How OCT Protects Land
The Trust acquires land for conservation in a variety of ways. Generous, preservation-minded landowners make gifts of land (owned by OCT and conserved in perpetuity), establish Conservation Restrictions on their land, or arrange to sell land to OCT.
But as land becomes more valuable, setting aside new land for open space becomes ever more challenging. Sometimes it takes a village — or at least a neighborhood — to help the Trust raise enough funds to purchase a piece of land that’s special to people who live nearby, or to the entire community. A property may protect treasured views or water quality or rural character; it may offer the potential for a wildlife corridor or a peaceful trail.
OCT has over a half-century of experience in protecting land in Orleans, and a track record of bringing people together to make it happen. Providing our expertise, leveraging grant opportunities, and working with committed residents who help organize neighbors and step forward with contributions, OCT has successfully completed land acquisitions that at first seemed dauntingly difficult. Such projects help build community and offer immense satisfaction to those who had a hand in permanently protecting treasured places in their own backyard.
Recent Land Acquisition Projects
Namequoit Wood Conservation Area
On June 27, 2024, an anonymous donor gave OCT a 25.79-acre waterfront property on Pleasant Bay. The donation is the largest and most valuable upland property OCT has acquired since 1973. It also abuts additional OCT-protected land, making for 50 acres of contiguous conservation land. With this large gift, the Trust has surpassed a significant milestone: 700 acres protected in Orleans.
The land, named Namequoit Wood Conservation Area at the request of the donor, is largely forested and includes a state-certified vernal pool and 640 feet of Pleasant Bay beachfront. The property hosted a portion of Camp Viking (1920s through 1980s), one of several summer camps on Pleasant Bay where hundreds of boys sailed, practiced archery, and played softball.
A modest home, two small bunkhouses, a boathouse, and a garage will be removed by OCT, consistent with the donor’s wishes. The area will be seeded with a native grass and wildflower mix, which will jumpstart the rewilding effort.
Because the property’s primary purpose will be habitat preservation, public access will be limited to OCT guided walks. Read more about the acquisition in OCT’s press release.
Eli Rogers Road Woodland and Watershed Protection
OCT was in a highly competitive real estate market when we learned that over 5 acres at 33 Eli Rogers Road had recently been listed for sale. We acted carefully but expeditiously in partnership with The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, who took out a loan and purchased the property for $1M on June 30, 2023, giving OCT an opportunity to raise the funds to protect the property.
The land included a 4-bedroom home in decent condition, and OCT removed two neglected, aging cottages, restoring the area to its natural state to enhance habitat value, protect water quality, and add climate resilience. The 4-bedroom home was resold, which allowed for the protection of 4.5 acres at an attractive price, while still reducing the number of houses and septic systems on the property.
33 Eli Rogers serves as an important link between preserved land in Brewster and the 500-acre protected Orleans Watershed. It’s recognized by the state for being especially important for the protection of drinking water (Mass DEP Zone II Groundwater Protection District), and it includes habitat for rare species, as well as vernal pool wildlife breeding habitat. Because of its proximity to the Watershed, it also provides opportunities for enhanced public access to that large tract of forest.
June 2024 Update: FUNDRAISING IS COMPLETED – Thank you, supporters! Orleans residents overwhelmingly supported the Town's contribution of $200,000 from Community Preservation Act funds to the project at Town Meeting in May, 2024, and OCT received over 80 donations totaling over $100,000. OCT also received a $175,000 Conservation Partnership Grant from the state, and the additional proceeds of the home resale allowed OCT to protect this important land in perpetuity.
Watch a Lower Cape TV video about the project here!
If you'd like to replenish OCT's Land Acquisition Fund so we can continue to take advantage of more opportunities like this one at a moment's notice, you can restrict your donation to that purpose through an online donation. Thank you!
33 Eli Rogers Road
By the Numbers
Acres to be conserved: 4.5
Buildable lots: 2-3 (excluding lot slated for resale)
Purchase price: $1M
Fundraising goal: $100,000, plus $200,000 from Orleans CPC
Habitat: Pine-oak upland with huckleberry understory; small vegetated wetland (possibly a vernal pool)
