Photo of the Week: Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

A remote island accessible only by boat, where you can bask in solitude, watch the sun rise and witness a great blue heron taking flight— this image of complete and utter tranquility is reality at Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge in Massachusetts. Located on Chappaquiddick Island, or “Chappy,” as it’s called, visitors must take a private vessel or a ferry from nearby Edgartown to reach this retreat.

The eastern edge of the island is a barrier beach formed thousands of years ago, and today it stretches out seven miles. On the northern side of the reservation is Cape Poge Elbow, where you’ll find a gull rookery and nests of endangered piping plovers, least terns and oyster catchers. Cape Poge Bay, west of the dunes, is the ideal nursery for finfish and shellfish that are drawn to the clear, calm waters. Between the bay and the ocean lay a cluster of hundred-year-old eastern red cedars, the effects of the wind and salt spray having clearly defined the trees’ appearance. Striped bass, bluefish and other saltwater anglers abound at Cape Poge Gut, where powerful currents sweep in oxygen-rich water.

Apart from the undisturbed natural habitat at Cape Poge, a man-made structure, the Cape Poge Lighthouse, adds to the island’s authentic character. The lighthouse began guiding ships from the shoal waters and shallows of Muskeget Channel into Edgartown Harbor in 1801. It was rebuilt twice during the 19th century after erosion and storms took their wear on it. An automated lantern, maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, still shines for sailors as far as nine miles out at sea.

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Kayaks at Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge photo courtesy of Tom Kates.