Woodland Bogs
301 Parker Road, West Barnstable
Background/Opportunity:
The 25.74-acre bog on Parker Road in West Barnstable, formed by the Jenkins family for decades, is now under agreement by the Barnstable Land Trust. The bog is one of many farmed by the Jenkins family for generations. Barnstable Land Trust views cranberry bogs, along with other recreational and working lands, as critical open space and is excited to develop the relationship with the Jenkins family to protect the bog land and improve its conservation value.
Rachel Jones
Conservation Values & Community Impact:
The property is bordered by extensive protected open space to the southeast including Spruce Pond and Sandy Hill Pond Conservation Area. It is proximate to Bridge Creek Conservation Area to the northwest. The water under the bogs flows into Bridge Creek and on to Barnstable Harbor, one of the most ecologically important ecosystems on the Cape.
The opportunity to restore or naturalize 12 acres of cranberry bog and 13 acres of wetland buffer is also an opportunity to improve the water quality flowing into Bridge Creek and beyond. Existing bog paths provide excellent opportunities for passive recreation with elevated upland areas providing panoramic scenic overlooks. The property includes state designated Wetland Core Habitat and Buffer, with significant wetland areas on and bordering the property. It includes a certified vernal pool and vernal pool core habitat, providing the opportunity to preserve and restore valuable vernal pool species, habitat and connectivity.
Rachel Jones
Vision:
Barnstable Land Trust envisions a restored bog that protects existing rare species, improves water quality and allows public access to the bog paths for walking and other passive recreation. Protection of this property may provide the potential to extend to the existing Cape Cod Pathways trail leading to Spruce Pond and Plum Street. BLT is excited to explore a range of restoration possibilities, related to hydrology, native plants, and the like.
Timeline & Budget:
Barnstable Land Trust will close on the property in early 2026 and will seek to raise $670,000 in project costs through a combination of state grants and private fundraising.
