Wellfleet Bay Massachusetts Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary - Wellfleet, MA - Public Access Lands on Waymarking.com

In Wellfleet, along Wellfleet Bay, which opens to Massachusetts Bay, is the Wellfleet Bay Massachusetts Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary.

The sanctuary entrance is off U.S. Route 6, and is just north of the Wellfleet-Eastham town line and the Wellfleet Drive-In. Parking is on the left, near the nature center, and three rows of solar panels. The nature center is the access point to the rest of the sanctuary. Where you pay the admission fee, which helps to maintain the trails. The nature center also has exhibits about nature, including aquarium tanks. As you step out to the trails, you first walk through a maintained garden. Trail loops take you through different habitats on the sanctuary, with good views along the way. Pine scrub and oak forests open to grass marshes and freshwater ponds. Marshes change to sandy beaches. The trails connecting these habitats vary from dirt path to boardwalks and bridges and then sand.

Along the way you may encounter wildlife. You will likely encounter the fiddler crabs as you walk on the beach. We also saw turtles and a greater yellow legs bird in the ponds. All sorts of water fowl can be seen in the bay.

Wellfleet Bay sanctuary has many other programs available, which are listed on their web page. There is camping also available, but you need to make reservations WELL in advance. They also have guided tour programs available, as well as sponsored cruises.

The sanctuary is one the system of properties that the Massachusetts Audubon Society has across the state to preserve habitats for birds and other animals. Mass Audubon has been in existence for over 100 years as one of the oldest conservation organizations in the country. Mass Audubon has an emphasis on preserving-teaching-avocating.

Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 944 Acres Is there a trail system?: Yes If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: Five miles of trail loops take you to scrub pine-oak forests, marshes, and beaches. The terrain is mostly flat but the dry sand can be hard to traverse. Along the way there are boardwalks. What points of interest are there?: boardwalks, ponds, marshes, views of the bay, campground. What activities are available?: Walking, nature programs. Hours of accessibility?: Every Day, daylight hours List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): Poison ivy, ticks, high tide. Dogs Allowed?: No Is a permit/fee required?: Yes If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: Admission $5 for non-members: free if a member of Massachusetts Audubon Society. Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link]

Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   09/28/2017 petendot visited it