About Ashumet Holly

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At the heart of Ashumet Holly is an eight-acre coastal plain pond, considered a globally rare natural community attracting over 30 species of dragonflies and rare pondshore wildflowers. The sanctuary is also known for its 1,000 holly trees of 65 varieties. Barn Swallows, Baltimore Orioles, and other migratory birds nest at the sanctuary and five vernal pools were created to restore the threatened Eastern Spadefoot Toad.

Location

Ashumet Road, East Falmouth, MA 
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Managed by Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary

Hours

Trails open daily, dawn to dusk

Admission

Free, donations appreciated

→ For your safety and to avoid conflicts with wildlife, please follow our sanctuary guidelines during your visit.

Acres

45

Trail Mileage

1.5 miles
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Sanctuary Highlights

  • The rare Franklinia tree, descendant of one discovered in 1770 and no longer found in the wild, which blooms in the fall on the north side of Grassy Pond.
  • The tallest holly on the property along with a secluded natural vernal pool on Mystery Tree Trail.
  • Resident Barn Swallows that can be seen May to August through the kiosk shed and over the fields, scooping up insects in flight.
  • Programs held year-round through Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary.

Property Regulations

All of the land at our wildlife sanctuaries is protected. By conserving these open spaces, Mass Audubon, along with our members and partners, is able to fulfill its mission of protecting the nature of Massachusetts.  

  • No dog walking or horseback riding; please leave all animals and pets at home (service animals welcome) 
  • No walking off trail  
  • No collecting or picking natural items.  
  • No bike riding or operating motorized vehicles; day passes are available for powered mobility devices   
  • No running, swimming, or camping 
  • No operating drones or other remote-controlled vehicles   
  • No fishing, hunting, trapping, or releasing of animals   
  • No feeding wildlife   
  • No Smoking