We were thrilled to learn recently that OCT’s Woodland and Watershed Protection Project at 37 Eli Rogers Road will receive a $175,000 Conservation Partnership Grant from the Commonwealth, the largest grant amount awarded by the program. The state’s press release notes the property’s importance in protecting Orleans’ water supply and providing habitat for rare species (there are one or two vernal pools very nearby). 

We have also been busy re-wilding the land; we’ve removed two aging cottages and their outbuildings and septic system, and we had our contractor pull invasive autumn olive shrubs while we had the heavy equipment on site. Native seed mix will be sowed before spring, and we’ll carefully manage invasive vegetation as the area reverts back to nature. 

Read more about the project and our ongoing fundraising efforts here.

Tuesday, January 9, 6:30pm

"Humanity for Habitat: Saving Nature at Home" Lecture

By Dr. Susannah Lerman

Via Zoom (link will be sent to registrants)

The primary threat to biodiversity is habitat loss and degradation. Private residential properties ("yards") encompass large proportions of urban, suburban, and rural spaces, and are among the most rapidly expanding systems on earth. Yards also represent a conservation opportunity to provide wildlife habitat, support biodiversity, restore ecosystem function and ecosystem services, and increase local opportunities for people to connect with nature.

A "humanity for habitat" stewardship practice aims to inspire and encourage more vigorous participation in conservation actions where people live. Dr. Susannah Lerman will describe opportunities, challenges, and strategies for yard stewardship to facilitate biodiversity-friendly residential landscapes that benefit wildlife and people. 

Dr. Susannah Lerman is a Research Ecologist with the USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station. Her research assesses how wildlife respond to different management practices, with a focus on birds and bees, and how people interact with nearby nature. Her research emphasis is on private lands, which provide opportunities for the public to participate in science, conservation, and shared stewardship.

Thursday, January 11, 9:30am-11:30am

37 Eli Rogers Road, Orleans

Join us on Thursday, January 11th for an opportunity to learn more about OCT's Woodland and Watershed Protection Project (see OCT News, above) and our restoration efforts at the site on Eli Rogers Road. This volunteer workday project will consist of seeding, invasive species removal, and, as time allows, forestry thinning.

Please bring water, hand saws or metal leaf rakes, and dress appropriately for the weather. Limited hand saws and leaf rakes are available to those who do not have them.

Parking is available at 37 Eli Rogers Road.

Please contact Tom for sign-ups and any questions.

Sunday, January 14, Noon-1:30pm

Kent's Point

39 Keziah's Lane, Orleans

As part of its Native Cultural Initiative, Friends of Pleasant Bay (FOPB) is collaborating with OCT and Harwich Conservation Trust to offer several free walks this winter and spring illuminating the Indigenous history and culture in the Pleasant Bay area. Led by Noogaahsjun, a descendent of the Nauset tribe and member of the Wolf Clan of the Wampanoag Nation, we are excited to offer the first of these walks in January 2024. Stay tuned for additional walks in this series.

Located in the heart of Potonumaquut, Kent’s Point was once a stronghold for local Indigenous families who wished to remain within their territory. On this walk, we will immerse ourselves in the history of this area and its people, from pre-contact through its evolution as the largest Indian Reserve on Cape Cod—and finally to its demise, exploring how a society was almost lost.

We ask that participants come open-minded and prepared to confront a challenging recounting of our history.

Limited participation; advanced registration required.

Wednesday, January 24, 9:30am-11:30am

135 Quanset Road, Orleans

As the rain continues to pour, the trail system at Twinings needs some relief! Join us on Wednesday, January 24th as we add steps to improve safety on a steep section of trail and clean water bars to improve water drainage.

Please bring water, your favorite trail tool, and dress appropriately for the weather. OCT will provide trail tools to those that do not have any.

Parking is available at the trailhead at 135 Quanset Road.

Please contact Tom for sign-ups and any questions.

Thursday, January 25, 1:30pm

Woods Cove Walk

366 Tonset Road, Orleans

Walk about 1/2 mile through pine-oak woodlands and enjoy views of Nauset Marsh, learning to identify trees and shrubs by their winter appearance at this lesser-known OCT property.

Meet at 366 Tonset Road, Orleans, MA. Additional parking is available at the Town Landing and the end of Tonset Road.

Limited participation; advanced registration required.