Cold Brook Eco-Restoration Update

Ecological restoration is underway at HCT’s Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve.

These photos by Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) volunteer photographer Gerry Beetham show how stream flow is naturalized after deteriorating culverts throughout the 66-acre Preserve are removed, which will improve Cold Brook health and fish passage. When the wetlands were converted into commercial cranberry bogs over a century ago, the culverts were installed making Cold Brook an agricultural channel that could be manipulated for bog flooding and drainage. Thanks to this multi-partner (HCT, Town, MA Div. of Ecological Restoration, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service) eco-restoration effort, for the first time in over 100 years Cold Brook now runs free from the Preserve down to Saquatucket Harbor on Nantucket Sound.

Native seeds were planted along the stream bank to stabilize the earth and create habitat as plants grow.

Trails are closed due to construction vehicle use, but will reopen in the fall.

To learn more about this innovative eco-restoration project including the chance to watch videos with aerial footage, please click here.