Cold Brook Eco-Restoration Project

The trails at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve at 203 Bank Street are now open! Please visit to check out the new views and see how ecological restoration has transformed this site into a wildlife oasis with re-wilded wetland and stream habitats and an enhanced visitor experience, including a half-mile wheelchair accessible trail loop. For a free, guided tour with HCT Board President Tom Evans or HCT walk leader and volunteer photographer Gerry Beetham, please visit harwichconservationtrust.org and click “Walks & Events”, or sign up for HCT’s eNews for announcements.

While we wait on spring and warmer weather for final paving of the parking area, we ask that you please park carefully on the asphalt and avoid the pervious pavers cordoned off with yellow barricades. Our project partner, the Harwich Fire Association, will continue their work on the firehouse restoration for the next few months. Workers will park in front of the firehouse, while the spaces along the right (south) side of the building are available to visitors.

Please stay only on the main trails, be sure to leash pets, and no bikes are allowed on the site. Enjoy the new views and wildlife watching opportunities. If you see something unusual, please email us at info@harwichconservationtrust.org.

Please watch these videos for an overview of the Cold Brook Ecological Restoration Project.

Listen to a segment featured on the Cape & Islands NPR station (WCAI 94.3 fm) about eco-restoration projects including Cold Brook.

A two-page project summary in PDF.

PDF of the May 23, 2022 presentation to the Town of Harwich Select Board.

To learn about the great progress with restoring the Town's original firehouse by the nonprofit Harwich Fire Association (HFA), please click here.

HCT and HFA partnered on Dec. 8, 2022 to purchase from the Town an approx. 2-acre property on which the firehouse sits and that also provides parking for the Cold Brook trails. We're still raising funds to enhance parking and trailhead access including the creation of a scenic overlook.

If you're interested in supporting the Cold Brook Trailhead & Public Access Project, please contact HCT Exec. Dir. Michael Lach by phone 508-432-3997, email mike@harwichconservationtrust.org, or click here to donate.