An Orenda Challenge!

It is obvious that Bayview Farm is special. The marsh and uplands are home to countless wildlife species.

In 2005, the Barnstable Land Trust (BLT) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) partnered to preserve almost 30 acres of unique uplands and salt marsh in West Barnstable ~ a place called Bayview Farm.

Threatened by development, the farm was placed on BLT's "Most Wanted" list, as it provides a vital link between over 300 acres of town-owned and private conservation land to the east with 14,000 acres of Sandy Neck and the Barnstable Great Marsh to the west.

Thanks to funding assistance from TNC, the US Fish & Wildlife Service and the State of Massachusetts, Phase 1 of the project was completed in June 2005. This protected 14 acres of salt marsh and the 2 acre meadow that lies between the house (the only remaining structure on the farm) and Rte 6A.

Phase 2, which will add an additional 10 acres of undeveloped upland, salt marsh and intertidal wetland is currently underway, but the deadline to complete the purchase is looming. Help has come from the State which has committed $439,000. However, $185,000 still must be raised. And, like the last miles of a marathon, the finish line still seems so, so far away.

With our Orenda office just a "stone's throw" from Bayview Farm, and our fundamental purpose being to protect wildlife habitat, it seemed natural for Orenda to be a good neighbor and reply to the general call for help. At our most recent Board Meeting, the Directors unanimously passed a motion to pledge $40,000 to help BLT complete Phase 2 of the Bayview Farm Project.

On May 15th, Orenda Vice President Dan Morast and Administrator Linda Bound met with Aileen Chase, BLT's Director of Development, to discuss the details. Aileen was pleased and definitely surprised when Dan presented her with a check for $3,000 ~ the first step in meeting our Orenda commitment.

Orenda has been able to make purchases of important habitat in the past because of you, our dedicated and generous membership. The Makepeace Sanctuary and Mercy-Lowe Lands, part of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge, stand as testament to your commitment to preserve habitat for wildlife.

So we are once again rolling up our sleeves and reaching out to everyone who holds a special place in their hearts for Cape Cod. We need you to help Orenda and Barnstable Land Trust save the beautiful and historic Bayview Farm.

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