Two kids running in the snow. We all need nature—and nature needs you. Together, we can protect the wildlife and wild lands of Massachusetts for generations to come. Make a tax-deductible donation today.
Two kids running in the snow. We all need nature—and nature needs you. Together, we can protect the wildlife and wild lands of Massachusetts for generations to come. Make a tax-deductible donation today.
boardwalk trail through a grassy meadow
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Wellfleet

Programs for Groups at Wellfleet

Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary offers a variety of fun and educational nature-based programs for community groups, college students, scout troops, birthdays, homeschool, afterschool, and more.

Community Groups

Wellfleet Bay offers a variety of educational programs for garden clubs, senior centers, historical groups, and many other clubs and organizations. Our sanctuary features 1,200 acres of salt marsh, pine woodlands, fields, and sandy beach, and our LEED-certified Esther Underwood Johnson Nature Center boasts a large auditorium.

Programs can include shorebird natural history, turtle research, coastal ecology, geology of Cape Cod, and even wildlife cruises.

If your group is looking to visit the sanctuary, we ask that you contact us in advance so that we can best accommodate your group.

College Groups

Wellfleet Bay is well-positioned for introductory and advanced studies of coastal and marine biology, wildlife ecology, coastal processes and land use issues, and related subjects. The area is also an inspiring setting for the arts and humanities—including literature and photography.

Examples of our engaging educational programs that students from Smith College, Wellesley College, Antioch University, College of Saint Rose, and Wheaton College experienced include: 

  • Sanctuary-based field trips for students in marine biology and plant ecology classes studying and sampling animal and plant assemblages of the salt marsh, coastal heathland, and tidal flats.
  • Tagging Horseshoe Crabs with marine biology students to introduce different research methods.
  • Birding trips to South Beach in Chatham with ornithology students to study shorebird identification, behavior, and migration.
  • Sampling marine invertebrates to provide an understanding to the ecology of tidal flats.
  • Toured and discussed salt marsh restoration efforts within the Cape Cod National Seashore with biology students.

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts

Wellfleet Bay offers programs for all levels of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Our experienced educators lead explorations of our tidal flats, salt marsh, tidal creeks, freshwater pond, woodland, swamp, and fields to fulfill many of the requirements for badges or patches with a science or wildlife focus. Programs may be scheduled after school or on weekends.

Homeschool

Our homeschool programs are designed to encourage children to interact with the environment through nature exploration and science-based learning. Whenever possible we split large groups into small teams to make these experiences more personal. 

Portions of the program will take place indoors, but most days we anticipate spending the majority of time outdoors at the wildlife sanctuary. Participants may also receive "home projects" each week to help further their learning and to share with their families.

Contact Information

To plan a group program or visit, please email us and be sure to include what type of program you are looking for in the subject line.

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