Fate, family and conservation: Red River Valley Preserve on the rise
A land-saving symphony is being composed along the Red River in Harwich, thanks to generous Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) donors, Town and State partners and longstanding stewardship by the Chase and Baker families.
After a successful fundraising campaign, HCT was able to purchase 12.34 acres in the Red River Valley, on both sides of Route 28 in Harwich, along the Harwich/Chatham town line. The 2.74-acre Baker parcel is located on the north side of Route 28 and the 9.6-acre Chase parcel is located on the south side of the road.
Aerial view of the Red River Valley Preserve. Photo by Steve and Eileen Furlong
The acreage was the missing link needed to complete a north-south wildlife habitat corridor when combined with 475 acres of adjoining conservation and water department land in both towns.
“This land could easily have been developed,” said Sara Chase, who grew up in her family’s home on the property. “Luckily the Harwich Conservation Trust was able to step in.”
A critical watershed and a beautiful forest
The property is the largest stretch of forestland left in Harwich between Route 28 and Nantucket Sound. The land comprises a critical watershed area tucked into the Red River Valley.
The southern parcel borders 780-plus feet of Red River as it flows to Nantucket Sound, entering the ocean right next to popular Red River Beach. The land holds a pitch pine and oak forest as well as wetland thickets. Deer, fox, turtles, flying squirrels, and songbirds make these habitats their home.
Phil Chase (left) and HCT Executive Director Michael Lach at the Red River Valley Preserve. Photo by Gerry Beetham
Downstream of the property is an active herring run, where the feisty fish swim up from the Sound into Skinequit Pond each spring to spawn.
A bright future awaits
An exciting new chapter is in the works for the 9.6 acres with the Chase family homestead on the south side of Rt. 28. The planning and design process is underway to transform the existing house into offices, stewardship space, and a learning center.
To advance the design steps, HCT is working with Schneeberger Collective Architects from East Harwich and Horsley Witten Group from Sandwich.
The goal is to create a new conservation destination that also features a native pollinator garden, a trail to explore the woods, bird nest boxes, and an inviting space full of natural light for education and discovery.
Siblings Sara and Phil Chase are delighted that HCT was able to acquire the land and their childhood home. “My parents couldn’t have written it any better,” said Phil. “This was the best possible outcome.”
An idea that was “meant to be”
Phil said it was a treat to grow up on this beautiful land, exploring the woods, building forts and gardening in the backyard with his grandmother.
“I could climb a tree and clearly see Red River Beach,” he recalled. Phil also learned to drive on the property, bumping around in an old Ford pickup truck. “I was probably about 12 years old,” he said with a laugh.
Sara Chase behind her childhood home in Harwich. The Chase family thoughtfully chose to sell their 9.6-acre property to HCT. Harwich Conservation Trust photo
Sara Chase, a longtime real estate professional, has watched the building boom roll over Cape Cod.
“To be able to save some of the old Cape and the habitat is really important,” she said. “This was the idea that was meant to be, to preserve nature, have children’s’ programs and a trail for people to enjoy.”
She has fond memories of growing up in the family home. “I used to dance around this room with my dad to the Lawrence Welk show,” she said as we toured the house.
And a strong connection to the land was part of the package: she recalled spending hours in the woods behind the home, observing wildlife and enjoying nature.
“I feel like it will always be home,” said Sara. “It will always be in my heart. And I wanted it to be protected.”
Red River Valley Preserve project goals
—Land preservation with the acquisition of 12.34 acres of high priority forest, wetland, and stream habitats that provide the ecosystem mosaic for a wide variety of plants and animals.
Map of Red River Valley properties upstream of Red River Beach on the Harwich/Chatham border.
—Water quality with the protection of Red River and Red River Beach from potential subdivision runoff detrimental to herring and other species that rely on the river’s clean water.
—Accessibility with the creation of wheelchair access to the renovated office and educational space.
—Education and the ability to offer more outdoor experiences for all ages, year-round.
—Walking trail with access to a new footpath providing glimpses into the wetland thickets bordering the Red River Valley.
—Missing link connection in a wildlife habitat conservation corridor of 475 acres spanning the shared border of Harwich and Chatham north to Route 39 and south along Red River to Nantucket Sound.
—Hope for the future by creating a conservation destination offering walks, talks, volunteer opportunities, and a land preservation hub.
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—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.