HCT Reaches Goal For Red River Valley Purchase

HARWICH – The Harwich Conservation Trust has raised the $4.25 million for the purchase of 12.34 acres in the Red River Valley, which includes structures that will serve as new offices and a training center.

But that’s not all; another $750,000 was contributed by two anonymous challenge donors for parking, trailhead enhancements and the addition of electric vehicle charging stations.

HCT Executive Director Michael Lach said the acquisition will protect the watershed headwaters upstream from Red River Beach, the town’s largest and most popular beach on Nantucket Sound. It will further protect public wellfield recharge land for town wells serving 13,000 residents in Harwich and 7,000 residents in Chatham, he said.

“After adapting the existing house into a new office and learning center, we’ll be able to provide inspiring volunteer opportunities and educational opportunities for all ages,” said Lach. “We’re very grateful for the generosity of HCT donors who make land preservation possible and make the Cape a better place.”

“A message we often hear from our loyal donors is that our trust gets things done, quickly, cost effectively, and best of all protecting in perpetuity,” added HCT President Tom Evans. “They see incredible value and return for their gift dollar, right here in the town they love.”

The property includes 9.6 acres formerly owned by the Courtenay Chase family with 750 feet abutting the Red River stream just south of Route 28, which serves as the boundary that separates Harwich and Chatham. On the north side of Route 28, 2.74 acres owned by the Baker family are included in the purchase, with 2.24 acres in Harwich and an additional half acre in Chatham. That land is located 400 feet from public drinking wells.

Lach said the land was the missing link in an overall 475-acre wildlife habitat corridor spanning both towns. It further removes land from development along both sides of Route 28, ensuring a scenic forest experience on the border of the two towns, he said.

The Chase home, a 2,144-square-foot structure set back from Route 28 on the south side, will be renovated into offices for the trust, and the large barn adjacent to the house will be converted into a learning center that will create educational opportunities for people of all ages, said Lach.

The additional anonymous donor contributions will be used for improved public access to the Red River Valley Preserve, he said. The enhancements will include parking spaces for wheelchair access, two electric vehicle charging stations, a trailhead for the new walking loop, stormwater filtration swales, and other eco-friendly design elements.

If all goes well, Lach said, the hope is to open the new hub for land conservation and nature discovery next fall.

“Folks who support their local land trust are optimistic and forward thinking,” he said. “They are from all walks of life dedicated to preserving land that protects water, wildlife, and our shared Cape Cod quality of life. Together we’re making a meaningful and lasting difference by saving land that benefits everyone.”