BCT Unveils Upcoming Project, Highlights New Strategic Plan

BREWSTER – The Brewster Conservation Trust recently revealed a new project that has been in the works for over a decade — one that will preserve a natural habitat, create an accessible community space and restore historical character to a property located off Route 6A.

On Thursday, Aug. 14, the trust hosted its 42nd annual meeting at Ocean Edge. Board members, staff and volunteers packed into the carriage house as leaders presented highlights of the last year, but the biggest moment of the night was the unveiling of the Backus Overlook. 

Beth Finch, trust officer and former Brewster Conservation Trust (BCT) president, introduced the overlook with a brief overview of the history of the property. 

The land, located at 2341 Main St., was divided into four parcels in 2005 when Steve Backus and his wife Kate purchased the property. It included a cranberry bog, an old schoolhouse, ponds, wetlands and upland. 

In 2014, Backus offered three parcels, including the ponds, wetlands and upland, to Mark Robinson, executive director of The Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts. At this time, the east bog was not a part of the proposed agreement because it was still being farmed. Despite conservations between the two parties, no change of ownership officially took place.

By 2016, the BCT had purchased one of the parcels, around four acres, in a bargain sale. In 2017, Backus donated a parcel that included ponds, wetlands and a vernal pool. And then in 2018, the BCT purchased another portion of the property in a bargain sale that contained the remnants of a farm, including old farm equipment and an old farm building. 

Eventually, Backus handed over the last of the property, which housed the old schoolhouse and the east bog with the understanding that it would be turned into a park. 

“We agreed. What a deal,” said Finch. “But the devil is in the details, isn’t it always?” 

The Brewster Historical Society inquired about moving the old schoolhouse, now a historic resource, but found in spring 2024 that it couldn’t be preserved because of its condition. 

BCT staff and volunteers cleared the parcel, emptying the schoolhouse and removing truckloads of trash and other items. 

After numerous meetings with town departments, engineers and ecological specialists, a plan is now in place for the future of the land. Finch said the BCT will apply for a demolition permit with plans to remove the two existing structures this fall. Then permits will be sought to begin construction of an overlook in the winter. 

“What is it we’re working for?” Finch asked. “This is our gift to the town.” 

Off of Route 6A, the land drops off to reveal a beautiful view. BCT leadership is hoping to create a viewing platform for residents and visitors. Ideally, there would be accessible pathways down to the pond level and offshoot trails that will link to the trails behind Eddy Elementary School. Part of the schoolhouse stone will be preserved and a kiosk added chronicling its history. 

The budget for the project is $250,000. Currently, the team has a matching grant of $65,000 in place, and they are working on securing donations. 

The project will fall into the group’s new five-year strategic plan, which spotlights land preservation, land stewardship, outreach, fundraising and organization and infrastructure. 

BCT President Charlie Sumner said he is frequently asked questions about what else there is to preserve. 

“There are still plenty of properties out there that are in environmentally sensitive areas or abutt other conservation properties,” he said. “The day isn’t done, and while land stewardship might be becoming a large part of what we do, acquisition and protection of our natural resources is really important.” 

After 42 years, BCT has successfully protected over 1,700 acres of land in Brewster, according to its strategic plan. 

On Thursday, BCT also handed out awards for conservationist of the year to David Dalgarn, volunteer of the year to Chris Williams and the lifetime contribution award to Peter Johnson.