A Cape Christmas
Farm
Ashumet Holly and Wildlife Sanctuary, East Falmouth
While the Sanctuary is a wonderful place for an excursion any time of the year, it is a preferred stop during the holiday season. During the first two weeks of December, the Sanctuary's Annual Holly Days attract hundreds of visitors and locals alike. Here, you'll discover fresh cut holly, wreaths and other greens for simple and beautiful holiday decorations.
Wilfred Wheeler, who cultivated most of the holly plants on the property, originally owned the land. His concern about over-harvesting holly during the holidays encouraged him to develop and maintain this unique "farm." Upon his death in 1961, local philanthropist Josiah K. Lilly purchased and donated the land, now run by the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Lilly is well known for his generous gifts to Cape towns. Among many other contributions, he is the benefactor of Heritage Plantation in Sandwich (another must-see stop when you visit).
There are eight self-guided trails (open daily until dusk) across this 45-acre preserve, graced with more than 60 varieties of American, European and Oriental holly trees and a beautiful display of flora and fauna throughout the seasons. In the Spring, the magnolias, rhododendrons and dogwoods put on an impressive show; in the fall, franklinia open up their large white flowers. (This beauty was named for none other than Benjamin Franklin and is a type of tea plant.) The rare Plymouth Gentian is among the numerous wildflower residents.
The sanctuary is also a haven for our feathered friends. Since the 1930s, a colony of barn swallows have called the resident barn there home, and more than 130 other bird species have been spotted within the Sanctuary's boundaries. Look for turtles, frogs and gorgeous lotus plants in the Sanctuary's Grassy Pond.
The Audubon Society offers classes and field trips throughout the year. Take a nature trip to Cuttyhunk Island or one of the other Elizabethan Islands, set off on a seal cruise or join others for a guided bird walk.
The Sanctuary is located at 286 Ashumet Road (off Route 151 which is off Route 28) in East Falmouth. For more information call (508) 563-6390.
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