Ring in the New Year with HCT Winter Talks

Spice up your winter by learning about the fascinating nature and history of Cape Cod! Harwich Conservation Trust’s (HCT) popular Winter Talks series is back for another season, bringing engaging speakers and lively educational presentations to the Cape community on Saturdays in January and February 2026.

HCT’s Winter Talks series touches on topics that include Monomoy Island, wildlife strandings along Cape beaches, how to create an environmentally-friendly garden and more. All presentations start at 1:00 p.m.  in the Harwich Community Center at 100 Oak Street.

The talks last between 1 and 1.5 hours. Admission for each talk is $5 per person, payable at the door. Space is limited to approximately 112 people, and once capacity is reached, the doors close. Please arrive early to find a seat.

Treat yourself to a fun and educational outing with HCT’s Winter Talks and turn the offseason into the “on-season” for learning. Below is a Winter Talks schedule, with information about dates, times, topics and speakers.

History and Science of Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
Presenters: Frank Kahr and John Hanlon
Saturday, January 10th, 1 to 2 p.m.

Monomoy Island, located off the coast of Chatham, is a mysterious place to most Cape Codders. Here’s your chance to learn more about the history of this beautiful isle and its important scientific role today. Friends of Monomoy presenters Frank Kahr and John Hanlon will review Monomoy’s colorful past, including the days when a fishing village flourished in the mid-19th century. Hanlon will then discuss the fascinating scientific activities that are ongoing at the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge.

Saving Marine Misfits on Cape Cod
Learn about the unusual species that strand each fall
Presenter: Carol “Krill” Carson
Saturday, January 24th, 1 to 2 p.m.

Do you wonder about the marine “washashores” found along the Cape Cod coast each fall? Join marine biologist Carol “Krill” Carson, founder and President of the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA), for a fun and informative talk on these annual strandings of unusual-looking species, which include the ocean sunfish, Atlantic torpedo ray and basking sharks. These migratory fish sometimes have trouble making it out of Cape Cod Bay on their journey south. Learn about NECWA, their rescue and research efforts, and how you can help.

Shellfish and Herring and Water Quality, Oh My!
Adventures with the Harwich Natural Resources Department
Presenter: Stephanie Ridenour
Saturday, February 7th, 1 to 2 p.m.

How do hundreds of thousands of baby shellfish make it from the Harwich Shellfish Lab into local waters each year? Join Harwich’s Director of Natural Resources Stephanie Ridenour for an exploration into the science and strategy of shellfish propagation, the hurdles of herring runs, and the world of water quality. Learn more about how the town protects, preserves, and enhances Harwich’s wonderful natural resources. We’ll also discuss how many of our community members support these initiatives and how you can too!

A Cape-friendly Landscape: Discovering the Nature Connection
Presenter: Kristin Andres
Saturday, February 28th, 1 to 2 p.m.

Gardens and yards offer exciting opportunities to support nature, right outside your own door! Find out how plant choices and lawn care practices can make a big difference for local pollinators, birds, and butterflies. Join Kristin Andres, Director of Education & Outreach for the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC), the Cape’s leading science-based environmental advocacy nonprofit, and learn how our landscapes and gardens play a vital role in the health of the Cape’s environment. Wildlife will appreciate your thoughtful approach, and you’ll love the beautiful results — use your green thumb to be a good steward!

—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.