The Orleans Conservation Trust protects and restores natural lands—for people and wildlife, the health of our waters, and the character of our community. | | New Programs for the New Year! | |
OCT's Winter/Spring 2026 lineup is here!
We've just released a fresh series of monthly guided walks and education programs on Orleans' trails, starting with a can't-miss walk this Sunday with naturalist and avid birder Christine Bates, as well as returning favorites like Preschool Exploration with Andrea Higgins for our youngest adventurers.
Continue reading for upcoming programs, or click the link below to browse our webpage to register online and secure your spot.
| As we look ahead to a new season outdoors, we're reminded how lucky we are to share these trails with a community that cares so deeply. Because today is Giving Tuesday, we want to take a moment to recognize the people who make all of this possible. Every trail we maintain, every program we offer, and every moment spent outdoors together is made possible by our dedicated volunteers, members, and donors. | If OCT has been meaningful to you this year, we invite you to contribute today. Your generosity helps ensure that our trails and programs continue to grow and benefit Orleans' communities. | |
Ice House & Reuben's Ponds Walk
with Christine Bates
| | |
Sunday, December 7, 10am - 11:30am
245 Tonset Road, Orleans
Coming up this weekend!
Join naturalist and avid birder Christine Bates for this 1.5-mile walk around two freshwater ponds, seeking migrating birds for the Cape Cod Bird Club's annual Cape Cod Waterfowl Census.
Pre-registration is required, use the link below to save your spot.
| | First Day Hikes Cape Cod, Mill Pond Valley Walk | |
Thursday, January 1, 1pm - 2pm
13 Champlain Road, Orleans
First Day Hikes Cape Cod is a unique one-day regional celebration, featuring free walks, talks, and hikes across Cape Cod. Greet the new year with us and explore the peaceful woods and waters of the Mill Pond Valley Conservation Area.
Pre-registration is required, use the link below to save your spot.
|
Upcoming Preschool Exploration Programs
with Andrea Higgins
| | |
Fall 2025 Programs:
9-10:30am, Monday Dec 8
Winter 2026 Programs:
9:30-11:00am, Mondays: Jan 5, Jan 12, Feb 9, Feb 16, Mar 2, Mar 9
Registration for Winter 2026 Preschool Exploration Programs is now live! Use the link below to save your spot.
Winter is a wonderful time to discover the great outdoors and admire the shifting seasons! If you have a youngster aged 2-5 ready for adventure, we hope you’ll join Naturalist Ms. Andrea for this Preschool Exploration sponsored by Orleans Conservation Trust. Together, we’ll look for animal tracks, explore textures of bark and pine needles, and notice the sights and sounds that make winter such a special season.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. If spots are full, use the notification option on SignUp to join the waitlist. Locations and parking directions will be provided to registrants closer to the program date.
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.
Photos by Addie Weeks and Ashley Martin.
| | | Invasive Removal and Trail Maintenance at Mill Pond Valley Conservation Area | |
Thursday, December 4, 9:30-11:30am
Meet at 13 Champlain Road, Orleans
Help us control invasive and nuisance species at our Mill Pond Valley Conservation Area. We will use loppers to trim back encroaching vegetation along the trail and push back the invasives that have begun to encroach.
Be sure to bring hiking shoes, work gloves, water, and any personal items you need. Be aware of poison ivy and ticks.
We will meet at the Mill Pond Valley trailhead located at 13 Champlain Road.
| Trail Infrastructure at Three Ponds | |
Thursday, December 18, 9:30-11:30am
Meet at 135 Quanset Road, Orleans
Help mitigate erosion on the Three Ponds trail circuit by installing drainage ditches throughout the property. As a group, you'll learn how to install a proper drain and hike to your assigned area to put your new skills to the test!
Please bring work gloves, a pick mattock or similarly designed trail tool for grubbing (if you have one), proper clothes and shoes for long-distance trail travel, water, and any other personal items you may need.
We will meet at the Twinings Pond Conservation Area trailhead located at 135 Quanset Road.
|
| |
Upcoming Programs:
- Preschool Exploration Walks (12/8, 1/5, 1/12, 2/9, 2/16, 3/2, 3/9)
- Ice House & Reuben's Ponds Walk with Christine (12/7)
- First Day Hikes Cape Cod, Mill Pond Valley Walk (1/1)
- Paw Wah Point Walk (1/14)
- Baker's Pond Walk (2/12)
- John Kenrick Woods Walk (3/16)
- Three Ponds Walk (4/21)
- Beach Walk to Namskaket (5/15)
Upcoming Events:
- Stay tuned for Winter/Spring 2025-26 talks!
| | 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. | | | | |
