The Beach Times
The Shankpainter Pond Wildlife Sanctuary – Home of the Quaking Bog
Posted by Kinlin Grover | Monday, January 13, 2020
Provincetown is known for a lot of things, as it's an artists colony that has perhaps Cape Cod's best nightlife, and features two of the region's most popular beaches.
The town is also known for its Carnival celebration, its incredible dining scene, and the bustling atmosphere along Commercial Street.
Basically, Provincetown is a place you can head for near any Cape Cod activity, and it'll rarely disappoint.
But did you know that Provincetown is also home to the Shankpainter Pond Wildlife Sanctuary? This park is notable because it contains the world's largest quaking bog on a barrier beach system, an ecological distinction that attracts all kinds of rare plants and animals.
If you're looking to escape the bustle of Provincetown, you're only a few minutes away from the Shankpainter Pond Wildlife Sanctuary and a peaceful afternoon in nature.
What is a Quaking Bog?
So, Provincetown is home to the world's largest quaking bog on a barrier beach system, but what does this mean?
In short, a quaking bog describes any bog where layers of peat, shrubs, or other plants form on top of the water or mud. The vegetation shakes when you walk on it, hence the name quaking bog.
A barrier beach is a long, narrow beach that runs along the shoreline and provides protection to the mainland or, in this case, marshland.
The size and location of the Shank Painter Pond Wildlife Sanctuary are significant because the area provides plenty of space for wildlife to nest and eat in Provincetown.
Birds and also wildlife can spend their days near the sea before returning to the safety of the bog at night, or simply live at the marsh because of the natural protection and food sources it provides.
The Basics of the Shankpainter Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
Getting to the Shankpainter Pond Wildlife Sanctuary couldn't be easier, as it sits just north of downtown Provincetown. To reach the area, drive towards Herring Cove Beach and turn left 0.4 miles past the Pilgrim Bark Park. There is a small parking lot off the highway that leads to a trail. From there, you can get to the pond.
You can also walk to the park via a sand trail that meets with Ships Way Road in downtown Provincetown.
Overall, the park is 7.52 acres in size and open for hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. The main trail has an observation deck overlooking Shankpainter Pond, while there's also a secondary trail with a viewing bench.
The Flora and Fauna
The area around Shankpainter Pond is often referred to as the ecological crown jewel of Provincetown because of the variety of plants and animals you'll come across there. In fact, there are even a few endangered species that call this pond home.
One such endangered species is the dragon's mouth orchid, which is a pink flower with a yellow center that you'll find throughout the park. Of course, the orchid isn't to be confused with the pink lady's slipper, a flower of particular concern that is also present in this conservation area. Other plants you'll come across include the carnivorous pitcher plant, the gold club, the bogbean, and the grasspink.
Another endangered species that lives in the Shankpainter Pond Wildlife Sanctuary is the spotted turtle. You'll also have the opportunity to see rare birds like hawks, osprey, and heron, in addition to more common birds like red-winged blackbirds, warblers, and ducks. River otters, Easter spadefoot toads, and box turtles also live here, while anglers will find largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and pickerel to catch.
Make the Most of Your Time in Provincetown
No matter what your reason for visiting P-Town might be, you'll find plenty to do throughout your stay.
Taking a quick trip up to the Shankpainter Pond Wildlife Sanctuary not only provides an escape from the bustle of Commercial Street but also allows you to see the largest quaking pond on a barrier beach system in the entire world. While that distinction isn't necessarily exciting, how often do you get the chance to see the largest anything on the planet?
Making the most of your vacation to Provincetown, Massachusetts, means exploring as seeing as much of the area as possible, and the Shankpainter Pond Wildlife Sanctuary is an excellent place to begin.
Provincetown Shankpainter Pond Wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife
- 4th Of July (2)
- 6a Brewing Company (1)
- Abba (1)
- Academy Of Performing Arts In Orleans (1)
- Activities (11)
- Animals On Cape Cod (1)
- Antique Shopping On Cape Cod (2)
- Antiques (2)
- Aqua Bar (1)
- Aquarium (1)
- Arnolds Lobster Clam Bar (1)
- Art Galleries (3)
- Arts On Cape Cod (2)
- Ashumet Holly And Wildlife Sanctuary (1)
- Atlantic Spice Company (1)
- Aw (1)
- Bad Martha (1)
- Badlands (1)
- Bakeries (2)
- Bakers Pond (1)
- Bananas (1)
- Barnstable (6)
- Barnstable Bats (2)
- Barnstable Brewing (1)
- Barnstable Villlage (1)
- Bass River (2)
- Bbc (1)
- Beach (1)
- Beach Yoga (1)
- Beaches (4)
- Beanstock (1)
- Beer (2)
- Bells Neck Conservation Area (1)
- Ben Bills Chocolate Emporium (1)
- Berta Walker Gallery (1)
- Bicycle Rentals (1)
- Bicycles (1)
- Bike Paths (8)
- Biking (5)
- Birding (2)
- Birds On Cape Cod (2)
- Birdwatching (1)
- Blue Heron Gallery (1)
- Blue Rock Golf Course (1)
- Boats (1)
- Bocce Italian Grill (1)
- Book Direct (1)
- Bourne (1)
- Breakfast (1)
- Breakwater Beach Brewster (2)
- Brew Run (1)
- Brewster (9)
- Brewster Beaches (2)
- Brick Block Ice Cream Shop (1)
- British Beer Company (1)
- Buffys Ice Cream (1)
- Burdick Art Gallery (1)
- Butterflies (1)
- Buzzards Bay (1)
- Cape Cod (18)
- Cape Cod Architecture (1)
- Cape Cod Baseball (1)
- Cape Cod Beach Chair Company (1)
- Cape Cod Beaches (3)
- Cape Cod Beer (3)
- Cape Cod Bike Races (1)
- Cape Cod Brew Bus (1)
- Cape Cod Breweries (1)
- Cape Cod Central Railroad (1)
- Cape Cod Chocolatier (1)
- Cape Cod Coffee (1)
- Cape Cod Country Club (1)
- Cape Cod Festivals (3)
- Cape Cod Fishing (2)
- Cape Cod Gifts (1)
- Cape Cod Golfing (2)
- Cape Cod Hiking (5)
- Cape Cod Hotels (1)
- Cape Cod National Seashore (2)
- Cape Cod Nightlife (1)
- Cape Cod Pathways (1)
- Cape Cod Ponds (3)
- Cape Cod Potato Chips (2)
- Cape Cod Rail Trail (3)
- Cape Cod Restaurants (2)
- Cape Cod Sandwich Shops (1)
- Cape Cod Shopping (1)
- Cape Cod Spas (1)
- Cape Cod Theatre Company (1)
- Cape Cod Vacation (2)
- Cape Cod Weddings (1)
- Cape Playhouse (1)
- Cape Symphony (1)
- Capeside Kitchen (1)
- Captain Bangs Hallet House (1)
- Captain Parkers Pub (1)
- Captain Penniman House (2)
- Captains Mile (1)
- Celeste Fine Arts Gallery (1)
- Celtic Christmas (1)
- Centerville (1)
- Centerville Pie (1)
- Chapin Beach (1)
- Charter Boats (1)
- Chatham (16)
- Chatham Anglers (1)
- Chatham Beaches (2)
- Chatham Dining (2)
- Chatham Lighthouse Beach (1)
- Chatham Orpheum Theater (1)
- Chatham Penny Candy (1)
- Chatham Squire (1)
- Chatham Wine Bar (1)
- Chequesset Inn (1)
- Chequessett Chocolate (2)
- Cherry Stone Galelry (1)
- Childrens Activities (1)
- Chocolatasm (1)
- Christmas (3)
- Christmas Concerts (1)
- Christmas On Cape Cod (2)
- Christmas Performances (1)
- Christmas Stroll (2)
- Cinema Pub (1)
- Clam Shacks (2)
- Cleat Anchor (1)
- Coast Guard Beach (1)
- Cobies (1)
- Coffee (6)
- Coffee Shops (4)
- Columbus Weekend (1)
- Concerts (1)
- Conservation Area (1)
- Cotuit (1)
- Country Store (1)
- Cove Gallery (1)
- Craft Beer (1)
- Craigville Beach (1)
- Cranberry Valley Golf Course (1)
- Crosby Boatworks (1)
- Crosby Mansion (1)
- Crowes Pasture (1)
- Crown Anchor (1)
- Crystal Lake (1)
- Dairy Queen (2)
- Day Trip (1)
- Dennis (9)
- Dennis Port Lobster Company (1)
- Dennis Public Market (1)
- Dennis Village (1)
- Dennisport (1)
- Devils Purse (1)
- Dining (1)
- Dinner Train (1)
- Dog Friendly Cape Cod (2)
- Dogs (1)
- Drivein Movie (2)
- Duck Pond (1)
- Eastham (3)
- Eastham Hiking Club (1)
- Edward Gorey (1)
- Eel Pond (1)
- Emack And Bolios (1)
- Embargo (1)
- Fall (2)
- Fall Festivals (2)
- Falmouth (11)
- Falmouth Harbor (1)
- Family Fun (1)
- Farmers Market (1)
- Festivals (3)
- Film Festivals (1)
- Fireworks (1)
- Fishing (1)
- Fishing Charters (1)
- Flea Markets (1)
- Flynns Irish Pub (1)
- Food Trucks (1)
- Fort Hill (1)
- Fort Wing House (1)
- Four Seas Ice Cream (1)
- Fried Clams (1)
- Front Porch Gallery (1)
- Frying Pan Gallery (1)
- Getting To Ptown (1)
- Golf (2)
- Goose Pond (1)
- Great Island Trail (1)
- Halloween On Cape Cod (1)
- Halloween Parades (1)
- Harbor Lounge (1)
- Hardings Beach Chatham (1)
- Harmon Gallery (1)
- Harvest Gallery Wine Bar (1)
- Harwich (9)
- Harwich Beaches (1)
- Haunted Cape Cod (2)
- Hawksnest Pond (1)
- Head Of The Meadow (1)
- Heritage Halloween Family Festival (1)
- Hidden Restaurants (3)
- Highfield Hall (2)
- Highland Golf Links (2)
- Highland Light (1)
- Hiking (5)
- Hog Island (1)
- Holiday Strolls (1)
- Hortense Kelly (1)
- Hoxie House (1)
- Hyannis (5)
- Hyanns (1)
- Ice Cream (4)
- Ice Skating (1)
- Improper Bostonian (1)
- Independent Fermentations Brewing (1)
- Jackknife Cove (1)
- Jake Rooneys (1)
- Jasons Tavern (1)
- Jazz (1)
- Jerrys Seafood (1)
- Jfk (1)
- Jfk Memorial (1)
- Joon Bar (1)
- Jts Seafood Restaurant (1)
- July 4th (2)
- Karoo (1)
- Kayaking On Cape Cod (1)
- Kettle Ponds (1)
- Kids (5)
- Kinlin Grover Vacation Rentals (7)
- Kreme N Kone (1)
- Lazy Sundaes (1)
- Left Bank Gallery (1)
- Lighthouse Cafe (1)
- Lobster (2)
- Lobster Chocolate (1)
- Lobster Rolls (2)
- Local Break (1)
- Local Eats (3)
- Local Flavor (2)
- Long Nook Beach (1)
- Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary (1)
- Longnook Beach (1)
- Lower Cape (1)
- Lukes Love Playground (1)
- Lunch (1)
- Maddocks Gallery (1)
- Mahoneys Atlantic Bar And Grill (1)
- Main Street Galleries (1)
- Marconi Beach (2)
- Marconi Beach Restaurant (1)
- Marion (2)
- Marthas Vineyard (1)
- Marylous (1)
- Mashpee Commons (1)
- Mattapoisett (1)
- Mayflower Beach (1)
- Micah Pond (1)
- Mini Golf (4)
- Monomoy (1)
- Morrells Restaurant (1)
- Mountain Biking (1)
- Movie Theaters (1)
- Museums (3)
- Nantucket (1)
- National Plan For Vacation Day (1)
- Naukabout (1)
- Nauset Beach (2)
- Nauset Marsh (2)
- New Years Resolution (1)
- Nickerson State Park (3)
- Nirvana (1)
- Noreast Beer Garden (1)
- Off Main Gallery (1)
- Offcape (1)
- Offroading (1)
- Old Colony Rail Trail (1)
- Old Colony Tap (1)
- Old Kings Highway (3)
- Old Silver Beach (1)
- Onset (2)
- Opera (1)
- Orleans (8)
- Osterville (4)
- Otis Trails (1)
- Outdoor Adventures (1)
- Outdoor Music (1)
- Outer Cape (3)
- Outer Cape Chorale (1)
- Paddleboarding (1)
- Pain Davignon (1)
- Pamet Area Trails (1)
- Pan Mass Challenge (1)
- Parades (1)
- Payomet (1)
- Pb Boulangerie Bistro (2)
- Peddlers Restaurant (1)
- Perks Coffee (1)
- Pet Friendly (1)
- Pets (1)
- Pilgrim Lake (1)
- Pilgrims (1)
- Piping Plovers (1)
- Pleasant Road Beach Harwich (1)
- Pmc (1)
- Pondfront Rentals (1)
- Provincetown (11)
- Provincetown Brewing Company (2)
- Provincetown Fudge Factory (1)
- Provincetown Ghost Tours (1)
- Race Point (2)
- Races (1)
- Rail (1)
- Red Barn Pizza (1)
- Red Cottage Restaurant (1)
- Red Maple Swamp Trail (1)
- Red River Beach Harwich (1)
- Rentals (1)
- Restaurants (6)
- Rideaway (1)
- Ridge Club (1)
- Ridgevale Beach Chatham (1)
- Rochester (1)
- Route 6a (1)
- Ruggies Breakfast And Lunch (1)
- Running (1)
- Sagamore (1)
- Sailing (1)
- Sand Dollar Bar (1)
- Sandwich (6)
- Sandwich Boardwalk (1)
- Sandwiches (1)
- Sandy Neck (2)
- Sandy Pond (1)
- Sapori Ditalia (1)
- Scargo Pottery (1)
- Schoolhouse Ice Cream (1)
- Sea Dog Brew Pub (1)
- Seafood (1)
- Seafood Restaurant (1)
- Seafood Sams (1)
- Shankpainter Pond Wildlife Sanctuary (1)
- Shining Sea Bikeway (1)
- Sir Crickets Fish Chips (1)
- Skaket Beach (1)
- Skipper Restaurant (1)
- Smith Tavern (1)
- Smittys Ice Cream (1)
- Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters (2)
- Somerset Creamery (1)
- South Beach (1)
- South Beach Shrine (1)
- South Coast (1)
- South Dartmouth (1)
- South Dennis (1)
- South Hollow Spirits (1)
- Southcoast Ma (1)
- Spas (1)
- Spring Festivals (1)
- Spruce Hill Conservation Area (1)
- Starbucks (1)
- Steve Sues (1)
- Struna Gallery (1)
- Subs Sandwiches (1)
- Summer (2)
- Summer Concerts (1)
- Summer Festivals (2)
- Sundae School (1)
- Sundancers (1)
- Sup (1)
- Swan River Market (1)
- Swimming (1)
- Taylor Bray Farm (1)
- Ten Pin Eatery (1)
- The Cape Club (1)
- The Daily Paper (1)
- The Kennedys (2)
- The Knack (1)
- The Liberte (1)
- The Merc (1)
- The Red Nun (1)
- The Underground (1)
- Theater (1)
- Things To Do On Cape Cod (6)
- Three Fins Coffee Roasters (1)
- Tilden Arts Center (1)
- Torino (1)
- Trail Of Tears (1)
- Trains (1)
- Traveling To Provincetown (1)
- Truro (7)
- Truro Vineyards (1)
- Tugboats (1)
- Underground Art Gallery (1)
- Vacation (9)
- Vacation Home (1)
- Van Rensselaers Restaurant (1)
- Veterans Field (1)
- Vineyards (1)
- Wareham (1)
- Water Parks (2)
- Waterfront Rentals (1)
- Weatherdeck Restaurant (1)
- Wedding Venues On Cape Cod (1)
- Weddings On Cape Cod (1)
- Wellfleet (11)
- Wellfleet Bay Wildlife (1)
- Wellfleet Town Clock (1)
- Wellflleet Drivein (1)
- Wequaquet Lake (1)
- West Barnstable (1)
- Westport (1)
- Whale Watch (1)
- Where To Eat In Chatham (2)
- Where To Eat In Falmouth (4)
- Where To Eat In Osterville (1)
- Where To Eat In Truro (1)
- Whoi (1)
- Wildlife (1)
- Wineries (1)
- Winslow Crocker House (1)
- Winter Festivals (1)
- Woods Hole (1)
- Woods Hole Aquarium (2)
- Yarmouth (6)
- Yarmouth Port (3)
- Yarmouth Seaside Festival (1)
- Year Round (2)
- Yoga (1)
- Zoo (1)
Browse the Archive
-
2019 (52)
- December (4)
- November (3)
- October (4)
- September (5)
- August (5)
- July (9)
- The Top 5 Coffee Shops in Yarmouth
- All Aboard the Cape Cod Central Railroad
- Places to Take Your Dog on Cape Cod
- Getting to Know Eastham's Fort Hill Trail
- Wellfleet: The Art Gallery Town
- Here Are Some Places to See Animals on Cape Cod
- The Top 5 Local Markets in Dennis
- Cape Cod's Unique Architecture
- Exploring the Cape's Secret Swimming Holes
- June (6)
- May (5)
- April (2)
- March (2)
- February (3)
- January (4)