Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR)

Address: 131 Waquoit Hwy, East Falmouth, MA 02536

The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) is one of 27 reserves around the country dedicated to protecting estuaries through research and education. Waquoit became part of the reserve system in 1984. It is jointly managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation state park system.

WBNERR covers 3,000 acres of open water, barrier beach, marshland and upland in Falmouth and Mashpee, including Washburn Island, South Cape Beach and the Quashnet River Woods.

The headquarters, on a bluff overlooking the head of the bay, are on Route 28 in Waquoit. The main house and boathouse were the summer estate of the Swift family. The office is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Visitors are welcome to explore the property, which has a variety walking trails and educational signage.