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Monday 10am - 4pm Tuesday 10am - 4pm Wednesday 10am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 4pm

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

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Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

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Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) is a living laboratory and regional resourc

Waquoit Bay is a representative example of shallow bays throughout the Northeastern U.S., so research here improves the understanding of these areas in general and promotes stewardship of the coast throughout the region. Today, the Reserve continues to work with partners to preserve land and water and related ecosystems, investigate compelling issues facing our coast, and provide education to students, teachers, coastal decision-makers and community members.

10/26/2026

Have you checked out the Discovery Room inside our Visitor Center? We’ve got lots of books and activities for our littlest visitors to connect with the estuary!

10/22/2026

An exciting wrap up for Archaeology Month with a presentation by David Robinson, Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources’ (BUAR) Director! We learned about uncovered underwater cultural resources like shipwrecks and ancient forests. As well as how the Commonwealth protects them from flooding, erosion, and inundation.

10/21/2026

Intern spotlight! This year we had the pleasure of hosting our first POCIE (Professionals of Color in the Environment) intern – Nathan Brophy. During his internship he worked with our Research sector to examine the impacts of the purple marsh crab on our salt marsh. On the final day with us he shared a presentation with staff about his project, complete with recreated marsh and quadrat cake. Thanks Nathan and best of luck to you!

10/17/2026

Start your Sunday off by joining us for a hike of our Dead Neck Trail! Meet in the Bayberry Parking Lot at 9am. You can see more information on our website: https://waquoitbayreserve.org/events/dead-neck-trail-hike

10/16/2026

Did you know that our recent nor-easter exposed shipwreck materials along the shore?

Join us on Tuesday October 20th at 6:30pm for a presentation by David Robinson, Massachusetts Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources’ Director to hear about the large section of wreckage on Nantucket’s south shore and threats to coastal cultural resources across Massachusetts.

This presentation will be in person at the Waquoit Bay Reserve and virtually through Zoom. Register online: https://waquoitbayreserve.org/events/underwater-archaeological-resources

10/15/2026

We loved celebrating Autumn Estuary Adventure with so many of you last Friday! We had an estuary scavenger hunt, pumpkin painting, and fall games. Check out our calendar for upcoming programs.

10/14/2026

We were excited to welcome educators to the Reserve last week for a workshop as part of Cape Cod Collaborative’s All Cape Day 2026! Our group explore the salt marsh and estuary and learned about NOAA educator resources.

10/13/2026

Our Education team was busy this morning moving our estuary aquarium inside the visitor center! During the winter the aquarium lives inside and during the summer it lives on the porch. Signs of the changing seasons.

Have you visited the aquarium?

10/12/2026

Have you visited the Reserve’s Visitor Center and seen the sign post pointing to the 29 other reserves?

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) is a living laboratory and regional resource. The Reserve is part of the Massachusetts State Parks system and is one of 30 sites in the U.S. that comprise the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS). The Waquoit Bay Reserve is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The Reserve works with partners to preserve land and water, and provide education to students, teachers, coastal decision-makers, and community members. Visitors are welcome to explore our trails and Visitor Center and participate in the many community activities we have to offer.

10/10/2026

Address

131 Waquoit Highway
Waquoit Village, MA
02536

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 4pm
Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

+15084570495

Website

http://www.waquoitbayreserve.org/

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