Wetlands in Cape Cod

Wetland Wonders

Cape Cod’s landscape is defined by its intricate network of salt marshes, freshwater swamps, and historic cranberry bogs. This collection features the Great Marshes of Barnstable, one of the most significant salt marsh systems in New England, and the ecologically diverse Great Sippewisset Marsh. Visitors can explore tidal creeks like Scorton Creek, observe active and retired cranberry bogs, and traverse wooded swamps such as Spruce Swamp. These sites serve as critical habitats for migratory birds and local shellfish.

Wetland Wonders — Map

A

Mitchell River Marshes

Tidal marshland located in Chatham along the Mitchell River, offering views of the historic wooden drawbridge.

B

Great Marshes

Spanning thousands of acres in Barnstable, this salt marsh is a critical habitat for shorebirds and serves as a natural storm barrier.

C

Old Man Jenkin's Pond

Freshwater pond and wetland area in West Barnstable.

D

Marsh

Salt marsh area located near the southern coast of Barnstable.

E

Scorton Creek Marshes

Extensive salt marsh in Sandwich, known for its winding tidal creeks and opportunities for kayaking and birdwatching.

F

Raccoon Swamp

Wooded swamp area located within the Sandwich region, characterized by dense vegetation and seasonal water levels.

G

Spruce Swamp

Low-lying wooded bog area in Sandwich, typical of the region's inland freshwater wetlands.

H

Cranberry Bog

A traditional Cape Cod wetland used for cranberry cultivation, showing the seasonal cycles of the local agricultural industry.

I

Cranberry Bog

Wetland site in Marstons Mills featuring cranberry cultivation beds.

J

Pucasset River Marshes

Estuarine marsh system along the Pocasset River in Bourne, influenced by Buzzards Bay tides.

K

Sandwich Harbor Marshes

Salt marshes surrounding the historic Sandwich Harbor, accessible via local boardwalks and trails.

L

Great Sippewisset Marsh

A significant Falmouth salt marsh used for decades as a site for marine biological research and shorebird observation.

M

Black Pond

Marshy pond area located within the Punkhorn Park Lands in Brewster.

N

Mud Pond

Freshwater marsh and pond situated along the hiking trails of the Punkhorn Park Lands.

O

Bass Hole Marshes

Marshes at Gray's Beach featuring a long wooden boardwalk that extends over the salt marsh toward Cape Cod Bay.

P

Little Sippewisset Marsh

Protected salt marsh in Falmouth, providing a habitat for osprey and various species of shellfish.

Q

Rock Harbor Creek Marshes

Tidal creek and marsh area in Orleans, famous for its views of the commercial fishing fleet at Rock Harbor.

R

Herring River Marshes

Large-scale salt marsh system in Eastham, currently the site of one of the largest wetland restoration projects in New England.

S

Boat Meadow Bog

Marsh and former cranberry bog area in Eastham, located near the southern terminus of the Cape Cod Rail Trail.

T

Boat Meadow Bog

Wetland area in Eastham adjacent to Boat Meadow Creek.

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