Upcoming Events
Questions about programs or events? email info@blt.org
Some programs and events require registration which usually opens 2-3 weeks prior to the event.
Check out this NEW calendar of more cape-wide programs offered by local conservation groups.
Waves of Change Arts Festival (Partner Program)
Barnstable Land Trust is pleased to participate as a community partner at the Waves of Change Arts Festival hosted by the Social and Economic Justice Institute at Cape Cod Community College. This three-day creative takeover focused on climate justice, social equity, and community storytelling brings together visual art, live music, documentary films, interactive workshops, and powerful conversations. Catch BLT’s Rising Tides Fish Flag display in the Grossman Cafeteria on Wednesday, October 8, 12 PM - 1:30 PM.
“A Force for Nature” Author Talk (Partner Program)
Join author Joan Griffin for the adventure of a lifetime! Through photos and stories, Joan will take you along on her monthlong backpacking adventure through the heart of California’s Sierra Nevada on the iconic John Muir Trail. She’ll introduce you to the stunning beauty of the wilderness trail, to stories of mishaps and triumphs, and to her hiking partners, dubbed with the trail-name The Three Women. Joan’s adventure memoir, Force of Nature: Three Women Tackle the John Muir Trail—equal parts gripping adventure tale, personal memoir, and vivid nature writing—is an inspiring story that will have you planning your own next great adventure. This program is co-sponsored by Centerville Public Library, Barnstable Land Trust, and the Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club. This author talk will be held in Community Rooms AB and is free and open to the public. Preregistration is optional but appreciated.
Kalmus Beach Clean-up
Join BLT, the Town of Barnstable Natural Resources team, and other community partners for a sunrise beach clean-up at Kalmus Beach in Hyannis. Gloves and trash bags will be provided as well as a thank you gift. Please dress accordingly for the weather and join the fun! Pre-registration is suggested to make sure there are enough supplies. Questions? Call Barnstable Natural Resources: 508-790-6272
Net Zero 2025: At the Ready! Building Resilient Communities Together
Climate impacts are here. The question is: what can we do now?
Join BLT and local leaders, experts, and neighbors to explore real, actionable solutions around topics like coastal resilience, skyrocketing homeowners’ insurance costs, grid readiness, and the Climate Action Plan for Cape Cod. By being part of the conversation, you can be part of the solution. And don't forget to stop by BLT's table and say hello! FREE but registration is highly recommended.
Celebrating National Write-Out: Exploring the Writer Within with Linda Maria Steele
Celebrate the Town of Barnstable's Walking Weekend as well as the national "Write Out" project where we step outside the doors of our classrooms, homes, and workplaces to write and create. Join in for a morning of guided nature writing at the Michael R. Kramer Center at Fuller Farm. A special opportunity for writing in community with inspirational prompts and an invitation to be creative. Workshop will be productive and fun. Bring a journal and a pen or pencil. Led by Linda Maria Steele, author of Finding the Writer Within.
Discover Nature: A Family-friendly Open House with Cape Cod Toy Library
Barnstable Land Trust and Cape Cod Toy Library, Inc. invite families to a special "Discovering Nature" Open House in celebration of Barnstable's annual Fall Walking Weekend. Explore BLT's Pogorelc Trail and discover the joys of nature together. Enjoy interactive activities, games, a story time featuring "The Hike" written by Alison Farrell, and more! Recommended for children 2- 12; registration is not required but encouraged. This FREE event will be held rain or shine.
Tax Benefits of Preserving Your Land: A Conservation Workshop for Cape Cod Landowners (Partner Program)
Please join the Native Land Conservancy, Barnstable Land Trust and our many land conservation partners in a free workshop for landowners who are considering options for land preservation. This workshop will explain the process and provide information about what local, state and federal tax benefits may be for those who take steps to preserve their land. Attendees will get a first hand perspective on the process from Falmouth resident Vicky Lowell who donated land to a local land trust. The workshop will be held at the Native Land Conservancy office at 2B Center Street, Mashpee, MA, just off of Route 130. Space is limited.
Halloween Party Parade (Partner Event)
Join Barnstable Land Trust, Cotuit Library, and the Cotuit Fire Department for a frighteningly fun Halloween Party Parade at Ropes Field in Cotuit. For a spooktacular start to your trick or treat fun, join us with fun activities including games, crafts, candy, and a Pet and Person Costume Parade at 4:30 around the field. Recommended by children under 12 years old and parade pets must be on leash. Preregistration encouraged.
Bog Stomping at Crocker Neck
Join Barnstable Land Trust and Professor Gil Newton on walk through the diverse ecosystems of Crocker Neck! Gil is a local ecologist and author, who will guide us through encounters not only a beach ecosystem, but a salt marsh and an estuary as well. Learn all about these ecosystems and the flora and fauna that thrive here. This trail is about 1.5 miles long and classified as easy based on a generally flat, wide trail. Location provided to registrants, event will be cancelled or postponed in the case of rain or severe weather.
Registration Coming Soon!
An Enchanting, Eerie, and Mysterious Walk
Join BLT and Mark Kesling, founder of the daVinci Pursuit, as we embark on a thrilling art science nature walk that uncovers the spooky and spirited elements of the natural world! This unique journey invites participants to explore the enchanting, eerie, and often mysterious aspects of nature that inspire both curiosity and imagination. As we traverse shadowy trails and secluded nooks, we will delve into the folklore, myths, and wonders surrounding natural phenomena. From the haunting calls of nocturnal animals to the gnarled shapes of ancient trees, each stop along the way will reveal the spine-tingling beauty found in the wilderness. Participants will engage in creative activities that blend art and science—sketching strange plant formations, crafting ghostly leaf rubbings, and documenting unusual animal behaviors. Guided discussions will highlight the ecological roles these fascinating “spirited” elements play in their habitats and how they have inspired myths and legends throughout history. Led by a passionate naturalist and artist, this walk promises to ignite your imagination and encourage a newfound appreciation for the mysterious side of nature. Come ready to embrace the spookiness, find inspiration in the shadows, and discover the spirited stories that await in the great outdoors! This is part of BLT's eARTh Connections series which is supported in part by a grant from the Mid-Cape Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Registration Coming Soon!
Weeding Wednesday
Calling all green thumb gardeners, weed whackers, and pollinator plant proponents! For 2-hours this month, you can join BLT’s Weeding Wednesday crew at the BLT Office and Conservation Center on Route 6A to help maintain our native landscape gardens. Weeding Wednesday projects might include invasive plant removal, pollinator garden weeding, seed saving, and general property maintenance projects. Note: Registration is required for each individual Weeding Wednesday project. Volunteers should be prepared for physical activity including lifting, kneeling, digging, and cutting brush. BYO water, work gloves, kneeling pads (if preferred), and wear pants and closed-toe shoes. Training will be provided. Limited tools will be provided although you can also bring your own. Project Leader Kelly Barber, Director of Land Stewardship, will send out specific project details the day before the volunteer day.
Fuller Farm Friday
For 2-hours this month, you can join BLT’s “green team” by volunteering at Fuller Farm, a 22-acre signature property with a short woodland loop overlooking cranberry bogs and an open meadow trail following the field edge of a former dairy farm. The volunteer project might include trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, pollinator garden weeding, and something related. This program is supported in part by the Cape and Islands United Way. Note: Registration is required for each individual First Friday project. Volunteers should be prepared for physical activity including lifting, kneeling, digging, and cutting brush. BYO water, work gloves, and wear pants and closed-toe shoes. Training will be provided. Limited tools will be provided. If you prefer to bring your own – shovels, loppers, hand saws, and/or rakes are recommended. Project Leader Kelly Barber, Director of Land Stewardship, will send out specific project details the day before the volunteer day. We look forward to your help in stewarding this community gem!
Meet the Cape Cod Woodturners
Come join us for a woodturning demonstration at BLT's Fuller Farm by members of Cape Cod Woodturners as we continue to celebrate Arts and Humanities Month. Learn about wood selection, methods of holding the wood blank, process, and form. A show and tell exhibit will allow you to see and touch a variety of kinds of wooden turned objects, both functional and more artistic. An actual piece will be "turned" - so don't miss this chance to see the process from beginning to end which then be a door prize for one of the attendees. Come and join in on the fun!
Walk in the Woods with Your Sketchbook and Master Artist Betsy Payne Cook
Barnstable Land Trust’s Fuller Farm is an ideal location to study and sketch the Cape Cod agricultural landscape. Betsy will talk about her painting process, while demonstrating how she combines technical skills with her expressive approach to color and design. As a lifelong educator, she welcomes the community to come and walk with her for this interactive sketchbook drawing session. Participants are encouraged to bring their own sketchbook and drawing instruments.
Betsy Payne Cook is an avid plein air pastel painter and attributes her time painting outdoors as a key factor in developing her skills and identifying her personal vision as an artist. Betsy is a graduate of the College of St Rose in Albany NY, having received degrees in Art Education & Special Education. After a 30-year career in education, she retired and is now a fulltime artist and art educator.
Barnstable Open Space Forum: Landowners Workshop
Please join the Town of Barnstable's Open Space Committee for a free forum for landowners wanting to learn about options for land preservation. The Open Space Committee has invited Barnstable Land Trust to present at the forum to discuss land preservation options for landowners, and The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts will provide information about what local, state and federal tax benefits may be available for those who take steps to preserve their land. The workshop will be held in the Town Hall Hearing Room at 367 Main Street in Hyannis. This event is free and open to the public.
No Registration Necessary
Climate Resiliency: A Bog Restoration Walk
Join Barnstable Land Trust and Barnstable Clean Water Coalition (BCWC) staff on a tour of BCWC's historic 1800's cranberry bogs at the headwaters of the Marstons Mills River. Learn about BCWC's ongoing wetlands restoration work to remove nitrogen flowing downriver through 64 acres of bogs and how this bog system provides an opportunity to improve water quality and create a climate resilient landscape in the Three Bays estuary. Pre-registration is required. This program is part of BLT's Climate Conversations which is sponsored in part by Solar Rising, a Cape Cod based full service solar installation company.
Tree Planting 101: How to Properly Plant a Tree (Partner Program)
Cooling the planet, cleaning air, preventing erosion, creating habitat, reducing noise... there are many benefits to planting trees! In this BLT partner program, learn how to properly plant and care for a tree with the Town of Barnstable's Greening Hyannis staff. Dan Connolly, certified arborist/retired Town of Orleans Tree Warden, assisted by Hannah VanDivier, will instruct and engage participants on the fundamentals of tree planting. The group will learn to plant 1 tree, and will have the opportunity to plant 2 more along Sea Street in Hyannis.
Bring gloves and closed toe shoes. Tools will be provided. Registration required--limited parking. No rain date. This program is part of BLT's Climate Conversations which is sponsored in part by Solar Rising, a Cape Cod based full service solar installation company.
Cape Cod Homeowners: It’s Time to Get Climate-Ready! (Partner Program)
Living on the Cape means beautiful coastlines, salty air… and big climate challenges. Rising seas, stronger storms, and flooding are changing our communities—so how do we prepare? Join Sturgis Library, Barnstable Land Trust, Bryan McCormack, Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Sea Grant’s Resilience Specialist, for an eye-opening session on what climate change means for Cape Cod homeowners and, more importantly, what you can do about it!
Preregistration is encouraged. This program is part of BLT's Climate Conversations which is sponsored in part by Solar Rising, a Cape Cod based full service solar installation company.
Climate Change Trail Walk with Resilient Woods Hole
Join Resilient Woods Hole (RWH) for this special guided walk of their Climate Walking Trail which educates the public about the climate impacts on well-known areas of Woods Hole Village as well as about existing climate resilience initiatives. Relative sea level increased by 1.01ft in Woods Hole between 1932 and 2023, according to NOAA. This trend is predicted to accelerate as the ocean expands due to global warming and glacial ice melt. Sign-up now to learn more about how Woods Hole is developing solutions for these climate-based challenges while exploring a portion of this 2.2 mile walk.
Climate Conversations: Cape Cod's Coastal Challenges from Sandy Neck Beach to Chatham's Morris Island
Join Barnstable Land Trust, Osterville Village Library, local documentary film producer Jan Crocker and Associate Producer/Writer Tim Wood, and Barnstable's Natural Resources department for an afternoon of thought-provoking discussion on climate change, sea level rise, and erosion on Cape Cod. Enjoy a film screening and Q&A discussion of Refuge: Cape Cod's Coastal Crisis, a 30-minute documentary which focuses on how climate change transformed the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge at Morris Island and threatens the greater Cape Cod coastal region. That will be followed with a presentation by the Town of Barnstable on the massive climate resiliency project starting this fall on the relocation of the Sandy Neck Beach parking lot. This is one climate conversation you won't want to miss! This program is part of BLT's Climate Conversations which is sponsored in part by Solar Rising, a Cape Cod based full service solar installation company.
The Floating Garden: An Ecological Innovation at Eagle Pond
You are invited to take a walk around Cotuit's Eagle Pond to learn more about the floating garden built by the Saint John Paul II AP Environmental Science class last spring! From conception to completion, the AP EnviSci class - working in conjunction with Mullen Building, Barnstable Land Trust, Town of Barnstable and BlueBlocks Floating Gardens, via Thread Collective, based in Brooklyn NY - designed, constructed, and installed this sustainable floating garden. Meet the students and Town of Barnstable partners and learn how the floating garden provides a habitat for local pond life, filters pollutants from the water, and helps prevent harmful algae blooms—all of which contribute to the long-term sustainability of Eagle Pond. This program is part of BLT's month-long Climate Conversations series which is sponsored in part by Solar Rising, a Cape Cod based full service solar installation company.
Native American Nature Poetry Trail Walk
Join Ellen Snoeyenbos, founder of the Walking Readers Group, and let the words of some of the finest Native American poets echo in your mind as we walk together through a landscape rich in wildlife and an ancient connection between humans and nature. Exploring nature poems by nationally acclaimed Native writers, N. Scott Momaday, Joy Harrjo, Maurice Kenny and Sherman Alexie, will bring a fresh perspective on how we are part of the natural world. This is part of BLT's eARTh Connections series which is supported in part by a grant from the Mid-Cape Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Clouds and Climate
If you want to feel like things are looking up, then don't miss this program! Join BLT and marine meterologist Dr. Alex Kinsella on Sunday, September 14, for a meander through Fuller Farm's meadows in Marstons Mills to learn about and enjoy the clouds above us. Learn how sun, sea, storms, and sky interconnect in this fascinating walk and talk. (Rain moves program to inside the barn.) This program is part of BLT's Climate Conversations which is sponsored in part by Solar Rising, a Cape Cod based full service solar installation company.
Wild Weather (Partner Program)
Storms around the world are increasing in intensity, but what does that mean for our communities, homes, and coastlines? Wild Weather will explore the science behind hurricanes and nor'easters, from formation to impacts. We will then dive into what you need to know and how you protect your family and your home. Join BLT, Osterville Village Library, and WHOI/Cape Cod Extension storm specialist Bryan McCormack as we weather the storm together in the Climate Conversations talk which is sponsored in part by Solar Rising, a Cape Cod based full service solar installation company.
Covell's Beach Clean-up (Partner Program)
Join BLT, the Town of Barnstable Natural Resources team, and other community partners for a beach clean-up at Covell's Beach in Centerville. Gloves and trash bags will be provided as well as a thank you gift. Please dress accordingly for the weather and join the fun! Pre-registration is suggested to make sure there are enough supplies. Questions? Call Barnstable Natural Resources: 508-790-6272
Highground Golf Course Land Conservation Forum
With community support, Barnstable Land Trust is poised to acquire Cotuit Highground Country Club this October. On Thursday, September 11 at 7 PM, join the Cotuit-Santuit Civic Association at Freedom Hall to hear about BLT’s details of the acquisition, the vision, and the final fundraising needs.
No Registration Necessary
Reading the Landscape at Fuller Farm
Join Jack Ahern, Professor Emeritus of Landscape Architecture at University of Massachusetts, who will lead a 90-minute walk on how to read “clues” to past land uses on the farm including indicator plants, topography, different aged forests/woodlands, agricultural uses, and traces of succession. As part of Environmental Awareness Month, participants will learn more about how land use - and its appearance - has changed over time….. and what is possible/likely in the future. This program is part of BLT's Climate Conversations which is sponsored in part by Solar Rising, a Cape Cod based full service solar installation company.
Sandy Neck Hatchling Hike (Partner Program)
Hike 1.5-miles through Sandy Neck’s Great Marsh and sand to discover tracks of hatchling Diamondback Terrapins with Barnstable Land Trust and Sandy Neck Park Staff. Learn about the Diamondback Terrapin’s life-cycle and the headstart program helping the tiny terrapins. Wear sturdy hiking boots to walk over sand and uneven terrain. For more information call the Gatehouse: 508-362-8300. This hike is free.
Twilight Tunes: Blues Guitarist Jon Shain
Announcing Twilight Tunes at Fuller Farm - a brand NEW concert series benefitting BLT's vital conservation and stewardship work!
Join us at the Michael R. Kramer Center barn for an intimate evening of live music, wine from Cape Cod Package Store, and light bites surrounded by the beautiful landscape of Fuller Farm.
Two concert experiences available: a classical duet from the Cape Cod Chamber Orchestra on August 21 or blues/folk guitarist Jon Shain on September 4. Tickets are $125 each and seating is limited - reserve today.
Climate Conversations
As part of National Environmental Awareness Month this September, Barnstable Land Trust (BLT) will explore climate-related topics through walks and talks including art, literature, and science programs through its second annual Climate Conversations series. A full calendar of events, resources, and more information can be found below.
House Plant Swap (Partner Program)
Barnstable Land Trust is excited to partner with Cotuit Library on its first plant swap! Between Monday, August 18th and Friday, August 22nd, bring your adoptable rooted houseplants to the Cotuit Library during regular open hours. Upon dropping off your plant, you will receive a plant care card to fill out so the next caregiver can keep it healthy and happy. Every plant you bring earns a ticket to be redeemed on Saturday, August 23rd, between 11 am and 1 pm. Plants are adopted on a first come, first served basis, so get here early if you’ve got your eye on a particular plant. Any remaining plants after 1 pm will be available to take home without a ticket. Please note: All plants must be pest and disease free. For potted plants, be sure to check the soil for pests, especially if it was outdoors. For cuttings, please make sure they are rooted and in a container of water when dropping off. All plants will be adopted in the pot/container they arrived in.
Bee Storytime at Lowell Park
Make a bee-line for Lowell Field Trail entrance at Lowell Park for a special Storytime with Barnstable Land Trust, Cotuit Library and the Cahoon Museum of American Art for a fun activity that will leave you bug-eyed!
Miss Julie will read poems about insects, and then kids can search for bugs on the trail. Miss Leslie from the Cahoon Museum will pass out books and encourage kids to draw insects found along the trail.
You won't want to be a fly on the wall for this program!
Twilight Tunes: Duet by Cape Cod Chamber Orchestra
Announcing Twilight Tunes at Fuller Farm - a brand NEW concert series benefitting BLT's vital conservation and stewardship work!
Join us at the Michael R. Kramer Center barn for an intimate evening of live music, wine from Cape Cod Package Store, and light bites surrounded by the beautiful landscape of Fuller Farm.
Two concert experiences available: a classical duet from the Cape Cod Chamber Orchestra on August 21 or blues/folk guitarist Jon Shain on September 4. Tickets are $125 each and seating is limited - reserve today.
Loop Beach Clean-up
Join BLT, the Town of Barnstable Natural Resources team, and other community partners for some spring cleaning at Loop Beach in Cotuit. Gloves and trash bags will be provided as well as a thank you gift. Please dress accordingly for the weather and join the fun! Pre-registration is suggested to make sure there are enough supplies. Questions? Call Barnstable Natural Resources: 508-790-6272
Young Naturalist Series: Forest Magic for Kids (Partner Program)
Titcomb’s Bookshop and Barnstable Land Trust present a family-friendly Storytime & Book Signing with author Susie Spikol on Thursday August 14th at 2:00 pm at Fuller Farm in Marstons Mills. The author will read her new book Forest Magic for Kids: How to Find Fairies, Make a Secret Fort, and Cook Up an Elfin Picnic, followed by a book signing and craft. This program is perfect for ages 5-9! This event is part of Titcomb's Bookshop's Young Naturalists event series, sharing children's books about nature and how kids and families can engage with the world around them with care.
(Partner Program) Young Naturalist Series: The Great Pollinator Count
Titcomb’s Bookshop, Barnstable Land Trust, and Resilient Roots present a family-friendly Storytime & Book Signing with author Susan Edwards Richmond on Wednesday August 13th at 9:30am at Fuller Farm in Marstons Mills. The author will read her new picture book The Great Pollinator Count, followed by a book signing, and a pollinator walk at BLT’s Fuller Farm including a short tour with Resilient Roots’ through their permaculture pollinator garden and trails and a pollinator craft. This program is perfect for ages 4-8! Families with kids of all ages are welcome. This event is part of Titcomb's Bookshop's Young Naturalists event series, sharing children's books about nature and how kids and families can engage with the world around them with care.
(Partner Program) Campfire Stories: Cape Cod Book Talk
Join BLT, Titcomb's Bookshop, and editors Ilyssa Kyu and Dave Kyu to hear more this Cape Cod Tales and Travel Companion as part of their popular Campfire Stories series. Immerse yourself in a unique blend of literature and lore about Cape Cod, including classic passages, original essays, poems, and natural history. Curated story collections explore the rich and diverse legacies of Cape Cod and includes local recommendations for outdoor exploration, select cultural activities, camping options, gateway towns, and more. We are extra excited that BLT is named in the acknowledgements!
(Partner Program) Tick Prevention and Project ITCH on Cape Cod with Dr. Stephen Rich
Join Barnstable Land Trust and Centerville Public Library for a talk with Dr. Stephen Rich about Project ITCH and tick prevention. Project ITCH (Is Tick Control Helping) is a region-wide research project that looks at backyard tick control practices to figure out what keeps ticks away, what doesn't, and why. Dr. Rich will discuss Project ITCH's work on Cape Cod and give tips on how to prevent tick-borne diseases.
Dr. Rich is the Executive Director of New England Center of Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases. Registration is suggested.
Flowerpot Community Concert
Celebrate Summer on Cape Cod with a free community event that will be music to your ears! In a unique collaboration between Barnstable Land Trust, Cape Symphony, and the Osterville Village Library, the community is invited to bring their own flower pots (BYOFP) to the big tent at OVL for a participatory percussion concert. Nature and musical crafts will also be available. Thanks to the Make Music Day Alliance, Free Vic Firth mallets will be available while supplies last. Bring a small to mid-size pottery or ceramic flower pot (metal mixing bowls also work). See you under the big tent! (Registration is welcome but not required.)
Partner Program: Millway Beach Clean-up
Join BLT, the Town of Barnstable Natural Resources team, and other community partners for some spring cleaning at Millway Beach in Barnstable. Gloves and trash bags will be provided as well as a thank you gift. Please dress accordingly for the weather and join the fun! Pre-registration is suggested to make sure there are enough supplies. Questions? Call Barnstable Natural Resources: 508-790-6272
Partner Program: Foraging at Fuller Farm
Join Whelden Library for a walk at BLT’s Fuller Farm in Marstons Mills with guide Dave Scandurra of Edible Landscapes. Learn what’s safe to forage and so you can eat wild plants!
2025 Annual Meeting
New and renewed members are invited to join us on Tuesday, July 15, from 4 to 6 pm for our Annual Meeting at Cape Cod Community College’s new Frank and Maureen Wilkens Science and Engineering Center. We will share exciting updates and accomplishments, conduct a brief business meeting, and celebrate our Founders Award and President’s Award winners. Light appetizers will also be available. A short building tour will be offered at 3:30 pm. All donors of $25 and above are considered Members of Barnstable Land Trust for a year after the date of their gift which enables them to vote at the Annual Meeting, take advantage of special program discounts, and receive invitations to special events.
Please RSVP by July 10 if you’d like to attend either in-person or via Zoom.
