Guiding the way: New interpretive signs at Cold Brook improve visitor experience

Have you ever visited a nature area and started asking deep questions like “what’s going on here?” or “where am I?”. Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) is doing its best to stamp out befuddlement and provide illumination with five new interpretive signs, recently installed at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve.

A new sign greets visitors to the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve. Harwich Conservation Trust photo

The signs are located along the half-mile All Persons Trail, which allows people of all abilities to enjoy nature. They provide visitors with intriguing information about the cranberry farming history of the Preserve, the ambitious Cold Brook Eco-Restoration Project, and specific topics including monarch butterflies and ospreys.

At the head of the trail, visitors are now greeted by a large sign that welcomes them to the Preserve and offers an easy-to-read trail map and historical overview of the area. The sign also celebrates the numerous contributions of the late Robert F. “Bob” Smith, a founding HCT Trustee and President of the Board of Trustees for HCT’s first 27 years.

The signs were crafted by iZone Imaging and are intended to withstand harsh weather and resist fading, scratches and moisture. They were designed by the talented Dorene Warner and her team at W Design, a company that also creates similar signs for national parks. The attention to detail on the monarch butterfly sign, which explains the insect’s life cycle and amazing migration route is particularly impressive.

The new monarch butterfly sign at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve was designed by Dorene Warner of W Design. The company also creates signs for national parks. Harwich Conservation Trust photo

We hope you get the chance to visit the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve in the near future to enjoy and be edified by these new signs. They are a great addition to a beautiful place! We are grateful to everyone who helped us create them, and for the stalwart support of HCT donors and volunteers who help us protect woods, water, wildlife and our shared quality of life.

—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.