The Morrissette Property is comprised of a 36-acre parcel with a small trail system connecting Linden Street to Court Street on the south side of the Little River. A small bridge north of the property over the Little River also connects this land to the YMCA, Seacoast School of Technology, and the Great Bay Charter School, providing opportunities for hands-on learning experiences. This property protects a unique combination of woodlands, shrubs, a riparian river corridor, and an open grassy field, supporting a wide variety of species for food, cover, and breeding, all within a short walk from downtown.

To keep the fields open, the Conservation Commission conducts late-season mowing of the land. This allows time for birds to nest and their young to disperse allows bees and butterflies to feed off the wildflowers and allows those flowers to spread their seed before winter. Protecting a vegetated buffer along the shoreline of the Little River is also an essential component of keeping the river healthy. Grassland and shrublands are declining habitats in the northeast. Preservation of these areas through land conservation affords long-term protection for important wildlife such as the ruffed grouse, and the American woodcock whose mating flights are a welcomed sight each spring.

The Morrissette Property was donated to the Town by the Exeter School District to offset impacts from the High School construction. When owned by the school, the footbridge provided access to the large open field which was formerly the football field. Before the school’s ownership, this land was owned by Joseph and Lillian Morrissette who farmed the land. The remnants of their apple orchard are signs of its farming history. Today these apple trees are managed to provide food for deer, turkeys, and other wildlife.

The property may be enjoyed by the public for passive recreation including hiking and birdwatching. Wheeled and motorized vehicles, camping, and fires are prohibited. In the winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing enable year-round exploration of the area. In addition, this property is included in the Conservation Commission’s Trail Passport Program, a fun way for families to explore a small portion of Exeter’s Conservation Lands.

Visitors can travel between Linden Street, the Skate park on Court Street, and continue across the street to Gilman Park and the Phillips Exeter Sports Complex. Please be aware that tall grass is prime habitat for ticks. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after.