Research at the Reserve Series 

Join us for an informal evening learning about innovative research happening around Waquoit Bay. Each week you will learn from a different scientist about how they do their research, what they are discovering, and how it applies to today’s issues.

Thursday, March 23
6:30PM - 8:00PM

HYBRID: Virtual and In-person Presentation: Waquoit Bay Reserve Visitor Center (light refreshments served)

Groundwater delivers excess nutrients (chiefly from wastewater) to Waquoit Bay and other Cape salt ponds degrading water quality in these ecosystems. Reductions in these nutrient inputs have been mandated by the Commonwealth for more than 30 estuaries on Cape Cod. How will we achieve these reductions?  The standard approach is diversion of wastewater to sewers and a centralized treatment facility.  What if we could intercept and remove some of the nitrates, the major nutrient affecting water quality, within the aquifer using carbon-based “Permeable Reactive Barriers” (PRB’s)? In 2005, Dr. Foreman oversaw the installation of a pair of test barriers at the shores of the Waquoit Bay system and since then several other test PRB’s have been installed on the Cape.  Do the PRB’s work? How long might they last? What are the possible advantages (and disadvantages) of this approach compared to sewers?

Kenneth H. Foreman, Ph.D., Ecosystems Center, Marine Biological Laboratory

Thursday, March 30
6:30PM - 8:00PM

HYBRID - VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON/VISITOR CENTER

Waquoit Bay Reserve has been tracking long-term trends in water quality since the 1990s. Dr. Mathew Long, WHOI, and Jordan Mora, APCC, (formerly of WBNERR) analyzed the past two decades of data. This presentation will reveal trends in Waquoit Bay oxygen levels, acidification, temperature, and algae/phytoplankton composition that may have future indications for other estuaries, as the Northeastern U.S. is one of the fastest warming regions across the world.
Dr. Matthew Long, Associate Scientist, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Monday, April 17
11:00am - 12:00pm

Let’s see how many signs of wildlife we can find as we walk along the beach and dune trails. We will also keep our eyes out for our nesting osprey and piping plovers. Meet at the South Cape State Park Beach entrance.

Dress for the weather, there are no bathrooms at this sight. The walk will be cancelled if heavy rain or strong winds.

photo credit: John Harrison

Kevin Friel and Barbara Schneider, co-founders of The Falmouth Osprey Project, will speak about the work of the Falmouth Osprey Project at Waquoit Bay Reserve Visitor Center on Monday, April 17, from 6:30 to 8 pm. While utility poles can appear as ideal home sites to the osprey, nesting on them can result in fires, power outages and even the electrocution of these amazing birds. Come learn more about ospreys and the efforts being made to keep them safer by providing these unique birds with safe nesting sites as an alternative to the dangerous utility poles.

Kevin Friel is a local wildlife and family photographer whose passion and love for photography and animals has driven him through life. He is a co-founder of The Osprey Project.

Dr. Barbara Schneider is a former educator and journalist. She currently serves as Chair of the Falmouth Beach Committee, Town Meeting member and precinct captain, president of the Falmouth Dog Park, co-founder of The Osprey Project and IFAW marine mammal rescue volunteer.

Tuesday, April 18
11:00am - 12:00pm

Osprey are nesting along our coasts and here at Waquoit Bay, but did you know there are other birds of prey nearby too? Who are they? What are their special traits? We will find out and take a walk looking for Osprey and other hawks. Play a talon/claw game and make a falcon glider.

Meet at the Visitor Center

Teachers on the Estuary: Wastewater in Watersheds

April 18-19, 2023
9:00am - 4:30pm

2-hour Virtual Follow up date TBD

Target Audience: Teachers grades 4-12

Participants will visit pond and estuary habitats, the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center, New Alchemy Institute, oyster aquaculture and permeable reactive barrier sites. We’ll talk to the experts on this urgent topic. Teachers will take home a classroom kit to be able to replicate the activities in their own classroom.

• Explore coastal habitats
• Conduct field investigations
• Connect to Next Generation Science Standards
• Bring local and national data into your classroom
• Learn how to guide student investigations
• Interact with local scientists and experienced coastal educators

There is no cost to attend the workshop, space is limited please register by Thursday, April 13, 2023.

Lunch, snacks, and teaching resources will be provided.

Local lodging in Woods Hole is available at no cost for anyone traveling beyond a reasonable commuting distance. Space is limited please contact laurie.tompkins@mass.gov if interested.

Optional: Teachers who elect to present about how they implemented in their classroom are eligible for $100 presentation stipend.

For additional information or questions please contact joan.muller@mass.gov.

Co-Sponsored by Waquoit Bay Reserve, MA Department of Conservation & Recreation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Friends of Waquoit Bay Reserve

Wednesday, April 19
11:00am - 12:00pm

photo credit: John Harrison

We will celebrate the Osprey! View our nesting Osprey with our scope and Osprey Cam and learn about their adaptations and life cycles with activities, games, and a craft!

Meet at the Visitor Center

Thursday, April 20
11:00am - 12:00pm

We will search Waquoit for wonderous winged creatures from birds to bugs. Learn about flight with a science experiment and make our own wings. How does your “arm span” compare with an osprey’s wingspan?

Meet at the Visitor Center

Friday, April 21
12:00pm - 3:00pm

Celebrate Earth Day by reusing recycled materials!  We will have a variety of crafts available including a bird feeder, a suncatcher and a plastic bag creation. This is a drop-in program, come anytime and make one or more crafts.

Meet at the Visitor Center.

South Cape Beach Walk

Saturday, May 13

10:00am - 12:00pm

A 2-mile walk along the Dead Neck Trail open to walkers aged 16 and over. The trail traverses some soft sand. Meet at the beach entrance by South Cape Beach State Park parking lot, 669 Great Oak Road in Mashpee. Wear sturdy footwear and bring drinking water and a snack. Heavy wind or rain will cancel. If weather conditions are questionable, please call 617-259-0209. Described route may change.

Estuary Adventures

Full-day sessions for students entering grades 4-6 in the fall of 2023

Session One - July 10-14, 2023

Young scientists will conduct hands-on investigations based on research projects at the Reserve from water quality of the bay to wildlife observations. They will learn to use a variety of instruments to help with their discoveries and play games relating ideas. Students will wade into the marshes to find estuary creatures and learn about the wildlife around Waquoit Bay.

Estuary Adventures

Full-day sessions for students entering grades 4-6 in the fall of 2023

Session Two - July 17-21, 2023

Young scientists will conduct hands-on investigations based on research projects at the Reserve from water quality of the bay to wildlife observations. They will learn to use a variety of instruments to help with their discoveries and play games relating ideas. Students will wade into the marshes to find estuary creatures and learn about the wildlife around Waquoit Bay.

Bayside Buddies  

July 24-18, 2023

Morning Session 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Students entering grades 2-3 in the fall of 2023

Children will get wet, muddy, and inspired through games, crafts, and basic scientific investigations.  They explore nature in various habitats around Waquoit Bay including forest, field, and marshes. The students will study wildlife from crabs in the bay to osprey on our nesting platform, starting their journey to become estuary stewards.

Bayside Buddies  

July 24-18, 2023

Afternoon Session 1:00PM - 4:00PM

Students entering grades 2-3 in the fall of 2023

Children will get wet, muddy, and inspired through games, crafts, and basic scientific investigations.  They explore nature in various habitats around Waquoit Bay including forest, field, and marshes. The students will study wildlife from crabs in the bay to osprey on our nesting platform, starting their journey to become estuary stewards.

Women in Science

Full-day session for young women entering grades 7-9 in the fall of 2023

July 31-Aug 4, 2023

Students will receive inspiration and support as they meet women scientists who will describe their career paths and projects. They will conduct field research alongside Waquoit Bay staff and visiting scientists using a variety of instruments and technologies to gather and record data from the habitats at Waquoit Bay Reserve. This hands-on session is sure to provide plenty of fun, build confidence, and offer a look at potential careers in science, technology, and engineering.

TIDAL Quest: Teens Investigating Diversity of Aquatic Life

Full-day session for students entering grades 9 - 12 in the fall of 2023

August 7-11, 2023

Do you love science, technology, and figuring out how things work? Join a small team of students spending a week in the field while conducting environmental monitoring projects with Waquoit Bay Reserve scientists. Students will discover the latest technologies used locally to study climate change and sea level rise, monitor wildlife, examine plant communities, and look for ways to solve environmental issues while socializing with other teens and developing questions to investigate. Participation in this session may help determine a career path or boost a college application.

STEAM Adventures

Full-day session for students entering grades 6-8 in the fall of 2023

August 14-18, 2023

Students will design and create exciting projects using the engineering design process in the classroom lab and outside. They will draw on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) skills to build, test, and redesign their projects, which will be based on real-life problems and challenges. They will learn about renewable energy and play interactive games and water activities will keep the interest level high and the kids cooled down.