The Orleans Conservation Trust protects and restores natural lands—for people and wildlife, the health of our waters, and the character of our community. | | Introducing our Newest Team Member, Ashley! | | |
Hello, everyone! I am thrilled to join the Orleans Conservation Trust team as the Communications & Programs Coordinator. My background includes a wide variety of experience in education programs, resource management, ocean science, and community engagement.
I was most recently working in the sustainable seafood industry, and let me say, it's a breath of fresh air (literally!) to join this amazing network of people dedicated to protecting our natural resources here in Orleans. I've hit the ground running to deliver this E-Blast to your inbox during my first full week in the office. Please excuse any tardy email updates or typos as I adjust to the new role. :)
On that note, we are still searching for a Part-time Administrative Assistant! Please forward this email or job posting with anyone who might be interested.
Drop by the office or join me at this week's Kent's Point guided walk (sign up below) to say hello!
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Thursday, October 23, 2-3:30pm
39 Keziah's Lane, Orleans
Join us at the Town-owned Kent's Point Conservation Area. Walk 1 mile around a beautiful peninsula featuring sandy shoreline and outstanding views of Pleasant Bay. Learn about animals that call these waters home—from herring to horseshoe crabs to diamondback terrapins.
Pre-registration is required. We still have a few spots available; sign up today!
| | Upcoming Preschool Explorers Programs | | |
9-10:30am, Mondays: November 3 and 10, December 1 and 8
Fall is a wonderful time to explore the great outdoors! If you have a youngster aged 2-5 ready for adventure, we hope you’ll join Naturalist Ms. Andrea Higgins for this Preschool Exploration. We will gather at a unique conservation destination in Orleans to watch colorful leaves twirling to the ground, breathe in the fresh air, and see signs of wildlife. Get outside, get creative, and get moving while learning about the land we live on.
Andrea Higgins is a naturalist and Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. If spots are full, use the notification option on SignUp to join the waitlist. Locations and driving directions will be included in your registration confirmation email.
Part of OCT's expanded efforts to involve children and families in our mission, and these Preschool Exploration programs are free thanks to OCT members.
| | | “ReWilding: An Intro to Natives” with Trevor Smith | | |
Trevor Smith, Design and Education Director at Weston Nurseries in Massachusetts as well as the ReEarth Studio of Social Impact Collective in Boston
Wednesday, November 12, 6:30pm (Doors open at 6 pm)
CHO Meetinghouse (Centers for Culture and History in Orleans)
3 River Road, Orleans, MA
Native plants and pollinators are all the buzz these days. What are natives? Why should we plant natives? How can we work them into our landscape and gardens?
Join OCT in this brief class providing you with all you will need to know to make informed decisions for your fall planting.
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In Case You Missed It...
"13 Moons" Recording is Now Available
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On October 8, Orleans Conservation Trust hosted Darius Coombs, Cultural Outreach Coordinator for the Mashpee Wampanoag Education Department. Darius, a member of the Wampanoag Nation himself, spoke to a crowd of over 70 about the rich history of the tribe on the land we now call Cape Cod, the impact of colonization, and the lives of Wampanoags in Mashpee and beyond in present times.
You can now view the recording on our YouTube channel from the link below.
| | | | Invasive Removal at Cullen Conservation Area | |
Thursday, November 6, 9:30-11:30am
Meet at 203 S Orleans Road, Orleans
Join us as we work to remove invasive Privet and Brambles from a restored meadow habitat at our Cullen Conservation Area. Removing invasives makes room for our native pollinators and grasses to spread and flourish.
Be sure to dress for off-trail travel and bring work gloves (a necessity today; these invasives are thorny!), water, and any personal items you might need.
As parking is limited, we will meet at the OCT office at 203 S. Orleans Rd (MA-28) in Orleans, and carpool to the property.
| Restoration Maintenance at Ice House and Reuben's Ponds Conservation Area | |
Thursday, November 20, 9:30-11:30am
Meet at 245 Tonset Road
Help us maintain the trail at Ice House/Reuben's Ponds Conservation Area. We will spend the day trimming nuisance Greenbriar from the site and opening space for the native grasses and shrubs.
Be sure to dress for off-trail travel and bring work gloves, water, and any personal items you might need.
We will meet at the Ice House/Reuben's trailhead located at 245 Tonset Road.
| Don't Forget to Sign: Nature for Massachusetts | |
Orleans Conservation Trust has joined a statewide coalition of organizations supporting creation of a dedicated, annual revenue stream to conserve and protect water, land, urban greenspace, outdoor recreation access, and wildlife in Massachusetts. We're advocating for a legislative effort as well as a ballot initiative to achieve that outcome. And we need 100,000 signatures this fall from Massachusetts voters. Learn more here.
OCT has already collected over 50 signatures. If you haven't had a chance to sign, Mass Audubon will be collecting signatures until November 9. You can visit their Wellfleet Bay or Long Pasture locations during regular office hours to sign the petition.
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Upcoming Programs:
- Kent's Point Walk (10/23)
- Preschool Explorers Walks (11/3, 11/10, 12/1, and 12/8)
- Three Ponds Walk (11/19)
Upcoming Events:
- “ReWilding: An Intro to Natives” Lecture with Trevor Smith (11/12)
| | 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. | | | | |
