🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Martha’s Vineyard Forest — 5,343-acre state forest in the center of Martha’s Vineyard — protecting the island’s unique sandplain grassland and scrub oak barrens
Manuel F. Correllus State Forest covers 5,343 acres in the center of Martha’s Vineyard — making it the largest public landholding on this iconic island. The forest protects one of the world’s rarest ecosystems: sandplain grassland and scrub oak barrens found almost nowhere else on Earth. This unique habitat is home to rare moths and butterflies found only here. The forest offers 15 miles of paved bike paths and fire road trails through the island’s interior — a completely different world from the beaches and harbors that most visitors see.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Martha’s Vineyard, Dukes County, MA |
| Size | 5,343 acres |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Biking | 15 miles paved paths! |
| Ecosystem | GLOBALLY RARE sandplain grassland! |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sandplain grassland?
Sandplain grassland is a globally rare ecosystem found almost exclusively on Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and a few Cape Cod locations. Sandy soil, salt air, and periodic fire create this unique habitat — supporting rare moths and plants found nowhere else on Earth.
About Correllus State Forest
Manuel F. Correllus State Forest covers 5,300 acres in the center of Martha’s Vineyard — the largest protected area on the island. The forest preserves a globally rare frost-bottom pitch pine-scrub oak barrens ecosystem, home to rare insects and plants. The forest is the last habitat of the extinct heath hen, whose memorial resides on the island.
Things to Do
Cycling the extensive fire roads (a favorite Vineyard activity), hiking, horseback riding, birdwatching in the rare barrens habitat, and cross-country skiing. The forest provides a quiet escape from the island’s busy summer beach scene.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, South Cape Beach State Park is a short drive away, and Demarest Lloyd State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
🏝️ Visit Correllus State Forest
Martha’s Vineyard interior — 5,343 acres of globally rare habitat.
Wildlife & Nature
Manuel F. Correllus SF — 5,343 acres in the center of Martha’s Vineyard — the largest state forest on a Massachusetts island. The forest’s pine barrens and scrub oak are the only habitat of the Martha’s Vineyard short-eared owl. The forest was established to restore the watershed after deforestation.
Nearby Attractions
Martha’s Vineyard — surrounding. Edgartown — 5 miles east. Oak Bluffs — 5 miles north — has the famous gingerbread cottages.
