Cape Cod Field Schools

Active Field Courses for Adults

Since 1986, Wellfleet Bay has offered Cape Cod Field Schools, a wide variety of courses for adults that focus on the unique coastal environment and wildlife of Cape Cod. Field Schools emphasize active outdoor "in-the-field" experiences and are taught by professional naturalists and scientists. Courses are either 2 or 3 days in length—providing just enough time to become immersed in the subject.

The beaches, woods, dunes, and wetlands of Cape Cod National Seashore, Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, the islands off Chatham, and the waters of Cape Cod provide the setting for the courses.

Previous experience is not required—all you need is an inquisitive mind and an eagerness to learn! 

2021 Courses

Coastal Birding for Beginners
May 7–9 
3 days • Friday-Sunday

Hiking Backwoods & Beaches
June 26–27
2 days • Saturday-Sunday

Bees & Other Pollinators
September 11–12
2 days • Saturday-Sunday

Coastal Ecology by Kayak
September 17–19
3 days • Friday-Sunday

Birding Fall Migration
October 1–3
3 days • Friday-Sunday

Sea Turtle & Marine Animal Strandings
November 19–20
2 days • Friday-Saturday

Sea Turtle & Marine Animal Strandings
December 10–11
2 days • Friday-Saturday