AmeriCorps, HCT volunteers and hard work: The inspiring story of a bench

There comes a time for all of us when we need to set a spell and watch the world go by. That’s when the quiet, steady superhero of the trail shines. Yes, the humble bench, patient and strong and often accompanied by a nice view, stands ready for weary bottoms and pleasant chitchat.

But where do those grand Harwich Conservation Trust benches come from? No, not a seed packet. And they don’t fall from trees, like conveniently-contoured pine cones. While some HCT benches are built by contractors during projects, many of these super seats are crafted by the woodworking wizards from the Chatham-Harwich Newcomers Club, under the direction of Steve Patzman and Jonas Robinson. 

All HCT bench construction follows a tried and true design developed by Colin Leonard, a member of HCT’s Board of Trustees for 34 years. Leonard, a well-known general contractor, said the original concept came from an influential volume, “Handbook of Landscape Architectural Construction,” edited by noted landscape architect Jot D. Carpenter, who was also an Ohio State University professor and a National Park Service consultant.

Once built, the benches happily scamper across town, find a nice spot along an HCT trail, and wiggle their feet into the ground. Well, not really. They have to be transported in the faithful HCT pickup truck, dropped in the right spot and installed using cutting edge technology (shovels, concrete and a level).

AmeriCorps pitches in

On Tuesday, HCT’s Director of Land Stewardship Connor O’Brien and AmeriCorps Cape Cod Member Emrys Odell brought a bench to the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve and found a great site overlooking a pond. For Odell, it was their last HCT task, after a stellar season of service with HCT, the Harwich Department of Health, the Harwich Conservation Department and the Harwich Cemetery Department.

AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. Members receive a modest allowance during their service term. Their work addresses critical community needs, including disaster relief, environmental stewardship and education.

In the last 25 years, AmeriCorps Cape Cod members have provided more than a million hours of service, completed nearly 5,000 land and water-based projects and provided educational services for nearly 65,000 people.

Odell kindly took the time to reflect on their service to Barnstable County. “This AmeriCorps/Cape Cod relationship is so beneficial and essential to the Members who do AmeriCorps and people like me, and also the environmental community on the Cape,” they said.

Recent funding uncertainty has clouded the future of the AmeriCorps program, a turn of events that Odell thinks is short-sighted. “I think it’s a silly and sad thing,” they said. “I think it’s a failure in communication, because AmeriCorps is really one of those things that is bipartisan. It benefits everybody.”

The art of bench installation

Wednesday was bench installation day at Cold Brook, and the time for HCT volunteers to shine. Under a blazing sun, volunteers Dave Wendel, Jan Oudermool and Pat Brophy, joined by O’Brien and HCT Summer Intern Lucy Palmer, worked up a significant sweat.

Holes were dug, cement was mixed and poured, and good cheer and gentle ribbing helped the morning move quickly. While precision was important, steady progress was also valued. One of the crew summed up the job this way: “We’re not making Swiss watches.”

But there is an art to installing a bench, and a good feel for improvisation can come in handy. When a stubborn root appeared at the bottom of a support hole, blocking further digging progress, the crew cranked up their collective brainpower and came up with a solution: Palmer deftly wielded a Sawzall to remove a bit of the bench support post. After “hurrahs” were issued, the job continued.

“Even though this is a lot of work, these projects are really fun, because it’s problem solving and working as a team,” said O’Brien. “There’s always something to figure out, and everyone has a role in troubleshooting.”

So, the next time you’re walking around Cold Brook, take the time to admire the benches. Better yet, take a seat! Behind every HCT bench is a community of fine folks who worked hard, had fun and are delighted to present a perfect perch for your nature adventures.

—Interested in becoming an HCT volunteer? Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page and fill out our Volunteer Interest Survey.

—Sign up for HCT eNews, a great way to stay in the loop about exciting HCT events, guided walks and other interesting news.

—Your tax-deductible contributions help fulfill the mission of the Harwich Conservation Trust to preserve land that protects woods, water, wildlife and our shared quality of life. And your land-saving financial support helps us preserve beautiful properties that can become stellar trail destinations. Find out how to donate by clicking here.