A Nature Year at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary

Immerse yourself in a full year of local natural history. With a skilled Mass Audubon naturalist as your guide, experience the cycle of the seasons at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable. Gain extensive natural history knowledge, form a community with like-minded, curious adults, and receive the many benefits of spending time outdoors.

Each month, you will focus on a special topic, natural community, or seasonal phenomenon. In winter, learn about tracking, winter tree identification, and woodcocks. During spring, listen for amphibians, and search for migratory birds and other signs of warmer days approaching. Spend the summer delving into the world of insects, including fireflies and butterflies. Finally, in autumn, we'll explore the life history of owls and waterfowl.

2026 Schedule*

*Subject to change in timing or topic, depending on what nature provides.

Usual time will be 10 am-noon, plus an afternoon program in June, and three evenings, in March, July, and December

January 10, 10:00-noon: Mammal Tracking

February 14, 10:00-noon: Winter Tree ID

March 14, 6-8pm: Woodcocks

April 11, 10:00-noon: Vernal Pools

May 9, 10:00-noon: Spring Bird Migration

June 13, 2:00-4:00pm: Horseshoe Crabs

July 11, 7:30-9:30pm: Fireflies

August 8, 10:00-noon: Pollinator Plants

September 12, 10:00-noon: Shorebird Migration

October 10 10:00-noon: Fall Harvest

November 14, 10:00-noon: Waterfowl Migration

December 12, 3:30-5:30pm: Owls