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Barnstable Great Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
This 88-acre sanctuary is part of a
3,800 acre barrier beach and salt
marsh system located adjacent to
Cape Cod Bay, and it includes some
of Cape Cod’s most extraordinary
natural resources. Within its
expanse of salt marsh grasses,
the sanctuary harbors numerous
ground nesting birds including
the northern harrier, salt marsh
sharp-tailed sparrow and willet.
The marsh’s many creeks serve as a
spawning ground for economically
important species including striped
bass and bluefish as well as scallops,
quahogs, blue mussels, and other
shellfish. The short trails through
the sanctuary’s forested uplands
provide opportunities to view
freshwater ponds and isolated
vernal pools. River otter, screech
owl and several species of turtles
frequent the area. Don’t miss the
harbor overlook for spectacular
views of Barnstable Harbor and
Sandy Neck Barrier Beach.
Location: Barnstable, MA This property is managed by Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary. For more information: 508-362-7475 longpasture@massaudubon.org
Trail Hours: Open every day, dawn to dusk
- For Your Safety
- Do not feed any animals
- Stay on trails to avoid ticks and poison ivy
- Do not smoke anywhere on the sanctuary
- Do not pick or collect plants or crops without permission
- Avoid Conflicts with Wildlife
- Do not bring pets, leashed or unleashed, on to the site
- Picnic only in designated areas
- Do not bring motorized vehicles or bicycles onto the site
- Hunting, fishing, or trapping are not permitted
Admission:
$3 for nonmember adults;
$2 for nonmember children (2-12)
and seniors Directions: Cross the Sagamore Bridge onto
Cape Cod. From Route 6, take
exit 6 to Hyannis and Barnstable
Village. Go north 0.70 mile on
Rt. 132, and take a right onto
Rt 6A following signs for Barnstable
Village. Follow Rt 6A eastbound
for 2.3 miles and take a right into
the county complex after the county
court house on your right. Parking
is free in the large lot to your left. A
sidewalk extends west along Route
6A to the entrance driveway at
2444 Main St. Please use caution
traversing the railroad tracks as
there are no signals at this active
grade crossing, and respect private
properties located along
the driveway. No parking is yet available at this
sanctuary. Parking is available
1.6 miles to the east of the sanctuary
in Barnstable Village in the county
office complex parking area. Acres: 88
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