Association to Preserve Cape Cod

Above: Bells Neck, Harwich. Photo by Sue Machie.

What I'm Thinking...

Money News

by Andrew Gottlieb, APCC Executive Director

Good news. I bet you could use some of that, so read on.

APCC led a brief but intense campaign to maintain momentum on wastewater management. Working with a coalition of local and county officials, state legislators, and bolstered by APCC member comments, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has abandoned its proposed change to wastewater financing terms that would have dampened ongoing progress Cape-wide.

There is a lot here to like. Despite originating this well intentioned, but somewhat misguided change, DEP listened to input from those impacted and changed course. DEP has been a solid partner throughout the Cape’s progression to modernizing wastewater management and this trend continues in the Healey-Driscoll administration’s DEP. The rapid and uniform response of elected leaders at the legislative, county, and municipal levels allowed the Cape to effectively speak with a uniform and consistent voice. The fact that APCC has a deep and trusting relationship with these elected leaders built on our expertise in wastewater financing, combined with APCC’s ability to quickly develop and disperse actionable messaging all contributed to the right outcome here.

There remains a lot to do on the wastewater management front and in so many other places. There is also value in pausing to appreciate a successful undertaking and resolving to build on that success as a foundation for more in the future.

Above: Excavation of the location of the porous pavement sidewalk adjacent to the proposed bioretention area. Photo credit: Ben Wollman, Horsley Witten Group

New Green Stormwater System Under Construction at

Standish Way in Yarmouth

Construction began this past week along Standish Way in West Yarmouth to install green infrastructure aimed at improving stormwater management and water quality. The project will reduce pollutants, such as bacteria, nitrogen, and phosphorus, from stormwater runoff at the end of Standish Way, helping to protect Mill Creek and Lewis Bay. Runoff will be directed into an underground infiltration trench planted with shrubs and a bioretention area, where soil and native plants will filter out contaminants. Additional site improvements include a new, wider sidewalk made of porous pavement, which allows stormwater to seep into a crushed stone reservoir that filters out pollutants like sediment and oil. The sidewalk will also be reseeded with a clover mix, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional grass. Once completed, the project will improve water quality in Lewis Bay, benefiting shellfish beds and providing long-term environmental benefits.

This site was identified as a priority in the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project and by the town, following an assessment of Yarmouth’s stormwater infrastructure conducted in 2023 by APCC and the stormwater engineering firm Horsley Witten Group. Initial assessments and concept designs were shared with the public in 2023 and 2024. Together, the team, including APCC, the town, Horsley Witten Group, NRCS, and the Cape Cod Conservation District, has been working to advance plans for Standish Way through permitting and final design to get to this site to construction.

The town of Yarmouth has contracted J.W. Dubis & Sons to complete the excavation and installation of the stormwater infrastructure, and O’Leary Landscaping & Irrigation, as subcontractor, will implement the planting and seeding plan.

Funding for this project has been provided by the Office of Coastal Zone Management Coastal Habitat and Water Quality grants, the town of Yarmouth and NRCS. The NRCS and the Cape Cod Conservation District have provided additional expertise and collaboration on development of the site plans, and NRCS is funding construction.

For more information on the Yarmouth Stormwater Project, including this and other prioritized sites, visit Yarmouth Stormwater | Association to Preserve Cape Cod.

Above: View of the resource areas (Lewis Bay, shellfish beds, and beach) that will benefit from pollution removal by the new stormwater installation.

Spring on Cape Cod: Otters, Ospreys, Herons… and Herring

Spring on Cape Cod is nothing short of magical. The air softens, the salt marshes begin to hum, and the landscape stirs with new life. Walk along a stream this time of year and you might catch a few familiar sights: an osprey hovering high above the water, a great blue heron stalking the shallows, a cormorant drying its wings in the sun, or—if you’re lucky—a sleek river otter slipping through the reeds. These moments are more than just welcome signs of the season. They mean one thing: The river herring are back.

Each year, river herring make an extraordinary migration from the Atlantic Ocean into our coastal streams to spawn. Their return fuels an entire food web—feeding birds, fish, and mammals alike—and brings a pulse of energy that both locals and visitors can feel in their bones.

But the herring can’t tell us how they’re doing. That’s where you come in.

Become a Herring Volunteer!

We’re currently seeking volunteers to help monitor herring runs across Cape Cod. The work is simple and rewarding—and it’s a great excuse to spend time outside during one of the most beautiful seasons of the year. Volunteers conduct visual counts at local streams using an easy-to-learn method that helps track long-term population trends.

No experience is required—just curiosity, a bit of time, and a love for nature. Whether you're a weekend hiker, daily dog-walker, or someone who simply enjoys being near the water, your observations can make a real difference.

Why it matters

Herring numbers have declined sharply over the past few decades due to overfishing, habitat loss, and barriers to stream passage. Volunteer-collected data plays a critical role in guiding conservation efforts and protecting this keystone species—along with the many creatures that rely on them.

Get Involved

There’s still time to sign up! Many herring runs across Cape Cod are still in need of volunteers, and we’ll be accepting new participants through April 15th. Whether you’re eager to help or simply curious to learn more about river herring monitoring, we invite you to visit our website. All volunteers receive training, support, and a warm welcome into our community of nature-lovers.

Source to Sea Community Engagement Kickoff Event

The Source to Sea Community Engagement kickoff event will be held Saturday, May 3rd, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Headquarters.

This public event will bring together community members and technical project teams to discuss how community input can help shape the future of Red Brook, Upper Quashnet River, and Mashpee River as part of the Source to Sea initiative. Attendees will learn about the ecological significance of these waterways and how restoration efforts can improve water quality, habitat for native species, and climate resilience. The event will include informal project overview presentations and interactive project stations for one-on-one discussions with project teams. Light refreshments will be provided, and childcare is available with advance registration.

A Community-Led Approach to River Restoration

Led by the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) and APCC, in close collaboration with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Natural Resources Department and the towns of Mashpee and Falmouth, the Source to Sea initiative prioritizes community involvement in restoration planning and design.

A key aspect of this effort is recognizing the traditional ecological knowledge and perspectives of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. The tribe plays a crucial role in providing historical and cultural context for the rivers, ensuring that restoration efforts reflect their deep-rooted connection to these waterways.

Through meetings, workshops, and river tours, this initiative will gather valuable local perspectives on the rivers' ecological health, key resources (such as fish, wildlife, and native plants), cultural significance, and recreational use. Incorporating community insights ensures that restoration strategies align both ecological priorities and the needs of the people who depend on these rivers.

How to Get Involved

The Source to Sea initiative welcomes participation from all community members, organizations, businesses, and schools. Whether you attend the kickoff event, join future meetings, or serve as a community liaison, your voice is essential in shaping this restoration effort.

This initiative is made possible through the support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Restoration Center, along with partners, including APCC, WBNERR, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, the towns of Falmouth and Mashpee, the Cape Cod Conservation District, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

We kindly ask for your help in spreading the word about this new date by sharing this announcement within your networks. For updates, visit the Source to Sea website. If you have any questions, contact Tonna-Marie Rogers at tonna-marie.surgeon-rogers@mass.gov or April Wobst at awobst@apcc.org, 508-619-3185 ext. 315.

Join us as we work together to restore and protect the rivers that sustain our communities!

APCC was at the Monomoy Regional High School Wellness Fair

Above: Leonard King, APCC volunteer, and Dee Marsh, APCC communications specialist.

APCC was pleased to be invited to join the Monomoy Regional High School Wellness Fair last week, along with student groups and community organizations. It was a chance to share information, resources, and activities focused on healthy living — including physical, mental, and emotional wellness! Students at APCC's table learned about healthy habitats and how to make eco-friendly landscaping choices.

Above: Andrew Nelson, APCC volunteer and students.

Above: An interactive learning game.

Cape Cod Regional Pond Monitoring Program kicks off the season!

This past Monday, the Cape Cod Regional Pond Monitoring Program crew braved some rainy weather to continue our sampling efforts. While the conditions were a bit wet, spirits were high as temperatures are slowly starting to rise and the familiar sounds of birds chirping are returning to the Cape's ponds.

Most of the ponds we've monitored since the beginning of March have remained mixed, with the water evenly distributed throughout the water column. However, we're now starting to see the first signs of stratification. As air temperatures warm up, the surface layer of the pond heats up as well, causing it to become less dense than the cooler, deeper water. This separation of layers is an important seasonal shift, affecting oxygen levels and the overall health of the pond ecosystem.

As we head into next week, we’re excited to welcome volunteers back out with us, hopefully for a drier and sunnier experience!

Above: May Lopopolo, APCC seasonal pond technician

VOLUNTEER with APCC!

Raptors, foxes, coyotes, and other predators help keep our ecosystems in balance. Shocking numbers have been sickened and killed after eating poisoned rodents. Cape Cod wildlife advocates meet every month on the fourth Thursday of the month, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. via Zoom. To join, sign up with Mass Audubon here. To register for the monthly meetings, register here.

Local partners with APCC are Cape Wildlife Center, Wild Care Cape Cod,

and Sierra Club Cape Cod. Stay informed on Facebook: Rescue Cape Cod Raptors

If you are a farmer or someone who wants to grow native plants to sell, or just want to be updated on the program's development, please submit an interest form that appears on our webpage. We will be sending periodic email notices of workshops and meetings.

Funding for the project is provided by Barnstable County and its Economic Development Council License Plate Grant Program through the Cape Cod Commission.

Events Hosted by Others

Join the Brewster Ponds Coalition hike to Flax Pond in Nickerson State Park Saturday, April 12th at 10:00 a.m. (rain date April 13). Although mostly flat, this picturesque hike can be challenging in some areas. Registration is required and free; there is a max of 18 participants. Details will be sent to registered participants before the hike.

For more information and to register: https://tinyurl.com/BPC-Flax-Pond-Walk-12Apr25

Event is free. Please REGISTER HERE.

Friends of Chatham Waterways Hosts Event

at the Chatham Orpheum Theater

Event is free; tickets at the door.

A Cape-wide Conservation Event Calendar

The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts (“the Compact”) and its nonprofit members launched a new regional calendar of events. The Conservation Calendar includes programs across Cape Cod hosted by these groups. The goal of the calendar is to encourage visitors and residents to take part in nature and environmental events. You can always find the link to the calendar on APCC's website under News & Events.

A Cape Cod Native Plant-selector

~ to help you choose the perfect native plants for your garden.

Email kandres@apcc.org and we'll send you a CapeCodNativePlants.org decal.

Tall Anemone

Anemone virginiana

The Guidelines gives homeowners steps they can take in the design and maintenance of their properties that will support pollinators and birds, manage stormwater, conserve water, and protect the Cape's water quality. This 40-page booklet is beautifully illustrated by Marcy Ford with content that is easily digestible and supported by numerous resources for additional learning.

We are grateful for the several retail shops that are partnering with us to make this publication more widely available: Brewster Book Store, Birdwatchers General Store, Crocker Nurseries, Wellfleet Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary, Cape Abilities Farm, Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, the Cape Cod Lavender Farm, Heritage Museums and Gardens, Titcomb's Bookshop, Sea Howl Bookshop, Soares Flower Garden Nursery, and Eight Cousins Bookshop.

If you are a retailer and would like to sell this publication at your store, please contact us.

You can also view the book's content as a pdf on our website.

APCC Merch

Available for online purchase and shipping in the U.S. is free:

APCC caps

$25

+++++++++++++++++

Garden for Life T's

$30

Click here

for more information and to order.

The Pollinator Pathway Cape Cod is a group of organizations promoting native plants and pollinator-friendly land care practices to create a boat load of safe oases for our native bees, butterflies and a whole host of other pollinators that are crucial to the health of our ecosystems.

Join us! It's easy. There are no fees. You just need to pledge to ADD native plants, SUBTRACT a little lawn, AVOID yard chemicals, especially pesticides, and LEAVE the leaves. And, help us spread the word. Please get on the map to show your support of pollinators on Cape Cod!

You can purchase the 9-inch aluminum Pollinator Pathway Cape Cod sign at Hyannis Country Garden, Crocker Nurseries, Brewster Book Store, Orleans Conservation Trust, and Cape Abilities Farm.

If you are a retailer, and you would like to sell the signs, you can order online here, or email pollinators@apcc.org.