DECEMBER 2023 - NEWS FROM

FRIENDS OF HERRING RIVER

AND THE

HERRING RIVER RESTORATION PROJECT

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Wishing you a happy, healthy holiday season!

Farrell Electric lays out Unistrut brackets for temporary utility conduit installation / photo: Wes Stinson

Utility conduits installed across temporary bridge spans / photo: Wes Stinson

"FIRST DAY" HIKES!

Barnstable Land Trust is again coordinating 18 FREE "First Day Hikes" across Cape Cod on New Year's Day.

Wellfleet Conservation Trust (WCT) + Friends of Herring River (FHR)

are co-hosting a walk, "The Gut to the Herring River Overlook"

Monday, January 1, 2024 at 10:00 am

Walk leaders: Alice Iacuessa, former FHR Board member and author of Herring River Adventure & Bill Iacuessa, WCT Board of Directors.

Meet at Great Island parking lot (Natl. Park Service).

Find out more about the walk and register for it HERE.

HERRING RIVER RESTORATION PROJECT UPDATES

Important Shrimp Species Returns to Duck Harbor

In an exciting development, shrimp from the Palaemonetes genus (which can survive in brackish water) have been observed in Duck Harbor. These shrimp, among others, are a signature species important for their role in maintaining a healthy estuarine habitat. They consume algae and dead organic matter, helping to recycle nutrients for plant growth, and are eaten by numerous predatory fish which, in turn, are eaten by larger fish, osprey, herons, eagles, and people.

A Construction "Mascot"...

The Chequessett Neck Road temporary bridge construction site has become part of a local red fox's territory. The fox stops by on a regular basis to check on the progress of the work, soak up some rays, and occasionally pilfer an unguarded sandwich or donut.

The employees of MIG Construction have been kind and respectful, recognizing that the fox is, after all, the homeowner in this situation.

TURTLE TEACHING

FHR Science Advisory Group Co-Chair Barbara Brennessel visited the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal School twice in November to introduce students to the Diamondback Terrapin, a salt marsh turtle that inhabits the Herring River Estuary. Barbara brought a live hatchling into the classroom and discussed the terrapin life cycle and habitat. The second visit was linked to the teacher's description of the Wampanoag Turtle Clan Mother.

AUTUMN WALKS

In November and December Friends of Herring River led 4 Wellfleet walks on topics ranging from the Herring Industry of the 1800's to the ecology of the Herring River, the history of the River Restoration Project, and the journey of the young herring fry from the freshwater ponds to the Gulf of Maine.

Dozens of people registered, the weather was (mostly) cooperative, and a great time was had by all! Stay tuned for new walks for 2024 spring walks.

Y.E.A.H.!

Year-End Appeal Highlight #5

We are about to close our 2023 Year-End Appeal on December 31st, 2023!

As a non-profit organization, we are a SMALL, local business within a BIG project team doing LOTS of important work to ensure careful, effective success of a LARGE, dynamic estuarine restoration project.

The donations thus far have been generous, much needed, and deeply appreciated. Our team works hard year-round, please help us cover our operational overhead and expenses.

We have only 9 days left in our Year-End Appeal and our fiscal year. We'd love to "catch" your donation and add your gift to the supportive "school" below.

THANK YOU!

Please consider making a gift to Friends of Herring River. 

Click on the link below for easy online options or mail us a check.

Every contribution matters! 

YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK

FHR’s Work

We continue to manage multiple Herring River Restoration Project (HRRP) non-construction contracts and deliverables, for work on final design of structures/strategies, monitoring and data collection related to water quality, sediment, and species, and to prepare detailed permit applications to re-authorize and re-certify the next stages of work. These are all essential project activities, delivered by a skilled team who lives close to the project footprint, which adds efficiency and conveys deep love of the estuary.

We are working to increase education and promotion of the HRRP. If you haven't watched the 3 brief HRRP topical videos, please do. We produced these through Solano Film Collective, with funding from MA Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These videos are available on our website here.

We Welcome & Appreciate Donations!

Support our mission - to inspire and accelerate restoration of estuaries and ecosystems for the benefit of nature and all people.

To donate, please click HERE

Friends of Herring River is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. 

P.O. Box 565 | 1580 Rte 6

South Wellfleet, MA 02663

(508) 214-0656