50 Acres: Cape Cod Rail Trail Land Preservation Project
Largest Remaining Privately-Owned Property in Harwich
If you’ve ever biked or walked along the Cape Cod Rail Trail through the woods in Harwich, there is a memorable moment where the forest suddenly opens up to reveal a breath-taking vista with panoramic views across the Thacher family’s cranberry bogs.
Only a few open spaces like this gem remain on the Cape. Now imagine preserving this land in perpetuity and ecologically restoring the property to enhance biodiversity for both wildlife and people. Instead of just passing by, you could hop off your bike at this unique destination to experience true Cape Cod beauty while strolling scenic trails through re-wilded wetland and upland habitats.
50 Acres & the Big Picture of Protecting Land & Water
The Thacher family bog property is the missing link in a constellation of nearby protected open space properties. Preserving a property of this size on its own would be worthwhile, but when looking at the bigger conservation picture with this property’s central location to more than 400 acres of protected lands, the land-saving vision becomes even more compelling. The property is the largest remaining undeveloped parcel in Harwich and could be converted into a 9-lot subdivision. If developed, septic system nutrients would increase for the Herring River which already suffers from impaired water quality.
Eco-restoration potential of the site could create free flowing stream channels with enhanced fish passage and connectivity between natural wetland habitats. As we explore eco-restoration designs, Ray Thacher will continue to farm the bogs for the next couple of years. Reaching our fundraising goal will cover the cost of acquisition and an eco-restoration feasibility study. Based on the study results, we would then seek town, state, and federal sources to fund the actual eco-restoration. As we continue to grow our natural history knowledge about this unique landscape, we’ll add to this webpage.
You can make a difference. Please donate today!
We invite you to make a local, lasting difference by donating to this exciting new $3.5 million land-saving opportunity.
To donate, please click here.
If you have questions, please email Michael Lach at mike@harwichconservationtrust.org or call the HCT office at 508-432-3997. With your help, we can preserve this land for all to enjoy, for all time.