And the Winner of the Open Space Oscars Is…

March 3, 2025

The coveted Open-Space Oscar stands tall in the Pleasant Bay Woodlands meadow. Photo by Gerry Beetham

And the Winner of the Open Space Oscars Is… YOU!

The generous supporters of the Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) were honored at the Open Space Oscars on Sunday!

In case you missed it, you and your fellow all-star HCT donors were recognized with the well-deserved award at a star-studded ceremony in a sun-dappled forest clearing, where conservation celebrities hobnobbed with box turtles, foxes and chorusing songbirds.

Stylish preservation heroes rocked the red carpet, clad in the latest outerwear and sensible hiking boots. In a nice touch, the red carpet gradually turned green, as volunteers planted native vegetation.

The Best Ever Supporters awards reflect the kindness, generosity and dedication that you have shown over the years, helping the Harwich Conservation Trust protect woods, water, wildlife and our shared quality of life. “HCT supporters are true stars in our community,” said presenter River Herring, looking dapper in a sustainable, sequined tuxedo.

In the Stars of the Future category, three Harwich Conservation Trust projects took home awards:

  • Photo of cyclist enjoying panoramic views of the 50-acre project by Gerry Beetham

    The Cape Cod Rail Trail Land Preservation Project: At 50 acres, the property is the largest remaining undeveloped parcel in Harwich. Eco-restoration of the site could create free flowing stream channels with enhanced fish passage and connectivity between natural wetland habitats. 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.

    This Thursday, the Town Community Preservation Committee will have a chance to approve the 50-acre project going to Town Meeting in May. Then the voters could join the fun by approving $500,000 toward the $3.5 million goal to preserve the 50 acres which will help protect the Herring River, future walking trails, and stunning views along the bike path as well as Great Western Road.

  • Lady slipper photo by Gerry Beetham

    The Pleasant Bay Watershed Preservation Project: These cherished woodlands tucked behind Church Street harbor rare lady slipper orchids and a range of wildlife dependent on the adjacent 50-acre HCT Pleasant Bay Woodlands to the north and 100+ acres of town-owned land to the south. Preserving this 6.3-acre missing link will establish a vital north-south wildlife habitat corridor that also helps protect both the public water supply and Pleasant Bay from additional septic system effluent.

    There’s only $100,000 needed to reach the $400,000 goal that would preserve the 6.3 acres from conversion to a six-lot subdivision. By comparison in today’s real estate market, each of the six lots could go for up to $500,000. So that’s a darn good deal to save six lots for less than the price of one!

  • Photo of the Rushy Pond Project woodlands by Gerry Beetham

    The Rushy Pond Preservation Project: Rushy Pond lives up to its name given the profusion of slender plants poking above the surface that provide ample habitat for dragonflies, damselflies, turtles and frogs. The 1.63 acre project preserves forested upland that slopes down through sweet pepper bush and red maples to the water’s edge, allowing wildlife to wander down for a drink and cozy thickets for birds to nest. It’s an important part of HCT’s Harwich Priority Ponds Project, which focuses on preserving key parcels on ponds and within watersheds that can protect pond health and wildlife habitat.

Let’s keep striving to reach the stars by saving these special places. We are grateful for your continued support. The future looks bright — but there’s more work to be done. 2025 is full of land-saving promise — thanks to you!

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