The Orleans Conservation Trust protects and restores natural lands—for people and wildlife, the health of our waters, and the character of our community. | | |
OCT celebrated our 55th Annual Meeting with a full house at the Orleans Yacht Club! Attendees received an overview of a very successful year at the Trust, elected new Trustees, and heard from Mass Audubon's Turtle Research Coordinator Eamon Caffrey on diamondback terrapins and a partnership with OCT to protect the Pleasant Bay terrapin population.
Special thanks were given to outgoing trustees Bob Granger and Judy Scanlon, with Judy's retirement from the Board following 25 years of service. Bob and Judy each made significant contributions - thank you again!
A copy of the Annual Meeting presentation can be found here.
| | Foraging Walk at Putnam Farm | | |
Wednesday, September 9, 4:00-6:00pm
Putnam Farm, 239 Rock Harbor Road, Orleans
OCT and the Orleans Cultural District invite you to join naturalist and wild foods enthusiast Russ Cohen on a foraging walk through Putnam Farm Conservation Area. Learn about what’s growing, what’s edible (or not), and how nature nourishes more than just our bodies.
| | "Floodlights & Fireflies: Environmental Sustainability Starts in Your Front Yard" | |
Thursday, September 10, 6:30pm
Doors open 6pm, cash bar
Orleans Yacht Club, 39 Cove Road, Orleans
Insect populations around the world are declining rapidly. But why? While habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change all have something to do with it, Dr. Avalon Owens shows in this talk that light pollution is another important — but too often overlooked — bringer of the insect apocalypse.
| | Member-Only Walk at Namequoit Wood | | |
Monday, September 22, 4:00-5:30pm
In appreciation of the vital, ongoing support of our members, we’re pleased to offer member-only opportunities to visit Namequoit Wood on guided walks with OCT staff. (A "member" is an OCT supporter who gives $50 per year/individual, $100 per year/family.) Learn more about membership here; click here to become a member or renew.
Learn more about Namequoit Wood here.
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Member-Only Kayak Trip
Tuesday, September 30, 9:00am-11:30am
Join OCT and experienced trip leader Christine Bates on a kayak trip in Little Pleasant Bay. We'll paddle out from Meetinghouse Pond to Kent's Point and Kescayogansett Pond, returning to Meetinghouse Pond landing.
This program is limited to 10 participants. Bring water, snacks, and binoculars if you have them. Three spots left!
Participants must have previous kayaking experience and be strong paddlers, and they must provide their own kayak, lifejacket, and paddle.
| | Volunteer Workdays are scheduled for the first and third Thursday of each month. Can't make Thursday workdays, but still want to participate? Contact Sam O'Neill at sam@orleansconservationtrust.org. | | |
Twinings Pond Conservation Area Vegetation Management
Thursday, September 4, 9:30-11:30am
Twinings Pond Trailhead, 135 Quanset Road, Orleans
Join us as we start work on a new "management zone" at the Twinings Pond Conservation Area. We will pull invasive and nuisance species to restore a native meadow habitat. Make sure to bring water, work gloves, and clothes and footwear appropriate for off trail travel.
| | Mill Pond Valley Bioblitz | |
Thursday, September 18, 9:30-11:30am
Mill Pond Valley Trailhead, 11 Champlain Road, Orleans
Join us at OCT's Mill Pond Valley Conservation Area for the final biodiversity data collection Bioblitz of the season! Part of OCT's Biodiversity Seekers program, we'll use the Seek and iNaturalist apps to photograph and identify flora and fauna on our property. This biodiversity information allows for good, data-driven stewardship decisions. Be sure to bring your fully charged smartphone, water, and any personal items you may need.
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Upcoming Programs:
- Foraging with Russ Cohen (9/9)
- Avalon Owens Lecture (9/10)
- Hike to Pochet Island (9/14) - FULL
- Member-Only Namequoit Wood Walk (9/22)
- Member-Only Kayak Trip (9/30)
- Preschool Explorers (10/6, 10/13)
- Kent's Point Walk (10/23)
| | 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. | | | | |
