Ashumet Holly and Wildlife Sanctuary, operated by the Massachusetts Audubon Society at 186 Ashumet Rd., off Route 151 (tel. 508/362-1426), is an intriguing 49-acre collection of more than 1,000 holly trees spanning 65 species and culled worldwide. Preserved by the state's first commissioner of agriculture, who was concerned that commercial harvesting might wipe out native species, they flourish here, along with over 130 species of birds and a carpet of Oriental lotus blossoms, which covers a kettle pond come summer. The trail fee is $3 for adults and $2 for seniors and children under 16.
Close to the center of Falmouth (just follow Depot Rd. to the end) is the 650-acre Beebe Woods, a treasure for hikers and dog walkers. From here, you can wend your way to the Peterson Farm (entrance off Woods Hole Rd.; take a right at the Quissett farm stand), purchased by the town of Falmouth in 1997. The 90-acre farm has paths through woods and fields, as well as a flock of sheep grazing in a meadow near historic farm buildings. Bluebird boxes (special birdhouses for bluebirds) line the path on the way to a quiet pond. There is no charge to walk in Beebe Woods.
Tiny but dazzling, the privately owned Spohr Gardens on Fells Road, off Oyster Pond Road in Woods Hole, invites visitors to explore 6 magical acres beside Oyster Pond. In the spring, thousands of daffodils bloom, followed by rhododendrons and day lilies. Paths wind past a collection of nautical treasures, like huge anchors and millstones. Remarkably, this private garden is free and open to the public. Donations for garden maintenance are accepted.
Named for its round shape that sticks out into the harbor, The Knob, 13 acres of trails at Quissett Harbor at the end of Quissett Road, provides a perfect short walk and lovely views of Buzzards Bay. There's very limited parking at this small, secluded harbor, so try it early or late in the day. The Knob is owned by the nonprofit group Salt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuaries and is free and open to the public.
The 2,250-acre Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR), at 149 Waquoit Hwy. in East Falmouth (tel. 508/457-0495; www.waquoitbayreserve.org), maintains a 1-mile, self-guided nature trail. The reserve also offers a number of walks and interpretive programs, including the popular "Evenings on the Bluff" on Tuesday nights at 6:30pm that is geared toward families. The visitor center is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. You'll find several interesting exhibits especially appropriate for children. On Saturday in season WBNERR hosts a free 20-minute cruise over to Washburn Island. Once on the island visitors can explore its wooded trails or relax on its pristine beaches. The 12-passenger motorboat leaves at 9am and returns by 12:30pm. The reserve also manages 11 primitive campsites on Washburn Island. Permits cost a mere $10 a night. Advance reservations for the cruise and camping are required and can be made by calling tel. 877/422-6762. (The campsites book up 6 months in advance for summer weekends, but you'll have better luck with a late spring or early fall booking.)
