               
 | Property Description | 1,117 acres | Established 1974 | While Coskata-Coatue ("co-skate-uh co-too") Wildlife Refuge may be best known for its historic lighthouse, many miles of white-sand beaches, and world-class fishing, the Refuge is a complex ecosystem that features rare habitats, plants, and birds. Rolling maritime dunes cover more than 200 acres and support different associations of bayberry, beach plum, heather, and beach grass. Landward of Coskata Beach and the Head of the Harbor lies The Cedars, a red cedar savanna and woodland, the largest of its kind in New England. Coskata Woods is a mature maritime oak forest that contains gnarled, wind-blown trees. Below the forest canopy are freshwater and saltwater swales teeming with hidden wildlife. The ridges and valleys of The Glades are separated only by a few vertical feet, yet they support plants characteristic of both a salt marsh and a maritime shrubland. Great Point Lagoon's fluctuating water levels support changing plant life, and Coskata Pond, also a lagoon, serves as a nursery for fish, soft-shell clams, and quahogs. Gray and harbor seals feed on fish and invertebrates in the Great Point riptide and use the point's beach as a haul-out. Seasonal tours allow visitors to explore Great Point Lighthouse and the assorted natural wonders of the Refuge. |
| | Trails | | 16 miles of over-sand vehicle and walking trails, plus beach front. Moderate hiking. |
| | Facilities | Public restrooms are located at the Great Point Lighthouse from Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekend. Please note: The restroom located halfway to Great Point has been eliminated. A bike rack is located at the Wauwinet Gatehouse.
Private functions may be arranged; e-mail or call 508/228-6799 for more information. |
| | Tours | The Trustees of Reservations offers guided natural history tours that help adults and children alike explore the natural wonders of Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge as well as the historic Great Point Lighthouse. All guided tours are led by expert naturalists. All proceeds support ongoing conservation work at Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, including conducting wildlife research, protecting endangered species and their habitats, and maintaining the structure of the lighthouse. Natural History Tour
Join our naturalist guide on an over-sand vehicle tour through Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. Witness Nantucket's most expansive saltmarsh, learn about geology, ecology, and history of this special place and climb the Great Point Lighthouse for an incredible "birds eye" view. - Duration: 2.5 hours
- Departure Point: Wauwinet Gatehouse.
- Days/Times: June through Columbus Day weekend, daily, 9:30am and 1:30pm.
- Limit: 8 per tour (including children)
- Reservations: Required. Call 508/228-6799. Messages returned.
- Tickets: Trustees members*: adult $30, child (12 & under) $15; nonmembers: adult $40, child (12 & under) $15.
Open Lighthouse
Great Point Lighthouse is open! Trustees members are invited to climb the Great Point Lighthouse and enjoy the view, while learning about its history. Duration: 1 hour
- Departure Point: Transportation to Great Point is not provided.
- Days/Times: June through Labor Day, daily, 1pm-2pm and weekends only Labor Day through Columbus Day.
- Tickets: Only Members*: free.
*Membership in The Trustees of Reservations is not transferable; therefore, member cards may not be used by nonmembers to qualify for member discounts on tours.
Note: For all tours, please arrive on time! Tour vehicles depart promptly on-schedule. Smoking and alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the tour vehicle. Tours are weather dependent. Appropriate clothing recommended. Bring binoculars, camera, film, refreshments, sun block, sun glasses, and insect repellent. You are traveling to a remote location, so remember that medical or emergency facilities are not available. However, all tour vehicles carry two-way radios. |
Pre-booked charter tours from may to October may be arranged in advance; e-mail or call 508/228-6799 for more information. |
| | Literature | Free trail map distributed from gatehouse and by patrolling rangers (also included with OSV permit). Please understand that supplies periodically run out. You may also download trail maps from this web site or mail order trail maps in advance of your visit. Some publications are also available for purchase at the Islands Regional Office at 508/693-7662. A Natural History of Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge may be purchased at the Wauwinet Gatehouse, from Nantucket bookstores, on-line, or by calling 508/693-7662. |
| | Hunting Advisory | Seasonal hunting is permitted at this property subject to all state and town laws. Click here for further information. |
| | Property Acquisition History | | Original acreage a gift of Mrs. J. Allen Backus and Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Sziklas in 1974. Additional land given by Christopher K. Lohmann and Pamela Fezandie Lohmann in 1983 and 1989 and by Backus Trust in 1986. Partial interest in 125 acres given by the Lohmanns in 1989 and 1993, completed in 1998. |
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Telephone:
508-228-5646 E-mail:
islands@ttor.org When to Visit:
Open year round. November through April – Dawn to Dusk. May through October, dawn to 10PM. Allow a minimum of 3 hours. Admission Fees & Permits:
Free to all pedestrians and boaters. Oversand vehicle permits: $100 for Nantucket residents; $125 for non-residents. A complimentary family membership to The Trustees of Reservations is issued with each permit purchase. There are no membership discounts for OSV permits.Permit is valid April 1 to March 31 and can be purchased daily from gatehouse attendant (9am to 6pm). Membership in The Trustees of Reservations is not transferable; member cards may not be used by nonmembers to qualify for member discounts on over-sand vehicle permits. Regulations / Advisories:
Sections of the Refuge may be closed to protect nesting shorebirds.Seasonal hunting is permitted. See details below left.Dogs are permitted on the beach from Sept. 16 through March 31st. Dogs are not permitted any other time (including in vehicle). Dogs must be leashed at all times. How to Get There:
From Nantucket town rotary, take Polpis Rd. east for 6 mi. Turn left onto Wauwinet Rd. and continue to end where gatehouse is located. There is no parking area. Access is by over-sand vehicle (permit required) or foot; bicycles must be left at the gatehouse. There is no designated parking area nor on-street parking. The Refuge's southernmost boundary is located more than a mile from the gatehouse. Road Map:
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