The Nature Center’s Garrett Family Preserve

A hidden oasis safeguarded from development, The Nature Conservancy’s preserve celebrates the intersection of nature and art

WHERE IS IT? Alongside the tranquil Cape Island Creek, with the entrance at the end of Wilson Street, off Seashore Road.

WHY SHOULD I GO? It’s an ever-changing landscape. Tides flow in and out of the salt marsh, a nursery for young fish and crabs. Trees, shrubs and fields welcome native and migratory birds, while wildflower meadows support bees, butterflies and other important native pollinators.

A generous bequest to The Nature Conservancy from illustrator Jim Garrett in 2013 enabled expansion of the site as well as improvements in habitat and amenities, many themed around art. Pose inside “Dream Machine Monarch,” a butterfly sculpture by Rubem Robierb, alongside railroad cars transformed into monarch caterpillars by Alex Lebron, or with monarch life cycle illustrations by Laura McPherson. Three permanent adjustable easels onsite allow experienced or budding artists to capture the landscapes in their own style.

Visitors can also hike or bike on four-plus miles of flat, sturdy trails of this ecological gem, watch wildlife from the bird-blind enclosure, saunter through leafy arbors, see beneficial bugs at work in the insect hotel or share a snack with friends under the pavilion.

The Cape May peninsula, a critical region for migratory birds, has lost an alarming amount of natural land. In 2000, The Nature Conservancy was able to protect 177.4 acres of the preserve, which had been slated for development. In 2013, the Garrett bequest enabled an expansion of 5.9 acres.

INSIDER TIP In the fall, bird and monarch migration are in full swing, with goldenrod in showy bloom, too! Note: A braille trail with audio tour is available.

PHOTOGRAPH Emma Johnson

PHOTOGRAPH Damon Noe/TNC