From September 16th through September 18th, the Orleans Pond Coalition will be hosting a series of events known as Celebrate Our Waters. The events range from fun physical activities to the appreciation of local art and culture. The theme of the weekend is centered around water conservation and the appreciation of the abundance of natural waterways located in Orleans.Who is the Orleans Pond Coalition?
The Orleans Pond Coalition is a group of volunteers dedicated to protecting and enhancing the lakes and ponds of Orleans, Massachusetts. They achieve this goal by offering educational programs, sponsoring water quality research, and working with state and local governments to protect the waterways.
Why It Matters?
Celebrate Our Waters gives the community an opportunity to celebrate the natural beauty of Orleans’ beautiful waterways. While most people recognize that water conservation is an important part of maintaining a healthy environment, this year’s celebration is particularly important.
Currently, the Massachusetts government has identified the Cape Cod region as a level 3 critical drought. This places a restriction on all non-essential outdoor water use. During a drought, useable water is limited, water levels are at extreme lows, and there is a higher risk for fire-related incidents.
Celebrate Our Waters is geared toward educating the community about water conservation practices, including ways to reduce pollution and water use. The celebration is a reminder that we need to implement these practices in our everyday lives to sustain the natural beauty of the waterways that we love.
2022 Celebrate Our Waters Activities
Celebrate Our Waters runs from Friday, September 16th, through Sunday, September 18th. During that period, there will be a wide array of water-related activities.
*Indicates that reservations are required. Visit the Orleans Coalition Pond website to secure your spot.
Sunset Paddle – Arey’s Pond – Friday at 6 PM*
Join the expert guides from Supfari Adventures and paddle on the beautiful waters of Arey’s Pond while watching the sunset. There is no charge for this event, but make sure to bring some money to tip your guides!
Birds of the Shore – Nauset Beach – Saturday at 8:30 AM
Join the Sanctuary Director Emeritus at Priscilla Landing to watch the migrating shore birds. Make sure to bring binoculars and keep an eye out for the Peregrine Falcon.
Yoga on the Beach – Nauset Beach North Parking Lot – Saturday and Sunday 8:30 AM
After a long but hectic summer, who couldn’t use a little yoga on the beach for relaxation? Everyone from novice to expert yogis is welcome to join. You don’t need a yoga mat but try to arrive 15 minutes early.
Bakers Pond Hike – Bakers Pond Conservation Area – Saturday at 9 PM
Take a 2-mile guided hike bordering the beautiful kettle pond. The trail takes you through parts of both Orleans and Brewster. You’ll even get to check out the highest point in Brewster, Huckleberry Hill.
Sail on Pleasant Bay – Pleasant Bay Community Boating – Saturday and Sunday 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM
Take your shot at learning to sail! There is no cost for the lessons, but make sure to reserve your spot early as spots are expected to book up fast.
Stand-Up Paddle Board Clinic – Arey’s Pond – Saturday 9:30 AM, 11 AM, and 1 PM*
If you aren’t able to make it to the sunset paddle board tour on Friday, here’s another chance to learn how to paddle board on the calm waters of Arey’s Pond.
Model Boat Regatta – Crystal Lake – Saturday 10 AM
Head over to the Crystal Lake Beach to watch as the Nauset Model Sailing Club puts on a miniature sailboat regatta. Rumor has it that there might even be a remote-controlled model sea plane in action.
Bike Tour de Orleans or Tour de West Orleans – Rock Harbor or Depot Square – Saturday at 10 AM
Calling all cyclists to the Tour de Orleans! Join local cyclists at Rock Harbor on a 13 to 15-mile bike ride along the local waterways and ponds in East Orleans. If that seems like a little much for your liking, you can also join the shorter Tour de West Orleans at Depot Square to do either a 6 or 11-mile bike ride visiting several gorgeous water vistas. Families are welcome, but no one will be permitted to join the ride without wearing a helmet.
Family Fun Tent – Rock Harbor – Saturday 10 AM to 1 PM
Visit Rock Harbor to check out a wide variety of family fun activities. From making your own t-shirt to shell painting, there’s an activity for every water conservationist to enjoy.
Coast Guard Motor Lifesaving Vessel CG36500 – Rock Harbor – Saturday 10 AM to 1 PM
Did you know that the Coast Guard got its start in Massachusetts? Go aboard a real-life vessel and hear the story captured in the Disney movie The Finest Hours, and learn more about what the Coast Guard does.
Art Show – Eastwind Gallery – Saturday 10 AM to 2 PM
Visit the Eastwind gallery for a Celebrate our Waters-themed art show. There will also be painting demos and a plein-aire demo 1 PM.
Jonathan Young Windmill – Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 2 PM
Visit the beautifully restored Jonathan Young Windmill to learn about its history and historical uses. John Knowles, an expert on mills, will be there to provide information and answer questions you may have.
Oxygenation Demo – Sarah’s Pond – Saturday 2 PM
Learn about the oxygenation project that’s been going been going on at Sarah’s Pond. The meeting point for the tour will be on the left-hand side of Quanset Road, just past Davis Road.
Art Gallery Demonstration, Reception, & Exhibition – Addison Art Gallery – Saturday 4 PM to 6 PM
Visit the Addison Art Gallery to see some of the beautiful paintings on display. Local artists will be in attendance for demonstrations and to discuss their inspiration for the work. In addition, Orleans native Jeff Norgeot will be in attendance to sign his new book, Through My Eyes.
Introduction to Rowing – Town Cove Landing – Saturday 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Have you ever been curious about what it takes to row? Head over to the Town Cove Landing to learn about the skills and conditioning required to become a rower from experienced rowers. Make sure to bring shorts and prepare to get wet.
Bonfire – Nauset Beach – Saturday 6 PM
Take this opportunity to celebrate with the volunteers of the Orleans Pond Coalition for one great bonfire! Make sure to bring music and a picnic. There will be a live DJ and, of course, a beach bonfire.
Birds of the Shore – Skaket Beach – Sunday 8 AM
Rise and shine for a beautiful walk along Skaket Beach to observe sandpipers, plovers, and any other shorebirds active on the beach.Pochet Island Hike – Nauset Beach Parking Lot – Sunday 9 AM*
This 4-hour hike from Nauset Beach to Pochet Island and back is a great opportunity to check out the island and learn about the Payson family history. Note that this is a challenging hike and is not for children. Make sure to bring plenty of water and lunch.
Tour a Cranberry Bog – 128 Monument Road (Park at Crystal Lake) – 12 PM
The owners are opening the bog, especially for Celebrate Our Waters. Take this unique opportunity to tour a working cranberry bog as you walk through the historically restored bog.
Terra Firma Water Walk– 155 Monument Road – Sunday 2-3:30pm
Join Regenerative Agroecologist, Peter Jensen and his wife, Horticulturalist, Lynn Van Norman, for a dynamic and engaging “Aquifer Protection through ecosystem strengthening and resilience walk”. This will be an informative walk through Road Runoff Raingardens, Downspout Keyhole Gardens, Tuscan Water Walks, Hillside Lithic Swales and Hugel Terraces on their hillside 1790s home overlooking Pilgrim Lake. The “Terra Firma Water walk” is Free and open to all. No preregistration required.
Learn More About Orleans
While the Celebrate Our Waters events will certainly be the highlight of the weekend, there is still so much more to do in Orleans. Check out our Welcome to Orleans Page if you are looking for something to do in-between events or are planning on staying into the week.
