Long Point Wildlife Refuge

Whether you want to play in the ocean, splash with the kids in sheltered salt- and freshwater ponds, or explore a rare grassland habitat, this spectacular reservation will become a favorite escape.  What makes Long Point a special place? At more than 600 acres, Long Point is one of the largest publicly accessible properties on Martha's Vineyard. The fact that it encompasses beach, dune, and woodland, which bracket a broad (and uncommon) sandplain heath, makes the reservation even more attractive, environmentally and recreationally. Understandably popular in summer, the property is also an off-season treasure, especially for birders and other nature-watchers.  Long Point Wildlife Refuge is all that remains of a broad prairie with scattered woods that was formed over many years after the last ice age. The plants and wildlife here are uniquely adapted to this dry, acidic landscape, its coastal ponds, and its sandy beach. You can stay by the water to swim and relax, or follow a two-mile trail that leads through oak forest and savanna bordered by Middle Point, Long Cove, and Tisbury Great Ponds. Long Point is also part of an important sand barrens ecosystem that exists in patches from New Jersey to Maine. This ecosystem is home to many rare plants, including scrub oak shrublands, sandplain grasslands, coastal heathlands, and pitch pine barrens. In recent decades, rare sand barrens communities have declined significantly throughout their range. To maintain and restore these rare communities, The Trustees are actively managing this landscape and helping to save plants and animals that depend on these open areas.  Trails 2.1 miles of flat trails through woods and open areas, plus beachfront. Easy walking.  When to Visit Mid-June to mid-September: 9AM to 5PM (last admission at 5PM; gate closes at 6PM). Mid-September to mid-June: daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of two hours.  Facilities Public restrooms. Picnic tables. Bike rack. Small visitor center.