Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary

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The sun was shining bright and the wind was at our backs—it was another beautiful day on Cape Cod. Many locals from Barnstable and surrounding towns made their way down to participate in Statewide Volunteer Day at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary. There were many repeat volunteers as well as a handful of new people who made an appearance. We were also lucky enough to have help from a team of young girls who were part of the Roots & Shoots group.

As 30 volunteers arrived, they were greeted by an eager team of Mass Audubon staff including Vice President of Programs Gary Clayton, Marketing Assistant Heather Buiwit, Property Manager Chris Walz, and Sanctuary Director Ian Ives. A rundown of the day’s work was given: “Operation Culvert,” restore the bird and butterfly garden, and clear brush from the Night Heron Pond Trail.

Three willing people chose to work on the culvert where they laid gravel and wood chips under the culvert to raise the ground level and promote drainage at the stream crossing. Down on the heron pond trail, three truckloads of brush were cleared by Ian Ives, and volunteers Kit Walker, Fran LeBaron, Lida Miner, Norm Otto, and Kelly Sattman. Their hard work really payed off since they got the trail more cleared than they had hoped for!

Meanwhile back in the garden, the group of elementary/ high school girls from Roots & Shoots along with their leader Joan Macallister, and volunteers Cindy Walker, Ruth Leon, and Viola, Alan, and Mia Ives helped prepare the bird and butterfly garden. The garden was made beautiful with bee balm, blueberries, strawberries, and more. They also made a sand bath for the birds.

Later that morning, two other groups showed up to help spread two dump truck loads of mulch around the property.

As the day came to a close, everyone gathered together for a wrap up of the day’s activities and a big “Thank you” from Ian Ives. Before leaving, the group was led down to a vernal pool to explore the inhabitants and creatures that are present at this time of year.

Overall, it was a beautiful day in every way—good people, good work, and, most importantly, good times! Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a great day.