The coastal town of Wareham, in Southeastern Massachusetts, spans 46 square miles and boasts over 54 miles of coastline. As such, it’s freshwater systems and open spaces play an important role in the health of the adjacent marine waters.
Working to protect the land surrounding upper Buzzards Bay are numerous conservation groups, including the Wareham Land Trust. In 2023, I met up with its Executive Director Elise Leduc-Fleming for a tour of the Marks Cove Conservation Area, a 118-acre property comprising parcels owned by the Land Trust, the Buzzards Bay Coalition, the Wildlands Trust, Mass Audubon, and the Town of Wareham itself.
Opened to the public in 2021, the protected land offers 2.5 miles of walking trails that wind through the woods and lead to a pair of viewing areas at the salt marsh edge.
The property is accessed through the entrance at the end of Nicholas Drive. From here, three well-groomed loop trails (green, blue and orange) take you through a variety of coastal habitat.
In terms of vegetation, the Mark’s Cove property features a mixed forest of scrub oak, white pine, and pitch pine, shading a thick understory of bayberry, huckleberry, and blueberry (both high- and low-bush varieties). The use of tick-repellent clothing or spray is highly recommended.
The property is rich in birdlife. In the forested areas and dense undergrowth, expect to see (and more commonly hear) Eastern towhee, ovenbird, veery, wood thrush, catbird, bluejay, downy woodpecker, northern flicker, common crow, brown creeper, Carolina wren, nuthatch, chickadee, tufted titmouse, and cardinal. In May and June, many species of warbler can also be seen. Forest raptors such as Coopers and sharp-shinned hawks often patrol the canopy.
Along the marsh edges, look for great blue heron, egret, green heron, yellowlegs, kingfisher, osprey, willet, and plover.
The Mark’s Cove Conservation Area is just one of many protected spaces in Wareham where the public can connect with nature, get some exercise, and view wildlife. For more information, visit warehamlandtrust.org.