Wellfleet Bay’s Wildlife Sanctuary 2023

Looking to spend some of your summer vacation  outdoors then head to Wellfleet. Wellfleet Bay’s Wildlife Sanctuary  of  1,100 acres of salt marsh, sandy beach, pine woodland, freshwater pond, and rare heathland attract a wide array of wildlife, especially songbirds and shorebirds. Discover the true nature of Cape Cod as you amble along the five miles of trails that traverse these habitats.

The Platinum LEED-certified Esther Underwood Johnson Nature Center at the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary  is a prime example of green architecture, utilizing passive solar heating, composting toilets, and graywater planter beds. Within the building there are exhibits, a gift shop, and volunteers ready to help you enjoy your visit! Exhibits display local plants and animals. Two 700-gallon aquariums allow you to see the underwater worlds of the salt marsh and the tidal flats. A beautiful mural illustrates upland habitats such as coastal heathlands and pine/oak woodlands. Glass cases highlight various features of Cape Cod natural history.

A large trail map and a recent sightings board allow you to read about what plants and animals have been seen and to choose a trail to walk during your visit. There are five main trails and the Butterfly Garden:

• Green Trail  – highlights sustainable elements in the nature center and its surrounding grounds.
• Bay View Trail – winds through shaded pine/oak woodlands.
• The Boardwalk – crosses over the salt marsh to the beach!
• Wildlife Garden – various species may be seen from May through November.
• Goose Pond Trail – visits a diversity of habitats; great for birdwatching, all-person accessible from the Nature Center to Goose Pond.
• Silver Spring Trail – borders a small fresh water pond.
• Try Island Trail – supports an oak/hickory woodland and views of Cape Cod Bay.

They have special programs and hikes  available such as the Scenic Hike trail which you will learn more about the history, habitats, and wildlife of our upland habitats – the forest and endangered coastal heath – during this guided hike.   Bird watching hikes are also available as well as sunset hikes.  You can also discover the sanctuary at night time wildlife becomes more active.   Preregistration is required and there are costs for the hikes.

Upcoming special events

Seashore Ramble

Friday, July 21, 2023 , 8:30am-10:30am

Tuesday, July 25, 2023, 11:00am-1:00pm
Wednesday, July 26, 2023, 11:30am-1:30pm
Thursday, July 27, 2023, 12:30pm-2:30pm
Friday, July 28, 2023, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Tuesday, August 01, 2023, 3:30pm-5:30pm
Monday, August 07, 2023, 10:00am-12:00pm
Tuesday, August 08, 2023, 11:00am-1:00pm
Thursday, August 10, 2023, 12:30pm-2:30pm
Friday, August 11, 2023, 1:30pm-3:30pm
Friday, August 18, 2023, 8:30am-10:30am
Tuesday, August 22, 2023, 9:30am-11:30am
Wednesday, August 23, 2023, 10:00am-12:00pm
Friday, August 25, 2023, 11:30am-1:30pm

Use dip nets and magnifiers to search for swimming, flying, and burrowing wildlife on the sanctuary’s beach at low tide. Our walk to the beach will take us through five different natural communities. We hope to see crabs, turtles, fish, and much more! For families with children age 4 and older. Please note that shoes may get wet or muddy and that footwear must stay on throughout the duration of the program.

Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

291 State Highway, Route 6
South Wellfleet, MA 02663
508-349-2615