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, 3, or 4 days in length—providing just enough time to become immersed in the subject.

The beaches, woods, dunes, and wetlands of the 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! 

Eastern Box Turtle

Summer 2020 Courses

Migrants: Hawks to Warblers
May 22–24 
3 days • Friday-Sunday

Hiking Backwoods & Beaches
May 30–31
2 days • Saturday-Sunday

Horseshoe Crabs & Crabs of the Shore
June 5–7
3 days • Friday-Sunday

Outer Cape by Kayak
June 12–14
3 days • Friday-Sunday

Turtles of the Outer Cape
June 19–21
3 days • Friday-Sunday

Horseshoe Crab © Nicole Gallup

Autumn 2020 Courses

Bees & Other Pollinators
September 5–6
2 days • Saturday-Sunday

Kettle Hole Ponds by Kayak & Foot
September 11–13
3 days • Friday-Sunday

Birding Past & Present
September 18–20
3 days • Friday-Sunday

Our Changing Coastline
September 25–27
3 days • Friday-Sunday

Citizen Science & the Fall Migration
October 2–4
3 days • Friday-Sunday

Hiking Backwoods & Beaches
October 17–18
2 days • Saturday-Sunday

Sea Turtle & Marine Animal Strandings
November 20–22
3 days • Friday-Sunday