Examine Cape Cod National Seashore through the Eyes of Park Scientists

Date: June 18, 2009
Contact: Jody Anastasio, North District Interpreter, 508-487-1256
Contact: Sue Haley, South District Interpreter, 508-255-3421 ext 15

Cape Cod’s natural splendor speaks for itself, but by understanding the important research that takes place in the national seashore, you might develop a greater appreciation for this unique place. Four upcoming programs will provide opportunities to find out more about science and nature in the seashore:

Does It Really Rain Toads, and Why Do Snapping Turtles Snap? Get the real story from Cape Cod National Seashore biologist Bob Cook during a discussion about the life history, habitats, and behaviors of the 24 species of salamanders, frogs, toads, snakes, and turtles found here. Sunday, July 5 at 7 PM, 1 hour. Free. Indoors at Province Lands Visitor Center, off Race Point Road, Provincetown.

Marine Invasive Species in the Northeastern United States - Cape Cod National Seashore biologist Megan Tyrrell and Mary Carman of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will present a program about marine invasives. Discover sea squirts and other proliferating non-native marine species. Tuesday, July 7, at 7 PM, 1 hour. Free. Indoors at Salt Pond Visitor Center, Route 6 sand Nauset Road, Eastham.

An Overview of Tidal Restoration at East Harbor - Park Plant Ecologist Stephen Smith - Wednesday, July 8, 10 AM. Free. Explore part of East Harbor (the area around High Head Road) and learn about the past, present, and future efforts to restore this back-barrier lagoon and marsh system. Discussion will include invasive plants, salt marsh vegetation, seagrasses, macroalgae, estuarine fauna, hydrology, water quality, and more. Duration: 1 to 2 hours. Conditions: Wear long pants and either waders, old shoes, or hiking boots that can get muddy and wet. Meeting location: High Head Road dirt “parking area” just after turnoff from Route 6, North Truro. Reservations required. Call 508-487-3262 ext. 104.

“Froggie Went A-Courtin:” The Use of Breeding Calls to Inventory and Monitor Frogs and Toads - Park Wildlife - Biologist Bob Cook - Friday, July 10, 8 PM. Free. Join park wildlife biologist Bob Cook and learn how nighttime surveys for calling frogs and toads are used to document the eight different species that live here and to monitor their occurrence and abundance. Duration: 2 hours. Conditions: Moderate walking.  Dress for evening temperatures and be prepared for biting insects (long sleeves and hats recommended).  Meeting location: Beech Forest Trail parking area, off Race Point Road, Provincetown. No reservations required.

IF YOU GO:

The Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham (508-255-3421) and the Province Lands Visitor Center (508-487-1256) in Provincetown are open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Staff is available to answer questions, assist with activity planning, and provide hiking and bicycling trail information. Visitor centers feature museum exhibits, orientation films, and bookstores with interpretive items such as books, maps, games and puzzles. Both visitor centers offer stunning views. A listing of all of the national seashore’s programs is available at the two seashore visitor centers, or on-line at www.nps.gov/caco.

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