Flume Pond
Walk through birdsong-filled woods to the edge of a coastal salt pond at Flume Pond in Falmouth. This 300 Committee conservation area, which protects four distinct Cape Cod coastal habitats, is part of a corridor of conserved land from Buzzards Bay to the Falmouth moraine.
Features
Walk to the salt marshes at the edge of Flume Pond to watch for birds and take in ocean breezes over the still water.
Flume Pond is a tidal salt pond with a narrow barrier beach separating it from Buzzards Bay. The land surrounding this pond is protected by a Buzzards Bay Coalition conservation restriction, ensuring the land will never be altered. The land is home to a variety of other natural features, including oak woods, freshwater wetlands, and a vibrant vernal pool that fills in spring.
Although most of the land around Flume Pond is closed to public access, a short trail offers a peaceful walk through coastal forest and beautiful views of Flume Pond’s saltwater wetlands.
Trails
The trail at Flume Pond starts on the eastern side of Sippewissett Road south of Kelly Woodland, just past a small 300 Committee “Conservation Land” sign. Running for just under a mile, the horseshoe-shaped trail loops back around to reconnect with Sippewissett Road a short ways down from the trailhead. (Download trail map)
Flume Pond’s short trail leads through sunny woods scattered with glacial boulders and old, snaking stone walls. A small path leads from the northeast corner of the trail and touches the wetlands along Flume Pond, where you can breathe in ocean breezes and watch birds hunting among the tall marsh grasses.
If you’d like to extend your walk from the coast into rolling glacial woods, head back to Kelly Woodland, which connects Flume Pond with miles of forest and trails at Beebe Woods.
Habitats & Wildlife
Coastal salt ponds are vibrant habitats found only along the shores of southern New England and Long Island. Their brackish mix of fresh water and salt water allow an array of plants, fish, shellfish, and amphibians to thrive here. In particular, the salt marshes that fringe their edges are excellent bird habitat.
Because they are shallow and enclosed, salt ponds are highly vulnerable to pollution from the land. Conserving natural areas around places like Flume Pond protects the water’s health so these fascinating ecosystems can thrive.
The 300 Committee is a nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving natural lands in Falmouth. Since 1986, The 300 Committee has helped protect more than 2,300 acres for conservation, recreation, and water protection.