Posted July 3, 2020

Written by Kyla Isakson

Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful property to explore when looking for wildlife. Animals observed at this wildlife sanctuary include Eastern box turtles, deer, great horned owls, and the great blue heron. Through the combined efforts of The WLT, Mass Audubon, and the Town of Wareham Conservation Commission, this property is open to the public and offers a safe home for many state-listed rare species.

The trails on this property were once carriage roads and deer paths that wander through pine forests. Whether you’re looking for a short walk with kids on the Huckleberry Loop or want to extend a walk for more exercise on the Old Pasture Loop, Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary offers a trail for everyone!

Mass Audubon recently purchased the Sacred Heart property that abuts Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary. A note from Mass Audubon about this project: “the expanded portion of the sanctuary (former Sacred Heart Retreat Center) will remain closed to the public while important site work is safely performed.” This closure also includes the Heron Point Loop Trail. To read more about the progress of the expansion project, click here.

For directions and information, visit our website. 

Notes: Some of these trails traverse private property; these trails are available through the generosity of private landowners who value land conservation and choose to share their land with you. Be respectful of the property owners and neighbors; please stay on the trails. To help Mass Audubon protect this habitat for birds and other wildlife, dogs are not allowed on Mass Audubon properties to reduce disturbances to the lives of these animals.