Date: July 7, 2017
Contact: Dani Cessna, South District Interpreter, 508-255-3421, ext. 0305
Join Cape Cod National Seashore’s Natural Resource Management and Science staff on Thursday, July 13 for an inside look at plans to restore Wellfleet’s Herring River. The one-hour illustrated program will be held at 7 pm at the Salt Pond Visitor Center auditorium in Eastham.
The Herring River is the largest tidal river and estuarine complex on outer Cape Cod. Prior to 1909, when the river was open to Wellfleet Harbor at Chequessett Neck, it was bordered by nearly 1,100 acres of coastal wetlands and contained a productive river herring run and shellfishery, as well as extensive salt marsh habitat. In 1909, the natural condition of the estuary was changed dramatically when a dike was built at Chequessett Neck. The purpose of the Herring River Restoration Project is to restore self-sustaining coastal habitats throughout the 1,100-acre estuary by reestablishing the tidal connection between the estuary and Cape Cod Bay.
This program is part of the annual “Salt Pond Evenings” series. Held weekly in July and August in the air-cooled comfort of the visitor center auditorium, programs focus on the diverse natural and cultural resources on the Outer Cape and are suitable for all ages. Programs are 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 50 Nauset Road at the intersection of Route 6 in Eastham, and can be reached at 508-255-3421. The center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with staff to assist with activity planning. Visit the museum, view a park film, enjoy panoramic views of Salt Pond and Nauset Marsh, and shop in the gift and bookstore featuring national seashore-related items.
