Focus Areas

Natural Resource Management

ACC’s efforts in the area of natural resource management include shellfish propagation, herring run clearing, heathland restoration, wildland fuels reduction, invasive plant species removal, trail building and restoration, sand dune restoration and community garden maintenance. ACC implements natural resource management projects within the 15 towns of Cape Cod through partnerships with municipal shellfish offices, conservation and natural resource departments, nonprofit land trusts, the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation, and federal entities such as the Cape Cod National Seashore and the Untied States Army Corps of Engineers.

Disaster Preparedness and Response

ACC partners with disaster response organizations like the Barnstable County Regional Emergency Planning Committee (BC REPC) and the American Red Cross to prepare for natural disasters (hurricanes, winter storms, Nor’easters) and their impacts (widespread power outages, fires, etc.). During large-scale emergency events, ACC members will assist in the response by staffing regional shelters across the Cape.

ACC members also assist organizations that respond to animals in crises. Through our partnerships with the National Marine Life Center (NMLC), International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), and MA Audubon Wellfleet Bay, members have responded to marine mammal (cetaceans and pinnipeds) and ocean sunfish (Mola mola) strandings, and have monitored beaches for cold-stunned sea turtles.

Environmental Education

ACC members participate in group service and community events where they educate the public of all ages on environmental topics including recycling, water quality, and land preservation. The largest of these events include “WET Fest”, where members present an extensive curriculum on water quality issues to Cape Cod school children (kindergarten to 5^th grade). ACC members are also encouraged to educate creatively, whether it’s through our Green Ribbon Puppet Show or by creating new education materials at their Individual Placements.

Community Outreach & Volunteer Engagement

ACC members plan, serve at, and host community and Signature events with regional partners as a way to gather people to serve around Cape Cod. Notable events are  Brewster Conservation Day, Harwich’s Tour de Trash, and Dennis Conservation Celebration. ACC members also provide capacity building for local municipalities and nonprofits by assisting with volunteer recruitment and retention programs. This includes finding new ways to build relationships with community members and provide opportunities for volunteers to serve.