Seashore Group Raises Money For Park Projects

TRURO – The Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore held their annual gala fundraiser Tuesday to support upcoming projects at the seashore.

More than 100 people gathered at the Payomet Performing Arts Center to raise money for the organization’s next major effort: the repair and re-opening of the Red Maple Swamp Trail in Eastham

“It’s one of those places that’s very important to people who live in the area,” said Pat Canavan, the President of the Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore. “It’s been in disrepair for several years.”

It’s not yet known how much money will be needed to repair the trail and make it accessible for visitors. Organizers plan to tackle the restoration effort in phases. More concrete information on the project is expected by the fall.

“It will be a multi-year effort, but it’s important. It’s important to the people who live here and we’re looking forward to tackling [the project],” Canavan said.

Volunteers recently began clearing overgrowth in the area, the first portion of the work.

Tickets to the fundraiser were $100, with all proceeds going toward the Red Maple Swamp Trail project.

The keynote speaker at the gala was Dr. Stephen Leatherman, more commonly known as “Dr. Beach.” Each year, Leatherman issues his list of top beaches in the United States.

Coast Guard Beach was ranked number 5 this year, the latest in a string of top 10 rankings for the Eastham National Seashore beach.