Orleans Conservation Trust

09/29/2026

Join OCT for our Volunteer Workdays, held every first and third Thursday of the month.

The next workday is on October 1st, and we're working on trail infrastructure at the Three Ponds Conservation Area. Come lend a hand and help care for our local trails!

Learn more and sign up here: https://signup.com/go/zELcPaD

09/28/2026

Registration is filling up fast, but we still have some space! Don't miss your chance to join OCT's Babies in Backpacks and Preschool Exploration programs starting next Monday.

Learn more and register on our website at OrleansConservationTrust.org/whats-happening.

Hot tip: Use the waitlist function on SignUp if a program date is full. This automatically sends you a notification the moment a spot opens up.

09/26/2026

Starting next week! We're hosting a Walk & Talk series on Putnam Farm, starting with a discussion with OCT, the Town of Orleans, and local farmers on October 7th.

Later in October, we'll take what we've learned to Putnam Farm for a walk around the garden beds and short trail.

View both events and register in advance on our website: OrleansConservationTrust.org/whats-happening

09/24/2026

Orleans Conservation Trust is seeking a Communications & Programs Coordinator to oversee educational programs, outreach efforts, and community events.

If you are interested in environmental protection, enjoy working with people, and have solid writing skills, we'd love to hear from you!

This is a full time, in-office position based in Orleans. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis.

Learn more and apply on our website: OrleansConservationTrust.org/staff-trustees/

09/21/2026

Last call to hear from Beth Lambert, Director of the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration at our first talk of the fall season. Coming up this Thursday evening. We hope to see you there!

09/15/2026

Tomorrow! Don't miss the last guided walk of the year at Namequoit Wood.

Acquired by OCT in 2023, this property was once home to Camp Viking, a boys' summer camp operating from the 1940s-1980s. It is now primarily managed for habitat preservation and ecological restoration.

Public access to this property is limited to guided walks, and the last one of the year is scheduled for tomorrow morning! Don't miss your chance to visit.

Register in advance: OrleansConservationTrust.org/whats-happening

09/13/2026

Celebrate Cape Cod Clean Water Week with us!

This Tuesday, we're heading out with the Town of Orleans Marine & Fresh Water Quality Committee for a guided walk at Mill Pond Valley. Learn about local water quality efforts while enjoying beautiful views along the pond shoreline. Register online: OrleansConservationTrust.org/whats-happening

Alternative Septic System Test Center

09/10/2026

09/10/2026

Two Children & Families programs are coming to Orleans Conservation Trust this fall!

1) Preschool Exploration is returning! In partnership with Naturalist Andrea Higgins, these playful, sensory-focused walks invite young explorers ages 2–5 to foster curiosity and experience conservation lands in new ways as the seasons change.

2) We're also excited to introduce Babies in Backpacks, a new-to-OCT program for newborns and their caregivers. Bring your little one in a backpack carrier or sling for a gentle walk along local trails with Andrea Higgins. These walks offer caregivers a chance to spend time outdoors with their babies while connecting with other local families.

Registration for both programs opens Thursday, September 17.

Want to be among the first to know when registration opens? Sign up for our Children & Families newsletter to receive the registration announcement next week: OrleansConservationTrust.org/family

09/08/2026

We're gearing up for another season of OCT Talks starting with Beth Lambert, Director of the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration. Beth will speak on "Restoring Rivers and Wetlands for People and Nature," including threats and restoration initiatives for these unique habitats on Cape Cod.

Learn more and register on our website: OrleansConservationTrust.org/programs-speakers/