Property Acquisition and Stewardship
The Foundation has finalized the acquisition of two properties. The first noted in our Spring newsletter is a 2-acre property on Cartway South overlooking salt marshes at Boat Meadow and Cape Cod Bay. Donated to us by ECF Clerk Joanna Buffington, the property provides nesting ground for the threatened diamondback terrapin and numerous bird species. We will be renovating a residential building on the property to make it ready for occupancy, while a separate part of the building will provide office space for ECF. Our second acquisition is a donated 2-acre site in North Eastham adjacent to the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
Led by Joanna, ECF and its members also participated actively in the Native Land Conservancy's (NLC) purchase of a 20.4 acre property on Cartway North adjacent to our new parcel on Cartway South. The property looks across a meadow, and over the marsh flats teeming with life, to First Encounter Beach, which means so much more than that one encounter. ECF and several Board members contributed funds for this purchase, Henry commented: “Joanna’s gift is a real game-changer for us. We look forward to collaborating more closely with NLC, as neighbors and conservation partners in preserving this fragile marsh system.” The Nature Conservancy also provided technical support for the land purchase and owns much of the surrounding salt marsh.
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On August 5, NLC leaders hosted a ceremony on the property, recognized ECF contributions, and announced the name they have given to the property - "T8nupâhs Uwatuhshât" - which means "being at the turtle's nest".
