Cape Cod National Seashore to Host Evening Program - Cranberries 101 - Neighbor to Neighbor

Date: August 25, 2009
Contact: Sue Haley, South District Interpreter, 508-255-3421

Cranberries are rich in vitamin C, have health-promoting properties used for centuries, and Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without them.  Massachusetts is one of our country’s major growing areas for this native fruit.  Join Dawn Gates-Allen from Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association for a free, one hour presentation, Cranberries 101: Neighbor to Neighbor at 7 PM on Tuesday, September 1 at Salt Pond Visitor Center.  Learn about this unique food and the special conditions it needs to survive.  Free samples of cranberries and cranberry products will be available after the presentation.  

Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association (CCCGA) is one of the country’s oldest farming organizations. Through research, assistance to farmers, and professional development, the CCCGA works to ensure that cranberry farming can survive urbanization and that open space and clean water, vital to cranberry growing, will be preserved.  As Communications Director, Dawn provides education and outreach throughout Southeast Massachusetts. She is also a fourth generation cranberry grower.

This upcoming program is part of the annual “Tuesday Evening Series” at Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham.  Held weekly at 7 PM in the summer in the air-cooled comfort of the visitor center auditorium, programs cover the diverse natural and cultural resources on the Outer Cape and are suitable for all ages, free of charge and accessible.  The series is sponsored by Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

IF YOU GO:  Salt Pond Visitor Center is located at Route 6 and Nauset Road in Eastham, and can be contacted by calling 508-255-3421.  The center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM and staff is available to assist with activity planning.  Stop by and visit the museum, view a park film, enjoy panoramic views of Salt Pond and Nauset Marsh and shop in the gift store featuring interpretive items such as books, maps, puzzles and games.  For more information about the seashore’s programs, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/caco.

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