Harwich Conservation Trust - Protected Areas

In the heart of Harwich, the 60-acre Bank Street Bogs Nature Preserve offers a unique blend of wetland fringed with tall red maples, oaks and pines. The land was acquired by the Trust in June 2001 to protect wildlife, water quality, walking trails, and to explore farming opportunities. Farming options were explored for seven years. The estimated high cost of farming the bogs ($35,000/acre/year) caused the Trust to focus on volunteer-based wildlife habitat enhancements.

Water flows from Grassy Pond, under Bank Street, through the bogs and eventually into Saquatucket Harbor on Nantucket Sound. Long ago, before cranberry cultivation and development changed the original crescent shape of Grassy Pond, Native Americans knew it as Wooncepit, or the "Crooked Pond".

Visitors can stroll along the bog's perimeter, but please steer clear of the ditches and stay off the wetlands. Simply park in the Harbormaster's workshop lot on the east side of Bank Street, follow a short trail south and watch for wildlife as you stroll around the area.

During the summer, look for acrobatic tree swallows diving and gliding in search of insects. Blue-green iridescent above and snowy white beneath, these agile birds often nest in birdhouses installed by the Trust and AmeriCorps-Cape Cod volunteers in April 2002. Volunteers from HCT and the Cape Cod Bird Club monitor 44 nestboxes.

Directions:
Bank Street connects Route 39 to Route 28. The Harbormaster's Workshop building (#203 Bank Street, Harwich Port, MA 02646) is two-story gray building with two large garage doors facing Bank Street. Enter the parking lot to the right of the building and park in one of the three spaces designated by HCT's pine logo signs. Follow the foot trail to the 60-acre property and walk the perimeter of the bogs. Watch out for poison ivy and ticks.