Association to Preserve Cape Cod

Above: Willet. Photo by Sue Machie

What I'm Thinking...

It's Not Just Us

by Andrew Gottlieb, Executive Director

Sometimes these regular musings write themselves. This is one of those.

What follows is mostly excerpts from something I bet most of you have never read: the text of a Senate Committee on Appropriations bill. The language included in the report reflects a stunning rebuke of the EPA plan to dismantle its basic research arm, the Office of Research and Development (ORD). ORD has done much of the public service research that is the basis of standards that have delivered cleaner air and water across this country.

Remember for a minute that the Senate Committee on Appropriations is chaired by and is majority Republican. This report was almost unanimously supported by the bipartisan membership of the committee. In these times, that is striking.

This quote comes verbatim from the report:

“Office of Research and Development.—The Committee notes that EPA has a long and proud tradition of being one of the world’s leading environmental and human health research organizations. The Office of Research and Development [ORD] conducts cutting-edge research to better understand and mitigate harm to humans and the environment from contamination from natural and human-made disasters, radiation exposure, wildfire smoke emissions, chemical releases, drinking water contamination, chemicals in everyday products, and other threats. For example ORD’s foundational research on PFAS chemicals exposed profound risks to human health and spurred bipartisan funding to address the impacts of PFAS on drinking water, bans on certain PFAS chemicals, and further research.

"The Committee is appalled that the Agency has announced the imminent closure of ORD, which would result in the further loss of biologists, chemists, engineers, ecologists, and other expert scientists numbering in the thousands and the closure of world-class laboratories and research centers. The Agency has touted savings of $748,800,000 in direct Federal spending, but fails to acknowledge the immeasurable risk to our health and environment that would come from undermining EPA’s ability to clean up hazardous chemicals, respond to disasters, and support states and Tribal Nations with sound, actionable science. The Committee notes that the Agency did not include a proposal to close ORD in the fiscal year 2026 budget request nor amended the budget request to that end nor did the Agency submit the reorganization to the Committee as required by the reprogramming guidance pursuant to section 422 of Public Law 118–42 and continued under the terms and conditions of Public Law 119–4. The Committee directs the Agency to immediately halt all actions related to the closure, reduction, reorganization, or other similar such changes to ORD and the EPA scientific workforce and instead, if the administration continues to wish to pursue this change, include any such changes within the President’s budget request for fiscal year 2027 as a proposal for the Committee to make a decision on in a final funding bill for that year.” [page 91]

“The Committee is frustrated with how EPA has decided to not have a working relationship with the Committee and to disregard Congressional directives related to staffing and funding. The Committee will consider targeted increases to funding for the Offices if the Offices can demonstrate that it takes its relationship with the Committee seriously.” [page 90].

The members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, never to be mistaken as rabid environmentalists nor great friends to EPA, recognize that the retreat from basic science is incongruous with the lip service this administration gives to a commitment to clean air and clean water. The committee is calling out the administration, rightly so, and is placing its money where its mouth is by providing less draconian cuts to funding for EPA.

Both the House and Senate appropriators have provided more money to preserve some of EPA’s basic functions at levels that exceed those proposed by the administration. That is a little glimmer of hope in an otherwise frontal assault on the basic underpinnings of environmental protection in America.

While not objectively good news, because no matter whose budget is adopted environmental protections will be diminished, it’s less bad than the news we have become accustomed to. And today anyway, I’ll take that.

Ecosystem Restoration Program

Above: A view of the bridge at Route 28 from Parkers River salt marsh (left photo credit: Patrick Temple); Molly Autery, APCC's salt marsh specialist, and Patrick Temple, Cape Cod Conservation District, at Parkers River; a purple crab (Sesarma reticulatum) found at Parkers River salt marsh.

Re-Visiting the Parkers River Salt Marsh, Yarmouth, MA

Jordan Mora, APCC lead ecologist and science advisor, and Molly Autery, APCC salt marsh specialist, joined Patrick Temple (Cape Cod Conservation District salt marsh project manager, for a field assessment this spring at the Parkers River salt marsh in Yarmouth, to observe recent changes in the marsh following tidal restoration in 2021. During the site visit, the three salt marsh professionals walked through several areas of the marsh, evaluating and documenting the changing conditions.

The Parkers River runs from Long Pond through Seine Pond (also referred to as Swan Pond), then through 60 acres of salt marsh, and into Nantucket Sound. Tidal flow in the Parkers River estuary was previously restricted by an undersized bridge crossing on Route 28, which detrimentally impaired the ecosystem. In 2021, the bridge was widened from 18 feet to 30 feet to restore tidal flow to the upstream portion of the Parkers River and salt marsh system. The project was completed with funding and support the town of Yarmouth, MA Division of Ecological Restoration (DER), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Louis-Berger, Cape Cod Conservation District (CCCD), APCC, MA Department of Transportation, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

As part of this tidal restoration, APCC conducted pre- and post-restoration vegetation monitoring, including vegetation surveys, GIS-based mapping, and hydrological assessments under contract with CCCD (2011) and DER (2017-2018 and 2022). Based on the assessment this year, the marsh continues to show promising signs of habitat improvement. However, purple marsh crab, Sesarma reticulatum, a native crab species that consumes salt marsh grasses, was observed. As long as the population maintains in balance with other plants and wildlife in the marsh, it is not a concern, but continued monitoring is necessary to make sure the crab does not overtake plant production as seen at the Cape Cod National Seashore.

Re-visiting restored sites, such as the Parkers River estuary, is an essential part of the restoration process. While tidal flow may have been restored, returning to the site ensures that progress is recorded and that the response is consistent with management targets. If concerns are raised, adaptive management options may be pursued to appropriately address any issues.

Salt Marsh Monitoring Spotlight: Volunteer Julia L’Esperance

Above: Julia L’Esperance using a sensor to measure water quality at Weir Creek as part of APCC’s ongoing monitoring efforts.

Julia L’Esperance has quickly become an essential member of APCC’s Ecosystem Restoration Program (ERP) salt marsh monitoring team. Originally from Bellingham, Massachusetts, Julia started volunteering with APCC in June and has already contributed to several important field efforts. She assists with water quality monitoring at Weir Creek in West Dennis and has helped collect sediment samples from Sesuit Creek in Dennis and Chase Garden Creek in Yarmouth Port.

Currently pursuing a master’s degree with a concentration in ecological restoration, Julia says that volunteering with the ERP team “has been a wonderful learning opportunity and a chance to get some field experience.”

When asked what the most interesting or unexpected experience has been while volunteering, Julia shares that she was “really blown away with the time I spent at Sesuit Creek. It was not only interesting for me to hear about the ways that the APCC would like to build resiliency for these salt marshes, but the ways that they and their partners are collecting data to better inform those decisions.”

She adds that she "did not realize just how tricky (salt marshes) can be to navigate. Though I was thoroughly muddy by the end of the day, I had a fabulous time.” Julia’s academic background in conservation and ecosystem restoration complements the monitoring work she’s doing with APCC. "To be able to assist in pre-restoration work has just deepened this sense of awe and respect for the marsh. I feel that I am much more motivated to be in this line of work and to help communicate with the public the importance of these amazing ecosystems.”

At APCC, we believe environmental monitoring and restoration are vital—not just for our work, but for the health of local communities and the resilience of Cape Cod’s ecosystems. Julia echoes this perspective, noting that “environmental monitoring can help us to figure out if an ecosystem needs some sort of intervention, if the steps we are taking are helping, and—if not—inform how we can adapt and incorporate a different approach.”

The ERP team is grateful for Julia’s thoughtful insights, dedication, and enthusiasm—and her willingness to get (very) muddy. Thank you, Julia, for your continued support!

APCC's Pond Programs

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Pond Life Spotlight

Our summer interns encounter all sorts of interesting pond life under the microscope as they conduct the microscopy that identifies the cyanobacteria found in the program's water samples. Look for this newsletter spotlight each week through mid-August, written by the interns about their favorite organism!

Above: microscopy photo of Aphanizomenon

Aphanizomenon is a genus of cyanobacteria found naturally here on Cape Cod.

Aphanizomenon is composed of bundles of filaments, known as fascicles. When developed, these filamentous cyanobacteria take the unique shape of grass clippings, making them one of the more easily identifiable microorganisms that we encounter in the Cape’s freshwater ponds. However, when Aphanizomenon is observed in a nascent state, their green coloration and small number of filaments can make them easily mistakable as the more commonly found Dolichospermum.

Aphanizomenon is one of the rarer and more interesting forms of cyanobacteria that we encounter on Cape Cod; but, despite their scarcity, the toxins that they produce make them no less detrimental to human and animal health during blooms!

Above: microscopy photo of developed Aphanisomenon

Above: microscopy photo of Dolichospermum

Next meeting of the

Cape Cod Ponds Network

Thursday, August 14, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

in person at the

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Brewster

All are welcome.

REGISTER

We Need Your Help -

Cyanobacteria Survey for Animal Care Professionals

When harmful cyanobacteria blooms (HCBs) containing cyanotoxins appear in our freshwater ponds, they pose a serious health risk—especially to children and animals due to their small size. Dogs are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to swallow water while swimming or ingest it while grooming themselves afterwards. Unfortunately, we know from past cases that dogs exposed to cyanotoxins can suffer severe illness and even death in as little as an hour.

To help prevent these tragic outcomes, we are conducting a survey of veterinarians, wildlife rehabbers, and animal control officers based here on the Cape. To date, we have contacted every veterinary office on Cape Cod, all known wildlife rehabilitation centers and individual rehabbers, and animal control and natural resource officers across all 15 towns.

This survey will help us understand how often these exposures occur, ensure that animal care providers are prepared to respond, and guide us in offering the right support—whether that means providing educational materials for pet owners or creating a regional public database to track animal exposures.

We understand that veterinarians are incredibly busy, and our survey may slip through the cracks. If you’re concerned about keeping your pet safe from cyanotoxin exposure, please give your local vet’s office a call and ask them to fill out the APCC cyanobacteria survey. Let's keep all of our pets safe from toxins together. Thank you for your assistance!

Survey closes July 31st.

Cape Cod Pond Watchers Bio-survey Program

~ a training video on how to use the Survey123 app to log your observations in pondside!

APCC's Cyanobacteria Monitoring Program

"When in doubt, stay out." High concentrations of potentially toxic cyanobacteria were detected in several ponds last week, at levels that are of concern for pets and children who are more susceptible due to ingestion.

Check on the status of your favorite pond on our interactive map. If you see what appears to be a bloom, take a picture, note the day, location, and time and notify the local health department, and email to cyano@apcc.org.

Sign up for cyanobacteria email alerts.

A Shout Out to OLAUG.

We can't get enough of the Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage (OLAUG). We've been watching their progress since the beginning! Last year, at APCC's annual meeting we recognized their contribution to promoting awareness of our freshwater ponds through their efforts with a special recognition award.

Our own Julie Hambrook, PhD, is part of the growing team that are not only removing the junk that was dumped in the Cape's freshwater ponds, but also bringing awareness to the value of these freshwater jewels and promoting pond stewardship. We like that immensely!

Above: A social media posts by OLAUG.

From the OLAUG website: Really BIG NEWS: Founder Susan Baur was selected as one of 50 visionaries of 2025 by the Explorers Club (EC50). "Each year The Explorers Club recognizes 50 extraordinary people who are doing remarkable work to promote science and exploration, but remain under the radar and out of the limelight. These 50 individuals are exploring, inspiring, and creating the future—the future of the planet, life upon it, and the boundless possibilities that await us all." (from EC website: https://50.explorers.org/about-ec50/). This award puts her in the company of some of the most extraordinary scientists, advocates, journalists and filmmakers on the planet. Congratulations, Susan!

Above: Video by Monty Ladner from 2020.

Around the Grounds at APCC Headquarters

Above: Alan Ives, ecological land care intern, and Erin Camire, ecolandscape program coordinator, show off finalized walkway.

Above: in the foreground, little bluestem grass

Below: ox-eye sunflower makes a bold statement, getting the attention of a variety of wild bees and goldfinches

Cape-friendly Landscapes

Plant abundantly and in layers

There is a saying, “Mother Nature abhors a vacuum.” In our gardens, any bare soil is an open invitation to unwanted plants. By planting densely, we create a viable barrier to weeds by taking up the vacant real estate with the plants of our choosing. Some plants are particularly good at filling an open area and will spread quickly—a growth habit that can be advantageous when it’s what you desire, and one to avoid if you do not.

Dense plantings also help prevent soil erosion, recycle soil nutrients, moderate temperature, and help retain soil moisture. Plants do best when living in community with others, where soils are healthy, fungal networks are established, and nutrients are recycled. Rather than using typical wood mulch that needs to be refreshed each season, consider “living mulch”—that is, more plants. Dense plantings help you avoid the inclination for annual wood mulch applications. Avoiding the annual wood mulch applications will save you money, and wood mulch offers no life, whereas live plants contribute value to wildlife.

Planting densely can support biodiversity when we choose different native species that vary in heights and growth habits. This is referred to as “matrix planting.” To create a sustainable and beautiful tapestry in the landscape, there is great value in taking time to learn about plants, particularly their growth habits and growth rates. With this understanding, selecting species that will work together will help create a sustainable tapestry, reducing maintenance. Put your well-thought-out plan on graph paper. For help in doing this, in a series of videos, plantsman and designer Roy Diblik gives technical and philosophical advice on how to go about your garden design.

There are some examples of plant combinations that will thrive together. These are called plant guilds. For instance, beneath a deciduous tree it would be appropriate to have long beech fern, foamflower, woodland phlox, and white wood aster. These will serve as the living mulch, cover the area, and will also provide “soft landing” area for pollinators whose life cycle may begin in the tree, but who must overwinter in the leaf litter for the next phases of their life cycle.

Taking a cue from natural woodlands, a landscape design incorporating plants of different types to create vertical layers will support the greatest diversity of wildlife. The lower layer is composed of herbaceous plants of various growth habits. The next layer is shrubs, preferably those that flower and fruit to support pollinators and birds. A third layer could be small-sized understory trees, such as bear oak (Quercus ilicifolia), sassafras (Sassafras albium), and pagoda dogwood (Swida alternifloria) that also support native pollinators.

Taller trees make up the top canopy layer. These layers help moderate soil temperature and moisture levels. Bird species each have their preference for nesting locations. Some birds nest in shrubs and hedges, while others prefer taller trees, such as the Baltimore oriole that weaves a hanging nest high above the ground near the end of a tree branch, hidden from view. A vertically stratified landscape offers the greatest opportunities for a higher diversity of bird species. And layering is a basic principle of good garden design as it creates aesthetic balance and visual interest.

When we wisely choose keystone native plant species, plant densely and in layers, our landscapes can be especially beautiful and beneficial to wildlife and biodiversity: a win-win for all living things.

Ecolandscape Consultation Program

If you desire to make your yard friendlier to pollinators and wildlife, learn more about native plants and controlling invasive species, and hear of ways to conserve water and protect the Cape’s water quality, we can help.

APCC’s Ecolandscape Consultation program is aimed at helping homeowners make their landscapes more ecologically friendly by providing site-specific assessments and oodles of information for the DIYers or those that want to be more informed to hire the right landscape contractor. While we are not landscape designers or engineers, we do have the passion, experience, knowledge, and loads of resources to offer guidance to help you achieve your goals for a Cape-friendly yard.

Click here for more information and

to schedule a consultation!

We Love Botany

Botanize a bit with Erin Camire, APCC's ecolandscape program coordinator, in the video below. Another short clip from a conservation property in Brewster.

SAVE THE DATE!

APCC's Annual Meeting

Sunday, September 14th at 12:00 p.m.

at the Dennis Inn

APCC partners with the Brewster Book Store.

Above: Kristin Andres, APCC's education director, and authors Elspeth Hay and Kate Woodworth and audience in the garden at the Brewster Book Store.

APCC's education director, Kristin Andres, was pleased to be asked to participate in a discussion and book signing event at the Brewster Book Store's garden last week with two insightful and inspiring authors who also care deeply about the planet: Elspeth Hay and Kate Woodworth.

Elspeth's book, just released, is entitled Feed Us with Trees, and Kate's novel, Little Great Island, both convey the need for us to connect and co-exist with nature.

Visit the Brewster Book Store and get your copies!

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.

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.

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.

Blue Vervain

Verbena hastata

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

NEW! T's

Cyanobacteria ~ tiny but mighty

color kiwi

$30

includes USPS shipping

APCC caps

$25

-includes USPS deliver in the U.S.

Garden for Life T's

$30

-includes USPS delivery in U.S.

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, Heritage Museums and Gardens, 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.