Dear SCT members and friends,
What shall I call this, a late summer greeting, a Labor Day weekend message, or perhaps an early fall missive? Regardless of the title, my purpose is to keep in in touch with you – members and friends of the SCT, and sincerely thank you for your support. This comes in several forms; membership dues, of course, extra donations for the Land Maintenance Fund or for general purposes, matching grants from employers, memorial donations, bequests and volunteer work on trails or other projects. Speaking on behalf of our Board of Trustees, we appreciate it all very much, a big part of the fuel that our organization runs on!
This is a good moment to consider what benefits the SCT offers. Here is a statement that we have used for some years:
“THE SANDWICH CONSERVATION TRUST is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization founded in 1985, and staffed by volunteers. The Trust's purpose is to preserve and maintain wood lands, meadows, wetlands, wildlife habitats and scenic views for the public. The trust acquires land by gift or purchase and manages the properties using sound environmental practices. Other goals of the SCT are to assist landowners desiring to preserve their property through the use of conservation restrictions, to educate the public about land preservation, and to stimulate a public conscience of land use."
We also strive to work with the Town of Sandwich Conservation Commission, the Department of Natural Resources, and other organizations when the opportunity arises, and we like to bring conservation-minded people together through guided walks and at our annual meetings and other events. Climate change is increasingly in the news, in our minds and in our life experiences. Given that, we increasingly realize that every square foot of our preserved lands are lands that won’t be paved or built on, with every bit of vegetation, even the despised “invasives”, helping to store carbon and release the life-giving oxygen the world needs.
Speaking of guided walks, we have one coming up on Sunday September 11th at 2 PM, led by myself and SCT staff. We will meet at the Toolas Preserve, and hike to Great Island, out in peaceful Spring Hill Marsh. At about 9 acres, Great Island, along with its smaller neighbors Pine Island and Little Island are owned by the SCT and the Town of Sandwich. These islands are a bit remote and of special importance as wildlife habitat. For this reason the SCT and the Sandwich Conservation Commission have agreed to adopt a policy of not allowing dogs on the islands.
Please note that we are limiting this walk to 20 participants due to parking, trail and other limitations. To register for this walk, please call me or leave a message at 508-888-7629. Directions: Enter Great Island Road north off of Route 6A on the curvy section about 1/3 of a mile east of Crow Farm. Go over the railroad crossing and take the next turn to the right into the Toolas Preserve, and park in the field. The walk will last an hour or so. It is level going, but be prepared for possible ticks, poison ivy on some trail edges, and sometimes a soggy spot or two. Along with nature commentary, some history of the islands will be shared. NOTE: This walk is nearly at capacity.
Other events coming up: October 1st – SandwichFest – Look for our booth! October 9th – A guided walk at the Maple Swamp Conservation Lands (with no limit on the number of participants!) – November 6th – the SCT Annual Meeting at the East Sandwich Grange Hall, with a slide show on the interesting history of the Game Farm Preserve in East Sandwich. Details on these events will be sent via email and other media.
Thanks again for your interest, participation and support.
John N. Cullity
President
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