Pine Barren Habitat Resiliency Walk

Mashpee Pine Barrens is located near Mashpee and protects one of the remaining pitch pine and scrub oak ecosystems on Cape Cod.

The Southern Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) is a significant pest of pine trees, causing extensive ecological and economic damage. It primarily attacks stressed or dying pine trees, but under certain conditions, it can cause mass infestations that lead to widespread tree mortality.

Mass Wildlife will hold a Pine Barren Habitat Resiliency Walk at the Mashpee Pine Barrens Wildlife Management Area in Mashpee on Saturday, January 17^th from 10 am to Noon

Southern pine beetles (SPB) have been detected on two Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) on Cape Cod. MassWildlife staff are moving quickly to remove select pines and contain the spread of the beetle.

The ongoing pine barrens restoration project at Mashpee Pine Barrens, which consists of forest thinning and firebreaks construction, has been adapted to include removal of infested trees and a buffer to suppress the spread of SPB.

Members of the public are invited to see the restoration project site, visit the SPB infestation, and learn how management can help make our pine barrens more resilient.

Participants should be prepared to walk ~1.5 miles at a comfortable group pace. Dress for the weather and wear closed-toed shoes good for walking on uneven ground.

To take part in this walk, register at Promoting pine barren habitat resiliency in the face of the southern pine beetle