HCT News
Preschool Explorers Romp About the Pleasant Bay Woodlands
Reflections by Naturalist & Walk Leader Andrea Higgins Photos courtesy of HCT Volunteer Photographer Gerry Beetham October 4, 2022 Oh happiness! On Tuesday, October 4th, the HCT Preschool Explorers reunited for continued learning, fun, and exploration! We had lots of wind, silver skies, and a forecast that claimed rain, yet between the hours of 9-10:30…
Wequassett Volunteers Remove Invasive Species at Pleasant Bay Woodlands
On Wednesday, September 28th, volunteers from the Wequassett Resort joined HCT’s Director of Land Stewardship Connor O’Brien in the field to help remove invasive plant species. The energetic group of fourteen gathered at Pleasant Bay Woodlands and began the morning with a tour of the 49-acre property to learn about the land which was preserved…
Sept. 24th: Live Owls from Near & Far
Folks had a hoot at the Live Owls from Near and Far shows on Saturday, September 24th. Each show began with a wonderful slideshow sharing Mark and Marcia’s exciting adventures as they traveled across the country photographing all 19 owl species found in North America for their award-winning book, Owling: Enter the Mysterious World of the…
September 13th Bell’s Neck Birding Walk
A lively group of nature enthusiasts enjoyed a very birdy morning at Bell’s Neck Conservation Lands with naturalist Peter Trull. They saw 32 species, including four species of herons, and had nice observations of sandpipers. Please enjoy photos of the adventure below, courtesy of HCT volunteer photographer Gerry Beetham.
30 August 2022 Red River Beach Birding Walk
On Tuesday morning, August 30th, naturalist and author Peter Trull led the last Red River Beach Shorebird Walk of the season. Participants spotted 28 species while wandering the shores of Nantucket Sound, learning about bird anatomy, migration, and interbreeding. Some highlights of the trip included sightings of saltmarsh sparrows, a ruddy turnstone, and a flock…
29 August 2022 Chartered Seabird Expedition
On Monday, August 29th, Naturalist Peter Trull and Captain Damon Burden welcomed six eager participants onto the Pythias charter boat for HCT’s first-ever Chartered Seabird Expedition. They saw 29 species, including close-up observations of all four shearwater species as they ventured near the boat — some even came within arm’s length! Parasitic jaegers put on a…
August 23rd Red River Beach Birding Photos
Peter Trull and an eager group of birders enjoyed a stroll along Red River Beach on Tuesday morning, August 23rd, in search of shorebirds. They spotted 24 species, plus a mallard/American black duck hybrid. High individual counts of snowy egrets, great egrets, and saltmarsh sparrows made for an exciting adventure. Please enjoy photos below courtesy…
Ecosystem Explorers Catch Raindrops at Muddy Creek
Reflections by Naturalist & Walk Leader Andrea Higgins Photos courtesy of Ecosystem Explorer Caregivers August 22, 2022 HCT Ecosystem Explorers met for our last adventure of the season on Monday morning, August 22nd, at the beautiful Muddy Creek Headwaters Preserve. We gathered under a sheet of clouds ready to burst with imminent showers. Youngsters and…
HCT’s 34th Annual Meeting
We’re glad that so many could join Harwich Conservation Trust’s 34th Annual Meeting and we missed those who couldn’t make it. It was great gathering again in person as well as enjoying hors d’oeuvres and refreshments while overlooking beautiful Pleasant Bay. We extend a huge thank you to Wequassett Resort for hosting this wonderful evening. Honoring…
August 19th Bell’s Neck Birding Walk
On Friday, August 19th, participants of the Bell’s Neck Birding Walk led by naturalist Peter Trull were greeted with beautiful weather and spotted a whopping 30 bird species while exploring scenic trails with water views framed by woods and wetland. The highlights of the trip included great observations of two whimbrel, a solitary sandpiper, and…
Ecosystem Explorers Roam Cornelius Pond Woodlands
Reflections by Naturalist & Walk Leader Andrea Higgins Photos courtesy of Andrea Higgins and Ecosystem Explorer caregivers Mary White and Maria Silverman August 8, 2022 Monday’s steamy hot temperatures and extreme humidity did not squelch the spirits of our adorable Ecosystem Explorers and their wonderful caregivers. Today’s adventure brought us to HCT’s beautiful Cornelius Pond…
August 16th Red River Beach Birding Adventure
There were great observations of ruddy turnstones and sanderlings on the August 16th Red River Beach Birding Walk with Naturalist Peter Trull. Participants were able to appreciate the variety of bill lengths across sandpiper species, so that each species probes the sand at different depths while searching for prey. Three cooper’s hawks were also spotted,…