Orenda Wildlife Land Trust

09/01/2026

🐢 A new generation of terrapins is emerging! 🌿

Our Terrapin Guardians have recently encountered and observed diamondback terrapin hatchlings emerging from protected nests and successfully making their way into the surrounding leaf litter, where they can remain protected as they begin their lives in the wild.

Hatchling season is an especially important time for terrapin conservation. After spending weeks, sometimes months, developing beneath the surface, hatchlings emerge tiny and vulnerable, and their survival depends on finding safe habitat and avoiding threats as they make their way toward the marsh.

That’s why our volunteers’ careful monitoring of known nests is so important. By protecting nesting areas and documenting hatchling emergence throughout the season, they’re helping us better understand local terrapin populations while giving these young turtles a safer start. Every hatchling we see is a hopeful sign for the future of diamondback terrapins on Cape Cod.

Thank you to our dedicated Terrapin Guardians for their continued service throughout hatchling season!

Learn more and get involved: https://orendalandtrust.org/nurture-the-trust/diamond-terrapin-protection-program/

08/27/2026

It’s almost time to GO WILD! 🌿🦌🦅🐢

Join Orenda at Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday, September 12, for a free, fun, family-friendly day celebrating the incredible wildlife that calls Cape Cod home.

Come explore hands-on exhibits, enjoy wildlife-themed activities, meet local conservation experts, and discover the work happening right here to protect Cape Cod’s wild places and the animals that depend on them.

Mark your calendar and bring the whole family - we can’t wait to see you there!

Learn more and register: https://www.massaudubon.org/places-to-explore/wildlife-sanctuaries/long-pasture/news/cape-cod-wildlife-festival

📅 September 12 | Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary

Bring the whole family to this free, fun-filled event and connect directly with local wildlife organizations working to protect animals and their habitats across Cape Cod and beyond. 

07/16/2026

Meet Our Summer Interns! 🌿🐢

This summer, we're excited to welcome Thea and Ryan to the Orenda Wildlife Land Trust team!

Thea, who grew up on the coast of Maine, recently graduated from Stonehill College with a degree in Environmental Studies. She has a strong passion for wildlife conservation and is thrilled to spend the summer with Orenda making a meaningful difference for local wildlife and habitats.

Ryan is a recent graduate of the University of Vermont, where he earned a degree in Sustainability, Ecology, and Policy with minors in Biology and Zoology. A Massachusetts native who spent many summers on Cape Cod, Ryan is passionate about wildlife conservation and is excited to help protect the landscapes and species that make this region so special while gaining hands-on field experience.

Throughout the season, Thea and Ryan will be supporting our Diamondback Terrapin Protection Program - monitoring nesting activity, protecting vulnerable nests, and assisting with hatchling season - as well as contributing to a variety of land conservation and stewardship projects on Orenda's wildlife sanctuaries.

Please join us in giving Thea and Ryan a warm welcome! We’re grateful to have their enthusiasm, knowledge, and dedication helping advance our mission to protect Cape Cod's wildlife and wild places.

07/06/2026

Join us this Saturday at Brewster Conservation Day!

Stop by our booth to discover how we're protecting Cape Cod's land and wildlife and learn how you can make a difference right at home by becoming a "Home Habitat Hero!"

Whether you're passionate about conservation or just curious to learn more, we'd love to meet you. We hope to see you there!

06/16/2026

🐢🌎 World Sea Turtle Day 🌎🐢

Today, we celebrate the incredible sea turtles that have navigated our oceans for more than 100 million years - and renew our commitment to protecting them for generations to come.

While sea turtles spend most of their lives at sea, their survival depends on healthy coastal habitats, clean waterways, and communities that care. Every nest protected, every piece of litter removed, and every person inspired to take action makes a difference.

At Orenda Wildlife Land Trust, we are proud to protect wildlife habitats and engage volunteers in conservation efforts that help safeguard vulnerable turtle species, including our beloved diamondback terrapins.

This nesting season, you can be part of the solution. Whether you volunteer, support habitat conservation, or simply share the importance of protecting turtles and their habitats, your actions matter.

Together, we can help ensure that turtles continue their ancient journey for generations to come. Visit https://orendalandtrust.org/ or email us at [email protected] to learn more and sign up!

06/14/2026

🐢 Four nests protected and counting!

What a start to the 2026 diamondback terrapin nesting season! Thanks to the dedication of our incredible Terrapin Guardians, four nests have already been discovered and successfully protected.

Every protected nest represents hope for the next generation of terrapins and demonstrates the impact that volunteers can have on local wildlife conservation.

As nesting activity continues to increase, we expect more nests to be laid in the days and weeks ahead.

Terrapin Fun Fact: A single diamondback terrapin nest can contain up to 18 eggs, with most nests averaging around 10. Every nest we protect helps give an entire group of future terrapins a better chance at survival!

Interested in joining the effort?

We're actively looking for new Terrapin Guardians to help monitor nesting habitat and protect nests throughout the summer. No prior experience is necessary - we'll provide training and support!

If you enjoy spending time outdoors and want to make a direct impact on local wildlife, now is the perfect time to get involved.

Email us at [email protected] to learn more and sign up.

Please help us spread the word by liking, sharing, and tagging someone who might enjoy becoming a Terrapin Guardian!

Who will help us find Nest #5?

06/10/2026

🐢🐢 Two nests in two days!

Yesterday, we celebrated the discovery and protection of the first diamondback terrapin nest of the 2026 season. Today, we're excited to share that Nest #2 was discovered and protected!

This incredible start to the season is a testament to the dedication of our Terrapin Guardians, who are out monitoring nesting habitat and helping protect future generations of terrapins. Every protected nest represents hope for dozens of hatchlings and a brighter future for this remarkable species.

With nesting activity clearly underway, we expect more nests to be laid in the days and weeks ahead - and we're still looking for volunteers to join the effort.

Interested in becoming a Terrapin Guardian? Learn more here:
https://orendalandtrust.org/nurture-the-trust/diamond-terrapin-protection-program/

If you enjoy spending time outdoors and want to make a direct impact on local wildlife, we'd love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].

A huge thank you to all of our Terrapin Guardians for your time, dedication, and vigilance in the field. We couldn't do this without you.

Two nests protected and counting...who will help us find Nest #3?

06/09/2026

🐢🎉 The wait is over!

Nest #1 of the 2026 diamondback terrapin nesting season was discovered and successfully protected this morning!

After weeks of preparation and monitoring, we're excited to officially kick off the nesting season. Every protected nest represents hope for the next generation of terrapins and a step forward in conserving this remarkable species.

The season is just beginning, and we're still looking for Terrapin Guardians to help monitor nesting habitat and protect nests throughout the summer.

Interested in becoming a Terrapin Guardian? Learn more here: https://orendalandtrust.org/nurture-the-trust/diamond-terrapin-protection-program/

If you enjoy spending time outdoors and want to make a direct impact on local wildlife, we'd love to hear from you - email us at [email protected]

You can also help by following, liking, sharing, and engaging with our posts. Every share helps us reach more people who care about protecting local wildlife and habitats.

Who will find Nest #2? Stay tuned!

05/31/2026

Conservation in Action! 🐢

Today marked a special milestone as three diamondback terrapin hatchlings that overwintered and were rehabilitated at the Cape Wildlife Center were released at our “Turtle Garden” sanctuary in West Barnstable.

A heartfelt thank you to the entire Cape Wildlife Center team for the expert care that helped give these young terrapins a strong start before returning to their natural habitat.

This release is a powerful reminder of what conservation partnerships can accomplish and the impact of dedicated wildlife rehabilitation and stewardship efforts.

Terrapin nesting season begins in June, and there are many ways to make a difference. From monitoring nesting areas and protecting nests to supporting education and conservation efforts, community involvement plays a critical role in helping these remarkable turtles thrive.

Visit our website to learn more about becoming a Terrapin Guardian and supporting local wildlife conservation: https://orendalandtrust.org/become-a-terrapin-guardian-join-our-2026-protection-team/