resources - Barnstable Land Trust

RESOURCES
The Future is in Our Lands
Long Beach
SPRING 2014
NeBARNSTABLE
w sletter o f t h e B ar n stable...from
Lan
d 1T r u st page
Cotuit
Treasurer
Page
10
Joe Wood
Celebrating
30
Hyannisport
Years at BLT’s
Clerk Meeting
Annual
IN
MA
nt
Ce
ST
e
vill
er
IN
S
r
Rive
T
SO
UT
H
MA
BA
YL
N
er
Board of Directors
Page
8
President
Joe Hawley
A Spectacular
Centerville
Evening at BLT’s
Vice Annual
President
19th
Carol
Gifts
fromCarter
the Sea
Of the two dozen undeveloped parcels on Long Beach,
two are now dedicated to
conservation purposes. “It’s a
good start,” said Rob, identifying several benets. “Keeping
the land in its natural state can
help improve the stability of
the beach, provide more likelihood that endangered shorebirds will be better protected,
and allow for public access.”
Ri v
2009-2013
ps
What’s
Inside...
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.”
Bu m
LAND TRUST
Ofce
407 North Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
508.771.2585
Mailing
Page
4 Box 224
P.O.
TheCotuit,
Past MA 02635
Five
Years
Email
BLT@cape.com
in
Review:www.BLT.org
Website
G
LON
Jones
Property
Location, location!
CH RD
BEA
Town
Consv.
19 Acres
to be
preserved
said BLT Executive Director
Jaci Barton. “Long Beach is
that undeveloped spit of land in
the foreground. The Jones parcel, which is now entrusted to
BLT, helps to frame that scenic
landscape.”
Photo by Rick Heath
Janet Eshbaugh
And for the folks who walk
Osterville
Page12
along the shore from the Town
BoardYou,
Members
Thank
Katie
The Jones parcel is located conservation area westward
Chris Babcock
All In
the
Family
at
the
conuence of the Bumps toward East Bay, this land will
Centerville
t Barnstable Land Trust our thoughts are already
River and the Centerville Riv- help to protect a cherished ritLee Ann Hesse
“These 19
PageWest
13 Barnstable
focused
baseball
– bridge
the localual
variety,
that is. solace from
that provides
er.
As you on
cross
over the
acres are very
Bill Keto
A Special
Legacy
daily the
chaos.
fromhas
Main
Street, an
Osterville
to with
BLT
reached
agreement
Lowell family
Cotuit
close to Cotuit
South
Main
Street
in
Centerto purchase the 19-acre “green wall”
of and
trees
that Jones
sur- regPage
14 Mullen
Tom
June
George
ville,
the
land
lies
immediately
Bay. Any new
Barnstable
ularly walked
along Our
the beach
rounds Lowell Park, the Cotuit Kettleers’
home field.
Tributes
&
to the right. “People are prob- when they lived here. “We feel
Tim O’Keeffe
Memorials
agreement
gives us until December 2014 to complete the development
ably most familiar with Long strongly about preservation,”
West Hyannisport
acquisition.
will generate
Rick
Beach for the panoramic view George Jones said. “Donating
Page
15 Walters
Barnstable
wastewater
of
Nantucket
Sound
it
affords
This environmentally and culturally
land thing
Run Run Run...
the landsignificant
was the proper
Executive
Director
as
they
drive
over
the
bridge,”
to benefit BLT
could support at least nine house lots,
each with a back- from new septic
to do.”
Jaci Barton
yard
abutting
the
ball
field.
These
new
homes, lawns and systems, which
Page
16 of Development
Director
Long
Beach
Doubly
Protected
septic
systems
would
have
a
significant
effect on natural will increase The G
Harvey
BLTJane
Adds
4.5
and cultural
resources.
Long Beach
is so called because it Protect Cape Cod (APCC) agreednitrogen
to
Ofce Manager
Protected
Acres
• adjo
is a long barrier beach stretching from hold the reverter.
Chris Adams
and further
Lowell
as much
a part
a classic
Cape Cod
• mai
Craigville Park
to EastisBay,
Osterville.
In ofNearly
three decades
later APCC
Land Management
1976, the
Quinn
Family
donated
a the
3.5- beach…and
made the decision
to get out of compromise
the
• prot
summer
as
finding
shells
on
as
American
RedinBans
eld
Printed
the USA on
acre lot on Long Beach to the Town business of owning conservation
• redu
as
apple
pie!
The
Kettleers
play
ball
against
a
lush
backrecycled paper with
Resources
of Barnstable for conservation. If you land. In 2006, APCC assigned the
the water
vegetable-basedEditor
inks.
drop
of
green
trees.
Fans
eat
popcorn
and
hot
dogs.
Kids
drive
down
Long
Beach
Road
today,
responsibility
of
the
Quinn
reverter
Olivia H. Miller
quality of the • enc
it
ends
at
the
Town
parcel;
beyond
it
clause
to
BLT.
hunt
for
foul
balls
among
the
trees.
It’s
a
scene
from
the
Graphic Design
Your
lie gorgeous white sands and dunes.
Now, if the Town ever attemptsbay.
to ”
Sue Oslund
pages of Norman Rockwell’s sketchbook, and it’s free!
“Keep Lowell Park Green!”
A
When the Quinns conveyed their use the land for anything other than
lot to the Town as conservation land conservation, ownership will revert to – Lindsey Counsell
Printed in the USA on But that could change forever if the woodlands give way
they insisted on a “reverter clause” BLT whose responsibility is to ensure Executive Director,
recycled paper with
Three Bays Preservation
to
houses
up toremain
the ballpark.
to ensurethat
the back
land would
in its permanent conservation.
vegetable-based inks.
continued on page 2
conservation. The Association to
T
“ Keep Lowell Park Green!”
Office
407 North Street
Hyannis, MA 02601
508.771.2585
Mailing
P.O. Box 224
Cotuit, MA 02635
Email
info@BLT.org
Website
www.BLT.org
Board of Directors
President
Lee Ann Hesse
West Barnstable
Vice President
John Miller
Mashpee
Treasurer
Wendy Barker
Marstons Mills
Clerk
Thomas K. Burgess
Cotuit
Board Members
Bobbi Cox
Barnstable
Polly Dana-Schumacher
Barnstable
Susanne Lavoie-Lagace
Cotuit
Tom Mullen
West Barnstable
James C. O’Conor
Centerville
Rob O’Leary
Barnstable
Sheila Place
Marstons Mills
Terrie Reilly
West Barnstable
Stacy Reinhart
Cotuit
Nancy Ridley
Cotuit
Mary-Gaines Standish
Osterville
Executive Director
Jaci Barton
Office Manager
Chris Adams
Land Management
Red Bansfield
Resources Editor
Olivia H. Miller
OHMWorks
Graphic Design
Susan Oslund
BlueSky DesignWorks
Page 2
Beginning at Old Post Road, there is 1,000 feet of
treed frontage that lines Putnam Avenue. Subdivision into house lots requires driveways that would
dramatically alter the diverse woodlands along the
scenic roadway – considered by many as the green
gateway to Cotuit.
Cape Cod’s water resources are interconnected.
Protecting the land above our aquifer protects the sole
source of drinking water below us. Nitrogen loading
from new septic systems and lawns adversely affects
the groundwater that feeds freshwater to Cotuit Bay
and the greater 3-Bay Estuary. Increased nitrogen in
the water causes smelly and unsightly algae blooms
that rob the bay of oxygen – impacting fish and
shellfish.
Lowell Park is the southern anchor of the Town’s
Little River Corridor. The 800-acre greenbelt is one
of our Town’s major open space zones and it spans
into the neighboring Town of Mashpee. By keeping
this forested area intact we can preserve wildlife
habitat and create a new trailhead for people and their
four-legged friends.
www.BLT.org
Photo by Paul Rifkin
“The still, green
backdrop makes
Lowell Park the
best field for
hitters in the
Cape League.
What a shame
it would be to
lose that.”
– Mike Roberts
Kettleers’ Coach
SPRING 2014
Save 19 Acres o f Forest
Protecting a Cultural Treasure
“Keep Lowell Park Green!” is
about protecting natural resources
and preserving our national pastime
– baseball! The Kettleers’ field is also
used by the American Legion, Senior
Babe Ruth, a men’s league, the Sturgis
Charter Public School, and countless
youth and advanced baseball clinics.
The opportunity is now.
BLT must raise $1,800,000 by December 2014
$470,000 has already been raised and/or pledged.
Step Up to the Plate!
Most people don’t realize that a
portion of the outfield lies on the 19
acres BLT is striving to protect. Since
the Town owns Lowell Park, it will
purchase three acres to ensure that the
ball field always remains as it is today.
•Make a donation today...Your gift is fully tax deductible!
It has been said that the Cape Cod
Baseball League is the best amateur
league in the country. Lowell Park,
with its unique woodland setting, is
a natural and cultural asset that must
be protected if we are to enjoy this
community tradition for generations
to come.
•Sign up to Run Run Run! (see page 15)
•Send a check to BLT: PO Box 224, Cotuit MA 02635 or go
online at www.BLT.org
•Make a memorial gift or a gift in honor of a loved one
•Spread the word to friends & family – near and far
•Host a coffee or cocktail party to raise awareness & funds
•Share your memories & stories of times at Lowell Park
•Touch base with us: 508-771-2585 or jaci@BLT.org
•Visit our website for updates: www.BLT.org
Important Reasons to “Keep Lowell Park Green!”
⚾ Protect Water Quality – The 19 acres are situated within the zone of contribution to a wellfield, and in the recharge area to Cotuit Bay and the 3-Bay Estuary.
⚾ Connect to an Existing Greenbelt – Lowell Park is the southern end of the 800-acre Little River Corridor of forested habitat, which includes beloved Eagle Pond Sanctuary and Bell Farm.
⚾ Preserve a Community Tradition – It’s the Cotuit Kettleers’ home field and the ballpark is enjoyed by groups of all ages, from kids to senior citizens.
SPRING 2014
www.BLT.org
Page 3
The Past Five Years in Review
When Barnstable Land Trust celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2008,
we presented a history of accomplishments and acquisitions in three
subsequent newsletters (see “News & Info” at www.BLT.org).
Below is a review of the past five years, which brings BLT through
thirty years of land protection and over 1,000 acres preserved!
I
2009: 31 Acres Protected
when BLT was unexpectedly bequeathed 6 acres from the estate
of Kenneth Kramer. The beautiful land,
overlooking Barnstable Harbor, abuts a salt
marsh owned by Mass Audubon, which runs
along Rendezvous Creek. The Audubon land
connects to 4 acres protected by BLT at the end
of Rendezvous Lane. Together the lands create
a 23-acre sanctuary for wildlife.
magine our surprise
Dr. Charles Herberger donated a .83-acre
parcel in Centerville. Adjacent to 2.77 acres
donated to BLT in 2000, the land buffers the
Centerville River herring run, creating a 3.60acre sanctuary.
Cotuit’s 3.5-acre Galloway Woodlands
almost got away from us during the 2008
economic downturn! For the first time in its
history, BLT borrowed funds to complete an
acquisition. BLT dipped into its Green Fund
and took out a loan from The Compact’s
Cape Cod Land Fund. Thanks to grants and
gifts from individuals and companies and
support from the Town’s Community Preservation Act, BLT repaid the loan in 2009.
Permanently preserving this parcel provided
a back way into the popular Eagle Pond
Sanctuary.
On Barnstable’s Northside, two historic and
environmentally sensitive parcels – both part
of the Sandy Neck/Barnstable Harbor Area
of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC)
– were protected by conservation restrictions
donated by caring owners:
Judy and Walter Kaess protected 7.72
acres of land on Beale Way that had been in
Judy’s family for over half a century. The
land abuts tidal flats that are vital habitat for
shellfish. Inland from the marsh is a maritime
thicket of viburnum, blueberry and wild grape.
The wooded upland is scattered with tall
oaks, tupelo and remnants of an old orchard, a
reminder of its agricultural past.
“My brother Ken and I often talked about how he hated to think of his beautiful land ever being developed. “ – Richard Kramer
Page 4
www.BLT.org
SPRING 2014
2009 - 2013
“We’ve thought
about selling.
We’d get the
money but then
what would we
have? You can
never replace
what had been.”
– Doug Mitchell
Doug Mitchell and his wife Christine
Welsh placed a conservation restriction on
12.77 acres of Seabury Farm, land that Doug’s
grandfather purchased in 1893. The undulating
landscape off Route 6A at the railroad underpass abuts 70 acres of Mass Audubon land and
overlooks Sandy Neck and the Great Marsh.
Jim and Janet Rice decided to protect a
1.43-acre parcel adjacent to their Cummaquid
home. Worried that it might someday be developed, the couple purchased the land where
otter and other wildlife come to drink from the
freshwater stream. The land is now entrusted
to BLT.
It’s been nearly a decade since Catherine
Conover placed a conservation restriction on
27 acres of land surrounding Great Cove. She
has now permanently protected the remaining
.92-acre house lot on the point. Combined with
adjacent BLT land and the conservation restriction held by the Town on the Oyster Harbors
Golf Course, 220 contiguous acres on Osterville’s Grand Island protect the water quality of
the shellfish propagation areas just offshore.
Dr. Charles Herberger donated a second
piece of land, a 1.61-acre parcel in Centerville,
north of scenic Lake Wequaquet. Bebe Brock,
Dr. Herberger’s daughter, noted that the land
– located within an area mapped as Priority
Habitat for rare species – was purchased by her
maternal grandfather Sumner Crosby in 1932.
2010: 21 Acres Protected
The 17-acre Bush-Brown Property in
Barnstable Village is a critical link to the Cape
Cod Pathways and falls 90% within the zone
of contribution to the Barnstable Fire Department’s well #1. A conservation restriction held
jointly by BLT and the Town protects the land.
In June, BLT received donations of three
small but beautiful pieces of land:
Irene and Tom Antkowiak gifted their
beloved 1-acre open meadow across from their
home on Swift Avenue in Osterville.
SPRING 2014
2011: 181 Acres Protected
The .80-acre parcel donated by sisters-inlaw Debby (Bearse) McLister and Linda
Graham is a small slice of Centerville history. The upland includes an abandoned cranberry bog once owned by Debby’s grandfather
Seabury Bearse (for whom Seabury Lane is
named). Part of a fragile ecosystem that feeds
freshwater to the Centerville River, it is known
habitat for the eastern box turtle, a state species
of special concern.
After attending a BLT workshop, Barnstable
Village residents Beverly and Robert Parke
decided to divide their 2.7-acre property and
donate .92 acres of woodland to BLT. Fulfilling
www.BLT.org
Continued on page 6
Page 5
Five Years in Review
their goal was challenging and the four years
it took underscores the Parke’s commitment to
protecting the local environment.
Ken and Suzanne Sutherland placed a
conservation restriction on 27.32 acres on
Shubael Pond in Marstons Mills, protecting
this beautiful parcel for generations. The land
abuts the Shubael Pond Road way-to-water
and provides an area for the Town to improve
parking for access to the pond.
BLT acquired all the natural assets – 152
acres – of Cotuit’s Mary Barton Land Conservation Trust. The land, now under BLT
stewardship, includes the kettle hole pond for
which Eagle Pond Sanctuary is named, three
saucer ponds, meadows at Ropes Field and
historic Bell Farm, a rare Atlantic White Cedar
swamp, and the pathways that interconnect
them. Together with BLT lands, there is now a
183-acre protected greenbelt.
“Eagle Pond Sanctuary is an integral part of Cotuit’s scenic
community character.” – BLT Executive Director Jaci Barton
2012: 40 Acres Protected
BLT purchased Coombs Bogs, a 6.55-acre Groundwater Protection District, helps protect
wildlife oasis in Centerville at the headwaters the C-O-MM wellfields at Weathervane Pond.
of the Bumps River. The purchase was made The scenic parcel features dense woodlands,
possible thanks to a Conservation Partner- white pines, oaks, American Holly, Mountain
ship Grant from the State Executive Office of Laurel and indigenous Lady Slippers.
Energy and Environmental Affairs and by the
Margaret G. McGarrahan donated a .85generosity of our members. The land includes acre parcel in West Barnstable. Surrounded
three former cranberry bogs surrounded by a by classic New England stonewalls, the land
natural trail system that connects to 12 acres is located in an environmentally sensitive area
purchased with Town Land Bank funds in 2000. and near several other parcels of BLT land and
many town-owned lands in the Great Marsh.
“Don and I love the bogs and the woods. We always thought it
was a little paradise.” – Candy Coombs
Martha Thompson donated a 1.27-acre
parcel in Marstons Mills in memory of her
husband William, who grew up in the village. Preserving the land, which falls within a
Page 6
Orenda Wildlife Land Trust granted conservation restrictions to BLT on two parcels
of land entrusted to their care. The .68-acre
Carver Island in Centerville is located within
a state-designated priority habitat for rare species and a zone of contribution to a public water
supply. Subsequently renamed in memory of
noted Cape entomologist David Simser, Simser
Island Sanctuary is open to nature lovers and
their dogs. The 6.97-acre Brickyard CR is so
named because it is the site of the historic West
Barnstable Brick Company. The land abuts the
Great Marsh and provides a critical buffer to a
freshwater pond fed by an artesian well. Identified as priority habitat for rare species, it falls
within the Sandy Neck/Barnstable Harbor ACEC.
www.BLT.org
SPRING 2014
2009 - 2013
The acquisition of historic Fuller Farm
in Marstons Mills propelled BLT over the
1,000-acre LANDmark! The 23-acre property
includes an old farmhouse, 15 acres of pasture
and hayfields, and over 7 acres of wooded
upland surrounding an abandoned cranberry
bog with a built-in trail system of old cart
paths. Fuller Farm is a scene from a bygone era
untouched by modern times…and will remain
that way for generations to come.
Rachel Mellon donated 1.42 acres of coastal
wetlands and upland that fringe Great Cove in
Osterville. This completed the preservation of
the shoreline around Great Cove, a tidal estuary
located in the southwestern area of West Bay.
Now 222 acres of preserved land exist on the
Grand Island, including the Oyster Harbors
Golf Course (the only golf course protected by
a conservation restriction held by the Town).
“Those familiar with Fuller Farm know what a gem it is.”
– Bob Frazee, President
Marstons Mills Historical Society
2013: 11 Acres Protected
Barnstable Housing Authority granted
BLT a conservation restriction on 4.82 acres
of woodlands and freshwater wetlands on Oak
Street in Centerville. The project, known as
Stagecoach Residences, allowed for the development of 12 affordable housing units while
helping to protect the Three Ponds Area, which
feeds fresh water to Lake Wequaquet.
The Pogorelc family completed the protection of their West Barnstable homestead
with the donation of a 4.52-acre conservation
restriction (CR) to BLT. (This follows the previous year’s gift of land, the Brickyard CR.)
Owned by Orenda Wildlife Land Trust, the
CRs add another layer of protection. Composed of freshwater wetlands and vital buffering upland, the land lies within the Sandy
Neck/Barnstable Harbor ACEC, abuts Priority
Habitat for Rare Species, and is located in the
Old Kings Highway Regional Historic District.
“Help the Herring Run” was a two-year
quest to protect a 1.17-acre parcel, located at
the headwaters of the Marstons Mills River.
It was the last undeveloped lot along the 1,200foot fishway that leads herring to their annual
spawning grounds in Middle Pond and Mystic
Lake. Acquisition of this critical parcel helps
maintain water quality of the pond, the river
and the Cape’s sole source aquifer, and provides
permanent access for maintenance of the run.
Spawning grounds at Middle Pond, Marstons Mills
SPRING 2014
BLT is now the steward of 1,028 acres!
www.BLT.org
Page 7
A Spectacular Evening at BLT’s 19th Annual
Gifts from the Sea!
B
arnstable Land Trust returned to the land for its 19th annual Gifts from the Sea.
Nearly 250 people joined us under the big tent at Ropes Field in Cotuit to celebrate our
30th anniversary and 1000-acre LANDmark!
The combination of great weather (thank you, Mother Nature!), fabulous silent and live
auction items, delectable foods, and amazing support from the local community combined
to make it a stellar night. Nearly $105,000 was raised, helping BLT continue its efforts to
preserve critical open spaces and natural resources.
Special thanks to Polly Dana-Schumacher, Carol Carter and Bruce Wallin, longtime
Gifts from the Sea Committee members who have done yeomen’s duty volunteering their
time and expertise – ensuring the event’s success.
We will miss the guidance, know-how and grace under pressure of Bruce and Carol, both
of whom have decided to step down from the committee. Thank you, Carol and Bruce, for
all you have done.
Thanks also to our sponsors and individual and business donors.
Your generous contributions help preserve Barnstable’s natural resources,
critical habitats, scenic vistas and open spaces. We cannot do it without you.
DSponsors d
CORPORAT E
Keller Company, Inc.
G old
Bank of Cape Cod
Borello Travel & Tours
Cape Cod Broadcasting
Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank
Cape Cod Media Group
The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod
Gargiulo/Rudnick, LLP
The Lawrence O’Brien Family
Rockland Trust
Wianno Oysters – Dave Ryan
S ilv er
Scott & Carrie Bearse
Bridge Creek Capital Management
Peter & Joanna Buffington
Cape Cod Beer
Cape Cod Package Store
DePaola, Begg & Associates
E.B. Norris & Son
Roy Hammer & Jim Hinkle
Hayden Building Movers Inc.
Richard P. Largay, Attorney-at-Law
Justine & Jim Laugharn
Sean & Jennifer Reilly
Roche Bros. Super Markets, Inc.
Bill & Wilma Spence
UBS Financial Services –
Norman Barrett
B ro nz e
A Direct Solution
AI Enterprises, Inc.
Harry & Katie Alverson
Bartlett Tree Experts
Central Construction Co.
Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts
Dunning, Kirrane, McNichols & Garner, LLP
J.J. Delaney, Inc.
J. Miller, Pictureframer & Gallery
John-Lawrence Funeral Home
Joyce Landscaping, Inc.
Rogers & Marney, Inc.
Steven McElheny Builders
Lillian Stone
Sunderland Printing
Save the date for Gifts from the Sea
Sunday, July 20, 2014 at Ropes Field
fri e nds
Archi-Tech Associates, Inc.
Bortolotti Construction Inc.
Cape Associates, Inc.
Capizzi Home Improvement
Grover Custom Building
Lawrence-Lynch Corp.
Craig & Desiree Spinner
DDonors d
Alberto’s Ristorante
Robert & Susan Ambrose
Arts Foundation of Cape Cod
Ballroom Bliss Dance Studio
Barnstable Police Department
Barnstable Restaurant & Tavern
Janet & Chuck Bauer
Bay Scallop Pottery
Bay Spirit Tours
Beard Chevrolet-Subaru
Belfry Inne & Bistro
Bird Watchers General Store
Bleu Restaurant
Howard L. Bonington
Books By The Sea
Bookstore & Restaurant
Borello Travel & Tours
Boston Duck Tours
Boston Harbor Hotel
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
Bow & Arrow Stove & Fireplace
Bradford’s Ace Hardware
Brazilian Grill
Brick Kiln Farm
John & Barbara Buckley
Thomas K. Burgess
Cape Air/ Nantucket Airlines
Cape Cod Aviation
Cape Cod Beer
Cape Cod Life Publications
Cape Cod Melody Tent
Cape Cod Museum of Art
Cape Cod Oyster Co.
Cape Cod Package Store
Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra
Cape Destinations
Cape Leisure
Cape Playhouse
Catania Hospitality Group
Chatham Bars Inn
Christine S. Cotton Lampwork Glass
Roberta Clark
Coastal Equipment Rentals
Compact of Cape Cod
Conservation Trusts
Cotuit Athletic Association
Cotuit Center for the Arts
Cotuit Fire Department
Cotuit Liquors
The Country Decorator Holiday House
Craigville Package Store
Cummaquid Golf Club
Melanie Curtis
Earth House
Eastern Mountain Sports
Edward Gorey House
Egan Maritime Institute
Michael Egan
Mary Ellis
Fancy’s Market
The Fireplace Restaurant
Jim Mayne Freeheart
Fume Bistro & Bar
Great Marsh Kayak Tours
Harborside Inn
Daniel Hart
Cynthia Hayden
Historical Society of Santuit & Cotuit
Holly Ridge Golf Club
Paul Howard
Hyannis Whale Watcher Cruises
Hyannis Yacht Club
Hyannisport Club
Hy-Line Cruises
J Miller, Pictureframer & Gallery
HF Johnson Tree Farm
Karol B. Wyckoff Studio
KMP Designs, LLP
Kathryn Knight
Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
Land Rover Cape Cod
Ron Lasko
Mahoney’s Garden Center
Margrit Mason
Mass Audubon Long Pasture
Mattakeese Wharf Restaurant
Susan O’Brien McLean
Jesse Stuart Mechling
Miacomet Golf Course
Moonakis Cafe
William Muller
My Napa Valley Driver
Ellen Mycock
Nantucket Historical Association
National Marine Life Center
Nerium International
New Bedford Whaling Museum
New England Aquarium
Marian Waldron Nicastro
Oceans Harborside Restaurant & Bar
Thanks to the 40 generous donors
who gave nearly $15,500
to this year’s Fund-A-Cause:
“Keep Lowell Park Green!”
Office of Senator Dan Wolf
Old Yarmouth Inn Restaurant & Tavern
Oyster Harbors Club
Palm Restaurant
Anita and John Parker
Platypus Tours
Plimoth Plantation
Puritan Cape Cod
Gretchen Reilly
Robert Reynolds
Ken & Nancy Ridley
Sara David Ringler
Rubissow Winery
Ryan Family Amusements
Sam Diego’s Mexican Cookery & Bar
Marty Sandler
Scargo Cafe
Sea Sports, Inc
Seven G’s Liquor Shoppe
Siena Italian Grill & Bar
Sow’s Ear Antique Co.
Spanky’s Clam Shack
Sports Port
Stand Up & Paddle Cape Cod
The Steamship Authority
Aleta Steward
Summer House Natural Soaps
Sunderland Printing
Swan Boats of Boston
Tavolino Restaurant
Scott Terry
Thornton W. Burgess Society
Top of the Hub Restaurant & Lounge
Trevi Cafe
Tugboats
Undercover Tent & Party
Village Orchids
Erica Waasdorp
Lance Walker
Bruce Wallin
Lynn Wallin
West Barnstable Fire Department
West Barnstable Tables
Wianno Club
Wicked Restaurant & Wine Bar
Wimpy’s Seafood Cafe & Market
Young’s Bicycle Shop
Zulu Nyala
!
k You
Than
Celebrating 30 Years...
Over 70 people attended Barnstable Land Trust’s Annual Meeting
to applaud three decades of land preservation success!
P
President’s Message
Lee Ann Hesse began the meeting
by congratulating BLT on the 30-year milestone and more than 1,000 acres preserved.
Although much has changed since the organization’s founding in 1983, what has remained
constant, she noted, is “BLT’s mission, the
devotion of its members, and the importance
of what we must accomplish.”
resident
volunteers: Eagle Pond stewards Bill Keto,
Ken Ridley, Mark Robinson; members of
the Land Management team Bebe Brock, Tom
Burgess, Dick French, Rosemary Kelleher,
Pat Loughran, Tom Mullen, Bob Parsons,
Marilyn Wightman; and, Gifts from the Sea
committee members Cindy Cappiccola, Carol
Carter, Polly Dana-Schumacher, Nancy and
Ken Ridley, and Bruce Wallin.
“Thanks to all of you and to those here
tonight for your support, dedication and belief
that preserving open space is as important
today as it was thirty years ago,” Lee Ann said.
Nominating Committee Chair Joe Hawley and
President Lee Ann Hesse
Recognizing how much more complex and
expensive land projects have become, Lee
Ann thanked Executive Director Jaci Barton
for her leadership over the past 28 years, and
also acknowledged members of the Board,
staff and volunteers. She expressed gratitude
for the ongoing commitment of BLT’s regular
B
Page 10
Elected to the 2014 Nominating Committee
were Joe Hawley, Chair, Carol Carter, Lee
Ann Hesse, Beth Marcus, and Bill O’Neill.
Executive Director’s Remarks
Land Trust is focused daily on
preserving land; in addition to the six land
preservation projects completed since the 2012
Annual Meeting, several other initiatives kept
us busy. Over the last 12 months BLT:
• Launched a newly-designed and updated
website – complete with land catalog;
• Redoubled our efforts to remove invasive
species from several BLT properties;
• Continued our due diligence and research
of the 1870s Fuller Farm homestead to
determine the feasibility of making it
BLT’s next home;
arnstable
Election of Officers and Directors
Three new board members were elected:
Bobbi Cox, Stacy Austin Reinhart and Nancy
Ridley. Re-elected to the Board were Lee Ann
Hesse, Tom Mullen, James O’Conor, Terrie
Reilly, and Mary-Gaines Standish. Officers
elected were Lee Ann Hesse as President,
John Miller as Vice President, Wendy Barker
as Treasurer, and Tom Burgess as Clerk.
• Organized 28 Walks & Talks, which drew
nearly 400 people; and,
• Began an outreach and education effort
aimed at preserving the 19-acre “green
wall” of trees surrounding Lowell Park.
The six land projects completed since the
last Annual Meeting included one gift, one
purchase and four conservation restrictions.
“We are now the stewards of 1,028 acres,” Jaci
said. “And we are eagerly anticipating the start
of the campaign to “Keep Lowell Park Green!”
www.BLT.org
SPRING 2014
at BLT’s Annual Meeting
Founders’ Award presented to Richard Largay
BLT’s prestigious Founders’ 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.”
“Richard Largay’s energy and enthusiasm
for the work of BLT bolstered our efforts
beyond our wildest imagination,” said BLT
Executive Director Jaci Barton. “His patience,
steady guidance and legal assistance enabled
us to navigate some of our thorniest and most
complex issues.”
Richard joined the BLT Board in 1999 and
served until 2005, leaving due to term limits.
Fortunately for BLT, he continued to provide
legal expertise and advice, assisting with the
completion of 77 projects, for a total of 622
protected acres. Among the major projects
completed under his tutelage were Plummer
and Archibald in Marstons Mills, Bone Hill
in Cummaquid, Bayview Farm in West Barnstable, and Cordwood in Cotuit.
“Last year, Richard guided BLT every step of
the way as we crossed the 1,000-acre threshold
with the purchase of the 23-acre Fuller Farm.
It was,” according to Jaci, “one of our most
interesting and challenging projects, with
more twists and turns than anyone could have
imagined.
“To say we are grateful does not begin to
express our love and admiration for all you
have done,” Jaci said as she presented the
Founders’ Award plaque to Richard. “As our
legal guru, you helped to preserve some of
Barnstable’s most special places.”
Upon accepting this much-deserved award,
Richard stated that he deeply believes in BLT’s
mission. “BLT is an ideal client,” he said. “Jaci
and I worked closely together. And Jaci does
not take ‘no’ for an answer. If one door closes,
she’ll find another that opens.”
Richard also recognized Red Bansfield,
BLT’s Land Management Coordinator, and
Mark Robinson and Paula Pariseau of The
Compact of Conservation Trusts for their
expertise. In addition, he expressed thanks for
the able support of his paralegal Sue Clark,
who coincidentally started working for Richard
the same year he began assisting BLT.
A small sample of Richard Largay’s legacy of BLT protected lands
Bone Hill Farm, Cummaquid
Cordwood, Cotuit
Bayview Farm, West Barnstable
Thanks to all our volunteers and to the businesses that helped support this event:
J. Miller, Pictureframer & Gallery, Three Bays Preservation, and Trader Joe’s.
SPRING 2014
www.BLT.org
Page 11
Thank You, Katie!
B
Land Trust’s
fall intern, Katie Awiszus,
22, grew up in Boxborough
but has come to Cape
Cod with her family since
childhood. “I recall being
‘dragged out’ to see the moon
on the ocean,” she said. “I
also remember playing ‘the license plate game’
and identifying 48 states in the beach parking
lot. I knew this was a special place.”
arnstable
Katie recently graduated from Alleghany College in Meadville, PA. A psychology major, she
took an environmental science class in her senior
year and fell in love with the subject. After graduation, she enrolled in three Cape Cod Community
College classes: Introduction to Environmental
Science, Survey of Environmental Science, and
Coastal Ecology.
Her parents had bought a house in Brewster so
she had a place to live. “I’m so lucky,” she said.
“The bay is a quick bike ride from my house.”
Katie’s favorite class was Coastal Ecology,
taught by Gil Newton, a BLT founder. “Gil made
it real. It was great to get outside and see what we
had discussed in class.”
After hearing about potential internship opportunities at BLT, Katie didn’t hesitate. “I jumped
right on it. I emailed Jaci and got an interview.”
And BLT got a stellar intern – eager, smart and
willing. Although Katie loves being outside (often
riding her bike from Brewster to 4Cs), the projects
we needed help with had her seated at a computer.
One project was indexing BLT newsletter
articles…back to 1984. The daunting task required
patience and determination. After Katie finished,
she took the initiative and scanned the hard copies
into our computer network.
“Working at BLT opened my eyes to what goes
on behind the scenes. The legal issues, paperwork,
meetings…it all really matters!”
“It is encouraging to see outstanding students
such as Katie pursue this field of study,” said Gil
Newton. “I’m impressed with her enthusiasm and
dedication to understanding our fragile coastal
systems. Her internship with BLT is an important
part of her education. Katie represents the future of
conservation and environmental protection.”
All in the Family
The Phragmites Challenge
2012, Cape Cod Community College student Nick Blazis
chose BLT for a community service project as part of his Human
Communications class. Nick and four fellow students got down
and dirty for a much needed clean-up at BLT’s Fuller Farm.
Phragmites australis, or “common
reed,” is found in every US state,
especially in freshwater and
brackish tidal wetlands. When
it shows up in a marsh (like the
pristine salt marsh at Meadow
Point) it can quickly take
over and out-compete native
vegetation.
I
n
In 2013, Sierra Stopyra, 22, followed in her brother’s footsteps.
The liberal arts major, who grew up in Barnstable, said Nick’s
enthusiasm made her select BLT for her project. After watching
the time-lapse video Nick made of the Fuller clean-up, five other
students signed on, too!
BLT assigned the group an ongoing task: removing invasive
phragmites at scenic Meadow Point in Cotuit. It was, said Sierra,
an eye-opening experience. “We had no idea what a problem
phragmites are. We all started talking about other places we’ve
seen them on the Cape.”
A bonus was watching the group come together. “At first, it
was like, ‘We have to go outside? We might get dirty. Will there
be bugs and ticks?’ Once we got going, the energy totally
changed. Everyone was happy to be outside, helping BLT and
the environment.”
Thanks, Sierra, and group members Brittany Bunnell,
David Cusack, Alex Moore, Priya Patel and Stephanie Stella
Romanowicz.
Page 12
www.BLT.org
Among other
issues, phragmites eliminates
food sources that
fish and wildlife
populations
depend upon.
Removing
phragmites and
other invasives
is a crucial part
of resource
protection.
SPRING 2014
J
A Special Legacy
ohn “Swanee” Swanson loved to walk the trails at BLT’s Eagle
Pond Sanctuary with his family and his four-legged friend, Bean.
After John’s passing, his wife, Lee Burnley, pondered how to
honor John’s memory. She selected Barnstable Land Trust.
“For those of you who have asked about donations in
Swanee’s honor,” Lee wrote on her Facebook page, “we
thought that gifts to Barnstable Land Trust would be a gesture that Swanee would have loved. It is the conservancy
organization that is responsible for acquiring and preserving land on Cape Cod, including our beloved Lowell
Park (home of the Cotuit Kettleers) and Eagle Pond, site
of hundreds of family walks, most of them with Swanee’s
pal, Bean. We believe that a gift to the Trust represents
the convergence of the things that Swanee most treasured
in life: the Cape, open spaces, baseball and family.”
After speaking to John’s mother Anne, Executive Director Jaci
Barton said, “I understood immediately that donations to BLT were a
perfect way to acknowledge John’s passions, especially with our current focus on preserving the 19 acres that surround Lowell Park. I was
stunned at the family’s generosity.”
We offer heartfelt thanks to the many individuals who have chosen
BLT as a way to honor John Swanson’s memory and by so doing, help
protect the special places that bring us all joy.
American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA)
Anonymous (4 donors)
Deborah Burnley
The Buscemi Family
Jack & Shirley Christell
The Degnan Family
Rev. Marsh & Ann Drege
Carol Burns Duke
The Economou Family
The Eliot Family
Daniel P. & Ann R. Ernst
Daniel R. Ernst
Joy Swanson Ernst
Cameron Finkle, Chuck Finkle
& Beth Weiner
Laurie Fried
Paul, Gail & Kristin Frost
Matt & Marian Goldstein
Jennifer Goodwin & Rhonda Perry
SPRING 2014
Leslie Harf
Nicole Harris
Hood College Sociology
and Social Work Department
Rev. & Mrs. Phillip Hougen
Calvin & Audrey Johnson
Illyse Kaplan
Eller Ernst Kossek & Sandy I. Kossek
Debra Levy
Sarah Orlinsky Maitland
Pauline C. Mittag
David Moody & Eileen Guilfoyle
National Glass Association
Kevin O’Connor, Brio USA Inc.
Sharon & Larry Ostrin
Deborah L. Paone
ProVia Products
PS 41 2nd Grade Team
Quanex Building Products
Michael, Joanne & Juliana Ross
www.BLT.org
Julie Ruth
Salk School of Science Parents Association
The Sando Family
Martha & Bill Schwingel
George Silos
Philip Silva, Margaret Davidson,
Chris Esposito & Julia Sanders
Steve & Laurey Silverman
Jean Simons
Lynda R. Sowbel
Cindy Stahl
Laurie Stivers
Lloyd & Dorothy Stivers
Linda Stockman-Vines
& Mitchell Vines
Anne M. Swanson
John Swift
Sunrise Windows
The Zittels
03.04.14
Page 13
Tributes And Memorial Gifts
In Honor of…
John & Vicki Abodeely & Family
From Steve & Elaine Sheftel
Chris Adams
From Bill & Polly Schumacher
Peggie & Cornell Bretz
From Marvin & Sandi Fredberg
Peter & Linda Connell
From Steve & Elaine Sheftel
Em & Tom’s Wedding
From Tom & Emily Cahill
Don Engel
From Steve & Elaine Sheftel
Margot & Stew Goodwin’s
50th Anniversary
From Jennifer Goodwin
Anne Gould
From Karen Rosenthal
Jim Gould
From Joanne Miller/Nancy Jarvis, Cotuit Bird & Garden Club
Our New Granddaughter
From Chip & Nancy Dietz
Herb & Nina Greenwald
From Fred & Julie Tirrell
Graham & Joanne Harrison
From Egil & Sidney Croff
Joanne Z. Harrison
From Graham & Joanne Harrison
Joseph Hawley
From Bruce & Kim Williams
Joyce Kazanjian
From Carla Kazanjian
Sean Kelly & Helen Picard
From Kenyon Kelly & Mary Helen Cline
Bob Lassiter & Kathie Roche
From Andrew Lassiter
Margaret Lloyd
From Miggie Keuler
Jerry & Beth Lynch
From Steve & Elaine Sheftel
Irene R. Morrill
From Leo & Ann Schmid
Elizabeth Nill
From Anonymous
Jerry & Sheila Place
From Chris Graziano &
Maryellen Meleca
From Heather Peters
From Deborah Yorke
The Smith Family
From Frank & Mary Ryan
Mary-Gaines Standish
From William & Peggy Standish
Patricia Uhlman
From Diane Martin
USAF Veterans
From William Hanson
Fletcher & Forrest Wartig
From Susan Klaiber & Molly Bidwell
The Wheelers, Fuller Farm
Neighbors
From Emily Wheeler
Dr. John B. Wright
From Betty Wright
Peg Dietzgen
From Michael & Gisa Belanger
From John & Ellen Culver
From Carol Lyall
Sepp & Peg Dietzgen
From Jim & Anne Gould
Mrs. Paul Donohue
From Dick & Jan Peterson
Patricia Colbert Donovan
From Jim & Nancy Colbert
William Douglas
From Beth Douglas
Kenneth J. Edelson
From David & Cindy Edelson
From Geoff Edelson
Mary Ellen Folsom
From Dr. William Folsom
John A. Fucci
From Flora Fucci
Alfred & Barbara Fuller
From Maureen McPhee
Dan Gardner
From Faye Gardner
Earl H. Grant
From Mae V. Grant
Stephen C. Hamblin
From Charles Hamblin
Gerry Henderson
From Rika Henderson
Thelma G. Heselbarth
From Ruth Anne Heselbarth
Mary Reid Higgins
From Reid & Len Higgins
Fred Holway
From Faith Holway
Townsend Hornor
From Cay Hornor
F. Alexander Howe
From Joanna Chodes
Patty Hubbard
From Dick & Jan Peterson
Bob & Sal Hughes
From Joe & Sue Griffin
Carol Ann Hurley
From Joyce Kazanjian
From Dorothy Magno
From Vic & Jackie Mastro
From Peter & Susan Morgan
From Faith Stewart
John F. Ingram, Sr.
From Hazel Durand
Francis G. Jenkins
From Richard & Sarah Sammis
John R. Johnston, Jr.
Jeff & Martha Johnston
Loring “Gig” Jones
From Adele Dunhill
Judy Kaess
From Paul & Anne Fitzgerald
From David & Kathy Lovett
Margaret M. Kates
From Amy Kates
In Memory of…
Gloria J. Adams
From Richard Adams
Milton C. Allen, Jr.
From David & Carol Allen
Elizabeth Almy
From John Bidwell
Al Amerigian
From John & Mary Stepita
Jim Aylor
From Francis & Marcy Maycock
Arther Behlman, Jr.
From Richard & Beverlee Behlman
Charles & Dorothy Bodurtha
From Bo & Betsy Bodurtha
Brandy, Murphy & Kielty
From Mary Nowd & Mary Jo Mugnier
Bart Burgess
From Tommy & Pieter Burgess
Andy Carothers
From Ginger Carothers
John T. Connor
From Geoff Connor
ˆ
Kay Crawford
From Romas & Rima Brickus
William J. Cullen
From Joan Cullen
Hugh R. Cunningham
From David Cunningham
Anthony J. DeCrosta
From Susan DeCrosta
Page 14
www.BLT.org
SPRING 2014
Tributes And Memorial Gifts
In Memory of… continued
Paul Kelley
From Dick & Jan Peterson
Nevin M. Kirk
From John & Artemis Kirk
Amy C. Knott
From Dan Knott
Darlene Kohler
From Alison McMurry
Sigrid Russell Koskinen
From Sam & Jean Keavy
Dr. Steven Kuperstein
From Carl Perlmutter
Matthew J. Lavin
From Judith Ivester
Andrea Leonard
From Ray & Susan Burghardt
A. David Liss
From Adam Liss
Barbara Long
From Richard Long
John Loucks
From Frank & Julie Keally
Tony Lovell
From Kathleen Lovell
Luby
From Tim Coggeshall
James, Jean & Mark Ludtke
From Melissa Ludtke
Claudette A. MacDonald
From Paul MacDonald
Beatrice Hardcastle Magruder
From Virginia Adams
From John & Christine Ehret
Russ & Amy Mather
From John & Susan Brennan
John P. McGarvey
From Steve & Lorri Devlin
David G. McPherson
From David McPherson
Robert Methelis
From Suzanne Methelis
Irma Meyer
From Rob & Anne Meyer
Roger R. Monteiro
From Scott & Tina Laurie
Jean E. Naughton
From Robert Naughton
John & Hazel Newton
From Gil Newton
John Wellington Nichols
From Mark K. Nichols
Jeffrey O’Neil
From HP & Cheryl Weber
Oofa
From Heidi Moss
James Pilgrim
From Ted & Nancy Cobden
William & Jane Riemenschneider
From Ed & Louise Foster
Bryan & David Rooney
From Ellen Rooney
Robert C. Royce, Sr.
From James Royce
Charlotte Ryder
from Laura Scroggins & James Wolf
Geoffrey Guy Schneider
From Jody St. Hilaire
E. Howard & Wilhelmina Sears
Jon & Margaret Wood
Howard & Agnes Sears
From Sandra Baldini
Kathleen R. Shea
From Catherine Smith
Tricia Lovett Stallman
From Alvin Stallman &
Sylvia Moubayed
Peter Standish
From Polly Bellingrath
Al Stone
From Anita Weinblatt
Joan Campbell Switzer
From Laurie Switzer
Elizabeth C. Weaver
From Elizabeth Nill
Priscilla Rosalie Wilson
From Bruce & Christine Thompson
Ryan Winston
From Robert & Judy Winston
Helen Wirtanen
From Mark Wirtanen & Terrie Reilly
Helen & Martin Wirtanen
From Mark Wirtanen & Terrie Reilly
Rose Wojciechowski
From Frank & Mary Wojciechowski
John F. Wolfe
From Lenny & Kris Clark
From Jon & Eliza Lewis
From Ken & Marge Mercer
From Nancy Morganstern
Maurice & Betsy Wood
From Jon & Margaret Wood
Anne Wright
From Alex & Jenny McPheeters
From John & Connie McPheeters
From Katherine McPheeters
From Dave & Lizzy Rickard
Margaret Wyman
From Jeff Wyman
James & Christine Zbikowski
From Walter & Harriet Zbikowski
02.14.14
RUN RUN RUN…to Benefit BLT!
If you’re a runner or like to walk fast, here are three upcoming
opportunities for you to do what you love and benefit BLT in the process!
• Sunday, May 4th – “Legends Half Marathon” begins
at the Melody Tent in Hyannis, wending its way through
Centerville and Osterville, returning to Hyannis.
• Sunday, August 3rd – “The Green Run 5K” to benefit
Lowell Park in Cotuit, begins and ends at the ball field!
• Sunday, October 12th – “The Shore Run 5K” from
Veteran’s Beach in Hyannis to Hyannisport and back.
Volunteers are needed to help
at registration and to direct
runners along the route.
Details of each event can be
found at www.thesightings.com
For more information,
call BLT at 508-771-2585
or email chris@BLT.org
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
LEOMINSTER, MA
PERMIT NO. 17
PO Box 224
Cotuit, MA 02635
Address Service Requested
BLT Adds 4.5 Protected Acres
T
he Pogorelcs, owners
of the former Crystal
Pineapple on Route
6A, lived gently on their land
for 25 years. In 2012 the site
of the former West Barnstable Brick Company was
permanently protected when
they donated 6.97 acres to Orenda Wildlife
Land Trust. Orenda then granted a conservation
restriction (CR) to Barnstable Land Trust.
In 2013, the family granted a 4.52-acre CR
t­o BLT’s permanently protected landscapes and
gifted the land to Orenda; this forever preserves
the rest of their family lands.
The 1540 Main Street CR in West Barnstable
has over 200 feet of scenic frontage on historic
Route 6A, and is within the Old Kings Highway
Historic District, one of the earliest settled areas
of Barnstable Village.
The upland and freshwater wetlands provide
a buffer to a pond that abuts the Sandy
Neck/Barnstable Harbor Area of Critical
Environmental Concern. This sensitive resource
area is considered one of the state’s best
examples of biodiversity with approximately
300 bird species and over 160 vascular plant
species. With its wooded upland, freshwater
wetlands and brackish marsh, this property
presents diversity in miniature, producing a
unique “edge effect,” where distinct habitats
converge. The upland features numerous canopy
tree species. The nearly two acres of wetlands
and adjacent freshwater pond provide important
breeding, feeding and sheltering opportunities
for wildlife.
The properties allow public access via designated walking trails during daylight hours. “The
area is lovely and quiet,” said Orenda’s Executive Director Liz Lewis. “The trails are easy to
find and walk upon. There are wonderful views
of the Great Marsh, complemented by the sounds
of birds.” Passive recreation – walking, jogging,
hiking, nature study, and photography – are
encouraged.
B arnstable L and T rust is a community-based nonprofit organization
dedicated to preserving the open spaces, natural resources, and
unique character of Barnstable for future generations.