Herald in the New Year with Activities at Cape Cod National Seashore

Date: December 6, 2013
Contact: Sue Haley, District Interpreter, 508-255-3421

Whether you're visiting the Cape for the holidays hoping to see snow, or live here year 'round, close out the old year and ring in the new by exploring the many dimensions of Cape Cod National Seashore! Take a hike on your own, or join a ranger to learn more about special spots and resources.

For indoor activity, the Salt Pond Visitor Center is open daily (except for December 25) from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Visit the museum, where artifacts, audio clips, and photographs help tell the story of first people on Cape Cod. Scavenger hunts are available, several films are shown throughout the day, the photography of Amber Jane Barricman is on exhibit, and the gift and bookstore is filled with national-seashore related items.

Also indoors at the Salt Pond Visitor Center between 2:00 and 4:00 PM on December 28 and 29, and January 4 and 5, rangers will showcase something special on the activity and touch table.

Join rangers outdoors for the following guided walks (weather permitting):

Tuesday, December 31, 2:00 PM - Walk the Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail for an exploration into this rare and enchanting sphagnum moss-accentuated swamp. Meet at the trailhead in the Marconi Station Site parking area in Wellfleet. 1½ hours.

Thursday, January 2, 2:00 PM - Walk for a short distance on the famous Coast Guard Beach in Eastham and discover how and why the beach changes so dramatically through the seasons. Prepare to do some digging in the sand! Meet at the Coast Guard Beach parking area. 45 minutes.

For outdoor programs, dress for the weather and location. Call the Salt Pond Visitor Center if inclement weather is threatening at [phone] to find out about potential cancellations or alternate programs.

The upcoming winter film series will feature big screen films that presents nature’s dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventures, wildlife stories, or conservation issues. The series will be on Sundays at 1:30 PM beginning on January 19 and ending on February 23.

IF YOU GO: Salt Pond Visitor Center is located at the intersection of Route 6 and Nauset Road in Eastham, and can be contacted by calling 508-255-3421. The center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (closed December 25). Staff is available to assist with activity planning. Visit the museum, view a park film, enjoy panoramic views of Salt Pond and Nauset Marsh, and shop in the gift and bookstore featuring national seashore-related items. For more information about the seashore’s programs, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/caco.

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