The Orleans Conservation Trust protects and restores natural lands — for people and wildlife, the health of our waters, and the character of our community.

Thanks, Volunteers!

Eco-restoration work began at Meadow Bog on February 7th as OCT volunteers and staff removed invasive species, opening up a scenic vista down to the pond. Thanks to all who came out to help! Our next Volunteer Work Day is coming up on February 28th. See details below, and sign up today!

February Events

There's still time to join OCT for this month's events - register today!

Kent's Point Walk

"Postcards from Plants" with C.L. Fornari

Volunteer Workday: 33 Eli Rogers Road

Wednesday, February 28, 10:00am-3:30pm

33 Eli Rogers Road, Orleans

Join us on Wednesday, February 28, for an all-day pile burn as we support our restoration efforts at Eli Rogers Road. Volunteers are welcome to participate in the burn and come and go at their convenience. We'll also be dedicating time towards invasive species removal and forestry thinning as time permits.

Please come prepared with work gloves, non-synthetic clothing, lots of water, and loppers or handsaws if you have them.

Limited on-site parking is available, so carpooling is encouraged to make the most of the available space.

Please contact Tom to sign up and for any questions you may have.

Please note: this project is subject to appropriate fire conditions, which are determined by external organizations. In the event the project is cancelled, those who register will be contacted the morning of the 28th.

RSVP to tom@orleansconservationtrust.org

Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming Walks:

Kent's Point (2/20)
Twinings Pond (3/13)
Orleans Watershed (4/12)
John Kenrick Woods (5/16)

Upcoming Talks:

"Postcards from Plants" with C.L. Fornari (2/27)
"Picking Your Battles with Invasive Plants" with Karro Frost (3/26)
"Undeveloping Land" with Mark Robinson (4/30)

At Home with Nature

Nature-friendly practices you can adopt for your yard

Why consider planting native plants? Incorporating native plants in your yard offers ecological benefits by promoting biodiversity, attracting local pollinators and wildlife, and fostering a resilient ecosystem. Aesthetically, native plants enhance the natural beauty of landscapes, reflecting regional identity. Their adaptation to local conditions often leads to low-maintenance gardens, reducing or eliminating the need for irrigation or fertilizers and providing a visually appealing and sustainable alternative to non-native species.

Click here for a list of native plants, and check back monthly for more At Home with Nature tips!

Orleans Conservation Trust

203 South Orleans Rd.

Orleans, MA 02653

(508) 255-0183

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.