Photo gallery: Abandoned structure removed as part of HCT’s Robbins Pond Woodlands Project

An old structure was removed as part of Harwich Conservation Trust’s Robbins Pond Woodlands Project on April 28, 2026. Photo by Gerry Beetham

As part of Harwich Conservation Trust’s (HCT) ongoing effort to save and steward 18 acres on Robbins Pond in North Harwich, the “undevelopment” of an abandoned concrete storage structure took place this past week.

With a collapsing roof, it was a hazardous situation remedied by the crew of Chase & Merchant, who safely disassembled the building and removed the concrete, wood and metal. The area can now naturally regrow as spring rains and sunlight rejuvenate the land that’s a stone’s throw from a stream flowing toward the Herring River.

Fundraising for HCT’s Robbins Pond Woodlands Project continues and Harwich voters will have a chance to help out at Town Meeting on Monday, May 4th. The meeting may extend to two nights, so please save the date of Tuesday, May 5 as well.

Please vote “YES” on Article 40

Please vote “YES” on Article 40 to support $225,000 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for the acquisition of a conservation restriction by the Harwich Conservation Commission for HCT’s Robbins Pond Woodlands Project.

This aerial photo shows the area where the structure was removed after the job was completed. Photo by Gerry Beetham

The project comprises nearly 18 acres of environmentally sensitive land including 275 feet of shoreline habitat on Robbins Pond in North Harwich and is part of HCT’s Priority Ponds Project to save sensitive watershed parcels.

Preserving this land will help protect the public drinking water supply, as the 18 acres are located within a town wellfield recharge area. In addition to safeguarding water quality in Robbins Pond and the Herring River watershed, the land provides wildlife habitat for animals including songbirds, raptors and mammals.

A diversity of dragonfly and damselfly species (including rarities) zip along the shallow shoreline of reeds that buffers the forested slope in the summer.

Ace volunteer HCT photographer Gerry Beetham was on hand for the “undevelopment” of the structure and brought back these great photos:

—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.