First Day Hikes Cape Cod 2023 is the third annual collaborative effort inspired by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) state parks First Day Hike program, which encourages people to get outdoors with free guided walks and activities to explore Cape Cod’s parks, trails, and natural resources on January 1st. Primarily celebrated in state parks across the nation, First Day Hikes Cape Cod is the only regional model of its kind that launched three years ago. This year it has grown to represent 15 conservation/environmental organizations and featured 18 free events. Please contact Sue Dahling Sullivan, Barnstable Land Trust, at sue@blt.org with questions!

Red River Beach, Harwich

Host: Harwich Conservation Trust

Celebrate the first light of the first day of the New Year with Harwich Conservation Trust on a Sunrise Mindful Beach Stroll. Join Naturalist and Mindful Outdoor Guide Andrea Higgins at Red River Beach in South Harwich to witness the Earth waking up to a new day, a new year, and a new beginning. Enjoy a gentle stretch, a slow beach stroll to admire the gifts of the sea, and a mindful outdoor experience while connecting with nature, self, and each other as we start the new year. This walk will be approximately one mile, mostly in soft sand. Please register below.

West Dennis Beach, West Dennis

Hosts: Dennis Conservation Land Trust and Friends of Bass River

Start 2024 off right – outside! – for the year’s first light. Join the Dennis Conservation Land Trust and the Friends of Bass River at West Dennis Beach for the first sunrise of 2024. Walk along the barrier beach for views of Nantucket Sound and Bass River while learning about the natural and cultural history of the area. The 1-mile walk will start at 6:45 AM and proceed along flat, sandy substrate. Registration is limited. Email info@DennisConservationLandTrust.org for more info or to reserve your spot.

Sandy Neck Beach, West Barnstable

Host: Barnstable Land Trust

Ring in the New Year with a sunrise hike at Sandy Neck Beach, a barrier beach and park. Watch the sky come alive as the world awakens to 2024 and join Barnstable Land Trust’s Executive Director, Janet Milkman, as she guides you across smooth sand, rolling dunes, and marshland trails. This endangered area is comprised of freshwater wetlands, a salt marsh, and has been recognized by the state of Massachusetts as an area of critical environmental concern. Please note, this hike will cover 1.6 miles of moderate to difficult terrain, consisting of mostly loose sand and last approximately 1.5 hours. Please only register if you are an experienced hiker and bring layers, water, and anything else you need for a successful hike. Hike will last approximately 1.5 hours. Pre-registration is recommended.

This Event is Happily Full!

Bourne Farm, 6 North Falmouth Highway, W. Falmouth

Host: Salt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuaries

Bourne Farm is not a place where important events happened or famous people lived; and it is not a place of outstanding architectural distinction. But it is a rare survivor of an endangered species, an eighteenth century farm of modest size in an area that is rapidly being swallowed up by half-acre lots and condominiums. Bourne Farm is 50-acre historic property bound by stone walls and Crocker Pond, a deep 7 ½ acre freshwater pond. The Penn Central Railroad (which is now the Shining Sea Bikeway) traverses the property from north to south, and a cattle pass that had been cut under it is still useable. The 3.7-mile loop trail begins at the parking lot of Bourne Farm. It is considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1h 12 min to complete. We ask that no dogs are on the walk today for this hike. Please pre-register by emailing spabsfal@verizon.net

Bell’s Neck Conservation Lands, Harwich

Host: Harwich Conservation Trust

Join Harwich Conservation Trust for a More Walk, Less Talk adventure. Pat Sarantis will lead a moderately paced exercise walk to explore Bell's Neck Conservation Lands from all sides of the West Reservoir including the newest link in the emerald necklace. Peek at the tidal East Reservoir and pause at the footbridge over the Herring River. Visit the herring run and enjoy the views. Maybe even catch sight of a bald eagle which has been seen at this scenic town-owned conservation destination. This walk will cover approximately 3 miles. Directions to the East Trailhead Parking are: From Great Western Road, take Bell’s Neck Road (dirt) south. Drive 0.25 mile and on the left will be a small trailhead kiosk and parking area or click here for Google Maps navigation. Please register below.

Frost Fish Creek Trail, North Chatham

Host: Chatham Conservation Foundation

Join Chatham Conservation Foundation (CCF) Executive Director Lauren Arcomano in welcoming 2024 with a guided walk along CCF's Frost Fish Creek Trail. The trail meanders along the eastern edge of Frost Fish Creek, offering walkers glimpses of an old cranberry operation which has reverted to open wetlands. Bring your binoculars to get a good view of the "winter locals" of Frost Fish Creek, including buffleheads and other ducks! Walk repeats at Noon. Preregistration is required.

Margaret Wyman Turtle Garden Sanctuary, West Barnstable

Host: Orenda Wildlife Land Trust, Inc.

Join Orenda Wildlife Land Trust as we kick off the new year with First Day Hikes Cape Cod, for a turtle-riffic walk-and-talk at our Margaret Wyman Turtle Garden Sanctuary! We will trace the slow-but-steady steps of Diamondback Terrapins from our sanctuary to Barnstable Great Marsh, while we highlight the efforts of local wildlife organizations to protect the well-being of this threatened species. We will also introduce participants to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on goals #13 – Climate Action, #14 – Life Below Water and #15 – Life on Land. Capacity/parking is limited and registration is first-come, first-served. The event is free and family-friendly, and the walk-and-talk is rated “easy,” and can be modified to meet the needs of varying ages and physical abilities. Dress for the weather and wear boots, as we will venture out to explore the marsh at low tide. This walk will be repeated at 11:30 am. Pre- registration is required.

Herring River Overlook, Wellfleet

Hosts: Wellfleet Conservation Trust and Friends of Herring River (Wellfleet/Truro)

Join this 1st of January walk featuring Wellfleet Conservation Trust’s Herring River Overlook and the Herring River Restoration project. The walk will include short talks on recent research of Native American land use in the area, geology of the area, an update on the restoration project, and the acquisition by the Wellfleet Conservation Trust of the beautiful land overlooking the river. The out and back 2-mile, 2-hour walk will be mostly on rolling dirt paths with a short section over the temporary walking bridge and on Chequessett Neck Road. Walking shoes or boots are recommended.

Free registration is limited to 20 people and will be on a first come/first served basis. Please email wct.annual.walk@gmail.com to enroll with the names of participants (maximum 4) and contact telephone number. Parking directions will be e-mailed to registrants.

This Event is Happily Full!

Beech Forest Trail, Race Point Road, Provincetown

Host: Provincetown Conservation Trust

Join the PCT and naturalist Tom Walker as we commence with our First Hike of the year by exploring the great variety of lichens in Beech Forest. Lichens are symbiotic organisms formed from the union of fungi and algae. They stabilize and add nutrients to our soils, provide nesting material for birds, shelter for invertebrates, and promote soil formation on bare rock. While they may be found all over the world and in the harshest conditions, they are vulnerable in areas with poor air quality. Alternatively, they thrive in areas with low pollution, high humidity and moderate temperatures. Cape Cod's constant sea breezes create the ideal conditions for lichen abundance and diversity. Pre-registration is required.

Margaret Wyman Turtle Garden Sanctuary, West Barnstable

Host: Orenda Wildlife Land Trust, Inc.

Join Orenda Wildlife Land Trust as we kick off the new year with First Day Hikes Cape Cod, for a turtle-riffic walk-and-talk at our Margaret Wyman Turtle Garden Sanctuary! We will trace the slow-but-steady steps of Diamondback Terrapins from our sanctuary to Barnstable Great Marsh, while we highlight the efforts of local wildlife organizations to protect the well-being of this threatened species. We will also introduce participants to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on goals #13 – Climate Action, #14 – Life Below Water and #15 – Life on Land. Capacity/parking is limited and registration is first-come, first-served. The event is free and family-friendly, and the walk-and-talk is rated “easy,” and can be modified to meet the needs of varying ages and physical abilities. Dress for the weather and wear boots, as we will venture out to explore the marsh at low tide. This walk is also offered at 10:00 am. Pre- registration is required.

Frost Fish Creek Trail, North Chatham

Host: Chatham Conservation Foundation

Join Chatham Conservation Foundation (CCF) Executive Director Lauren Arcomano in welcoming 2024 with a guided walk along CCF's Frost Fish Creek Trail. The trail meanders along the eastern edge of Frost Fish Creek, offering walkers glimpses of an old cranberry operation which has reverted to open wetlands. Bring your binoculars to get a good view of the "winter locals" of Frost Fish Creek, including buffleheads and other ducks! First walk is at 10:00 am. Preregistration is required.

Calf Field Pond Trails, Punkhorn Parklands, Brewster

Host: Brewster Conservation Trust

Are you looking forward to a fresh start in 2023? Celebrate the new year outdoors with a First Day Hike! Join Brewster Conservation Trust for a fun, informal group hike at Calf Field Pond. Calf Field Pond area is distinctly different from other trails in the Punkhorn Parklands. Geologically, it is hilly and rocky and full of kettle holes typical of high moraines. The trail system passes through beech groves, which are unusual on the Cape and by areas where large granite boulders were quarried in centuries past. The walk covers 2.5 miles of moderate difficulty (modest hills and occasional uneven terrain). Registration is required.

Mashpee River Woodlands, Mashpee

Host: Native Land Conservancy

Join the Native Land Conservancy for a First Day Hike where you will be welcomed by Gail Melix, NLC Board Member, and member of the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe who will share her indigenous perspective of the land, and NLC Executive Director Diana Ruiz, PhD who will share her knowledge as a conservation scientist. NLC is a Mashpee-based non-profit Native American-run land conservation organization dedicated to rescuing restoring and protecting land to foster healthy natural environments to provide safe spaces for people to re-connect with nature. The walk will last about 2 hours on easy terrain. Registration is required.

Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary at Stockton Shortcut, Wareham

Host: Wareham Land Trust

Join the Wareham Land Trust for a walk around the Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary with a beautiful scenic view of Buzzard’s Bay. Relax after the holiday rush in the peaceful pine forest while getting a head start on those New Year’s Resolutions to be more active and get outdoors. Dress in layers for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes. The walk is approximately 1.8 mile, and is easy to moderate difficulty. Registration is required.

Beebe Woods, Falmouth

Host: 300 Committee Land Trust (Falmouth)

Location: Park and meet in the Hiker's Lot for Beebe Woods in Falmouth. Take Depot Avenue to Highfield Drive. Go past both Highfield Hall and the Cape Cod Conservatory, continuing to the large mostly unpaved lot for Beebe Woods. The trailhead and kiosk are to your left.

Join The 300 Committee Land Trust (T3C) for a New Year's trek in Falmouth's beloved Beebe Woods. T3C's walk leaders will guide participants on leisurely-paced hikes over a variety of trails. Each group will go in a different direction, with everyone experiencing the delights that Beebe Woods has to offer. There will be several options: Moderate, 3 miles; more challenging, 3 miles; mostly flat, 1 mile; more challenging, 1.25 miles. (Hiking poles are recommended for the more challenging loops. Please leave dogs at home.) No registration required.

Barnstable Land Trust Conservation Center, West Barnstable

Host: Barnstable Land Trust

Kick-off 2024 on the right foot with some fun, family-friendly activities during BLT’s First Day Open House! Add your wish for 2024 to BLT’s first “Wishing Tree,” have fun exploring nature through special games and hands-on crafts, and enjoy s’mores by a roaring campfire (weather permitting). This program is supported in part by Cape Cod 5. NOTE: No need to register for this drop-in event which lasts from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.

Fuller Farm, 995 Route 130, Marstons Mills

Host: Barnstable Land Trust

Discover the two newest geocaches on Cape Cod! Meet Liz and Cassie, two Cape Cod champions who will share how they play the Geocaching game with their own families while exploring nature trails across the Cape. We recommend downloading the app (AppStore here or Google Play here) and creating a user name in advance so they can show you how easy - and fun - it is to log your first 'find' of the new year! Rain or shine, this dynamic duo will guide you through an interactive exercise so that you can be among the first to discover Fuller Farm’s newest ‘hidden treasures.’ This program is supported in part by Cape Cod 5. NOTE: No need to register for this drop-in event which lasts from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.

Portanimicut Greenbelt, Orleans, MA

Host: Orleans Conservation Trust

Join OCT for a short, easy walk to celebrate the new year. Part of First Day Hikes Cape Cod, we'll start at the new trailhead at the recently preserved Greenbelt Gateway, and we'll meander about half a mile through old fields, wooded forests, and along the edge of a white cedar swamp on the Town-owned Christian Conservation Area. Group size will be limited and registration is required.