The Orleans Conservation Trust protects and restores natural lands — for people and wildlife, the health of our waters, and the character of our community. | |
At Home with Nature: New Webpage | |
You've heard about our At Home with Nature initiative: now you can learn how to adopt nature-friendly practices for your own yard! Visit our new At Home with Nature webpage today for answers to frequently asked questions, native plant lists, recorded presentations, and resources to help bring nature home.
| |
Science on Display at the Eastham Library | |
Now through the end of April, be sure to visit the Eastham Library to learn about the "green stuff" growing in Cape Cod ponds. Posters and displays created by Amy Fleischer's 7th grade classes at Nauset Regional Middle School dive into the science behind algal blooms. The Eastham Library is located at 190 Samoset Road, Eastham.
Did you know that OCT is now in our second year of supporting Orleans schools with grants for environmental education? Stay tuned this spring for more opportunities to learn about the creative grant projects happening in grades K-8.
| |
Celebrate Earth Day by exploring one of the many conservation areas in Orleans. Twelve trails range from short walks to longer hikes, each with spectacular views and scenery.
- Shorter Walks: Pah Wah Point, Peck Property, Putnam Farm, Wood's Cove
- Medium Walks: Christian Property, Mill Pond Valley, Kenrick Woods, Kent's Point
- Longer Walks: Ice House & Reubens Ponds, Three Ponds, Baker's Pond
| |
|
Friday, April 19, 4pm-6pm
109 Portanimicut Rd, Orleans (203 S. Orleans Rd, in the event of rain)
Whether you’re new to Orleans, regularly participate in Volunteer Workdays, or sit on an OCT committee, come join us on Friday, April 19th to celebrate all the wonderful volunteers who help OCT accomplish so much of its work. Bring your appetite as we serve up beef burgers, veggie burgers, and hot dogs at OCT's beautiful Window on the Bay property at 109 Portanimicut Road. OCT will provide food and drink options, but guests are welcome to bring any potluck-style dishes to share. Most of the event will be unstructured, but there will be a short presentation and feedback activity that will take place from 5:00pm-5:15pm. Dress appropriately for weather and travel on maintained grass.
On-site parking is limited, so please carpool if able. Additional parking is located further down Portanimicut Road at the Town Landing or at the Greenbelt Gateway at 66 Portanimicut Road.
| |
Saturday, April 20, 10am-noon
Various locations around Orleans
Join Orleans Pond Coaltion (OPC) for their annual Earth Day Clean-Up on Saturday, April 20. Choose from a location listed below, and click the link to register. Please direct any questions to: OrleansPondCoalition@gmail.com.
| |
|
– Town Cove (by the Yacht Club)
– Rock Harbor
– Skaket Beach
– River Road Landing
– Mill Pond Landing
– Barley Neck Landing
– Baker’s Pond
– Cedar Pond
– Priscilla Point
| |
|
– Nauset Beach
– Kent’s Point
– Crystal Lake
– Pilgrim Lake
– Pahwah Landing
– Pahwah Point
– Rt28/Tar Kiln Beach
– Bike Path along Namskaket
| |
Meadow Bog Eco-Restoration | |
|
Wednesday, April 24, 9am-11am
Meet at 174 Quanset Road, Orleans
Join us as we embark on the second stage of an eco-restoration at OCT's Meadow Bog Conservation Area! We'll remove some vegetation and will then plant new, native shrubs like bearberry, sweet pepperbush, and more! Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring water, gloves, a pair of loppers, hand trowels, and any other trusty planting tool you have.
| |
|
Upcoming Walks:
- John Kenrick Woods (5/16)
| |  |
|
Upcoming Talks:
- "Undeveloping Land" with Mark Robinson (4/30)
| |
|
What’s the best way to control invasives?
Invasive species pose a threat to our local ecosystems by outcompeting native flora and fauna, disrupting ecological balance, and diminishing biodiversity. Identifying invasive vegetation on your property will dictate which control methods will be most effective. Employing manual methods, such as pulling or cutting, and using herbicides can be effective. Early detection and persistence are crucial. Click here for a list of invasives in Massachusetts and information on how to control them.
Check back monthly for more At Home with Nature tips!
| |
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. | | | | |
