NPS

Plein Air Painting and Art Exhibition: National Seashore Paintings by the Eastham Painters Guild

The Eastham Painters Guild will be out plein air painting at various Cape Cod National Seashore locations this season on Tuesdays beginning May 1. Paintings by the guild artists will be on display at the Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham during the months of June, July, and August. Artwork will showcase a wide range of styles and perspectives all based on the Cape Cod National Seashore. See the artwork and meet the artists at the opening reception on Saturday, June 2, from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm at Salt Pond Visitor Center.

See the calendar on back for painting locations.

Cape Cod National Seashore Activity GuideMay 2018

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Cape Cod National Seashore

Salt Pond Visitor Center, 50 Nauset Road, off Route 6, Eastham, 508-255-3421 Open daily 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm beginning May 26

This visitor center offers magnificent views of Salt Pond, Nauset Marsh, and the Atlantic, and has an outstanding museum. The Nauset Marsh and Buttonbush trails, and the Nauset Bicycle Trail are nearby.

Province Lands Visitor Center, 171 Race Point Road, off Route 6, Provincetown, 508-487-1256 Open daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Take in the amazing views of the ocean and the surrounding dune landscape from the indoor/outdoor observation decks. The Province Lands Bicycle Trail, Race Point Beach, and the Beech Forest are nearby.

Both visitor centers offer staff to assist with trip-planning, thematic films shown throughout the day, exhibits, restrooms, and stores offering books, maps, puzzles, games, apparel, and other seashore-related items provided by our education partner, Eastern National.

For complete information about Cape Cod National Seashore, pick up the Trip Planner, available at seashore visitor centers.

Visitor Center Information

Activities that are accessible with minor assistance. Contact park staff if you have questions about accessibility.

National Park Service Healthy Parks Healthy People programs featuring parks as cornerstones of mental, physical, and spiritual health.

Activities especially suited for families with children.

Long pants, appropriate footwear, hats, sunscreen, bug spray, and water are recommended for outdoor activities.

This is a challenging hike. Wear closed-toe shoes; bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Expect to move at a brisk pace over difficult terrain and loose, coarse sand.

Welcome, Superintendent Carlstrom!Tuesday, May 8, 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Province Lands Visitor Center, Provincetown

Help us welcome new Superintendent Brian Carlstrom to the Outer Cape community, while viewing the recently completed interior renovation of the visitor center, including new exhibits and audio visual system. Celebratory remarks will be made at 5:30. Seashore staff will also provide a short presentation on coastal change occurring at Herring Cove Beach.

Park Film PremiereFriday, June 1, 6:30 pm, Salt Pond Visitor Center, Eastham

Celebrate the release of Cape Cod National Seashore’s new orientation film, the first movie produced for the park since the 1970s. This 14-minute film captures many dimensions of the national seashore, from its glacial origins, First People, and fragility and resilience, to diversity of habitats and species, recreational opportunities, and what this special place has meant to visitors and residents over time. Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance by calling Salt Pond Visitor Center beginning May 26. (508) 255-3421, ext. 0.

Sun, Sand, and See: The Beauty and Inspiration of Cape CodSunday, May 6 at 3:00 pm, Salt Pond Visitor Center, Eastham

Members of the Outer Cape Chorale share stories of Cape Cod’s beauty, with recitations of Mary Oliver poems, as well as an art show by visual artists from the chorale. This event is a prelude to its upcoming May 18-20 concerts, titled “Sea, Sand & Song.”

NPS/SUE MOYNIHAN COURTESY JESSE MECHLING

NPSGreat Island, Wellfleet

Art, Ecology, and Architecture Talk - 2 hours. Short presentations on art, ecology, and architecture from artists and NPS scientists resulting from the 2017-18 Cape Cod Modern House Trust Researchers in Residence program. Salt Pond Visitor Center. Wednesday, May 16 at 2:00 pm.

Beech Forest Beauty Walk - 1 hour, 1½ miles in loose sand. Explore a unique hardwood forest nestled in the dunes of the Province Lands, and discover the diversity of this ecosystem. Reservations required and accepted no more than one week in advance. Call the Province Lands Visitor Center, 508-487-1256, to sign up and for meeting location. Sundays at 10:00 am.

Between Species/Between Spaces - The restored Kugel/Gips House will be turned into a museum for the day, as artists and researchers share their work from national seashore art and science research residencies. 188 Way 626, Wellfleet. Saturday, May 19, 11 am to 6:00 pm. Offered by Cape Cod Modern House Trust: www.ccmht.org

Captain Penniman House Tour - 1 hour. Captain Penniman became one of the most successful whaling captains in New England. Explore his 1868 home and learn about his family's hardships, adventures, and lifestyle. Reservations required and accepted no more than one week in advance. Call Salt Pond Visitor Center, 508-255-3421, ext. 0, to register. Mondays and Fridays at 11:00 am.

Creative Nature Workshop - 1½ hours, up to 1 mile. Bring a journal, sketchpad, or any other form of art to breathtaking Fort Hill. Join a ranger to explore the stunning landscape while practicing the art of finding inspiration in nature. Reservations required and accepted no more than one week in advance. Call Salt Pond Visitor Center, 508-255-3421, ext. 0, to register. Wednesdays, May 9-30 at 9:30 am.

Discover Nauset Marsh Walk - 1 hour, up to 1 mile. Nauset Marsh is home to a fascinating array of plants, animals, and complex ecosystems, and contains a rich past of prehistoric and historic human history. Join a ranger for a leisurely stroll around the marsh. Salt Pond Visitor Center. Thursdays at 2:00 pm.

Dune Views Over East Harbor Walk - 1½ hours, 1½ miles in loose sand. Climb atop a parabolic dune to gain 360° views of ocean, cranberry bogs, harbor, and Provincetown. Meet in the bike trail parking lot at the end of High Head Road, off Route 6, in Truro (stay left and continue on the dirt road). Sundays at 2:00 pm.

Endangered Species Day Whale Walk - 1 hour, 1 mile. Join a ranger for a beach walk, activities to learn about whales, and if you’re lucky, to spot some! Meet on the bathhouse deck at Herring Cove Beach, Provincetown. Friday, May 18 at 10:00 am.

Ranger-led Activities

COURTESY EASTHAM PAINTERS GUILD

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

18:30-11:30 am Plein Air Painting at the Seashore 9 am Sea Cliffs Hike10 am Where the Spark of Magic Happenednoon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2-3 pm Ranger on Deck

2noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours

310 am Spring into the Dunes noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2 pm Discover Nauset Marsh2-3 pm Ranger on Deck

411 am Captain Penniman House Tour noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2-3 pm Ranger on Deck

5noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours1 pm Maritime Matinees2 pm Nature Tales and Hidden Trails of Ballston Beach

610 am Beech Forest Beauty noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2 pm Dune Views Over East Harbor2-3 pm Ranger on Deck3 pm Sun, Sand, and See4 pm Three SistersLighthouses Tour

711 am Captain Penniman House Tour noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2-3 pm Ranger on Deck

88:30-11:30 am Plein Air Painting at the Seashore 9 am Sea Cliffs Hike 10 am Where the Spark of Magic Happenednoon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2-3 pm Ranger on Deck5-7 pm SuperintendentWelcome

99:30 am Creative Nature noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours1 pm The Poetry of Mary Oliver at Blackwater Pond Walk

1010 am Spring into the Dunes noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2 pm Discover Nauset Marsh2-3 pm Ranger on Deck

1111 am Captain Penniman House Tour noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2-3 pm Ranger on Deck

12noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours1 pm Maritime Matinees2 pm Nature Tales and Hidden Trails of Ballston Beach

1310 am Beech Forest Beauty noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours1-4 pm Nauset Light Tour2 pm Dune Views OverEast Harbor2-3 pm Ranger on Deck4 pm Three SistersLighthouses Tour

1411 am Captain Penniman House Tour noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2 pm Spring into the Dunes 2-3 pm Ranger on Deck

158:30-11:30 am Plein Air Painting at the Seashore 9 am Sea Cliffs Hike 10 am Where the Spark of Magic Happenednoon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2-3 pm Ranger on Deck

169:30 am Creative Nature noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2 pm Art, Ecology, and Architecture Talk

1710 am Spring into the Dunes noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2 pm Discover Nauset Marsh2-3 pm Ranger on Deck

1810 am Endangered Species Day Whale Walk11 am Captain Penniman House Tour noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2-3 pm Ranger on Deck

19noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours1 pm Maritime Matinees2 pm Nature Tales and Hidden Trails of Ballston Beach

209 am-2 pm Mariner’s Day Tour at Race Point Light10 am Beech Forest Beauty noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours1-4 pm Nauset Light Tour2 pm Dune Views OverEast Harbor2-3 pm Ranger on Deck4 pm Three SistersLighthouses Tour

2111 am Captain Penniman House Tour noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2 pm Spring into the Dunes 2-3 pm Ranger on Deck

228:30-11:30 am Plein Air Painting at the Seashore 9 am Sea Cliffs Hike 10 am Where the Spark of Magic Happened noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2-3 pm Ranger on Deck

239:30 am Creative Nature noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours

2410 am Spring into the Dunes noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2 pm Discover Nauset Marsh2-3 pm Ranger on Deck

2511 am Captain Penniman House Tour noon-4 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2-3 pm Ranger on Deck7 pm-9 pm HighlandLighthouse Night Climb

2610 am-5:30 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours11 am-6 pm Between Species/Between spaces2 pm Nature Tales and Hidden Trails of Ballston Beach2-4 pm Old Harbor LSSOpen House

2710 am Beech Forest Beauty 10 am-5:30 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2 pm Dune Views Over East Harbor2-3 pm Ranger on Deck2-4 pm Old Harbor LSSOpen House4 pm Three SistersLighthouses Tour4:30 pm-7:30 pmNauset Light Tour

2810 am-5:30 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours11 am Captain Penniman House Tour2 pm Spring into the Dunes 2-3 pm Ranger on Deck2-4 pm Old Harbor LSSOpen House

298:30-11:30 am Plein Air Painting at the Seashore 9 am Sea Cliffs Hike 10 am Where the Spark of Magic Happened10 am-5:30 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2-3 pm Ranger on Deck2-4 pm Old Harbor LSSOpen House

309:30 am Creative Nature10 am-5:30 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2-4 pm Old Harbor LSSOpen House

3110 am Spring into the Dunes 10 am-5:30 pm Highland Lighthouse Tours2 pm Dicover Nauset Marsh2-3 pm Ranger on Deck2-4 pm Old Harbor LSSOpen House

Ranger-led Activities - continued

Cape Cod National Seashore is on the web! For more information, go to: www.nps.gov/capecod

Facebook:@CapeCodNPS

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Twitter:@CapeCodNPS

YouTube:Cape Cod National Seashore

Highland Lighthouse Tours - Climb Cape Cod’s oldest and tallest lighthouse! 27 Highland Light Road, North Truro. Open daily, noon-4:00 pm, and 10:00 am-5:30 pm beginning May 26. $6 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. All climbers must be 48” tall, no exceptions. Operated by Eastern National: www.highlandlighthouse.org

Highland Light (Almost) Full Moon Rise/Sunset Climbs - You may have been to the top of Highland Lighthouse during the day, but did you know there are evening tower climbs? Join us and watch the sun set over Provincetown and the full moon rise over the Atlantic. $6 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. Must be 48” tall to climb lighthouse. No flip flops. Bring a flashlight. Reservations Recommended. Call 508-487-1121 for more information and to register.Friday, May 25, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Last climb 8:30 pm. Operated by Eastern National: www.highlandlighthouse.org

Maritime Matinées - Celebrate Cape Cod Maritime Days by taking in a matinée! The Cape’s rich maritime history is linked to larger stories, both near and far. We recommend bringing your own pillow or pad to sit on. Province Lands Visitor Center. Saturdays, May 5, 12, and 19 at 1:00 pm.

May 5: The City that Lit the World - In the 1800s, New Bedford, MA was the preeminent whaling port, and for a time, “the richest city in the world.” The film is a beautiful chronicle of this remarkable era. Today, New Bedford’s cobblestone streets and historic buildings are preserved as part of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. 45 minutes.May 12: To the Farthest Port of the Rich East - By 1790, Salem, MA was the sixth largest U.S. city, and its merchants were major players in world commerce, especially China. Most of the Salem waterfront is now preserved as Salem Maritime National Historic Site. 45 minutes. May 19: Around Cape Horn - This 1929 film depicts sailing aboard the massive bark, Peking, and spectacular scenes of a wild storm as the ship rounds the feared Cape Horn. 45 minutes.

Nature Tales and Hidden Trails of Ballston Beach Walk - 2 ½ hours, 2 ½ miles. Join Sheldon Ball’s great-grandson for a hike through pine forest, heathland, sea cliffs, and beach. Directions: 111 North Pamet Road. Take Truro Center/ Pamet Roads exit off Route 6 in Truro. Proceed 1½ miles on North Pamet Road to the end. Meet at the trailhead parking area. Saturdays at 2:00 pm.

Nauset Light Tours - Climb this iconic light, and learn of its history and importance. 120 Nauset Light Beach Road, Eastham. Tours are free, but donations are accepted. Open Sundays, May 13 and 20, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm, and May 27, 4:30 pm-7:30 pm. Operated by Nauset Light Preservation Society: www.nausetlight.org

Old Harbor Life-Saving Station Open House - Built in 1898, Old Harbor is the last intact life-saving station of the original 13 of Cape Cod. The station has been restored and refurbished. A visit feels like stepping into a turn-of-the-century, working station while the crew is out on patrol. Park at Race Point Beach, Provincetown and take the short walk to Old Harbor. Open daily beginning May 26.

Plein Air Painting at the Seashore - The Eastham Painters Guild will be out plein air painting at various Cape Cod National Seashore locations this season. Tuesdays. May 1, Nauset Light, Eastham; May 8, Coast Guard Station, Eastham; May 15, Highland Light, North Truro; May 22, Province Lands Visitor Center, Provincetown; May 29, Great Island Trail, Wellfleet.

Race Point Lighthouse: Special Mariner’s Day Tour - The entire light station will be open to tour with free transportation and light refreshments provided! Rain or shine, come visit. Meet at the lower level parking lot at Race Point Beach for a free ride to Race Point! (Last ride to the lighthouse is at 2pm.) Sunday, May 20 9:00 am-2:00 pm. Please Note: No pets/ animals are permitted. Operated by Cape Cod Chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation: www.racepointlight.org

Ranger on Deck - Join a ranger to look for whales, birds, and historic buildings from the deck; or to explore new topics of the ranger’s choice. Province Lands Visitor Center. Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays drop in between 2:00-3:00 pm.

Sea Cliffs Hike - Up to 2 ½ hours, up to 3 miles. Climb to the top of one of the highest points along the national seashore, and experience spectacular panoramic views. Meet on Collins Road, Truro. Take Truro Center, Pamet Roads exit off Route 6, and follow South Pamet Road to Collins Road, turn right and go 0.6 mile, ranger will be waiting. Tuesdays at 9:00 am.

Spring into the Dunes Hike - 1½ hours, 1 mile in loose sand. Explore an enchanting dune landscape of unusual plants and wild cranberry bogs, while learning about the Province Lands’ unique place in American history. Wear closed-toe shoes, like sneakers, appropriate for walking in sand. Meet at the Province Lands Visitor Center. Mondays at 2:00 pm beginning May 14, Thursdays at 10:00 am begining May 3.

Sun, Sand, and See: The Beauty and Inspiration of Cape Cod - Members of the Outer Cape Chorale share stories of Cape Cod’s beauty, with recitations of Mary Oliver poems, as well as an art show by 20 visual artists from the chorale. This event is a prelude to its upcoming May 18-20 concerts, titled “Sea, Sand & Song.” Salt Pond Visitor Center. Sunday, May 6 at 3:00 pm.

Superintendent Welcome - Help us welcome new Superintendent Brian Carlstrom to the Outer Cape community, while viewing the recently completed interior renovation of the Province Lands Visitor Center, including new exhibits and audio visual system. Province Lands Visitor Center, Tuesday, May 8, 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

The Poetry of Mary Oliver at Blackwater Pond Walk - 1 ½ hours, 1 mile. Ranger Jody Anastasio and writer Kathleen Henry, both members of the Outer Cape Chorale, will explore the place that inspired several of Mary Oliver’s poems. If you would like, bring your own favorite Mary Oliver poem to share. Meet at the Beech Forest Trail parking area, Race Point Road, Provincetown. Wednesday, May 9 at 1:00 pm.

Three Sisters Lighthouses Tour - 1 hour, ½ mile. These 19th-century lighthouses once provided a beacon for sailors off the shore of Nauset Light Beach. Explore their history and importance during this guided tour. Meet at the northeast corner of Nauset Light Beach parking area at the intersection of Ocean View Drive and Cable Road, Eastham. Sundays at 4:00 pm.

Where the Spark of Magic Happened Walk - 45 minutes, ½ mile. Explore the site where in 1903 Guglielmo Marconi transmitted the first official wireless message across the ocean. Meet in the parking area of the Marconi Station Site, 195 Marconi Station Road, Wellfleet. Tuesdays at 10:00 am.

NPS/BARBARA DOUGAN

Save the Date! Wampanoag Spring Cultural FestivalSaturday, June16

Look for details in our June Activity Guide