A meadow full of yellow blooming flowers with mature trees in the background

Save Land

Land is precious on Cape Cod. On some parts of the peninsula, it's barely a mile from Cape Cod Bay to the Atlantic Ocean.

Land is precious on Cape Cod. On some parts of the peninsula, it's barely a mile from Cape Cod Bay to the Atlantic Ocean.

But the land we have is spectacularly beautiful, inspiring residents and visitors from around the world. And it is home to a wide variety of wildlife: shy box turtles, curious foxes, chorusing songbirds and so many more.

That's why saving land is so important. Thanks to your generous donations, Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) preserves wildlife habitat, safeguards scenic views, creates trails for all abilities and ages, and protects water quality in cherished places like Pleasant Bay.

We are grateful for the continued financial support of donors, businesses and foundations, which allows HCT to save land by purchasing property, holding conservation restrictions and accepting land donations.

These efforts to preserve land enhance our shared quality of life in many ways. Families and friends walk the trails together, forging memories and a deeper appreciation for nature. A birdwatcher spies a rare warbler for the first time. The rush of herring up the run tells us that summer is finally near.

In recent decades, the Cape has been transformed from an off the beaten path locale to an in-demand residential and tourism destination. The pressure of development has taken a toll on the land. Concerned citizens, town governments and organizations like HCT have stepped into the breach to preserve open space and public access to our special places.

This groundswell of support has also allowed HCT to embark on ambitious eco-restoration projects, like the award-winning effort at the Robert F. Smith Cold Brook Preserve, which transformed a retired cranberry bog into a wildlife oasis.

Cold Brook is now flowing freely through the 66-acre Preserve for the first time in over a century, on its way to Saquatucket Harbor on Nantucket Sound. A similar project is underway at HCT's Hinckleys Pond — Herring River Headwaters Preserve.

These rewilding projects show us the power of partnerships and the inspiring ability of nature to rebound.

It all begins with your donations to help save land. Your visionary gifts create beauty and a legacy that future generations can enjoy forever. HCT is deeply thankful for your support, and we will work hard to make Harwich and Cape Cod a better place, for people and nature.

We look forward to seeing you out on one of our trails. Perhaps we can take a moment to admire an osprey or marvel at a rewilded wetland and say "look what we did together."

A group of people near and far are walking the trails at Cold Brook Preserve.
a child and adult with hands open cuddling a salamander
by Halley Steinmetz

The Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) saves special places thanks to strong financial support from donors, businesses and foundations. HCT preserves land by accepting land donations, holding conservation restrictions, and purchasing property.

Learn more about HCT’s special projects and landowner options:

BRIDGE by ameriCorps_HCT_Coy Brooks Woodlands2 credit David Constance

If you are interested in preserving your land or you and your advisor have questions, please contact HCT Executive Director Michael Lach by phone: 508-432-3997 or e-mail: mike@harwichconservationtrust.org.