Christian Property Conservation Area

Acres: 16
Total Trail Length: less than a mile
Parking: 80 Portanimicut Road, South Orleans
Conservation History and Importance:
The Town of Orleans acquired the 7.85 acre Christian Conservation Area in 1999 for environmental preservation. In 2000, the Town acquired, by tax-taking, the abutting 8.9 acre white cedar swamp to provide a wildlife corridor and additional natural habitat. This parcel also abuts the Orleans Conservation Trust’s 4-acre Seikel Gift, which was given to the OCT in 1991 for conservation. The Christian Property was a priority acquisition for its close proximity to Pleasant Bay and its unique Atlantic White Cedar Swamp located within the property. Hessel’s Hairstreak butterfly and the Saw Whet Owl are unique to these swamps, respectively feeding on and using the Atlantic White Cedars to nest.

Trailhead Parking:
Directions: From the intersection of Rt. 28 and Main Street in Orleans, follow MA Route 28 towards Chatham for 2.5 miles. Turn left onto Quanset Road and veer left at the Y to stay on Portanimicut Road. Follow Portanimicut Road to the trail head entrance on left (0.6 miles). Entrance is a small dirt driveway.