Cape Cod Natural History Conference 2026: HCT provides Cold Brook update

Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) had a great time at the 2026 Cape Cod Natural History Conference, held on March 7 at Cape Cod Community College. The event, organized and presented by Mass Audubon, featured the latest natural history news and project updates from local researchers and environmental organizations across Cape Cod.

HCT Executive Director Mike Lach presented an update on our award-winning Cold Brook Eco-Restoration Project. Goals included improving water quality, creating a diversity of healthy habitats to foster biodiversity, and enhancing visitor experiences.

The rewilding effort at the Preserve added a half-mile All Persons Trail, which allows people of all abilities and ages to experience the beauty of nature, restored 44 acres of wetland and a mile of stream habitat. Now home to all kinds of wildlife and flourishing native plants, the area has become a popular hiking and nature-watching destination.

Thanks to HCT donors and municipal, state, and federal agencies as well as Inter-Fluve, SumCo Eco-Contracting and many other project partners, Cold Brook flows wild and free on its way to Saquatucket Harbor on Nantucket Sound for the first time in over a century.

Many thanks to Mass Audubon and all the participants at the conference! To learn more about HCT’s eco-restoration endeavors, please click here.

Eco-Restoration Tours

HCT Board President Tom Evans is leading a series of free guided eco-restoration tours over the next several weeks at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve and the Hinckleys Pond — Herring River Headwaters Preserve.

Learn how the recent ecological restoration projects enhanced the health of the land and water for the benefit of people and wildlife. Plus, at the Hinckleys Pond — Herring River Headwaters Preserve, participants will cross the Cape Cod Rail Trail to see the new scenic overlook and enjoy panoramic views of Hinckleys Pond. Space is limited so reservation is required.

To reserve your spot for a free eco-restoration tour, please click here.

Tour schedule

Sat. March 14: 9:00-10:00 a.m. at Hinckleys Pond — Herring River Headwaters Preserve

Sat. March 21: 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve

Sat. April 11: 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve

Sat. April 18: 9:00-10:00 a.m. at Hinckleys Pond — Herring River Headwaters Preserve

Sat. April 25: 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve

Sat. May 2: 9:00-10:00 a.m. at Hinckleys Pond — Herring River Headwaters Preserve

—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.