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Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge Review

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Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

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Category: Nature Preserves
Location: Chatham

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 4.0/5

Fodor's Review:

Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is a 2,500-acre preserve including the Monomoy Islands, a fragile 9-mi-long barrier-beach area south of Chatham. Monomoy's North and South islands were created when a storm divided the former Monomoy Island in 1978. Monomoy was itself separated from the mainland in a 1958 storm. A haven for bird-watchers, the island is an important stop along the North Atlantic Flyway for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds—peak migration times are May and late July. It also provides nesting and resting grounds for 285 species, including gulls—great black-backed, herring, and laughing—and several tern species. White-tailed deer also live on the islands, and harbor and gray seals frequent the shores in winter. The only structure on the islands is the South Monomoy Lighthouse, built in 1849.

Monomoy is a quiet, peaceful place of sand and beach grass, tidal flats, dunes, marshes, freshwater ponds, thickets of bayberry and beach plum, and a few pines. Because the refuge harbors several endangered species, activities are limited. Certain areas are fenced off to protect nesting areas of terns and the threatened piping plover. Several groups conduct tours of the islands, including the Massachusetts Audubon Society in South Wellfleet and the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster, many with a focus on bird-watching. Most of these tours cost about $20 to $35 per person, depending on the length of the tour and the itinerary. In season, the Rip Ryder (508/945-5450. www.monomoyislandferry.com) will take you over from Chatham for bird- or seal-watching tours; private charters are also available. Another excellent option is Monomoy Island Excursions (508/430-7772), which offers seal and seabird tours and boat trips out around Monomoy Island, leaving from Saquatucket Harbor on a 43-foot high-speed catamaran. Outermost Adventures (508/945-5858. www.outermostharbor.com) also provides water taxi services out to Monomoy Island and offers fishing, birding, and seal-watching cruises.

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by Classic from Stoneham, Massachusetts on 6/13/07
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is a pristine stretch of salt marsh, sandy beach, woods and small trails that hug the curving coastline of Morris Island in Chatham. Large sections of the island are protected conservation land. Homes built along this coast range from small Capes to expansive mega mansions. Truly a playground for the wealthy seeking privacy and exceptional saltwater/nature views.
Dogs are allowed on the beach. The bonus is walking to the entrance of Stage Harbor, known as "the cut." Here, you can rest, view gorgeous yatchts sailing past, swim or stroll out into the sound on sand bars. Seals and large schools of Bluefish can frequently be seen feeding. Many types of sea birds can also be seen.