With deep forests, rocky coasts, and rich salt marshes, Buzzards Bay is a haven for wildlife of all types. Migratory birds flock to our shores along the Atlantic Flyway, while frogs and salamanders thrive in the vernal pools that pop up in our woods each spring. So grab a pair of binoculars and visit one of these places to seek out our region’s special birds and wildlife.
Peek back into West Falmouth's agricultural history with a walk through Bourne Farm's open fields and hilly woodlands.
Size: 35 acres
Parking: Large unpaved parking lot
Facilities: Water Fountain, Trash
Parking: Large unpaved parking lot
Facilities: Water Fountain, Trash
Bourne Recreation Area is a gateway to fishing, walking, and bicycling along scenic Cape Cod Canal.
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking lot
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic tables, Trash
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic tables, Trash
Discover quiet, hilly woods that feel forgotten by time at Bourne Sisters Woodland in Bourne.
Size: 22 acres
Parking: Small parking area on the east side of County Road; additional parking across the road at the Leary Property
Facilities: None
Parking: Small parking area on the east side of County Road; additional parking across the road at the Leary Property
Facilities: None
Take a short, scenic walk to the sandy shores of the Weweantic River at Brainard Marsh in Marion.
Size: 6.1 acres
Parking: Small gravel roadside parking area
Facilities: Bicycle Rack
Parking: Small gravel roadside parking area
Facilities: Bicycle Rack
Discover spectacular coastal scenery among protected woods and wetlands at Brandt Island Cove District in Mattapoisett.
Size: 132 acres
Parking: Roadside parking at the end of Anchorage Way and Whalers Way
Facilities: None
Parking: Roadside parking at the end of Anchorage Way and Whalers Way
Facilities: None
Hike, picnic, or bird watch among some of the Cape’s most unusual habitats at this Falmouth preserve.
Size: 68 acres
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area on Blacksmith Shop Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area on Blacksmith Shop Road
Facilities: None
Surround yourself with bird-filled salt marshes on a paddle through this water access-only preserve in Wareham.
Parking: None
Facilities: None
Facilities: None
Located in the urban North End of New Bedford, Brooklawn Park is refuge for local residents seeking some fresh air.
Size: 85 acres
Parking: Large paved parking lot; additional on-street parking around the park
Facilities: Restrooms, Trash, Picnic Tables, Playground
Parking: Large paved parking lot; additional on-street parking around the park
Facilities: Restrooms, Trash, Picnic Tables, Playground
Enjoy the peaceful beauty of Bread and Cheese Brook along Brookside Conservation Area's streamside trail in Westport.
Size: 9 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area (space for 3-4 cars) off Route 177
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved parking area (space for 3-4 cars) off Route 177
Facilities: None
Escape from busy Wareham center and stop at Bryant Farm for a peaceful walk.
Size: 102 acres
Parking: Large paved parking lot behind Minot Elementary; small dirt lot next to Golf Shots Driving Range
Facilities: None
Parking: Large paved parking lot behind Minot Elementary; small dirt lot next to Golf Shots Driving Range
Facilities: None
Take a peaceful picnic or stretch your legs with a picturesque walk on Bull Island, nestled inside Naushon’s Hadley Harbor.
Parking: None
Facilities: Dock (floating)
Facilities: Dock (floating)
Known as the “crown jewel” of New Bedford, Buttonwood Park is an oasis of nature and recreation in the city.
Size: 97 acres
Parking: Two large paved parking lots (open 6am-10pm); additional on-street parking around the park
Facilities: Restrooms, Trash, Picnic Tables, Playground
Parking: Two large paved parking lots (open 6am-10pm); additional on-street parking around the park
Facilities: Restrooms, Trash, Picnic Tables, Playground
Explore the Cape Cod Canal from Buzzards Bay Recreation Area in Bourne, located at the foot of the iconic railroad bridge.
Parking: Large paved parking area
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Picnic Tables
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Picnic Tables
If you want to take an easygoing, scenic bike ride, look no further than the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway in Bourne.
Size: 7 miles north side/6.5 miles south side
Parking: Medium/Large paved parking areas at all recreation areas along bikeway
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Picnic Tables
Parking: Medium/Large paved parking areas at all recreation areas along bikeway
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Picnic Tables
Follow a trail through a bird-filled meadow and into quiet woodlands at this former farm in West Falmouth.
Size: 45 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area on dirt road next to Forman Lane
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved parking area on dirt road next to Forman Lane
Facilities: None
From the fish ladder to the glacial moraine, explore Bourne's natural history at Carter Beal Conservation Area.
Size: 29.7 acres
Parking: Small dirt parking area
Facilities: Benches, Trash
Parking: Small dirt parking area
Facilities: Benches, Trash
An array of stunning habitats fit into a small package at this Fairhaven preserve, featuring fields, forests, and wetlands.
Size: 61 acres
Parking: Street parking on the south side of Shaw Rd. next to the Carvalho Farm field
Facilities: None
Parking: Street parking on the south side of Shaw Rd. next to the Carvalho Farm field
Facilities: None
See a sampling of all of Bourne’s vibrant natural scenery on one walk when you visit Cataumet Greenway.
Size: 95 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area at the Cataumet Post Office; two additional small unpaved parking areas on Red Brook Harbor Road
Facilities: Picnic Table, Playground
Parking: Small unpaved parking area at the Cataumet Post Office; two additional small unpaved parking areas on Red Brook Harbor Road
Facilities: Picnic Table, Playground
Sample the diversity of Martha’s Vineyard habitats with a visit to Cedar Tree Neck Sanctuary.
Size: 400 acres
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area
Facilities: Portable toilet
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area
Facilities: Portable toilet
“Chappy,” as locals call Chapoquoit Beach in Falmouth, is a sandy, secluded spot far from Cape Cod's crowds.
Size: 1.6 acres
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking area; resident beach sticker required to park in summer
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Shower (seasonal)
Parking: Medium-sized paved parking area; resident beach sticker required to park in summer
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Shower (seasonal)