The town of Barnstable has many open spaces for recreation, included beaches, conservation areas, and ponds. These lands provide vital habitat for wildlife, safe recreation opportunities for our residents and visitors, and also help protect our air and water quality. The Natural Resources Department enforces local and state laws in these areas and assists the town Conservation Department and Recreation Department with monitoring and policing recreation activity and land use.

Please enjoy our conservation areas, beaches, and waterways responsibly. Follow all rules/signs posted at each location and the town codes posted online.

Beaches and Waterways Rules

Conservation Areas Rules

Help keep our open spaces a safe and clean place for recreation! Please do not litter; leave only your footprints behind.

View Slideshow

Natural Resource Program Responsibilities

• Providing interpretive programs to the public related to natural resource issues

• Shellfish Volunteer opportunities

• Natural Resource Officer visits

• Herring Run Volunteer opportunities

• Coordinating volunteers and school groups with resource related projects

• Maintaining educational links with local school systems

• Presentations Offered

  • Clamming Class for Kids

  • Diamond-backed Terrapin turtle head start program and public terrapin release

  • Touch-A-Truck

  • Barnstable Environment Expo

  • Wildlife Presentations

  • Coastsweep (every September)

Useful Information and Links

• Town of Barnstable Conservation Area Trail Maps

• Town of Barnstable Beach Locations

• Trail etiquette for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riding.

• ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) and OHM (Off Highway Motorcycle) use is strictly prohibited in Town of Barnstable Conservation areas. These vehicles are only allowed on private properties in Barnstable and they must be registered with the State of Massachusetts Registration Bureau.

• Massachusetts ATV/OHM handbook

• Massachusetts ATV/OHM safety education course

• Massachusetts public lands for riding ATV and OHM’s

• Massachusetts public lands for riding snowmobiles