Barnstable Land Trust’s exciting new calendar of activities.

As the sun rises on New Year’s Day, groups of hikers will begin First Day Hikes on conservation lands across Cape Cod. The Barnstable Land Trust (BLT) has spearheaded First Day Hikes in the region to get folks outside as they start a new year with resolutions to take better care of themselves and their community. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a family with young children, or someone who just wants to enjoy some fresh air, the BLT has something for you on New Year’s Day, from Sunrise at Sandy Neck, to geocaching and bonfires. In fact, the BLT has a plethora of activities planned all throughout the year. Barnstable Land Trust’s Director of Communication and Programming, Sue Sullivan says, “A major part of the BLT’s mission is to connect people with the land, on and off the trails, in ways that they can personally relate to no matter their age, background, abilities, or interest.” 

In response to the rapid development of the 1970s, community members created the nonprofit Barnstable Land Trust in 1983. The founding members realized that if they didn’t take steps to conserve land, much of what makes the Cape uniquely beautiful would fall to housing and commercial development. At the same time the Massachusetts Legislature made money available for the purchase of land by community groups for conservation. Since then, through purchases and donations the BLT has conserved 1,250+ acres and supported the Town in protecting 11,000 more.

Not only are the properties protected from development, but they are places where folks of all ages can connect with nature, meet like-minded people, learn new skills,...