Trustees Reopen Cape Cod Trails After Coronavirus Shutdown

BARNSTABLE, MA — The Trustees of Preservations has reopened most of its open spaces across Massachusetts following a coronavirus shutdown in late March.

As of Tuesday, about 88 of the Trustees' properties had reopened. The re-opening included a couple popular spots on Cape Cod like the Mashpee Reservation and Lowell Holly in Sandwich and Mashpee.

Mass Audubon and the Trustees closed access to all outdoor activities on March 24 following Gov. Charlie Baker's ban on gatherings over 10 people. The two groups oversee more than 60,000 acres of outdoor space in Massachusetts.

Mass Audubon had also begun to reopen some of its properties. About half of the Audubon's properties were open as of Tuesday. On the Cape, that included:

• Ashumet Holly, Falmouth
• Barnstable Great Marsh, Barnstable
• Skunknett River, Barnstable

Outdoor activity has been one of the few escapes during the coronavirus pandemic. The state Department of Conservation and Recreation opened some state parks early this spring to accommodate crowds. The state had closed some facilities, like athletic courts and bathrooms, but was planning to reassess those closures this week.

• See all the Trustees of Preservations spaces open now
• See Mass Audubon spaces open now
• MA Recreation: Parks, Beaches, Courts To Open Memorial Day