Mission Statement
Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for 34,000 acres of conservation land, provide educational programs for 225,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Mass Audubon's mission and actions have expanded since our beginning in 1896 when our founders set out to stop the slaughter of birds for use on women's fashions. Today we are the largest conservation organization in New England. Our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries, in 90 Massachusetts communties, welcomes visitors of all ages and serves as the base for our work.
Description
Located on the "forearm" of Cape Cod, the 1200-acre Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary offers outstanding opportunities for exploration and discovery of the natural world, from forest and field to salt marsh, sandy beach, and tidal flats; from turtles and terns to minnows, monarch butterflies and seals. Five miles of trails, including an all-persons accessible trail, traverse eight different habitats representing the diversity of Cape Cod.
Wildlife abounds here. More than 260 species of birds have been recorded at the sanctuary and 60 species nest here. Sixteen state-listed species of plants can be seen along the trails. Summer and fall bring hundreds of migrating shorebirds to the marsh and tidal flats. Deer, foxes and coyotes, as well as Fowler's toads and five species of turtles, are found on the sanctuary.
The Esther Underwood Johnson Nature Center is a model of green architecture, with composting toilets, a photovoltaic panel array, and many other green building features and materials.
Educational programs for children and adults as well as school and community outreach programs are offered year-round both on and off the sanctuary.
Volunteer at the beautiful and lively sanctuary where your donated time and energy is greatly appreicated. You can help with day-to-day operations or become part of our Citizen Science program and help with ongoing research and wildlife montiroing.
