Resources - Barnstable Land Trust

RESOURCES
N e w s l e t t e r o f t h e B a r n s ta b l e L a n d T r u s t
visit our website www.blt.org
WINTER 2010/2011
What’s
Inside...
Page 3
Meeting the
Challenge
Page 4
Precious
Habitat
Page 5
Repeat
Performance
Pages 6-7
Fuller Farm:
A Scenic and
Cultural Treasure
Page 7
The meadow on Swift Avenue
Acre by Acre
Transfer of Wealth
Pages 8-9
Annual Meeting/
Founders’ Award
Barnstable Land Trust is now the steward of 797 acres.
Special thanks to recent land donors–Tom and Irene Antkowiak of Osterville, Jim and Janet Rice, formerly of Cummaquid,
and Dr. Charles Herberger of Centerville–for entrusting their
land to BLT for future generations.
Pages 10-11
Gifts From
the Sea
Pages 12-13
Asian Longhorned
Beetle
Page 14
A Cape First
Page 15
Tributes and
Memorials
Resources is
underwritten by
Bartlett Tree Experts
Saving a Meadow
I
rene and Tom Antkowiak
loved the one-acre meadow
across from their house on
Swift Avenue in Osterville. Over
the 15 years that they owned the
meadow, it had brought them
much joy. It once was a grazing area for the Antkowiaks’ two
horses and a neighbor’s horses, all
of which were eventually put out
to pasture.
The couple continued to pour
their love into the field. Tom, a
retired orthopedic surgeon, would
take his “prized possession,” a
Kabota tractor, and mow the pasture. “It is something I love to do,”
he admitted. “I’m sure the neighbors rode by and said, ‘Here he
comes again with his tractor.’”
Irene, an avid gardener and
birdwatcher, put the reins on her
husband’s mowing habit. “I told
him he was cutting it too much.
The butterflies need the meadow
to feed and pupate. You can only
cut it after the first frost,” she admonished. Tom obliged.
“I have to admit, it looks nice,”
he said. “It has its own distinct
continued on page 2
Barnstable
Land Trust
Office
407 North Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
508.771.2585
Mailing
P.O. Box 224
Cotuit, MA 02635
Email
BLT@cape.com
Website
www.BLT.org
Board of Directors
President
Carol Carter
Cotuit
Vice President Lee Ann Hesse
West Barnstable
Treasurer
Joe Wood
Hyannis Port
Clerk
Polly Dana-Schumacher
Barnstable
Board Members
Janet Eshbaugh
Osterville
Joseph E. Hawley
Centerville
Bill Keto
Cotuit
Tom Mullen
West Barnstable
James C. O’Conor
Centerville
Tim O’Keeffe
West Hyannisport
Craig D. Spinner
Osterville
Mary Gaines Standish
Osterville
W. Bruce Wallin
Cotuit
Rick Walters
Cummaquid
Executive Director
Jaci Barton
Director of Development
Jane Harvey
Office Manager
Chris Adams
Land Management
Red Bansfield
Resources Editor
Olivia H. Miller
Graphic Design
Sue Oslund
BlueSky DesignWorks
Page 2
Tom & Irene Antkowiak gleefully remove the “For Sale” sign…and replace it with a BLT sign!
beauty with the wildflowers
and milkweed pods, the birds
and the butterflies.”
Eventually, they thought
about selling the land and put
up a “For Sale” sign to see what
would happen. A few interested parties called but mostly
they heard from concerned
neighbors asking if they really
planned to sell the meadow.
“One neighbor said it was wonderful to walk by it and see it
change with the seasons,” Tom
recalled. They began to have
second thoughts.
“I hated to see a trophy
house–or any house–go up,”
Irene added. “It’s important
to maintain open space. We’re
aware of the history and importance of the field. Cows and
horses used to walk from the
meadow to the pond behind our
house. We decided to contact
BLT to see if they’d be interested in the land as a donation.”
The Antkowiaks were unsure whether BLT would be
interested in “one little acre.”
But, Irene said, “Jaci [Barton]
treated the one acre as if it were
large and important. She made
it happen so quickly.”
www.BLT.org
According to Executive Director Jaci Barton, “When Irene
called, I immediately went to
see the land. I was amazed to
find an oasis for wildlife–a gorgeous open field in the middle
of Osterville. Historically, this
land, and many acres around it,
was used extensively for grazing. The Antkowiaks had cared
for the land and mowed the
field in a fashion that encouraged wild grasses and milkweed to flourish, benefitting
birds and butterflies.”
“By donating the land, it will
always be there. Generations
can continue to enjoy it,” Tom
explained. And although BLT
now owns the land, Tom still
gets to do his favorite thing–
ride the Kabota–because he
has offered to help maintain the
meadow.
Talk about a win-win!
Winter 2010/2011
Meeting the Challenge
by Jaci Barton, BLT Executive Director
C
ape Cod is known worldwide for its
natural beauty. In the summer, especially when I am out on the water
and the bay is shimmering, I often say out
loud to those around me (and sometimes to
myself!) just how lucky I feel to
live in such a glorious place.
I feel even luckier to have
found my calling and to be
working in a field where I can
daily see the fruits of my labor.
In this year’s Annual Appeal, we included a new brochure that illustrates what
we’ve done and why it’s important to preserve land. We asked that you familiarize yourself with the passion you feel for
our local environment, then
forward the brochure to a
friend or family member
and encourage them to support our joint efforts to preserve this very special place.
Help us spread the joy!
The work of Barnstable
Land Trust is a labor of love:
love of community, love for
the natural world, love of the
beauty that surrounds us, and
love for the places we go to
restore our souls.
I love to share my passion
and enthusiasm with others who live, work and play
in this fragile environment.
If you know of a group that I
could educate and illuminate,
or if you would like to host
a special gathering of your
neighbors, please let me know.
In these uncertain times,
as BLT struggles to raise
sufficient funds to do what
we’ve always done, preserving land has never been
more challenging. Member
support and partnerships
with the Town and State
have been the saving graces.
The responsibility to preserve this special place belongs
to each of us. By broadening our
base of support, BLT can meet
the challenges ahead and achieve
miracles.
As funding dwindles, we constantly remind ourselves to work smarter, conserve
our energy and stay focused on priorities.
But it’s not enough to sustain us.
With gratitude,
We need you to help us by turning other
people on to BLT.
Jaci
Barnstable Land Trust (BLT) is a private non-profit 501(c)3 organization.
Our mission is to preserve the unique character of Barnstable for future
generations through the acquisition and conservation of open spaces and
natural resources, wetlands, woodlands and wildlife in the seven villages of
Barnstable.
Winter 2010/2011 www.BLT.org
Page 3
Looking toward the Rice’s parcel in Cummaquid
I
Janet and Jim Rice
Precious Habitat
n the mid-1980’s, Jim and Janet Rice
bought their home in Cummaquid. At
the time, there was an adjacent parcel
that hadn’t perked; it was the last unsold
land on the street. “Although it was reported to be unbuildable,” Jim Rice explained,
“we didn’t quite believe it. We always had
the feeling it could be built on.” Rather than
take that gamble, they decided to protect the
1.43-acre parcel by purchasing it.
Over the years, Jim and Janet have enjoyed the tranquility of their own little nature preserve. They’ve seen lots of birds,
raccoons, opossum, rabbits, deer–and yes,
otters–at their Otter Lane sanctuary.
After 25 years, the couple is moving. Although they had no reason to keep the lot,
they did not want to risk that the land might
be developed. Jim said they immediately
thought of Barnstable Land Trust and its
Executive Director, Jaci Barton. “Who else
would you contact?” asked Jim.
Because the parcel is small, the Rices
are modest about their donation. “I don’t
think there is much of a story here,” Jim
said more than once. However, according to
Jaci, their gift of land is important.
A small brook runs through the Rices’
land and out to Mill Creek. The creek, a
shared resource between Barnstable and
Page 4 Yarmouth, feeds the Barnstable Harbor
Area of Critical Environmental Concern.
“The Rice land is ideal wildlife habitat,”
Jaci explained, “helping to protect the water quality of a much bigger resource area,
which is recognized for its rare species and
unique habitat.”
“The Rices aren’t the first to acquire land
they didn’t want to see developed,” Jaci
noted. “To control the tranquility of their
surroundings, neighbors often take the land
into their own hands. We’re glad the Rices
ultimately made the decision to entrust their
land to BLT. Now it is certain never to be
built upon.”
Members since 1988, Jim and Janet have
supported BLT in many ways. In 1992
when Jim was President of Cape Cod Bank
& Trust, the bank gave BLT a 4.8-acre parcel of environmentally sensitive and historically valuable land along the Marstons
Mills River. Much of BLT’s furniture came
from the bank’s basement storage area, and
several past and present BLT board members were once bank employees.
“BLT’s mission speaks for itself,” Jim
said in answer to why he has supported the
organization over the years. “It’s not difficult to relate to people trying to conserve
land and care for the environment. You are
one of the good guys.”
www.BLT.org
Winter 2010/2011
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Much of the beach has
moved north toward the land.
It is slowly encroaching on the
Centerville River and the barrier beach is becoming narrower.
“The beach has lost signicant
dune relief,” Rob explained.
“Time will tell what the next
hurricane will bring.”
ps
Ofce
407 North Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
508.771.2585
Mailing
P.O. Box 224
Cotuit, MA 02635
Email BLT@cape.com
Website www.BLT.org
Long Beach...from page 1
Bu m
BARNSTABLE
LAND TRUST
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BEA
Town
Consv.
Property
Of the two dozen undevelBoard of Directors
oped parcels on Long Beach,
President
Location, location!
Joe Hawley
two are now dedicated to
Centerville
conservation purposes. “It’s a said BLT Executive Director
Vice President
good start,” said Rob, identify- Jaci Barton. “Long Beach is
Carol Carter
ing several benets. “Keeping that undeveloped spit of land in
Cotuit
the land in its natural state can the foreground. The Jones parTreasurer
help improve the stability of cel, which is now entrusted to
Joe Wood
the beach, provide more like- BLT, helps to frame that scenic
Hyannisport
landscape.”
lihood that endangered
shoreClerk property on Nye’s Neck Road
Herberger
Bebe Brock
and Charles
Herberger
birds will be better protected,
Janet Eshbaugh
And for the folks who walk
Osterville
and allow for public access.”
along
the shore from
Town
The
land
is
unchanged,
too. the
AccordRepeat
Performance
Board Members
conservation
area
westward
The
Jones
parcel
is
located
ing to Mark Robinson of The Compact of
Chris Babcock
or the second time in
as many
years,of the
toward EastTrusts,
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will
at the
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Cape
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“Itland
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Herberger
of Centerprotect ablueberry
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ritRiver and
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LeeDr.
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Hesse
and natural–a
nicetohighbush
ville
has donated land
to you
Barnstable
West
Barnstable
ual that
provides
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er. As
cross oversweet
the bridge
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ringed
with from
red
BillTrust.
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Land
parcel
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daily
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maples, to
tupelo
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NeckCotuit
Road is located north
of scenic
Lake
South
Main
Street
in
Centerbeech
and
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has Jones
this area
Tom Mullen
June andState
George
regWequaquet.
ville, the land lies immediately
mapped as Priority
rarethe
species
Barnstable
ularly Habitat
walked for
along
beach
to theBebe
right.Brock
“Peopleand
are itprobis included
their
BioMap
as Core
Tim Herberger’s
O’Keeffe
Dr.
daughter
whenonthey
lived
here. “We
feel
ablypurchased
most familiar
Long
Hyannisport
Habitat,
meaning
it
is
a
high
priority
to prenotedWest
that
this parcel was
by with
strongly about preservation,”
Walters grandfatherBeach
for Crosby
the panoramic
serve view
for plants
and animals.
A vernal
pool,
her Rick
maternal
Sumner
George
Jones said.
“Donating
Barnstable
of Nantucket
Soundwhere
it affords
salamanders
breed,
may
be
located
in 1932.
The land is adjacent
to a summer
the land was the proper thing
Executive
Director
they drive
over the
in bridge,”
this land.” to do.”
camp
he built
when her as
mother,
Melvina,
Barton
wasJaci
eight
or ten years old. It holds special
And according to Bebe, “The little ones
Director
Development
memoriesof for
their family. “Other Long
than Beach
Doubly
have always
lovedProtected
it. Now it will remain
Jane Harvey
electricity,” Bebe said, “it’s pretty
much
re-called
protected
for
the
grandkids–and
theto
Long
Beach
is
so
because
it
Protect Cape Cod (APCC) all
agreed
Ofce Manager
mained
unchanged.”
is
a
long
barrier
beach
stretching
from
hold
the
reverter.
birds
and
the
animals–to
enjoy.”
Chris Adams
F
Craigville to East Bay, Osterville. In
Nearly three decades later APCC
1976, the Quinn Family donated a 3.5- made the decision to get out of the
acre lot on Long Beach to the Town business of owning conservation
of Barnstable for conservation.
land. In 2006, APCC assigned the
FunIf you
Fact
drive down Long Beach Road today, responsibility of the Quinn reverter
it ends
at theBarnstable
Town parcel; beyond
it clause
to BLT. 1,953 tons
In
2008,
residents
recycled
gorgeous white sands and dunes.
Now, if the Town ever attempts to
of lie
paper,
which
saved
33,201
trees
and
When the Quinns conveyed their use the land13,671,000
for anything other than
lot to the
Town
as conservation land conservation, ownership will revert to
gallons
of
water.
Printed in the USA on
they insisted on a “reverter- Town
clause”
BLT whoseSolid
responsibility
is to ensure
of Barnstable
Waste Division
recycled paper with
to ensure the land would remain in its permanent conservation.
vegetable-based inks.
To recycle
the Barnstable
conservation.
The at
Association
to landfill, no dump sticker is required!
Land Management
RedinBans
eld
Printed
the USA on
recycled paper with
Resources
Editor
vegetable-based inks.
Olivia H. Miller
Graphic Design
Sue Oslund
Page 2
Winter 2010/2011 www.BLT.org
www.BLT.org
Summer 2009
Page 5
Fuller Farm’s undulating meadows
Fuller Farm – A Scenic & Cultural Treasure
T
he undulating landscape of Fuller
Farm is masked from daily view by
hills that gently rise from the busy
Route 149 roadway. Beyond the rise, golden meadows that were once grazed by dairy
cows still remain.
“For years, I’ve looked at Fuller Farm
on a map and understood its conservation
values. It wasn’t until I walked the property
with the Fuller family that I truly appreciated how special this land is,”
said BLT Executive Director Jaci Barton. “The property is simply enchanting.
The naturally rolling fields
are reminiscent of a bygone
era. It is a scenic and cultural treasure.”
Fuller Farm has been on
Barnstable’s Open Space
priority list since its creation in 1984. At 24 acres,
it is one of the largest privately owned undeveloped Bog path
parcels remaining in our community. The
conservation values include frontage on
Middle Pond, protection of a public water
supply, host to five rare species and 2000’
of frontage on a designated scenic roadway.
When you layer all those values together, it
is a high priority indeed.
When the family called this spring, we
were delighted, excited and frankly, a little
daunted. BLT sprang to action and quickly
hatched a plan. We knew that protecting this
land required a partnership. The Town, a
willing partner, had access to state funding
available to municipalities only.
Page 6 To jumpstart the acquisition, BLT dug
into our Green Fund to pay for the two appraisals required with that application. On
behalf of the Town’s Conservation Commission, a request was made to the Local
Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND)
Grant program through the state’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental
Affairs. A request was also made to the
Town’s Community Preservation Committee for support from
the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The CPA
is funded by a three percent property tax surcharge
that receives a state match.
Historic preservation, affordable housing and open
space preservation are the
beneficiaries.
In late October, the town
learned that both requests
had been recommended for
approval, subject to conditions. The major requirement of the state grant is that the Fuller
Farm acquisition must be completed by
June 30, 2011.
Now it’s up to Barnstable Land Trust to
raise an estimated $650,000.
The Fuller land is very diverse. Besides
the rolling fields, there is an abandoned
cranberry bog, surrounded by tall pines, oak
and beech trees. The cart path around the
bog makes a perfect hiking trail.
The original farmhouse burned to the
www.BLT.org
continued on page 7
Winter 2010/2011
Fuller Farm...from page 6
ground more than a century ago and the barn
was torn down. The “new house,” built more
than a hundred years ago, is near Route 149
and is still occupied. What will ultimately happen to that structure is as yet unknown. It may
eventually be torn down or it may possibly
become BLT’s home. At the moment, BLT is
focused on preserving the land.
Fuller Farm is an enduring landscape that
captures people’s hearts. In these uncertain
times, it will be no small feat to raise the funds
required to complete the acquisition. “We’re not
kidding ourselves,” said Jaci. “We know this is
going to be daunting. But we’ve seen how the
community reacts when faced with the opportunity to preserve one of our most special places.”
To learn more about how you can help, call
Jaci at 508-771-2585 or visit BLT’s website
www.BLT.org.
A
• On the Town Priority List since 1984
• 370´ of frontage on Middle Pond
• 2000´ of frontage on scenic Rt. 149
• 5 known rare species
• Historic and community character
• Scenic and productive hayfields
• Diverse Wildlife Habitat: field, forest
and abandoned cranberry bogs
• Falls partially within the Groundwater
Protection District to public wellfields
• Will continue to feed clean water to
Middle Pond, part of the Indian Ponds
watershed that feeds the 3-Bay area
ecosystem
Transfer of Wealth
t their annual meeting this past August, the membership of the Mary
Barton Land Conservation Trust
(MBLCT) voted unanimously to transfer its
assets to Barnstable Land Trust. The vote
comes thirty years after this venerable organization was founded.
The Mary Barton Land Conservation
Trust was formed in 1980 to preserve 105
acres around Eagle Pond in the village of
Cotuit. Some of the same people who founded MBLCT were also integrally involved in
Barnstable Land Trust, founded three years
later. The relationship between the two organizations has always been close.
Given the 60 square miles covered by
Barnstable Land Trust, BLT founders saw
the need for a staffed organization. Focused
on a small geographical area in Cotuit, the
MBLCT operates as an all-volunteer organization. Over the years, MBLCT accomWinter 2010/2011
Fuller Farm
Conservation Values
plished amazing feats; when big challenges
arose, they always knew they could rely on
BLT or The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts to help carry out their plans.
Two recent BLT initiatives–Cordwood and
Galloway–were actually on the MBLCT’s
priority list but due to the cost and complexity of each project, BLT took the lead.
“I have always said that it doesn’t matter who preserves the land so long as it is
protected,” said Jaci Barton, BLT Executive
Director. “We should be very proud of the
privately protected sanctuary that was created in our midst.”
The 151 acres of natural land, historic
cart paths, open fields and forested land
includes Ropes Field, Bell Farm, the Almy
Cedar Swamp and Eagle Pond. Combined
with 33 adjacent acres of BLT land, these
184 acres will soon be managed as one
“eco-unit.”
www.BLT.org
Page 7
BLT Annual Meeting
B
LT held its 27th Annual Meeting on
November 12th at St. Peter’s Episcopal
Church in Osterville.
only 52 acres to go to reach the 1000 acre
LANDmark. With your help, we can do it
in 2011!”
President’s Message
Election of Officers & Directors
In her address to the membership, President Carol Carter focused on the need for
community support. “Especially in more
difficult times, we realize people have to
make choices. Shelter, food and clothing
may seem more compelling than the preservation of land,” she said. “However, we
can’t choose the time a family decides to
sell or donate land to BLT. When that moment comes, we must be ready to act. If the
resources are not available and the opportunity passes by, we have lost another piece of
land to development.”
Carol concluded her remarks by saying,
“The enfolding of the Mary Barton Land
Trust will bring us to 948 acres. We have
Officers and board members re-elected
were Carol Carter, President; Lee Ann
Hesse, Vice President; and Joe Wood,
Treasurer. Polly-Dana Schumacher was
newly elected as Clerk, replacing Janet Eshbaugh, who served three terms and was
acknowledged for her diligence.
Also re-elected to the Board were Joe
Hawley, Janet Eshbaugh, Mary Gaines
Standish, Craig Spinner and Bruce Wallin.
Elected to serve on the 2011 Nominating Committee were Joe Hawley, Carol
Carter, Bill Keto, Meg Loughran and Hid
Welch. Two by-law changes were also approved by the membership.
From 2005-2010 the Town of Barnstable preserved 77.42 acres...
BLT preserved 179.22 acres
~ From the Town’s 2010
Open Space and Recreation Plan
BLT’s Hall Property along the Great Marsh
Page 8 www.BLT.org
Winter 2010/2011
Founders’ Award Recipient
A
s a longtime professor of history and
government, Senator Robert O’Leary
has witnessed dramatic changes on Cape
Cod. In 1987 he was elected County Commissioner, and in 2000 Rob was elected to
Beacon Hill. In
both realms he
made
history
himself, bringing to public
service a strong
belief in protecting the local environment.
At
BLT’s
2010
annual
meeting, Rob
was
honored
as the recipient
Rob O’Leary accepts the
of BLT’s presFounders’ Award
tigious Founders’ Award. The award is given annually
to “an individual, organization, business
or governmental agency for having the vision to empower the people of Barnstable
to preserve the essence of Cape Cod – its
open spaces and natural resources, wetlands, woodlands and wildlife.” Rob’s accomplishments are testimony to his commitment to preserving Cape Cod. Some of
them are listed below.
• Cape Cod Commission: From 1988 to 1990
Rob helped garner a 76 percent voter approval
across Cape Cod, leading to the 1990 adoption
of the Cape Cod Commission Act, a national
model for a strong, regional land use management agency.
• Cape Cod Land Bank: Rob was key architect
and advocate to create a funding mechanism
for open space acquisitions for each Cape town.
As funding dwindled, he was instrumental in the
Land Bank’s gentle evolution into the Community Preservation Act, which ensures continued open space acquisition while also providing funding for affordable housing and historic
preservation.
Winter 2010/2011
• The 99-acre County Farm: As a County Commissioner, Rob urged fellow commissioners to
place a conservation restriction on this historic
agricultural landscape in Barnstable Village,
ensuring that it would always remain open and
available for farming.
• Cape Cod Pathways: Rob’s vision led to the
creation of trails that link open spaces across
Cape Cod.
• Mass. Military Reservation: Rob was intimately involved in the federal/state conversion
away from polluting activities into a 15,000-acre
wildlife refuge.
• Stop the Outfall: When Boston’s sewer solution
was ocean outfall, Rob vehemently objected and
fought for legislation to stop the outfall pipe in
order to protect the Cape’s offshore fish stocks,
and championed the commercial role of small
Cape Cod boats and fisheries.
• Massachusetts Ocean Act: Rob was the principal architect and advocate of the MOA, which
required the state to develop an oceans management plan to balance protection of offshore
marine wildlife with economic growth. This landmark legislation is currently used as a model
for developing a national oceans management
policy.
• Cape Cod Light Compact: Rob played a key
role in the formation of the Compact with its
green energy incentives and imperative for energy conservation.
• Water Protection Act: He created the Water
Protection Act, which makes available zero percent financing for Cape towns to build wastewater facilities, thus making critical clean-ups much
more politically viable and affordable. Folded
into the legislation is a lesser known, but important, provision–towns that use the no-interest
money must include no-growth regulations in
their plans, ensuring that money spent on wastewater solutions won’t simply spur more growth.
• Environmental Record: As Senator, Rob’s ratings with Mass Audubon and the Mass. League
of Environmental Voters have been virtually perfect.
www.BLT.org Page 9
Gifts from the Sea
2010
SPONSORS
CORPORATE
Keller Company, Inc.
Platinum
Emerson Investment
Management, Inc.
Gold PLUS
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
Gold
Cape Cod Cooperative Bank
Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank
John-Lawrence Funeral Home
Family of Lawrence F. O’Brien
Gretchen Reilly
A
nyone who attended BLT’s 16th Annual
Gifts From the Sea can attest to the fact
that once again we were blessed with a
gorgeous evening. Thank you so much for joining us.
We are most grateful to our generous hosts, Al
and Robyn Surprenant, for their hospitality and
their spectacular site on Little Island overlooking
Osterville’s North Bay.
Heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, individual and
business donors, and each of our many volunteers,
all of whom made generous contributions to help
preserve Barnstable’s natural treasures. As always,
we could not have done it without you.
Proceeds from Gifts From the Sea help protect
Barnstable’s natural landscapes, critical wildlife
habitats, scenic vistas and open spaces.
Page 10 www.BLT.org
Silver
Bank of Cape Cod
Bridge Creek Capital Management
DePaola, Begg & Associates
E.B. Norris & Son
E.J. Jaxtimer
Hayden Building Movers
High Pointe Inn
Horsley Witten Group
Nutter McClennen & Fish, LLP
Roche Bros. Supermarkets, Inc.
Rogers & Marney
Savant Systems
Jayne & Harvey Beker
Roy Hammer & Jim Hinkle
Justine & Jim Laugharn
Bruce McHenry
Margaret & Bruce Soltis
Anna & Richard Tocci
Robin & Laurie Young
Bronze
Baxter Nye Engineering &
Surveying
Cape Cod Associates
Cape Cod Media Group
The Community Bank
Dunning, Kirrane, McNichols & Garner, LLP
Gargiulo Rudnick, LLP
Joyce Landscaping, Inc.
Lawrence Lynch Corp.
Steven P. McElheny Builders, Inc.
Jack Cotton/Sotheby’s International Realty
Sunderland Printing
Whitney Floren/UBS Financial Services, Inc.
Penelope & William Rodday
Bunnie Stevens
Winter 2010/2011
GFS DONORS
Alex Frazee
Alison McMurry
All Cape Cooks Supply
Allied/Republic Waste Services
American Lobster Mart
Andrew Barr Photography
Anita Parker
Anne Gould
Anne Sandstrom
Antonia’s Flowers
Arlene C. Weibel
Arthur & Barbara Rittel
Ballroom Bliss
Barnstable Bottle Shoppe
Barnstable Police Department
Barnstable Potter & Art Gallery
Barnstable Restaurant & Tavern
Barnstable Sea Farms
Bartlett Tree Experts
Bay Scallop Pottery
Bay Spirit Tours
Beach Point Oysters
The Beach Rose Inn
Beard Chevrolet-Subaru
Beth Schwarzman
Bird Watchers General Store
BJ’s Wholesale Club
Bob Hurley
Bob Livingston
Bonnie Brewer
Books By The Sea
Borello Travel
Bouse House Enterprises, Inc.
Bow & Arrow Stove & Fireplace
Box Lunch
Bradford’s Hardware
Bruce Wallin
Cahoon Museum of American Art
Cape Air
Cape Cod Art Association
Cape Cod Beer
Cape Cod Belt
Cape Cod Central Railroad
Cape Cod Ice
Cape Cod Life Publications
Cape Cod Museum of Art
Cape Cod Oyster Co.
Cape Cod Package Store
Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra
Cape Leisure
Cape Playhouse
Cape Rep Theatre
Carmen DeRaleau
Carol Travers Lummus
Carole Ann Danner
Catania Hospitality Group
Centerville Jewelers
Centerville Pie Co.
Christine Anderson
Colorful Creations
Connie Casey
Cotuit Center for the Arts
Cotuit Fire Department
Cotuit Sea Farm
Cotuit Solar & Building Diagnostics
The Country Decorator Holiday House
Craig Larson
Cruceros Australis
Cucina D’Amore Fine Catering
Cynthia Hayden
Dana Hornig
Debbie Richmond
Debbie West
Debbie Whitney
Winter 2010/2011 Dewey Gardens Design
Diamond Perfections, Inc.
Eastern Mountain Sports
Easy Riders Bicycle Rentals
Edible Cape Cod
Edward Gorey House
Elizabeth Gould
Ellen Mycock
Ellen Perkins
Faena Hotel + Universe
Fancy’s Market
FedEx Office Print & Ship Center
Five Eighty Six Bistro & Bar
Frank Best
Gilbert Newton
Golf-ol-o-gy
Great Marsh Kayak Tours
Gretchen Reilly
The Gym Express
Harden Studios
Heritage Museums & Gardens
The Historical Society of Santuit & Cotuit
Hyannis Country Garden
Hyannis Package Store
Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises
Hyannis Yacht Club
Hyannisport Club
Hy-Line Cruises
J. Miller Picture Framer & Gallery
Jack Adams
Jack Cotton
Jacqueline Plummer
James Mayne Freeheart
Jane Zulkiewicz
Janet & Chuck Bauer
Janet & Jeff Eshbaugh
Jared Coffin House
Jean Carbonell
Jean Keavy
Jimmy’s Sushi
Joe & Sarah Hawley
Joe Wood
John & Anne Doyle
John Anderson
Karen Fitzgerald Buckley
Karen Rosenthal
Karol B. Wyckoff
Ken Morton
KenMark Office Systems
KMP Design
Lahuenco Eco Resort Thermal Spa
Len & Reid Higgins
Len Dilorenzo
Leona Kevorkian
Les Hemmila
Ling Electric Electro-Mechanical Services
The Little Beach Gallery
Liz Mumford
Lynn Wallin
Mahoney’s Garden Center
Margrit Mason
Mari Poss
Marian Waldron Nicastro
Marty Sandler
Mary Ann Russell
Mary Ellis
Mattakeese Wharf Restaurant
Mermaids Pantry
Moonakis Cafe
Moran Woodworks at West Barnstable Tables
Moveable Feast Catering
Nantucket Island Rent A Car
Nantucket Whaling Museum
www.BLT.org
The National Marine Life Center
Nauset Lantern Shop
Ned Handy
New Bedford Whaling Museum
Nirvana Coffee Company
Olivia Miller/OHMWorks, Inc.
Osterville Historical Society
Oyster Harbors Club
Pain D’Avignon
Parker’s Discount Liquors
Pat Cronin
Patricia Bachand
Patricia Foster
Paul Howard
Paul Rifkin
Peaco Todd
Peter West
Pierre Deux
Plimoth Plantation
The Plum Porch
The Preservation Society of Newport
County
Pro-Cuts
Puritan Cape Cod
Razzmatazz Hair Studio
Red Bansfield
The Regatta of Cotuit
Reiki by the Sea - Maxine Bornstein
Richard Gregory-Allen
Rika Henderson
The Riverway Lobster House
Rob Ashworth
Robert E. Guertin Jeweler, Inc.
Robert Roark
Roche Bros. (Mashpee, Wellesley Hills)
Roger Williams Park Zoo
Salty Lou’s
Sandi Blanda
Sandwich Glass Museum
Sandy O’Connor
Sara David Ringler
Scott Terry
Sea Flash Farms
Sea of Beads
Siena Restaurant
Sophie Taylor
Sports Port
Star Market
The Steamship Authority
Steve & Jan Gould
Stop & Shop (Hyannis, Marstons Mills)
Summer House Natural Soaps
Susan O’Brien McLean
The Tea Shoppe
The Tech Depot
Thomas Schmauder
Three Bays Preservation
To Taste
Toby Kalman
Tom & Evelyn Mullen
Trader Joe’s
Undercover Tent
Upper Cut Salon
Village Orchids
Vintage Flowers of Osterville
Vittoria Sault
West Barnstable Fire Department
West Barnstable Tables
Wianno Club
William Martin
Wimpy’s Seafood Café & Market
Yoga Center of Cape Cod
Yoga on the Beach
Young’s Bicycle Shop
Page 11
Saving America’s Trees from the
Asian Longhorned Beetle
I
by Jesse Booth, Arborist, Bartlett Tree Experts
n China, it is known as “Starry Sky” due
to its sparkling black and white appearance. Despite this romantic nickname,
the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) has the
potential to be one of the most devastating
pests in American history.
Originating in the
Far East, this invasive species arrived on
American soil while
hidden in the wood
of Chinese packing crates. Over the
past twenty years the
beetle has advanced
throughout
North
America: Brooklyn,
Long Island, New
Jersey, even spreading into Chicago and
Canada.
lars, willows, horse chestnuts, sycamores,
London planes, mimosas, aspens, mountain
ashes, and katsuras. The cycle begins as a
female chews a disk-shaped, dime-sized
egg site into the bark of a host tree and implants a single egg. During the larval stage,
the young larvae continue to bore through
the interior of the host
tree and feed on the
plant’s
phloem–the
vital transport tissue
between the bark and
the tree.
This feeding deprives the host tree of
its most vital nutrients, disrupts sap flow,
limits the host tree’s
ability to fight infecThe Asian Longhorned Beetle has yet to spread to the tion, and eventually
Cape; however, it is crucial to know what it looks like
kills the tree. As an
Then, in 2008, a and recognize signs of the invasive insect.
adult, the beetle travprolific infestation of
els over 400 yards in search of more host
ALB was discovered in Worcester, MA.
trees, spreading the damage even further.
Thanks to early detection and quick eradiThe Asian Longhorned Beetle poses a secation efforts on behalf of the USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service rious threat to our forests due to the ferocity
(APHIS), the spread has been temporarily of its appetite, range of trees it feeds upon,
stopped. Still, the danger of this invading and the harm it inflicts upon native species.
insect looms throughout Massachusetts and It infests some of our most valuable hardthe rest of New England.
wood trees.
Throughout its lifecycle the beetle feeds,
breeds, and spreads to thirteen host tree
species–maples, elms, birches, ashes, pop-
New England’s precious sugar maple
forests are particularly vulnerable. The
continued on page 13
This newsletter is generously underwritten
by F.A. Bartlett Tree Experts, Co.
508-428-2397 • www.bartlett.com
Page 12 www.BLT.org
Winter 2010/2011
Beetle...from page 12
The Asian Longhorned Beetle
(ALB), ranges from.75-1.25 inches
in length with long black and white
antennae. The body is glossy black
with irregular white spots. These
beetles feed on 13 host tree species–
maples, elms, birches, ashes,
poplars, willows, horse chestnuts,
sycamores, London planes, mimosas,
aspens, mountain ashes, and
katsuras.
Worcester County infestation potentially threatens the
world’s largest sugar maple
forests. Our valuable syrup
industry could face irreversible harm. The explosive
beauty that sugar maples offer each fall could become
strangely quiet in years to
come if the infestation is not
halted today.
What can we do to stop this
infestation?
Bartlett Tree has won a comprehensive
USDA-APHIS inspection and treatment
contract because of our extensive scientific
resources and qualified arborists. We are
currently inspecting host trees for Asian
Longhorned Beetle egg sites and adult
emergent holes and treating them throughout Worcester County. Once infected trees
are identified, the USDA quarantines the
area and initiates a strategy to eradicate the
beetle. Bartlett has been a lead tree care
company chosen by the USDA to preventively treat the quarantined area trees to halt
the spread of the beetle.
With your help, quick identification can
save thousands of trees. Keep your eyes
open for signs of the beetle. Be on the
lookout for dime-sized holes in the bark of
the aforementioned host trees, exhibiting
coarse wood spiral shavings 1 to 2 inches in
length at the base of the tree. It is also helpful to watch for the beetle itself. It is a large
insect, ranging from .75-1.25 inches long,
with long, black and white speckled antennae; its body is glossy black with irregular
white spots. In Massachusetts, adults can be
seen from early summer through the fall.
If you see an insect you believe to be the
Asian Longhorned Beetle, try to capture it
and save it for a thorough identification.
Contact your local USDA office, or call a
Bartlett arborist at 508-428-2397. We can
identify the pest and send it to our USDAAPHIS eradication team, helping to stop the
infestation and save America’s trees.
Internship Program
The Elisabeth Eaton
Clark Internship Fund
once again enabled BLT to
hire much needed support to
help with our hectic summer workload. Lloyd
Gould returned for a second season, sharing
his boundless skills, energy and enthusiasm.
We are grateful to Lloyd for his hard work
and commitment to BLT and for helping to
make this year’s Gifts from the Sea the most
successful event ever!
Winter 2010/2011 The Internship Fund will only enable BLT
to hire one college student before the funds
run out.
Help keep the internship program
alive. Donate to BLT’s Elisabeth Eaton
Clark Internship Fund, P.O. Box 224,
Cotuit, MA 02635. Lis Clark, a passionate
environmentalist, was a founding member of
BLT.
To learn more about the internship program
and how to apply for 2011, go to www.BLT.org.
www.BLT.org
Page 13
A Cape First: Great Blue Heron Nest!
Y
ou never know what you’ll find on a BLT nature
walk. Last May Bob Prescott, Director of the Mass
Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, led a
Turtle Island Spring Trek as part of BLT’s Walks & Talks
program. Turtle Island, so named when it was received by
BLT in 1990, was donated by the Davis Family of Osterville. As participants scoured the land in search of turtles,
they found the leathery remains of depredated turtle eggs–
Turtle Island, a one-acre upland island
clear evidence that there were indeed turtles on Turtle Issurrounded by marsh
land. The predators were likely raccoons who enjoy feasting on freshly laid eggs. Scratch marks in the sand left evidence of a freshly covered, intact
turtle nest.
But what kind of turtles? Perhaps the prehistoric-looking snapping turtle that lives in
marshy areas, comes ashore each spring to dig a hole, lay her eggs, cover them up and
return to the marsh. Or maybe Eastern Box Turtles, which also like open areas in which
to lay their eggs and then take refuge among the leaf litter in the woodlands. Based on the
rough texture of the shells, it was determined that they were, in fact, snapping turtle eggs.
Further exploration in the nearby pine/oak upland forest yielded several Lady Slippers.
Suddenly, there was a commotion of flapping wings; two very large aerial beings were
circling overhead. Bob exclaimed, “Those are Great Blue Herons…in breeding plumage!”
We then saw what lay on the ground: more egg remnants–but not of turtle eggs. So what
were they?
When BLT Land Manager Red Bansfield is out monitoring BLT holdings in the Prince Cove and Warren’s Cove
areas, it is not unusual for him to see Osprey or Great Blue
Herons. Here on Cape Cod, however, there are no known
Great Blue Heron nests. Their breeding, we are told, occurs
south of Route 128 but never on Cape Cod.
Never say never. Lo and behold, the three pale blue half
shells were the remains of heron hatchling eggs. All it took
was a look up and it was clear the eggshells had fallen from
a nest in a nearby scrub pine.
Great Blue Heron eggs
This is the first known Great Blue Heron nest to be found on Cape Cod!
Walks & Talks: Tell Us Where to Go in 2011
BLT had a bountiful Walks & Talks season with 28 nature walks and educational
talks in 2010.
Planning for next year’s program is underway. If you have a special place in mind
you’d like included in next year’s offerings–or if you’d like to lead a nature walk or
present a talk–please contact Melanie Curtis at Melanie@BLT.org or call her at 508771-2585. We’d love to hear your ideas!
Page 14 www.BLT.org
Winter 2010/2011
Tributes And Memorial Gifts
In Honor of…
Catherine Alexander
From Chris Alexander
Sean Jones’s Birthday
From Lynn & Chris Jones
Kris & Len Clark
From Clifton C. Wolfe
Ellen & Terry Lloyd
From Prue & Ami Rosenthal
Stephanie Finegold’s Birthday
From Lynn & Chris Jones
Frank Webber
From Nancy & Edward Cobden
The Fitzpatrick Grandchildren
From John & Judith Fitzpatrick
In Memory of…
Ed Bragdon
From Kai & Joanna Erikson
Ellsworth Mitchell
From Mrs. Ruth Mitchell
Kathleen M. Crawford
From Rima & Romas Bričkus
Tom Morganstein
From Chester Wolfe
John T. Connor
From Mary Connor
H. Leighton Morrill
From Mrs. H. Leighton Morrill
Jennet & Robert Curtis
From Gael Ryan
John Laffey Nelson
From Sheila & Eleanor Laffey
John L. Danforth
From Constance Danforth
Jeffrey O’Neil
From Cheryl O’Neil Weber
& Hans Peter Weber
Patricia Colbert Donovan
From James & Nancy Colbert
John T. Fallon
From Antoinette Fallon
S. Gordon Pickering
From Charles & Doreen Bilezikian
From Jane & Owen Carney
From Priscilla Jones
From Ralph & Deborah Krau
From Jean & Jim Sabourin
Al Fuller
From Mark Wirtanen & Terrie Reilly
Lee Romano
From Patricia M. Bachand
Jack J. Furman
From Sylvia Furman
From Phyllis Cole
Joan Switzer
From Karl W. Switzer
Elizabeth C. Edwards
From Matthew Rueter
Sarah Gracia
From Barbara & Arthur Rittel
Earl H. Grant
From Mae V. Grant
Paul & Priscilla Hemberger
From Stephen P. Hemberger
Henry Walcott
From Don & Marianne Barth
Rose Wojciechowski
From Frank Wojciechowski
John B. Wright
From Elizabeth C. Wright
Anne Zinchuk
A bequest from the estate of Anne Zinchuk
12.10.10
Winter 2010/2011 www.BLT.org
Page 15
Address Service Requested
PO Box 224
Cotuit, MA 02635
...see page 6
Help preserve scenic Fuller Farm