City: Cape Cod, MA

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (508) 349-2615

Description: The Massachusetts Audubon Society operates this 1,000-acre-plus tract of salt marsh, woodland, beach, tidal flats, and moorland. What was once a turnip and asparagus farm is now a haven of self-guided nature trails and superb bird-watching, along with a natural history day camp for children and weeklong field trips for older folk. Guided walks, canoe cruises through Nauset Marsh, Monomoy cruises, and seal- and whale-watching trips are regularly sponsored. The excursions are extremely popular and book fast. The 1½-mile Goose Pond Trail, part of the 5 miles of trails, offers a look at a diversity of habitats and leads to the shore. It’s an excellent place for viewing shorebirds, hawks, and herons. In keeping with the theme of preservation, the visitor center uses passive solar heating and composting toilets. It’s open year-round. A donation is requested: $5 from adults and $3 from seniors and children from 3 to 12 (those under 3 enter free). Of course if you are a member of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, the donation is waived.