If anyone knows our sanctuaries inside and out, it’s our property staff. These dedicated, passionate team members work year-round—through rain, snow, sleet, ice, and whatever else Mother Nature throws at them—to keep our wildlife sanctuaries havens for animals, plants, and people.
Given that they know every nook and cranny of the sanctuaries, who better to share their favorite spots to check out? We asked. They answered. Here’s what they said...
1. The Marsh Overlook at Barnstable Great Marsh, Barnstable
The Marsh Overlook via Sandy’s Trail at Barnstable Great Marsh in Barnstable has a clear 3.5-mile view looking northwest across the Great Marsh. It’s a perfect spot to scan for Northern Harriers, Short-eared Owls, and Snowy Owls in the fall and winter. —Chris Walz, Long Pasture Property Manager
2. Bay View Trail at Wellfleet Bay, South Wellfleet
I love walking down the far side of Bay View Trail at Wellfleet Bay in Wellfleet from the campground down to the marsh in the fall and winter. It can feel like you have half of the sanctuary all to yourself. —James Nielsen, Wellfleet Bay Property Manager
3. Glacial Hill Loop at Broadmoor, Natick
My favorite spot at Broadmoor in Natick is the Glacial Hill Loop at the end of the Glacial Hill Trail. It's a large esker that the trail drops into and over. Once you start the loop, the terrain blocks all of the noise from the surrounding areas. I find it’s the most peaceful place on the property; it truly feels like it's just you and nature. —Martin Chadwick, Broadmoor Property Manager
4. Appy's Way at Rough Meadows, Rowley
Between the fairytale-like meadows and salt marsh, Rough Meadows in Rowley is a perfect spot to take a break from your busy life. It's the sort of place where you really feel like you can catch your breath and relax. One of my favorite destinations is the lookout from Appy’s Way, which gives you a vantage point that feels like you can see forever from on a clear day. —Nicole Pszenny, Rough Meadows Property Manager
5. Deerfield River View at High Ledges, Shelburne
One of my favorite sanctuaries, High Ledges in Shelburne, has an incredible view from the top of the road looking down over the Deerfield River that is just gorgeous. From there you can walk down to the North Trail and loop back on the Wolves Den Trail for a hike with solid elevation gains, lots of exposed ledge, and porcupine dens. —Justin Covino, West Property Manager
6. Pine Grove Trail at MABA Education Center, Canton
At Museum of American Bird Art Education Center in Canton, I find the Pine Grove Trail at the heart of the sanctuary to be very tranquil. The brook is a nice destination, and walking along it you will discover signs and sounds of wildlife, including Great Horned Owls and Red Foxes. With benches along the way, you can take a moment to sit and contemplate the nature around you. —Owen Cunningham, Museum of American Bird Art Education Center Property Manager
7. Wetland Viewing at Rocky Hill, Groton
Rocky Hill in Groton opens up into a forest with beautiful rocky ledges and lively wetlands. The viewing areas surrounding the wetlands always lead to incredible wildlife sightings and views from different elevations. Once while I was eating lunch on the large rock viewing area on Chestnut Oak Loop Trail, a beaver swam around right below me. —Leann Rauls, Central Property Manager
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