Protecting Nature for Our Community
The Orleans Conservation Trust protects and restore natural lands – for people and wildlife, the health of our waters, and the character of our community.
In 1970, a group of residents concerned about the accelerating pace of development in Orleans founded OCT as a nonprofit membership organization. A half-century later, OCT stewards more than 700 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and shorelines for the benefit of our town and our cherished coastal environment.
Please join us.
Join us at an OCT Event
Protect
With your support, we continue to protect and expand our conserved lands through gifts of land, community fundraising, and strategic purchases. These contributions help preserve vital habitats and maintain open spaces for wildlife and the community.
Conservation restrictions and easements further ensure that these lands remain protected for the long term, preventing development and safeguarding natural resources.
Bequests and legacy gifts play a crucial role in sustaining our mission, allowing future generations to enjoy and benefit from these preserved landscapes.
Steward
Aided by volunteers and AmeriCorps Cape Cod, we actively manage our lands to protect wildlife habitats, keep trails safe and accessible, and control invasive species that threaten native ecosystems.
Our hands-on stewardship ensures that these natural areas remain healthy, resilient, and enjoyable for both visitors and the wildlife that call them home.
Through ongoing maintenance and habitat management, we preserve the ecological balance of our lands while providing opportunities for community engagement and environmental education.
Educate
Open to all, OCT’s popular guided walks and talks invite people to explore and connect with the Cape’s unique natural landscapes.
By partnering with towns and schools, we provide engaging educational opportunities that inspire appreciation for local wildlife and ecosystems.
Our lively newsletter keeps the community informed about events, conservation updates, and ways to get involved, fostering a deeper connection to the Cape’s natural treasures.
Testimonials
“Conserving the land was a nice coming-together of the family. We’re so happy that, with all the fun we’ve had on the land, it will be passed on to future generations. It feels good that we actually helped in our small way to protect the Cape’s environment.”
“My seven-year-old son, Brodie, had walked some of these trails with me before, but going with OCT experts taught him to slow down and notice things in a new way. He always says how cool it is to walk through the woods without seeing any houses.
— OCT member Nick Bono
“I learn so much on every OCT outing, whether it’s new plant names, how Native Americans once used the landscape, or why some old Orleans families chose to preserve their land. The annual paddle to Little Sipson’s is a highlight!”
— OCT member Diana Landau
