resources – winter 2010/2011

continued on page 2

What’s Inside...Page 3

Meeting the Challenge

Page 4PreciousHabitat

Page 5Repeat Performance

Pages 6-7Fuller Farm:A Scenic and Cultural Treasure

Page 7Transfer of Wealth

Pages 8-9Annual Meeting/Founders’ Award

Pages 10-11Gifts Fromthe Sea

Pages 12-13Asian Longhorned Beetle

4A Cape First

Page 15Tributes andMemorials

RESOURCESNewsletter of the BarNstaBle laNd trust

visit our website www.blt.org WINTER 2010/2011

Saving a Meadow

Irene and Tom Antkowiak loved the one-acre meadow across from their house on

Swift Avenue in Osterville. Over the 15 years that they owned the meadow, it had brought them much joy. It once was a graz-ing area for the Antkowiaks’ two horses and a neighbor’s horses, all of which were eventually put out to pasture.

The couple continued to pour their love into the field. Tom, a retired orthopedic surgeon, would take his “prized possession,” a

Kabota tractor, and mow the pas-ture. “It is something I love to do,” he admitted. “I’m sure the neigh-bors rode by and said, ‘Here he comes again with his tractor.’”

Irene, an avid gardener and birdwatcher, put the reins on her husband’s mowing habit. “I told him he was cutting it too much. The butterflies need the meadow to feed and pupate. You can only cut it after the first frost,” she ad-monished. Tom obliged.

“I have to admit, it looks nice,” he said. “It has its own distinct

Acre by AcreThe meadow on Swift Avenue

Resources is underwritten by

Bartlett Tree Experts

Barnstable Land Trust is now the steward of 797 acres.Special thanks to recent land donors–Tom and Irene Antkow-

iak of Osterville, Jim and Janet Rice, formerly of Cummaquid, and Dr. Charles Herberger of Centerville–for entrusting their land to BLT for future generations.

Office407 North StreetHyannis, MA 02601508.771.2585

Mailing P.O. Box 224Cotuit, MA 02635

[email protected]

Websitewww.BLT.org

Board of Directors President

Carol CarterCotuit

Vice President Lee Ann Hesse West Barnstable

Treasurer Joe WoodHyannis Port

Clerk Polly Dana-SchumacherBarnstable

Board Members Janet EshbaughOsterville

Joseph E. HawleyCenterville

Bill KetoCotuit

Tom MullenWest Barnstable

James C. O’ConorCenterville

Tim O’KeeffeWest Hyannisport

Craig D. SpinnerOsterville

Mary Gaines StandishOsterville

W. Bruce WallinCotuit

Rick WaltersCummaquid

Executive DirectorJaci Barton

Director of DevelopmentJane Harvey

Office ManagerChris Adams

Land ManagementRed Bansfield

Resources EditorOlivia H. Miller

Graphic DesignSue OslundBlueSky DesignWorks

www.BLT.org Winter 2010/2011

BaRnStaBlE land tRUSt

beauty with the wildflowers and milkweed pods, the birds and the butterflies.”

Eventually, they thought about selling the land and put up a “For Sale” sign to see what would happen. A few inter-ested parties called but mostly they heard from concerned neighbors asking if they really planned to sell the meadow. “One neighbor said it was won-derful to walk by it and see it change with the seasons,” Tom recalled. They began to have second thoughts.

“I hated to see a trophy house–or any house–go up,” Irene added. “It’s important to maintain open space. We’re aware of the history and im-portance of the field. Cows and horses used to walk from the meadow to the pond behind our house. We decided to contact BLT to see if they’d be inter-ested in the land as a donation.”

The Antkowiaks were un-sure whether BLT would be interested in “one little acre.” But, Irene said, “Jaci [Barton] treated the one acre as if it were large and important. She made it happen so quickly.”

According to Executive Di-rector Jaci Barton, “When Irene called, I immediately went to see the land. I was amazed to find an oasis for wildlife–a gor-geous open field in the middle of Osterville. Historically, this land, and many acres around it, was used extensively for graz-ing. The Antkowiaks had cared for the land and mowed the field in a fashion that encour-aged wild grasses and milk-weed to flourish, benefitting birds and butterflies.”

“By donating the land, it will always be there. Generations can continue to enjoy it,” Tom explained. And although BLT now owns the land, Tom still gets to do his favorite thing–ride the Kabota–because he has offered to help maintain the meadow.

Talk about a win-win!

Tom & Irene Antkowiak gleefully remove the “For Sale” sign…and replace it with a BLT sign!

Cape Cod is known worldwide for its natural beauty. In the summer, espe-cially when I am out on the water

and the bay is shimmering, I often say out loud to those around me (and sometimes to myself!) just how lucky I feel to live in such a glorious place.

I feel even luckier to have found my calling and to be working in a field where I can daily see the fruits of my labor.

The work of Barnstable Land Trust is a labor of love: love of community, love for the natural world, love of the beauty that surrounds us, and love for the places we go to restore our souls.

In these uncertain times, as BLT struggles to raise sufficient funds to do what we’ve always done, pre-serving land has never been more challenging. Member support and partnerships with the Town and State have been the saving graces.

As funding dwindles, we constantly re-mind ourselves to work smarter, conserve our energy and stay focused on priorities. But it’s not enough to sustain us.

We need you to help us by turning other people on to BLT.

In this year’s Annual Appeal, we in-cluded a new brochure that illustrates what we’ve done and why it’s important to pre-serve land. We asked that you familiar-ize yourself with the passion you feel for

our local environment, then forward the brochure to a friend or family member and encourage them to sup-port our joint efforts to pre-serve this very special place.

Help us spread the joy!I love to share my passion

and enthusiasm with oth-ers who live, work and play in this fragile environment. If you know of a group that I could educate and illuminate, or if you would like to host a special gathering of your neighbors, please let me know.

The responsibility to pre-serve this special place belongs to each of us. By broadening our base of support, BLT can meet the challenges ahead and achieve miracles.

With gratitude,

Jaci

Winter 2010/2011 www.BLT.org

Meeting the Challengeby Jaci Barton, BLT Executive Director

Barnstable Land Trust (BLT) is a private non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Our mission is to preserve the unique character of Barnstable for future generations through the acquisition and conservation of open spaces and natural resources, wetlands, woodlands and wildlife in the seven villages of Barnstable.


Precious Habitat

In the mid-1980’s, Jim and Janet Rice bought their home in Cummaquid. At the time, there was an adjacent parcel

that hadn’t perked; it was the last unsold land on the street. “Although it was report-ed to be unbuildable,” Jim Rice explained, “we didn’t quite believe it. We always had the feeling it could be built on.” Rather than take that gamble, they decided to protect the 1.43-acre parcel by purchasing it.

Over the years, Jim and Janet have en-joyed the tranquility of their own little na-ture preserve. They’ve seen lots of birds, raccoons, opossum, rabbits, deer–and yes, otters–at their Otter Lane sanctuary.

After 25 years, the couple is moving. Al-though they had no reason to keep the lot, they did not want to risk that the land might be developed. Jim said they immediately thought of Barnstable Land Trust and its Executive Director, Jaci Barton. “Who else would you contact?” asked Jim.

Because the parcel is small, the Rices are modest about their donation. “I don’t think there is much of a story here,” Jim said more than once. However, according to Jaci, their gift of land is important.

A small brook runs through the Rices’ land and out to Mill Creek. The creek, a shared resource between Barnstable and

Yarmouth, feeds the Barnstable Harbor Area of Critical Environmental Concern. “The Rice land is ideal wildlife habitat,” Jaci explained, “helping to protect the wa-ter quality of a much bigger resource area, which is recognized for its rare species and unique habitat.”

“The Rices aren’t the first to acquire land they didn’t want to see developed,” Jaci noted. “To control the tranquility of their surroundings, neighbors often take the land into their own hands. We’re glad the Rices ultimately made the decision to entrust their land to BLT. Now it is certain never to be built upon.”

Members since 1988, Jim and Janet have supported BLT in many ways. In 1992 when Jim was President of Cape Cod Bank & Trust, the bank gave BLT a 4.8-acre par-cel of environmentally sensitive and his-torically valuable land along the Marstons Mills River. Much of BLT’s furniture came from the bank’s basement storage area, and several past and present BLT board mem-bers were once bank employees.

“BLT’s mission speaks for itself,” Jim said in answer to why he has supported the organization over the years. “It’s not diffi-cult to relate to people trying to conserve land and care for the environment. You are one of the good guys.”

Looking toward the Rice’s parcel in Cummaquid Janet and Jim Rice


Bebe Brock and Charles HerbergerHerberger property on Nye’s Neck Road

Repeat Performance

For the second time in as many years, Dr. Charles Herberger of Center-ville has donated land to Barnstable

Land Trust. The 1.61-acre parcel on Nye’s Neck Road is located north of scenic Lake Wequaquet.

Dr. Herberger’s daughter Bebe Brock noted that this parcel was purchased by her maternal grandfather Sumner Crosby in 1932. The land is adjacent to a summer camp he built when her mother, Melvina, was eight or ten years old. It holds special memories for their family. “Other than electricity,” Bebe said, “it’s pretty much re-mained unchanged.”

The land is unchanged, too. Accord-ing to Mark Robinson of The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, “It is wild and natural–a nice highbush blueberry and sweet pepperbush swamp, ringed with red maples, tupelo trees and a few American beech and hollies. The State has this area mapped as Priority Habitat for rare species and it is included on their BioMap as Core Habitat, meaning it is a high priority to pre-serve for plants and animals. A vernal pool, where salamanders breed, may be located in this land.”

And according to Bebe, “The little ones have always loved it. Now it will remain protected for the grandkids–and all the birds and the animals–to enjoy.”

Fun FactIn 2008, Barnstable residents recycled 1,953 tons

of paper, which saved 33,201 trees and 13,671,000 gallons of water.

- Town of Barnstable Solid Waste DivisionTo recycle at the Barnstable landfill, no dump sticker is required!

Printed in the USA on recycled paper with

vegetable-based inks.

Long Beach is so called because it is a long barrier beach stretching from Craigville to East Bay, Osterville. In 1976, the Quinn Family donated a 3.5-acre lot on Long Beach to the Town of Barnstable for conservation. If you drive down Long Beach Road today, it ends at the Town parcel; beyond it lie gorgeous white sands and dunes.

When the Quinns conveyed their lot to the Town as conservation land they insisted on a “reverter clause” to ensure the land would remain in conservation. The Association to

Protect Cape Cod (APCC) agreed to hold the reverter.

Nearly three decades later APCC made the decision to get out of the business of owning conservation land. In 2006, APCC assigned the responsibility of the Quinn reverter clause to BLT.

Now, if the Town ever attempts to use the land for anything other than conservation, ownership will revert to BLT whose responsibility is to ensure its permanent conservation.

BARNSTABLE LAND TRUST

Of ce 407 North Street Hyannis, MA 02601 508.771.2585Mailing P.O. Box 224 Cotuit, MA 02635Email [email protected] www.BLT.org

Board of Directors President Joe Hawley CentervilleVice President Carol Carter CotuitTreasurer Joe Wood HyannisportClerk Janet Eshbaugh OstervilleBoard Members Chris Babcock Centerville Lee Ann Hesse West Barnstable Bill Keto Cotuit Tom Mullen Barnstable Tim O’Keeffe West Hyannisport Rick Walters Barnstable Executive Director Jaci BartonDirector of Development Jane HarveyOf ce Manager Chris AdamsLand Management Red Bans eldResources Editor Olivia H. MillerGraphic Design Sue Oslund

Page 2 www.BLT.org Summer 2009

Printed in the USA on recycled paper with

vegetable-based inks.

Much of the beach has moved north toward the land. It is slowly encroaching on the Centerville River and the barri-er beach is becoming narrower. “The beach has lost signi cant dune relief,” Rob explained. “Time will tell what the next hurricane will bring.”

Of the two dozen undevel-oped parcels on Long Beach, two are now dedicated to conservation purposes. “It’s a good start,” said Rob, identify-ing several bene ts. “Keeping the land in its natural state can help improve the stability of the beach, provide more like-lihood that endangered shore-birds will be better protected, and allow for public access.”

The Jones parcel is located at the con uence of the Bumps River and the Centerville Riv-er. As you cross over the bridge from Main Street, Osterville to South Main Street in Center-ville, the land lies immediately to the right. “People are prob-ably most familiar with Long Beach for the panoramic view of Nantucket Sound it affords as they drive over the bridge,”

said BLT Executive Director Jaci Barton. “Long Beach is that undeveloped spit of land in the foreground. The Jones par-cel, which is now entrusted to BLT, helps to frame that scenic landscape.”

And for the folks who walk along the shore from the Town conservation area westward toward East Bay, this land will help to protect a cherished rit-ual that provides solace from daily chaos.

June and George Jones reg-ularly walked along the beach when they lived here. “We feel strongly about preservation,” George Jones said. “Donating the land was the proper thing to do.”

Long Beach...from page 1

BAY LN

LONG BEACH RD

SOUTH

MAI

N ST

MAIN ST

JonesPropertyCenter

villeRiver

Bumps

River

TownConsv.

Location, location!

Long Beach Doubly Protected

Summer 2009 www.BLT.org Page 3

The June 30th deadline to complete the 3.5-acre Galloway purchase was looming as this edition of Resources

went to print. On May 28th the Town Council autho-

rized $100,000 of Community Preservation Funds to help “Save Galloway.” On June 9th BLT learned that the Baf in Foundation had approved a $20,000 grant.

With those promises in hand, along with an approved State grant and many gifts from caring individuals, about $20,000 remained to be raised to complete the project and cov-er total project costs estimated at $550,000. The closing deadline was required for reim-bursement through the State’s Conservation Partnership Grant, which operates on a s-cal year ending – you guessed it – June 30th.

Why Galloway?One of only two remaining vacant parcels

abutting Cotuit’s beloved Eagle Pond Sanc-tuary, the Galloway Property adjoins a pro-tected greenbelt. It has long been a priority.

The 3.5-acre parcel is a classic pine-oak forest that falls within the Little River Greenbelt, a major corridor in our commu-nity’s Open Space Plan. Once acquired, the Galloway Property will allow for the cre-ation of a new access point into the Eagle Pond Sanctuary, which will help reroute foot traf c away from sensitive areas.

The Galloway Property is important because it:• adjoins an 805-acre protected greenbelt spanning the Towns of Mashpee and Barnstable;• maintains the integrity of forested woodland and prevents wildlife fragmentation;• protects down-gradient shell sh beds, an important part of Barnstable’s cultural heritage;• reduces nitrogen loading and refreshes the surface waters of the Cotuit Bay estuary; and,• encourages passive recreational pursuits such as walking and nature study.

Your gift will help BLT restore its Green Fund which was used to help save this vital parcel!Tax-deductible donations to “Save Galloway” may be sent to Barnstable Land Trust,

PO Box 224, Cotuit MA 02653 or you can donate online at www.BLT.org.Special thanks to everyone who helped make the Galloway Project a success.

Save the Galloway Woodlands


The undulating landscape of Fuller Farm is masked from daily view by hills that gently rise from the busy

Route 149 roadway. Beyond the rise, gold-en meadows that were once grazed by dairy cows still remain.

“For years, I’ve looked at Fuller Farm on a map and understood its conservation values. It wasn’t until I walked the property with the Fuller family that I truly appreciat-ed how special this land is,” said BLT Executive Direc-tor Jaci Barton. “The prop-erty is simply enchanting. The naturally rolling fields are reminiscent of a bygone era. It is a scenic and cul-tural treasure.”

Fuller Farm has been on Barnstable’s Open Space priority list since its cre-ation in 1984. At 24 acres, it is one of the largest pri-vately owned undeveloped parcels remaining in our community. The conservation values include frontage on Middle Pond, protection of a public water supply, host to five rare species and 2000’ of frontage on a designated scenic roadway. When you layer all those values together, it is a high priority indeed.

When the family called this spring, we were delighted, excited and frankly, a little daunted. BLT sprang to action and quickly hatched a plan. We knew that protecting this land required a partnership. The Town, a willing partner, had access to state funding available to municipalities only.

To jumpstart the acquisition, BLT dug into our Green Fund to pay for the two ap-praisals required with that application. On behalf of the Town’s Conservation Com-mission, a request was made to the Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Grant program through the state’s Execu-tive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. A request was also made to the Town’s Community Preservation Com-

mittee for support from the Community Preserva-tion Act (CPA). The CPA is funded by a three per-cent property tax surcharge that receives a state match. Historic preservation, af-fordable housing and open space preservation are the beneficiaries.

In late October, the town learned that both requests had been recommended for approval, subject to condi-tions. The major require-

ment of the state grant is that the Fuller Farm acquisition must be completed by June 30, 2011.

Now it’s up to Barnstable Land Trust to raise an estimated $650,000.

The Fuller land is very diverse. Besides the rolling fields, there is an abandoned cranberry bog, surrounded by tall pines, oak and beech trees. The cart path around the bog makes a perfect hiking trail.

The original farmhouse burned to the continued on page 7

Fuller Farm – A Scenic & Cultural TreasureFuller Farm’s undulating meadows

Bog path


ground more than a century ago and the barn was torn down. The “new house,” built more than a hundred years ago, is near Route 149 and is still occupied. What will ultimately hap-pen to that structure is as yet unknown. It may eventually be torn down or it may possibly become BLT’s home. At the moment, BLT is focused on preserving the land.

Fuller Farm is an enduring landscape that captures people’s hearts. In these uncertain times, it will be no small feat to raise the funds required to complete the acquisition. “We’re not kidding ourselves,” said Jaci. “We know this is going to be daunting. But we’ve seen how the community reacts when faced with the opportu-nity to preserve one of our most special places.”

To learn more about how you can help, call Jaci at 508-771-2585 or visit BLT’s website www.BLT.org.

Fuller Farmconservation Values

• On the Town Priority List since 1984 • 370´ of frontage on Middle Pond• 2000´ of frontage on scenic Rt. 149• 5 known rare species • Historic and community character• Scenic and productive hayfields• Diverse Wildlife Habitat: field, forest

and abandoned cranberry bogs• Falls partially within the Groundwater

Protection District to public wellfields • Will continue to feed clean water to

Middle Pond, part of the Indian Ponds watershed that feeds the 3-Bay area ecosystem

Fuller Farm...from page 6

At their annual meeting this past Au-gust, the membership of the Mary Barton Land Conservation Trust

(MBLCT) voted unanimously to transfer its assets to Barnstable Land Trust. The vote comes thirty years after this venerable orga-nization was founded.

The Mary Barton Land Conservation Trust was formed in 1980 to preserve 105 acres around Eagle Pond in the village of Cotuit. Some of the same people who found-ed MBLCT were also integrally involved in Barnstable Land Trust, founded three years later. The relationship between the two or-ganizations has always been close.

Given the 60 square miles covered by Barnstable Land Trust, BLT founders saw the need for a staffed organization. Focused on a small geographical area in Cotuit, the MBLCT operates as an all-volunteer orga-nization. Over the years, MBLCT accom-

plished amazing feats; when big challenges arose, they always knew they could rely on BLT or The Compact of Cape Cod Conser-vation Trusts to help carry out their plans. Two recent BLT initiatives–Cordwood and Galloway–were actually on the MBLCT’s priority list but due to the cost and complex-ity of each project, BLT took the lead.

“I have always said that it doesn’t mat-ter who preserves the land so long as it is protected,” said Jaci Barton, BLT Executive Director. “We should be very proud of the privately protected sanctuary that was cre-ated in our midst.”

The 151 acres of natural land, historic cart paths, open fields and forested land includes Ropes Field, Bell Farm, the Almy Cedar Swamp and Eagle Pond. Combined with 33 adjacent acres of BLT land, these 184 acres will soon be managed as one “eco-unit.”

Transfer of Wealth


BLT Annual MeetingBLT held its 27th Annual Meeting on

November 12th at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Osterville.

President’s MessageIn her address to the membership, Presi-

dent Carol Carter focused on the need for community support. “Especially in more difficult times, we realize people have to make choices. Shelter, food and clothing may seem more compelling than the pres-ervation of land,” she said. “However, we can’t choose the time a family decides to sell or donate land to BLT. When that mo-ment comes, we must be ready to act. If the resources are not available and the opportu-nity passes by, we have lost another piece of land to development.”

Carol concluded her remarks by saying, “The enfolding of the Mary Barton Land Trust will bring us to 948 acres. We have

only 52 acres to go to reach the 1000 acre LANDmark. With your help, we can do it in 2011!”

Election of Officers & DirectorsOfficers and board members re-elected

were Carol Carter, President; Lee Ann Hesse, Vice President; and Joe Wood, Treasurer. Polly-Dana Schumacher was newly elected as Clerk, replacing Janet Es-hbaugh, who served three terms and was acknowledged for her diligence.

Also re-elected to the Board were Joe Hawley, Janet Eshbaugh, Mary Gaines Standish, Craig Spinner and Bruce Wal-lin.

Elected to serve on the 2011 Nominat-ing Committee were Joe Hawley, Carol Carter, Bill Keto, Meg Loughran and Hid Welch. Two by-law changes were also ap-proved by the membership.

From 2005-2010 the Town of Barnstable preserved 77.42 acres...BLT preserved 179.22 acres

~ From the Town’s 2010Open Space and Recreation Plan

BLT’s Hall Property along the Great Marsh


Founders’ award Recipient

As a longtime professor of history and government, Senator Robert O’Leary

has witnessed dramatic changes on Cape Cod. In 1987 he was elected County Com-missioner, and in 2000 Rob was elected to

Beacon Hill. In both realms he made history himself, bring-ing to public service a strong belief in protect-ing the local en-vironment.

At BLT’s 2010 annual meeting, Rob was honored as the recipient of BLT’s pres-tigious Found-

ers’ Award. The award is given annually to “an individual, organization, business or governmental agency for having the vi-sion to empower the people of Barnstable to preserve the essence of Cape Cod – its open spaces and natural resources, wet-lands, woodlands and wildlife.” Rob’s ac-complishments are testimony to his com-mitment to preserving Cape Cod. Some of them are listed below.• Cape Cod Commission: From 1988 to 1990

Rob helped garner a 76 percent voter approval across Cape Cod, leading to the 1990 adoption of the Cape Cod Commission Act, a national model for a strong, regional land use manage-ment agency.

• Cape Cod Land Bank: Rob was key architect and advocate to create a funding mechanism for open space acquisitions for each Cape town. As funding dwindled, he was instrumental in the Land Bank’s gentle evolution into the Commu-nity Preservation Act, which ensures contin-ued open space acquisition while also provid-ing funding for affordable housing and historic preservation.

• The 99-acre County Farm: As a County Com-missioner, Rob urged fellow commissioners to place a conservation restriction on this historic agricultural landscape in Barnstable Village, ensuring that it would always remain open and available for farming.

• Cape Cod Pathways: Rob’s vision led to the creation of trails that link open spaces across Cape Cod.

• Mass. Military Reservation: Rob was inti-mately involved in the federal/state conversion away from polluting activities into a 15,000-acre wildlife refuge.

• Stop the Outfall: When Boston’s sewer solution was ocean outfall, Rob vehemently objected and fought for legislation to stop the outfall pipe in order to protect the Cape’s offshore fish stocks, and championed the commercial role of small Cape Cod boats and fisheries.

• Massachusetts Ocean Act: Rob was the prin-cipal architect and advocate of the MOA, which required the state to develop an oceans man-agement plan to balance protection of offshore marine wildlife with economic growth. This land-mark legislation is currently used as a model for developing a national oceans management policy.

• Cape Cod Light Compact: Rob played a key role in the formation of the Compact with its green energy incentives and imperative for en-ergy conservation.

• Water Protection Act: He created the Water Protection Act, which makes available zero per-cent financing for Cape towns to build wastewa-ter facilities, thus making critical clean-ups much more politically viable and affordable. Folded into the legislation is a lesser known, but impor-tant, provision–towns that use the no-interest money must include no-growth regulations in their plans, ensuring that money spent on waste-water solutions won’t simply spur more growth.

• Environmental Record: As Senator, Rob’s rat-ings with Mass Audubon and the Mass. League of Environmental Voters have been virtually per-fect.

Rob O’Leary accepts the Founders’ Award


SPOnSORSCORPORATE

Keller Company, Inc.

PLATiNuMEmerson Investment Management, Inc.

GOLD PLuSWells Fargo Advisors, LLC

GOLDCape Cod Cooperative BankCape Cod Five Cents Savings BankJohn-Lawrence Funeral HomeFamily of Lawrence F. O’BrienGretchen Reilly

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Anyone who attended BLT’s 16th Annual Gifts From the Sea can attest to the fact that once again we were blessed with a

gorgeous evening. Thank you so much for joining us. We are most grateful to our generous hosts, Al

and Robyn Surprenant, for their hospitality and their spectacular site on Little Island overlooking Osterville’s North Bay.

Heartfelt THANKS to our sponsors, individual and business donors, and each of our many volunteers, all of whom made generous contributions to help preserve Barnstable’s natural treasures. As always, we could not have done it without you.

Proceeds from Gifts From the Sea help protect Barnstable’s natural landscapes, critical wildlife habitats, scenic vistas and open spaces.

Gifts from the Sea2010


Alex FrazeeAlison McMurryAll Cape Cooks SupplyAllied/Republic Waste ServicesAmerican Lobster MartAndrew Barr PhotographyAnita ParkerAnne GouldAnne SandstromAntonia’s FlowersArlene C. WeibelArthur & Barbara RittelBallroom BlissBarnstable Bottle ShoppeBarnstable Police DepartmentBarnstable Potter & Art GalleryBarnstable Restaurant & TavernBarnstable Sea FarmsBartlett Tree ExpertsBay Scallop PotteryBay Spirit ToursBeach Point OystersThe Beach Rose InnBeard Chevrolet-SubaruBeth SchwarzmanBird Watchers General StoreBJ’s Wholesale ClubBob HurleyBob LivingstonBonnie BrewerBooks By The SeaBorello TravelBouse House Enterprises, Inc.Bow & Arrow Stove & FireplaceBox LunchBradford’s HardwareBruce WallinCahoon Museum of American ArtCape AirCape Cod Art AssociationCape Cod BeerCape Cod BeltCape Cod Central RailroadCape Cod IceCape Cod Life PublicationsCape Cod Museum of ArtCape Cod Oyster Co.Cape Cod Package StoreCape Cod Symphony OrchestraCape LeisureCape PlayhouseCape Rep TheatreCarmen DeRaleauCarol Travers LummusCarole Ann DannerCatania Hospitality GroupCenterville JewelersCenterville Pie Co.Christine AndersonColorful CreationsConnie CaseyCotuit Center for the ArtsCotuit Fire DepartmentCotuit Sea FarmCotuit Solar & Building Diagnostics The Country Decorator Holiday HouseCraig LarsonCruceros AustralisCucina D’Amore Fine CateringCynthia HaydenDana HornigDebbie RichmondDebbie WestDebbie Whitney

Dewey Gardens DesignDiamond Perfections, Inc.Eastern Mountain SportsEasy Riders Bicycle RentalsEdible Cape CodEdward Gorey HouseElizabeth GouldEllen MycockEllen PerkinsFaena Hotel + UniverseFancy’s MarketFedEx Office Print & Ship CenterFive Eighty Six Bistro & BarFrank BestGilbert NewtonGolf-ol-o-gyGreat Marsh Kayak ToursGretchen ReillyThe Gym ExpressHarden StudiosHeritage Museums & GardensThe Historical Society of Santuit & CotuitHyannis Country GardenHyannis Package StoreHyannis Whale Watcher CruisesHyannis Yacht ClubHyannisport ClubHy-Line CruisesJ. Miller Picture Framer & GalleryJack AdamsJack CottonJacqueline PlummerJames Mayne FreeheartJane ZulkiewiczJanet & Chuck BauerJanet & Jeff EshbaughJared Coffin HouseJean CarbonellJean KeavyJimmy’s SushiJoe & Sarah HawleyJoe WoodJohn & Anne DoyleJohn AndersonKaren Fitzgerald BuckleyKaren RosenthalKarol B. WyckoffKen MortonKenMark Office SystemsKMP DesignLahuenco Eco Resort Thermal SpaLen & Reid HigginsLen DilorenzoLeona KevorkianLes HemmilaLing Electric Electro-Mechanical ServicesThe Little Beach GalleryLiz MumfordLynn WallinMahoney’s Garden CenterMargrit MasonMari PossMarian Waldron NicastroMarty SandlerMary Ann RussellMary EllisMattakeese Wharf RestaurantMermaids PantryMoonakis CafeMoran Woodworks at West Barnstable TablesMoveable Feast CateringNantucket Island Rent A CarNantucket Whaling Museum

The National Marine Life CenterNauset Lantern ShopNed HandyNew Bedford Whaling MuseumNirvana Coffee CompanyOlivia Miller/OHMWorks, Inc.Osterville Historical SocietyOyster Harbors ClubPain D’AvignonParker’s Discount LiquorsPat CroninPatricia BachandPatricia FosterPaul HowardPaul RifkinPeaco ToddPeter WestPierre DeuxPlimoth PlantationThe Plum PorchThe Preservation Society of Newport CountyPro-CutsPuritan Cape CodRazzmatazz Hair StudioRed BansfieldThe Regatta of CotuitReiki by the Sea - Maxine BornsteinRichard Gregory-AllenRika HendersonThe Riverway Lobster HouseRob AshworthRobert E. Guertin Jeweler, Inc.Robert RoarkRoche Bros. (Mashpee, Wellesley Hills)Roger Williams Park ZooSalty Lou’sSandi BlandaSandwich Glass MuseumSandy O’ConnorSara David RinglerScott TerrySea Flash FarmsSea of BeadsSiena RestaurantSophie TaylorSports PortStar MarketThe Steamship AuthoritySteve & Jan GouldStop & Shop (Hyannis, Marstons Mills)Summer House Natural SoapsSusan O’Brien McLeanThe Tea ShoppeThe Tech DepotThomas SchmauderThree Bays PreservationTo TasteToby KalmanTom & Evelyn MullenTrader Joe’sUndercover TentUpper Cut SalonVillage OrchidsVintage Flowers of OstervilleVittoria SaultWest Barnstable Fire DepartmentWest Barnstable TablesWianno ClubWilliam MartinWimpy’s Seafood Café & MarketYoga Center of Cape CodYoga on the BeachYoung’s Bicycle Shop

GFS DOnORS


Saving America’s Trees from theAsian Longhorned Beetle

by Jesse Booth, Arborist, Bartlett Tree Experts

In China, it is known as “Starry Sky” due to its sparkling black and white appear-ance. Despite this romantic nickname,

the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) has the potential to be one of the most devastating pests in American history.

Originating in the Far East, this inva-sive species arrived on American soil while hidden in the wood of Chinese pack-ing crates. Over the past twenty years the beetle has advanced throughout North America: Brooklyn, Long Island, New Jersey, even spread-ing into Chicago and Canada.

Then, in 2008, a prolific infestation of ALB was discovered in Worcester, MA. Thanks to early detection and quick eradi-cation efforts on behalf of the USDA-An-imal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the spread has been temporarily stopped. Still, the danger of this invading insect looms throughout Massachusetts and the rest of New England.

Throughout its lifecycle the beetle feeds, breeds, and spreads to thirteen host tree species–maples, elms, birches, ashes, pop-

lars, willows, horse chestnuts, sycamores, London planes, mimosas, aspens, mountain ashes, and katsuras. The cycle begins as a female chews a disk-shaped, dime-sized egg site into the bark of a host tree and im-plants a single egg. During the larval stage,

the young larvae con-tinue to bore through the interior of the host tree and feed on the plant’s phloem–the vital transport tissue between the bark and the tree.

This feeding de-prives the host tree of its most vital nutri-ents, disrupts sap flow, limits the host tree’s ability to fight infec-tion, and eventually kills the tree. As an adult, the beetle trav-

els over 400 yards in search of more host trees, spreading the damage even further.

The Asian Longhorned Beetle poses a se-rious threat to our forests due to the ferocity of its appetite, range of trees it feeds upon, and the harm it inflicts upon native species. It infests some of our most valuable hard-wood trees.

New England’s precious sugar maple forests are particularly vulnerable. The

The Asian Longhorned Beetle has yet to spread to the Cape; however, it is crucial to know what it looks like and recognize signs of the invasive insect.

continued on page 13

This newsletter is generously underwrittenby F.A. Bartlett Tree Experts, Co.

508-428-2397 • www.bartlett.com


Worcester County infesta-tion potentially threatens the world’s largest sugar maple forests. Our valuable syrup industry could face irrevers-ible harm. The explosive beauty that sugar maples of-fer each fall could become strangely quiet in years to come if the infestation is not halted today.

What can we do to stop this infestation?

Bartlett Tree has won a comprehensive USDA-APHIS inspection and treatment contract because of our extensive scientific resources and qualified arborists. We are currently inspecting host trees for Asian Longhorned Beetle egg sites and adult emergent holes and treating them through-out Worcester County. Once infected trees are identified, the USDA quarantines the area and initiates a strategy to eradicate the beetle. Bartlett has been a lead tree care company chosen by the USDA to preven-tively treat the quarantined area trees to halt the spread of the beetle.

With your help, quick identification can save thousands of trees. Keep your eyes

open for signs of the beetle. Be on the lookout for dime-sized holes in the bark of the aforementioned host trees, exhibiting coarse wood spiral shavings 1 to 2 inches in length at the base of the tree. It is also help-ful to watch for the beetle itself. It is a large insect, ranging from .75-1.25 inches long, with long, black and white speckled anten-nae; its body is glossy black with irregular white spots. In Massachusetts, adults can be seen from early summer through the fall.

If you see an insect you believe to be the Asian Longhorned Beetle, try to capture it and save it for a thorough identification. Contact your local USDA office, or call a Bartlett arborist at 508-428-2397. We can identify the pest and send it to our USDA-APHIS eradication team, helping to stop the infestation and save America’s trees.

Internship Program

Beetle...from page 12The Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB), ranges from.75-1.25 inches in length with long black and white antennae. The body is glossy black with irregular white spots. These beetles feed on 13 host tree species–maples, elms, birches, ashes, poplars, willows, horse chestnuts, sycamores, London planes, mimosas, aspens, mountain ashes, and katsuras.

The Elisabeth Eaton Clark Internship Fund once again enabled BLT to

hire much needed support to help with our hectic summer workload. Lloyd Gould returned for a second season, sharing his boundless skills, energy and enthusiasm. We are grateful to Lloyd for his hard work and commitment to BLT and for helping to make this year’s Gifts from the Sea the most successful event ever!

The Internship Fund will only enable BLT to hire one college student before the funds run out.

Help keep the internship program alive. Donate to BLT’s Elisabeth Eaton Clark Internship Fund, P.O. Box 224, Cotuit, MA 02635. Lis Clark, a passionate environmentalist, was a founding member of BLT.To learn more about the internship program and how to apply for 2011, go to www.BLT.org.

You never know what you’ll find on a BLT nature walk. Last May Bob Prescott, Director of the Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, led a

Turtle Island Spring Trek as part of BLT’s Walks & Talks program. Turtle Island, so named when it was received by BLT in 1990, was donated by the Davis Family of Oster-ville. As participants scoured the land in search of turtles, they found the leathery remains of depredated turtle eggs–clear evidence that there were indeed turtles on Turtle Is-land. The predators were likely raccoons who enjoy feast-

ing on freshly laid eggs. Scratch marks in the sand left evidence of a freshly covered, intact turtle nest.

But what kind of turtles? Perhaps the prehistoric-looking snapping turtle that lives in marshy areas, comes ashore each spring to dig a hole, lay her eggs, cover them up and return to the marsh. Or maybe Eastern Box Turtles, which also like open areas in which to lay their eggs and then take refuge among the leaf litter in the woodlands. Based on the rough texture of the shells, it was determined that they were, in fact, snapping turtle eggs.

Further exploration in the nearby pine/oak upland forest yielded several Lady Slippers. Suddenly, there was a commotion of flapping wings; two very large aerial beings were circling overhead. Bob exclaimed, “Those are Great Blue Herons…in breeding plumage!” We then saw what lay on the ground: more egg remnants–but not of turtle eggs. So what were they?

When BLT Land Manager Red Bansfield is out monitor-ing BLT holdings in the Prince Cove and Warren’s Cove areas, it is not unusual for him to see Osprey or Great Blue Herons. Here on Cape Cod, however, there are no known Great Blue Heron nests. Their breeding, we are told, occurs south of Route 128 but never on Cape Cod.

Never say never. Lo and behold, the three pale blue half shells were the remains of heron hatchling eggs. All it took was a look up and it was clear the eggshells had fallen from a nest in a nearby scrub pine.

This is the first known Great Blue Heron nest to be found on Cape Cod!


A Cape First: Great Blue Heron Nest!

Walks & talks: Tell Us Where to Go in 2011BLT had a bountiful Walks & Talks season with 28 nature walks and educational

talks in 2010.Planning for next year’s program is underway. If you have a special place in mind

you’d like included in next year’s offerings–or if you’d like to lead a nature walk or present a talk–please contact Melanie Curtis at [email protected] or call her at 508-771-2585. We’d love to hear your ideas!

Turtle Island, a one-acre upland island surrounded by marsh

Great Blue Heron eggs


TribuTes And MeMoriAl GifTs

In Honor of…Catherine alexanderFrom Chris Alexander

Kris & len ClarkFrom Clifton C. Wolfe

stephanie finegold’s BirthdayFrom Lynn & Chris Jones

the fitzpatrick GrandchildrenFrom John & Judith Fitzpatrick

sean Jones’s BirthdayFrom Lynn & Chris Jones

ellen & terry lloydFrom Prue & Ami Rosenthal

frank webberFrom Nancy & Edward Cobden

ed BragdonFrom Kai & Joanna Erikson

Kathleen M. CrawfordFrom Rima & Romas Bričkus

John t. ConnorFrom Mary Connor

Jennet & robert CurtisFrom Gael Ryan

John l. danforthFrom Constance Danforth

Patricia Colbert donovanFrom James & Nancy Colbert

elizabeth C. edwardsFrom Matthew Rueter

John t. fallonFrom Antoinette Fallon

al fullerFrom Mark Wirtanen & Terrie Reilly

Jack J. furmanFrom Sylvia FurmanFrom Phyllis Cole

sarah GraciaFrom Barbara & Arthur Rittel

earl h. GrantFrom Mae V. Grant

Paul & Priscilla hembergerFrom Stephen P. Hemberger

ellsworth MitchellFrom Mrs. Ruth Mitchell

tom MorgansteinFrom Chester Wolfe

h. leighton MorrillFrom Mrs. H. Leighton Morrill

John laffey NelsonFrom Sheila & Eleanor Laffey

Jeffrey o’NeilFrom Cheryl O’Neil Weber & Hans Peter Weber

s. Gordon PickeringFrom Charles & Doreen BilezikianFrom Jane & Owen CarneyFrom Priscilla JonesFrom Ralph & Deborah KrauFrom Jean & Jim Sabourin

lee romanoFrom Patricia M. Bachand

Joan switzerFrom Karl W. Switzer

henry walcottFrom Don & Marianne Barth

rose wojciechowskiFrom Frank Wojciechowski

John B. wrightFrom Elizabeth C. Wright

anne ZinchukA bequest from the estate of Anne Zinchuk

In Memory of…

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resources – winter 2010/2011

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