Sweet Water Trust: Recent Grants

Established in 1992, Sweet Water Trust is a foundation whose mission is to support land conservation by awarding grants, owning land, and holding conservation restrictions. In recent years, the Trust has “focused on large, landscape-scale conservation projects, often supported with major, multi-year grants. While we still expect to make a few smaller grants each year, all projects must meet the criteria set out in our grant guidelines. One particularly important requirement is that the land's wilderness qualities be protected by a conservation easement or equivalent permanent legal instrument.”

With assets of more than $25 million, Sweet Water Trust has awarded more than 600 grants, including distributions to:

•  Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions, $5,000 in 2001, for support of training program for commissioners

•  Orenda Wildlife Land Trust, $5,000 in 2001, toward acquisition of 50-acre Mercy Lowe Property in Mashpee

•  The Nature Conservancy (Massachusetts Chapter), $2,000 in 2002, for support of Massachusetts poll to assess citizen attitudes toward conservation and their willingness to pay for increased land protection.

•  Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies, $10,000 in 2003, for support of a study to develop protocols for ecological restoration of salt marshes on the Lower Cape

•  Massachusetts Audubon Society, $5,000 in 2003, for support of an intern to assist in comprehensive invasive plant survey of Mass Audubon sanctuaries

•  Orenda Wildlife Land Trust, $3,100 in 2003, for support of stewardship and management of the trust's properties

•  Barnstable Land Trust, $15,000 in 2004, toward purchase of 42-acre Furman Property

•  Massachusetts Audubon Society, $5,000 in 2004, for support of a conservation easement training manual

Sale of Historic Murchison Property in Provincetown Pending, Land to be Subdivided

“Murchison Property Sale Pending”
The Provincetown Banner, July 10, 2008
By Pru Sowers

Pru Sowers reports that the sale of the historic Murchison House property in Provincetown is pending and that the land will be subdivided into nine single-family residential lots. The 3.5-acre wooded property has a view of the harbor and had been listed for sale at about $10 million. In September 2007, the trustees of the property were fined $200 for clear-cutting a piece of the property without notifying the Provincetown Conservation Commission.

Deadline for Mass Division of Conservation Services Grant Round is July 15th

Originally announced back in April, the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services (DCS) is conducting its Fiscal Year 2009 grant round for the state LAND (Local Acquisition for Natural Diversity) and PARC (Parkland Acquisition and Renovation for Communities) Grant Programs and for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Program. Municipalities are eligible to apply and the deadline for submitting a grant application is July 15, 2008.

Even if your community is not involved in applying for one of the grants, the 24-page PowerPoint presentation and three-page Q&A from DCS’s grants workshop of May 21, 2008, are worth reading.

Also, we note that recent DCS conservation and recreation grants include:

•  Town of Barnstable, FY 2006 Self-Help Grant Award of $500,000 toward a $1.5 million conservation project to protect 13 acres at the Archibald Property

•  Town of Barnstable, Urban Self-Help FY 2007 Design/Early Construction grant of $48,600 and Urban Self-Help FY 2008 Construction grant of $451,400 toward a $1 million renovation project of Bismore Park

•  Town of Barnstable, FY 2008 PARC Urban Self-Help Grant Award of $294,300 toward a $545,000 acquisition of 0.3 acres on Pleasant St. for a park

•  Town of Brewster, FY 2008 LAND Self-Help Grant Award of $500,000 toward a $1.2 million conservation project to protect 10 acres at Stony Brook

•  Town of Dennis, FY 2005 Self-Help Grant Award of $500,000 toward a $1.3 million conservation project to protect 28 acres of the Sears Property at Crowe’s Pasture

•  Town of Dennis, FY 2006 Self-Help Grant Award of $243,000 toward a $450,000 conservation project to protect 4.5 acres of the Welch Property at Crowe’s Pasture

•  Town of Dennis, Urban Self-Help FY 2006 Design/Early Construction grant of $500,000 toward a $3.2 million recreation project at Bass River Park

•  Town of Dennis, FY 2007 Self-Help Grant Award of $500,000 toward a $1.2 million conservation project to protect 6 acres at Paddock Farm

•  Town of Dennis, FY 2008 PARC Urban Self-Help Grant Award of $261,464 toward a $502,815 project at Seaview Playland Park

•  Town of Harwich, FY 2005 Self-Help Grant Award of $500,000 toward a $1.6 million conservation project to protect 14 acres of the Marini Property

•  Town of Orleans, FY 2006 Self-Help Grant Award of $500,000 toward a $1.8 million conservation project to protect 8 acres of the Peck Property at Areys Pond

•  Town of Orleans, FY 2008 LAND Self-Help Grant Award of $500,000 toward a $1.25 million conservation project to protect 6.5 acres of the Sparrow Property

•  Town of Provincetown, FY 2007 Self-Help Grant Award of $177,060 toward a $340,500 conservation project to protect 2 acres at Jimmy’s Pond

•  Town of Wellfleet, FY 2005 Self-Help Grant Award of $94,600 toward a $182,000 conservation project to protect 2 acres at the East End Conservation Property

•  Town of Wellfleet, FY 2005 Self-Help Grant Award of $196,000 toward a $377,000 conservation project to protect 6 acres at Fox Island Marsh

•  Town of Wellfleet, FY 2006 Self-Help Grant Award of $351,000 toward a $650,000 conservation project to protect 4.5 acres at Whale Bone Point

•  Town of Yarmouth, FY 2008 LAND Self-Help Grant Award of $250,000 toward a $500,000 conservation project to protect 3 acres at Dennis Pond

Cape Walk 2008 Unfazed by Rain

“Biennial Walk Across Cape Presses on Despite Rain”
Cape Cod Times, June 5, 2008
By Susan Milton

BREWSTER -- Charlie Manolakis could easily drive from Provincetown to Bourne in 90 minutes or less.

But every two years, the Tucson retiree takes nine days to walk an estimated 100 miles of trail between the towns. He's done Cape Walk, a hike sponsored by Cape Cod Pathways, eight times since 1995. ...

Despite obstacles, participation in Cape Walk has grown, and this year, included the most people yet ... ©

Read the full article in the Cape Cod Times.

For a participant’s account of this year’s walk and a collection of related photographs, please read Walking CapeWalk, a blog maintained by Lucy Loomis, “casual hiker, mom, and Director of the Sturgis Library in Barnstable Village.”

Also, note that Cape Cod Pathways hosts an annual Walking Weekend every October. Check the 2007 schedule for a taste of what this year's event might entail.

Cape Cod National Seashore Seeks Volunteers

The Provincetown Banner reports that the Cape Cod National Seashore is seeking volunteers this summer to work at the Seashore's locations in Truro and Provincetown.

Volunteers are needed at the Province Lands Visitor Center, the Old Harbor Life Saving Station, and on the nature trails in both Truro and Provincetown.

Also, the Seashore is looking for a volunteer photographer-videographer to produce programs and presentations for the local cable access television channel.

Cape Walk 2008: May 31st to June 8th

The seventh Cape Walk, a nine-day trek across Cape Cod with some of the region's most experienced hikers and trail walkers, starts today, May 31, 2008, at Herring Cove in Provincetown. The walk will end at Scusset Beach State Reservation in Bourne, on Sunday, June 8, 2008.

Sponsored by Cape Cod Pathways, the walk is not a fundraiser but rather a celebration of Cape Cod's many conservation areas. Participants can walk one day, join in for several days, or walk the entire distance over the nine-day event:

•  Day 1, Saturday, May 31st, Provincetown to Truro
•  Day 2, Sunday, June 1st, Truro to Wellfleet
•  Day 3, Monday, June 2nd, Wellfleet to Eastham
•  Day 4, Tuesday, June 3rd, Eastham to Brewster
•  Day 5, Wednesday, June 4th, Brewster to Dennis
•  Day 6, Thursday, June 5th, Dennis to Yarmouth
•  Day 7, Friday, June 6th, Yarmouth to Barnstable
•  Day 8, Saturday, June 7th, Barnstable to Sandwich
•  Day 9, Sunday, June 8th, Sandwich to Bourne

For more information and complete details of each day's walk, please read the six-page program booklet.

Calendar of Events for June 2008

June offers many wonderful opportunities to enjoy and learn about the environment of Cape Cod and the Islands. Below are just a few of the dozens of local events scheduled. Some events are members-only but most are open to the general public. Please check the respective websites for details and more listings!

Sunday, June 1st, 2008
Bird Walk, Wellfleet
“The early bird gets the worm and the early birder gets the best birds. The sanctuary’s many habitats support a wide variety of birds from herons to hummingbirds, waders to warblers, and everything in between.”
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon

Wednesday, June 4th, 2008
Walk: Bell's Neck Conservation Area, Harwich
Cape Cod Natural History Museum

Saturday, June 7th, 2008
Natural History Book Sale, Brewster
“This special sale will include contributions from members, a superb collection of recent gardening books AND a huge pile of ‘Oldies But Still Goodies’ from the Clarence Hay Library.”
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Saturday, June 7th, 2008
Botanical Walk Coy’s Brook Woodlands, Harwich
“Botanist and journalist Rich Eldred will point out flora in a variety of wetland and upland habitats.”
Harwich Conservation Trust

Sunday, June 8th, 2008
1st Annual Nantucket Family Adventure, Nantucket
“Families will get outdoors, explore Nantucket, and participate in fun activities such as scavenger hunts, geocaching, games, letter boxing, nature walks and more.”
Hosted by Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Mass Audubon, Nantucket Land Council, Linda Loring Nature Foundation and other organizations.

Sunday, June 8th, 2008
Landscape Painting with Karen North Wells, Brewster
“A two-day workshop with noted Brewster artist Karen North Wells.”
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Wedneday, June 11th, 2008
Great Island Hike, Wellfleet
“This hike will traverse salt marshes, dunes, and Cape Cod Bay, and will explore the woods of the interior of the island. Scenic vistas of Wellfleet Harbor will also be seen from high cliff tops.”
Cape Cod National Seashore

Saturday, June 14th, 2008
Bridge Creek Conservation Area Walk, West Barnstable
“BLT’s own Tom Mullen will lead you on an exploration through the town-owned Bridge Creek Conservation Area and BLT’s recently preserved two-acre parcel at Bayview Farm. Learn about recent efforts to preserve Bayview Farm and restore Bridge Creek.”
Barnstable Land Trust

Saturday, June 14th, 2008
A Walk in the Hawksnest Woods with Commentary, Harwich
“Join walk leader, Irwin Schorr, as he interprets the history, folklore, geology and botany of the six ponds area.”
Harwich Conservation Trust

Saturday, June 14th, 2008
Kayaking Chase Garden Creek in Yarmouth
“This creek is a long meandering creek that is protected from the stronger winds of Barnstable Harbor. Close encounters with osprey nests and other bird life is a certainty. Kayaks, paddles and life vests provided.”
Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon

Sunday, June 15th, 2008
Family Day at Peterson Farm, Falmouth
“Join us for an afternoon of exploration and fun activities at one of Falmouth's oldest farms. Watch sheep herding, build a scarecrow, or go on a bird walk or nature scavenger hunt. You can also see live turtles in a program led by Ian Ives, sanctuary director for Mass. Audubon.”
The 300 Committee

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008
Nature Photography with Stan Godwin, Brewster
“This course will introduce the technique of fine nature photography using digital capture.”
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008
Sandy Neck Plover Walk, West Barnstable
“Join Sandy Neck Park Manager and Naturalist, Nina Coleman and BLT for a one-mile hike through the dunes of Sandy Neck to the Piping Plover nests hidden along the front beach. Explore barrier beach ecology, learn about the Plover’s life-cycle and the conservation measures that are being taken to protect these endangered shorebirds.”
Barnstable Land Trust

Thursday, June 19th, 2008
Seashore Ramble, Wellfleet
“Explore the area where the land meets the sea, searching for animals and plants of the salt marsh and tidal flats. Using nets, small fish traps, and buckets, you will discover the world of crabs, shrimp, fish, and clams.”
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon

Thursday, June 19th, 2008
Campfire Sing-Along with Denya Levine and Tim Dickey
Marconi Beach, Cape Cod National Seashore, Wellfleet
Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore

Friday, June 20th, 2008
Solstice Cruise Around Sandy Neck
Celebrate summer with a cruise aboard the Hyannis Whale Watcher. Commentary and local lore by Nina Coleman, a Sandy Neck Park Manager, Ian Ives, of Mass Audubon, and Ken Morton, the Sandy Neck Lighthouse Owner.
Barnstable Land Trust

Saturday, June 21st, 2008
Shore to Shore Hike, Wellfleet
“Walk across the Cape starting on the bay side of the Sanctuary and head to the ocean. We’ll walk through the pine woods of Bay View Trail, cross Route 6, hike along Fresh Brook swamp, then enjoy a panoramic view from the heathland above the cliffs at the Outer Beach.”
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon

Saturday, June 21st, 2008
Meadow Point Walk, Cotuit
“Join BLT member Bob Livingston for a walk through Meadow Point, BLT’s 28-acre ‘crown jewel’ at the southern-most tip of Barnstable. Enjoy the beauty and serenity of this meadow fringed by upland and bordered by Popponesset Bay. Bring a snorkel, mask, and water shoes if you’d like to participate in an optional swim.”
Barnstable Land Trust

Saturday, June 21st, 2008
Family Walk: Aquatic Creatures at Bank Street Bogs, Harwich
“Families with school age children will search the bogs with walk leader Jan Cormier.”
Harwich Conservation Trust

Wednesday, June 25th, 2008
Kayaking Barnstable Harbor and the Great Marsh
“Launching from Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, we will explore the many tidal creeks and islands of the harbor, looking for shorebirds, osprey, horseshoe crabs and other creatures of the marsh. We'll also come ashore at the Sandy Neck barrier beach lighthouse. ... Kayaks, paddles and life vests provided.”
Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon

Thursday, June 26th, 2008
Walking With Authors, Eastham
“Experience Cape Cod through the eyes of some of the area’s most beloved authors, such as Beston, Thoreau, Hay, and others. See what they saw, feel what they felt, and hear what they heard. Join local author Dana Eldridge, and stroll the edge of Nauset Marsh.”
Cape Cod National Seashore

Saturday, June 28th, 2008
Searching for Thoreau’s Cape Cod, Wellfleet
“Searching for Thoreau, a compilation of essays by Tom Slayton, transports the reader to places in New England most important to Thoreau, highlighting and reflecting on 150 years of change. Slayton was the editor-in-chief of Vermont Life Magazine from 1986–2007 and a long-time commentator for Vermont Public Radio.”
Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon

Saturday, June 28th, 2008
Botanical Walk: Bank Street Bogs Conservation Lands, Harwich
“Join botanist Robert Zaremba for a look at the many wild grasses in and around this conservation area.”
Harwich Conservation Trust

Saturday, June 28th, 2008
Hike: “More Walking, Less Talking,” Provincetown
“Wake up early Saturday mornings and join us for an energetic fitness hike off the beaten path and into some of the Outer Cape’s unique and secluded places.”
Cape Cod National Seashore

Municipal Open Space and Recreation Plans

A lengthy document governed by the Massachusetts Division of Conservation Services (DCS), a municipal Open Space and Recreation Plan is “a blueprint for how to obtain the benefits of development without losing valued environmental assets.”

A plan encompasses, among other points, a community history, environmental inventory and analysis, inventory of conservation and recreation lands, and five-year action plan. The inventory of lands is particularly valuable as it identifies land and conservation restrictions held by public, private, and nonprofit parties. A valid Open Space and Recreation Plan is a requirement for participating in DCS grant programs such as LAND, PARC, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund program.

•  Barnstable 2005 Open Space and Recreation Plan
    (8.9 MB, 395 pages)

•  Orleans 2006 Conservation, Recreation and Open Space Plan
    (10.8 MB, 110 pages)

•  Provincetown 2007 Open Space and Recreation Plan
    (6.5 MB, 255 pages)

•  Sandwich 1999/2005 Open Space and Recreation Plan
    (539 KB, 95 pages)

•  Wellfleet 2005 Open Space and Recreation Plan
    (1.8 MB, 143 pages)

•  Yarmouth 2007 Draft Open Space and Recreation Plan
    (2.3 MB, 99 pages)

For information about the status of plans of other communities, see a list or view a Map of Communities with an Approved Open Space and Recreation Plan (2008).

For details about how plans are constructed and what content they contain, read DCS's Open Space and Recreation Plan Requirements (2008) and its Open Space and Recreation Planner’s Workbook (2008).

Cape Walk 2008: May 31st to June 8th

The seventh Cape Walk, a nine-day trek across Cape Cod with some of the region's most experienced hikers and trail walkers, will journey from Herring Cove in Provincetown, Saturday, May 31, to Scusset Beach State Reservation in Bourne, Sunday, June 8, 2008.

Sponsored by Cape Cod Pathways, the walk is not a fundraiser but rather a celebration of Cape Cod's many conservation areas. Participants can walk one day, join in for several days, or walk the entire distance over the nine-day event:

•  Day 1, Saturday, May 31, Provincetown to Truro
•  Day 2, Sunday, June 1, Truro to Wellfleet
•  Day 3, Monday, June 2, Wellfleet to Eastham
•  Day 4, Tuesday, June 3, Eastham to Brewster
•  Day 5, Wednesday, June 4, Brewster to Dennis
•  Day 6, Thursday, June 5, Dennis to Yarmouth
•  Day 7, Friday, June 6, Yarmouth to Barnstable
•  Day 8, Saturday, June 7, Barnstable to Sandwich
•  Day 9, Sunday, June 8, Sandwich to Bourne

For more information and complete details of each day's walk, please read the six-page program booklet.

2007 Town Annual Reports

Several towns have posted their 2007 Annual Reports on the Internet. While reading these reports isn't as enjoyable as reading a Robert Finch essay, it's a great way to learn about the accomplishments of municipal conservation, land acquisition, open space, and community preservation committees.

Reports for the following towns are available in pdf format. Note that some of the files are quite large and can take a while to download.

•  Barnstable (44 MB, 236 pages)

•  Bourne (11.7 MB, 368 pages)

•  Chatham (15.1 MB, 274 pages)

•  Dennis (4.4 MB, 467 pages)

•  Falmouth (2.5 MB, 216 pages)

•  Orleans (1.8 MB, 187 pages)

•  Provincetown (668 KB, 229 pages)

•  Sandwich (2.1 MB, 160 pages)

•  West Tisbury (5.3 MB, 194 pages)

Provincetown Sanctuary Gets New Plantings

The Provincetown Banner reports that Shank Painter Pond Wildlife Sanctuary in Provincetown received $5,000 worth of new shrubs and grasses last Friday, Arbor Day. Led by Conservation Commission co-chair Dennis Minsky and plant expert Irene Seipt, a crew of Americorps volunteers planted bearberry, bayberry, hairgrass, little bluestem grass and Pennsylvania sedge. A seven-and-a-half-acre parcel, the Sanctuary was purchased by the town in 1999 with $1.6 million of Land Bank funds.

Read Shank Painter Pond Wildlife Sanctuary Management Plan (2000)