April 7, 2026 E-Blast

The Orleans Conservation Trust protects and restores natural lands—for people and wildlife, the health of our waters, and the character of our community.

OCT News

Exciting News for Tonset Road

Thanks to over three dozen generous donations, Orleans Conservation Trust has successfully protected 22 Tonset Road!

This property will remain an undeveloped green space in the heart of town, and its beautiful trees and shrubs will continue their hard work of acting as a natural sponge, filtering runoff from nearby roads before it reaches Town Cove.

We couldn't have done it without you. Thank you for helping safeguard both the beauty of Orleans we know and love and the environment we all depend on.

Photo © Hardie Truesdale

Tips for Ticks (Be Tick Smart)

It's finally starting to feel more like spring. Birds are calling, peepers are peeping... and we're starting to see more ticks on the move. These tiny arachnids are active whenever temperatures are above freezing, and many carry Lyme disease or other illnesses. We want you to enjoy the outdoors and our trails, and be safe while doing so. Check out the infographic below, courtesy of Cape Cod Cooperative Extension, to get started.

OCT is Hiring an

Operations & Development Assistant

Orleans Conservation Trust is seeking a thoughtful and detail-oriented Operations & Development Assistant to help keep our day-to-day work and fundraising efforts running smoothly.

If you are interested in conservation, enjoy collaborating across teams, and are just as comfortable with online databases as in-person events, we'd love to hear from you! Click the button below to learn more about the position and to apply.

This is a 20-30 hour/week, in-office position based in Orleans.

Not looking to apply yourself, but know a friend or family member who would be a great fit? Please forward this email to them!

Learn More and Apply

April Walks

Three Ponds Walk

Date: Tuesday, April 21

Time: 9:00 - 11:00am

Location: 135 Quanset Rd, Orleans

Join OCT staff for a 2-hour walk around Meadow Bog, Sarah’s, and Twinings Ponds through more than 100 acres of OCT-protected land, highlighting the connection between lands and waters.

Meet at the Twinings Pond trailhead, 135 Quanset Road, Orleans.

There are limited spots remaining for this walk. Be sure to use the waitlist to be the first notified when a spot opens up.

Activities for

Children & Families

Preschool Exploration Programs with Andrea Higgins

Date: Monday, April 13th

Time: 9:30 - 11:00am

Location: Provided to registrants

We're excited to welcome in the spring season with Preschool Exploration, an outdoor education program for our youngest conservationists sponsored by the Orleans Conservation Trust!

If you have a youngster aged 2-5 ready for adventure, join Naturalist Ms. Andrea Higgins to notice the sights and sounds of the season, from blooming daffodils and sunnier days to the chorus of Spring Peepers and returning songbirds. Together, we'll explore local conservation areas and celebrate the season with curiosity, movement, and play.

Preschool Explorations are part of OCT’s ongoing efforts to help children and families experience the joy of the outdoors together. These programs are free thanks to the generous support of OCT members.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

Photos by Addie Weeks, Valerie Haskell, and Ashley Martin

If spots are full, use the notification option on SignUp to join the waitlist. SignUp will notify those on the waitlist immediately if a spot opens up (and the waitlist helps OCT understand the demand for the program, and opportunities to expand program offerings!)

Locations and parking directions will be provided to registrants closer to the program date.

Volunteer Opportunities

Mill Pond Valley Storm Cleanup and Trail Maitenance

Date: Thursday, April 16

Time: 9:30 - 11:30am

Location: Mill Pond Valley trailhead, 13 Champlain Road

That's right folks, the storm cleanup continues! The Mill Pond Valley trail system took a hit, but we're on our way! Join us as we remove woody debris and other storm related detritus to make the trail passable once more. Be sure to bring clothes and shoes for off-trail travel, work gloves, water, and any personal items you may need.

BE AWARE! It is officially tick season! It's a good idea to tuck your shirts into your pants and your pants into your socks while out on the trail.

Bug spray will be provided at volunteer workdays.

Before You Go

Orleans Pond Coalition Earth Day Cleanup

Shake off the winter and come join our friends at the Orleans Pond Coalition for a Spring Clean-up! On Sat Apr 25th from 10am -12pm, Orleans Pond Coalition and Surfriders are hosting the annual Earth Day Beach Clean-Up at 17 locations throughout Orleans. Come out and help celebrate Earth Day and care for the beautiful Orleans beaches and waterways. This event is RAIN OR SHINE. Coffee and Donuts will be provided. Please register to volunteer on OPC's website -www.orleanspondcoalition.org - or via the QR code in the flyer below.

Mark Your Calendar

What's Happening at OCT: Winter/Spring

Preschool Exploration Walks (4/13, 5/4, 5/11, 6/1, 6/8)
Three Ponds Walk (4/21)
Guided Hike with Jamie Demas: Mill Pond Valley (5/9)
"The Southern Pine Beetle" with Russel Norton (5/13)
Beach Walk to Namskaket (5/15)

Learn More About What's Happening at OCT

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Orleans Conservation Trust | 203 South Orleans Road | Orleans, MA 02653 US

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Orleans Conservation Trust is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1970. Over its 50-year history, the Trust has preserved more than 660 acres in Orleans. Among the most active land trusts on Cape Cod, OCT stewards a range of ecosystems, from freshwater ponds and wetlands to saltmarshes, wooded upland, and coastal grasslands, managing its lands to protect and enhance wildlife habitat, restore native ecosystems, and provide public recreation and education through a network of trails and informational signage. OCT also educates residents and visitors about important natural values and environmental issues in Orleans and around Cape Cod via guided walks, free lectures, its website, newsletter, and other communications.