In Your Words: Andy Tolland

Get to know Andy Tolland, a Mass Audubon member of 30 years who traveled to every sanctuary within one year. 

Last May, I resolved to explore all 66 of Mass Audubon’s wildlife sanctuaries in one calendar year. I hatched a similar plan a dozen years ago, but there were 12 fewer sanctuaries at the time, and it took me more than two years to accomplish. Traveling to as many properties as possible by motorcycle sounded like a good adventure. 

My first day trip in mid-May led me to Waseeka (Hopkinton), Burncoat Pond (Spencer), and Pierpont Meadow (Dudley) wildlife sanctuaries. Not only did this inaugural adventure show me that my goal was achievable, but it opened my eyes to new sights, including fringed polygala flowers, a Common Yellowthroat, and a Ruby-throated Hummingbird foraging at a Clayton’s fern. My delight and wonder continued into the summer when I laughed out loud at a ridiculous Yellow Coral Fungus resembling tiny bananas at Lake Wampanoag and Poor Farm Hill wildlife sanctuaries. 

I was able to reach two-thirds of the sanctuaries by motorcycle and the rest by car. I drove 495 and 128 with my 9-foot river kayak hanging out the back of my car on successive days in August to visit Sampsons and Straitsmouth islands, two islands that could not be more unique. The former is scrub-topped bedrock battered by the ocean for eons, and the latter a barrier island subject to the ocean’s whims. Piping Plovers were busy doing plover things the day I visited. 

I enjoyed eyeball-stretching vistas (especially at High Ledges, Allens Pond, Daniel Webster, Tidmarsh, and Rough Meadows), well-maintained trails, and a breathtaking diversity of habitats. I relished splendid walks at each sanctuary, and the two without trails, Joppa Flats and Tracy Brook, more than made up for it with stunning views. Every one of them has something. 

From hilltop to rocky headland, from forest to meadow, from farmstead to streamside, I saw things I’d never seen (or perhaps noticed) before in all my decades of rambling throughout the state.  

My adventure ended in late October with a lovely walk to the beach at Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, my 66th sanctuary in 32 day trips. This was a good adventure; everyone should try it. 

Feeling Inspired?

If you're feeling inspired by Andy's story, we invite you to try it for yourself! Start plotting out your route today to discover the beauty and joy of the great outdoors. 

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