Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area |
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 Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area
Location in Cape Cod
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| Location | Falmouth, Massachusetts, USA |
| Area | 1,883 acres (7.62 km2) |
| Established | 1958 |
| Governing body | Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Game |
The Frances A. Crane Wildlife Management Area is a special place in Falmouth, Massachusetts, where nature is protected. It's managed by the state's Department of Fish and Game. This area is often called the Crane WMA for short. It's a great spot to explore nature and see different kinds of plants and animals.
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Exploring Crane WMA's Location
The Crane WMA covers about 1,883 acres (7.62 km2) of land. This land is mostly flat or gently rolling hills. You can find it in the village of Hatchville, which is part of Falmouth, Massachusetts. This area is in the southwestern part of Cape Cod.
What the Land Looks Like
The land at Crane WMA is mostly open fields, called meadows. It also has many evergreen forests. The ground here is dry and sandy.
Nearby Areas
To the south and west of the Crane WMA, you'll find Massachusetts Route 151 and Massachusetts Route 28. Beyond these roads are neighborhoods where people live. To the north and west, there's a very large area called Joint Base Cape Cod. This base is mostly undeveloped, except for Otis Air National Guard Base.
History of Crane WMA
The land that is now the Crane WMA used to belong to the family of Charles Crane. In 1958, the state bought the land. Their goal was to create a special area for wildlife. They also wanted to help nature grow and provide a place for hunting.
Restoring the Land
After buying the land, the state worked to restore it. They planted about 5,000 evergreen trees. They also planted 30 acres of native wild grasses. This part of the WMA used to be the Falmouth airport. Old buildings on the property were taken down. Soon, native animals like foxes and many types of birds started to return.
Who Was Frances A. Crane?
The WMA is named after Frances Crane. She was Charles Crane's daughter. Sadly, she passed away in a car accident in Falmouth in 1954. Her sons were the ones who sold the land to the state. They asked that the area be named in honor of their mother.
Wildlife at Crane WMA
The Crane WMA is home to many different plants and animals. The forests here are mostly made up of pitch pines and scrub oaks. These are common trees in this sandy environment.
Rare Plants and Common Animals
In the WMA's grasslands, you might find a rare plant called the Nantucket shadbush. This plant is not found in many other places.
The area is also home to many animal species. You can see deer, rabbits, squirrels, foxes, and coyotes. Birds like grouse are also common.
Birds for Hunting
Some birds, like pheasants and quail, are released here every year. This helps keep their numbers up for hunting.
Other Interesting Birds
Less common birds that live in the area include the black-billed cuckoo and the common yellowthroat. You might also spot an Eastern towhee, field sparrow, indigo bunting, prairie warbler, or tree swallow.
Other Wildlife to Spot
Besides birds, you can find woodcock and box turtles. The WMA is also home to several rare kinds of moths and butterflies.
Activities at Crane WMA
The Crane WMA has many trails for people to use. It's a popular spot for different outdoor activities.
Popular Outdoor Sports
Many people enjoy mountain biking on the trails. It's also a great place for hikers to explore. If you like horses, you can go horseback riding here too. The WMA is also a designated area for hunters.
Annual Trail Race
Every April, the Falmouth Track Club holds the Cape Cod Trail Race here. This event includes several races of different lengths. They all take place on a 10-kilometer course within the WMA.
