Short on time, but need a nature boost? Visit the A. Janet DeFulvio Wildlife Sanctuary Boardwalk

Sometimes, a busy day on Cape Cod makes you feel like you’re living in a pinball machine. Especially in the summer. You find yourself in the middle of a traffic jam, or standing in line at the grocery store and frustration can begin to boil like overcooked chowder. Suddenly you’re channeling Frank Costanza from “Seinfeld” and yelling “Serenity now!”

Well, friends, we’ve got the soothing antidote you need to set things right. A quick visit to Harwich Conservation Trust’s (HCT) A. Janet DeFulvio Wildlife Sanctuary Boardwalk provides a splendid serving of nature and a big vista, guaranteed to bring an instant sense of relaxation, calm frazzled nerves, and help you face the rest of the day with enviable grace. Think of it as a power nap for the soul.

A recent visit to the Sanctuary delivered the goods in a big way. Route 28 was like an overstuffed washing machine, churning through a hot summer afternoon. But the hurly-burly melted away as we rolled down the dirt road to the parking lot. And there it was, perhaps the most enticing feature of any Cape conservation area: a boardwalk!

It was irresistible, stretching through a canopy of trees, with the promise of a big view shimmering in the distance.

We alighted from our gassy beast (aka car) and hit the boardwalk. Stress melted away like butter on a lobster roll. A short stroll brought us to an incredible box seat on a vast marsh with a comfy bench. Birds swooped and butterflies fluttered. Poof! The worrisome cares of civilization evaporated in an instant.

The story of this scenic Sanctuary began in 1994, when the DeFulvio family donated the mix of tupelo, pine and salt marsh to HCT in order to preserve wildlife habitat, scenic vistas, and a serene sense of place.

In 1998, AmeriCorps volunteers helped to construct a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk and resting bench that offer views of the Herring River salt marsh as well as of an osprey nesting platform. The viewing platform and bench were renovated by HCT volunteers in 2018.

It all adds up to a perfect pocket experience that fits the bill when you don’t have a lot of time, but need a jolt of nature to smooth a bumpy day. Viva DeFulvio!

Details and directions

Janet DeFulvio Wildlife Sanctuary Boardwalk
Acres: 12
Total Trail Length: 137 ft. wheelchair accessible boardwalk

Trailhead Parking: The dirt road entrance to this boardwalk destination is the same as the entrance to #206 Rt. 28 in West Harwich for G. Rockwood Clark’s Gardens by the Sea landscaping company. Enter by the HCT sign that you see on Rt. 28, then bear left. Follow the arrows to the small parking area.

—Sign up for HCT eNews, a great way to stay in the loop about exciting HCT events, guided walks and other interesting news.

—Your tax-deductible contributions help fulfill the mission of the Harwich Conservation Trust to preserve land that protects woods, water, wildlife and our shared quality of life. And your land-saving financial support helps us preserve beautiful properties that can become stellar trail destinations. Find out how to donate by clicking here.