Eight acres of land along the Weweantic River will be preserved thanks to a $35,000 federal grant that was announced on Aug. 3.

The local grant is part of $210,924 awarded to six towns in the Buzzards Bay watershed announced Gov. Charlie Baker.

Funds will be used to protect habitat and drinking water resources and provide passage for migratory fish species. The grants are being matched by $114,447 in municipal and private contributions and will focus on permanently protecting or restoring habitat, as well as promoting passive recreation.

In Wareham, the town will use the funds to work alongside the Buzzards Bay Coalition and the Wareham Land Trust to protect the 8-acre parcel.

Plans call for adding a trail that would connect with an existing path adjacent to the property, which is immediately downstream at the Westgate Conservation Area and Fearing Hill Conservation Area.

“The town of Wareham and the Wareham Land Trust have long recognized the importance of not only preserving our great natural resources such as the Weweantic River corridor but also making the land available for recreational use,” said State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham).

Senator Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton) also lauded the efforts of the town and the Wareham Land Trust.

“Our communities deserve thriving, accessible conservation areas, and these awards will help secure healthy wildlife habitats and recreation spaces,” he said. “These connecting trails will allow our residents and visitors to more fully enjoy the outdoors. I commend the Buzzards Bay Coalition, the Wareham Land Trust and Wareham officials for their hard work in securing this award.”

The grants are being awarded by the Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program through the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management with funding from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.