Martha's Vineyard Nature Activities
Summer and Fall are Great Times to Delve into Island Natural History
Aug 24, 2009
The Obamas' visit is not the only thing happening on Martha’s Vineyard this summer (2009). Visitors who wish to avoid the hype can try hitting the trails. The island's extensive system of natural protected areas has much to offer the nature enthusiast.
Polly Hill Arboretum
The arboretum, a scientific collection of plants identified by display labels, is located in West Tisdale a mere 10 minutes drive from Vineyard Haven. Developed by horticulturalist Polly Hill (1907-2007) beginning in 1958, the area showcases a range of trees and shrubs both native to Martha’s Vineyard and imported from other areas of the Atlantic Coastal Plain as well as eastern Asia.
Polly Hill was known for her cultivation of species on Martha’s Vineyard that were considered well outside of their range there. Backyard native gardeners could learn from her experimental approach, in which everything was grown from seed. The natural genetic variability within the seeds often produced one or two individuals out of a hundred or more that thrived in the maritime Massachusetts climate.
With its fantastical weeping evergreens and large-leaved magnolias, the arboretum will yield many fairy houses or dragon castles to the imaginations of children. Workshops and celebrations for young and old are planned throughout the growing season. In addition, the visitor’s center contains plenty of books and other items sure to interest the young at heart.
Must see plantings include the dogwood allee, breathtaking even when the dogwoods are past their blooming season. Polly’s “Play Pen” is a long rectangular garden fenced to prevent deer and rabbits from nibbling the famous North Tisbury azaleas and other rare plants she was known for cultivating.
Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary
This wildlife sanctuary, operated by Mass Audubon and located along the western shore of Sengekontacket Pond preserves 250 acres of wildlife habitat and spectacular views. Four miles of trails meander through woods and meadows and along ponds and salt marshes. There are guided and self-guided programs, but the highlight for families will be the year-round environmental education programs for adults and children on land and in the water.
Summertime nature outings include a 1½-hour program to explore shallow waters and learn about sea creatures. Children are encouraged to wade in the water and catch critters for later inspection. Snails, blue crabs, hermit crabs, and even eels will delight and wriggle in the hands of the adventurous child. After capture, organisms are deposited in a shallow wading pool, allowing the more faint of heart an opportunity to inspect the critters from a safe distance.
After about 30 minutes of fishing, a naturalist then conducts an extended show and tell program, educating those gathered around the wading pool about their finds. To end the program, a beach seine net is dragged through the shallows to capture the tiny minnows that evade hand capture.
Both the Arboretum and Sanctuary are open everyday, but hours vary. Call 508-693-9426 for details about touring Polly Hill Arboretum and 508-627-4850 for more information about the education programs on offer at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary.
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