenbelt sign. Trailhead and parking are 0.1 miles ahead.

The AllTrails website has a description and map of a hike at Cox Reservation.