Winter Talks 2014
These talks & events take place in the Harwich Community Center (#100 Oak Street) except for the Jan. 5th talk.
Saturday, January 4th, 2:00 pm
Orchids of Cape Cod
Rich Eldred, Botanist, Environmental Feature Reporter for The Cape Codder Newspaper (2010 HCT Conservationist of the Year) & HCT Walk Leader
Join botanist Rich Eldred who will talk about the beauty and mysterious nature of these unusual flowers. While most everyone is familiar with the pink lady slipper, there are over 25 other orchids found on Cape Cod and the Islands. 
Also, learn more about the 25th Annual Orchid Show “Kaleidoscope of Orchids” arriving Jan. 24-25th.
Rich holds a degree in Botany from the University of New Hampshire as well as a Masters in Plant Science (Ecology) from the University of Western Ontario.
Suggested donation: $2.00
SUNDAY, January 5th, 2:00 pm
Different LOCATION: Brooks Free Library, #739 Main St., Harwich Center
Saving Special Places with Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT)
Michael Lach, Executive Director, Harwich Conservation Trust
Ever wonder where and how your local land trust saves special places? In Harwich and across Cape Cod, natural land can be preserved to protect water quality, scenic views, walking trails, wildlife habitat, and other resources with important public benefits. Join HCT Executive Director Michael Lach at Brooks Library to enjoy beautiful photos showing where and why conservation lands have been preserved across town.
Saturday, January 11th, 2:00 pm
The Bobcat in Massachusetts
Susan Ingalls, Wildlife Technician, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
In 2013, a confirmed bobcat sighting surfaced on Cape Cod. What are the habits of this secretive species? Could there be more? Learn about the behavior, natural history, biology, and management of the bobcat from Susan Ingalls with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.
Suggested donation: $2.00
Saturday, January 25th, 2:00 pm
Piping Plovers:
Exploring the Dynamic Tension over this Endangered Species
Peter Trull, Naturalist, Science Teacher (Lighthouse Charter School)
Piping plovers have been nesting on Cape Cod for thousands of years, are endangered, and produce spirited reaction from many off-road enthusiasts trying to enjoy the outer beaches during nesting season. Where do we find the balance between recreation and species conservation? How do we enjoy the beaches while still protecting federally endangered wildlife? Meanwhile, several species of sandpiper and plover nest on Cape Cod and/or that use the area as a migratory stopover are eaten for food in some South American countries. Peter Trull is an ornithologist who has studied the market trapping and human consumption of different shorebird species in South America. Willets, greater yellowlegs, black-bellied plovers, and whimbrels are just some of the species that South American families have shared with Trull. However, Trull says to the surprise of many the endangered piping plover does not migrate or winter past the shores of the southern U.S. or proximate coastal islands. So where did the bumper sticker “Piping plovers taste like chicken” actually come from? Trull will reveal the answer and share his views about the conservation measures needed to strike a balance on the Cape’s outer beaches. Be ready for a lively, provocative presentation and beautiful photos.
Suggested donation: $5.00
Saturday, February 1st, 2:00 pm
Mammals of Cape Cod
Todd Kelley, Owner of Kelley Trailblazer Guided Interpretive Hikes & Talks
Join naturalist Todd Kelley to learn about the special adaptations and habitat requirements of the
land mammals that currently live on Cape Cod. Some mammals like the Eastern cottontail and New England cottontail look very much alike, but are actually different species and require different habitats. Learn how to tell the difference. There are some animals that are new arrivals on the Cape like fisher and bobcat, and then there are those like otter that have been here for many years even though most people have never seen them. Learn why that is so and why it is important that these animals remain elusive and secretive.
Suggested donation: $2.00
Saturday, February 8th, 2:00 pm
Wild Medicinal Plants
Donna Wood Eaton, Herbalist & Owner of Cedar Spring Herb Farm, Harwich
Ever wonder about the medicinal uses of local plants, including historical use by Native Americans? Join herbalist Donna Wood Eaton of Cedar Spring Herb Farm (www.cedarspringherbfarm.com) for a fascinating talk about field-grown as well as wild edible and medicinal plants. Learn about several different plants ranging from the common Saint John’s Wort to the less abundant Pleurisy Root as well as rare and unusual species like Trillium. Conservation of specific species is especially important, so Donna will discuss how she cultivates and nurtures plants at Cedar Spring Herb Farm. And learn more about Herb Day on May 3, 2014, part of an international event right here in Harwich, with proceeds benefiting HCT’s land-saving work.
Suggested donation: $2.00
Saturday, March 1st, three shows (10 am, 1pm & 3pm)
in the Harwich Community Center Gym
Eyes On Owls – Live Owl Program – BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
Click here to learn more & reserve!
Saturday, March 8th (2:00 – 4:00 pm)
in the Harwich Community Center
5th Annual Meet Your Local Farmers Event
Kick-off the 2014 growing season, meet local farmers from around Cape Cod and learn more about locally grown products as well as farm-related activities for all ages.
Sponsored by Harwich Conservation Trust and The Cape & Islands Farm Bureau.