Dear Friends and Supporters,

On June 27, an anonymous donor gave the Orleans Conservation Trust (OCT) a 25.79-acre waterfront property on Pleasant Bay. The donation is the largest and most valuable upland property OCT has acquired since 1973. With this gift, the Trust has now protected 700 acres in Orleans! 

The land, named Namequoit Wood Conservation Area at the request of the donor, is largely forested and includes a state-certified vernal pool as well as 640 feet of Pleasant Bay beachfront. It abuts additional OCT holdings, making for more than 50 acres of contiguous conservation land. The donor had carefully managed the property over many years to promote wildlife habitat and biodiversity while protecting water quality. OCT’s ownership ensures careful management for those purposes will continue for generations to come. 

The property hosted a portion of Camp Viking (1940s through 1980s), one of several summer camps on Pleasant Bay where hundreds of boys sailed, practiced archery, and played softball. A modest home, two small bunkhouses, a boathouse, and a garage must be removed by OCT. The area will be seeded with a native grass and wildflower mix, which will jumpstart the rewilding effort. You can contribute to the rewilding effort and OCT’s stewardship of 700 acres here. 

Because the property’s primary purpose will be habitat preservation, and consistent with the donor’s wishes, public access will be limited to OCT guided walks. Stay tuned for an opportunity to see the land in the coming months. And come celebrate this momentous gift with OCT at our Annual Meeting! 

See the full press release.