Hello and welcome to the Island Adventures of Barnstable Clean Water Coalition. The island of interest is Dead Neck Sampson’s, located just south of Osterville and Cotuit on Nantucket Sound. What better way to start off our 2021 summer season than in traditional New England fashion – a dreary Memorial Day weekend followed by a weekend of sun and scorching heat in the 90’s. And with this sun came boatloads of boaters looking to escape the heat.

As summer unofficially starts, people from all over have come to enjoy the peace and serenity of the island. From locals to weekend visitors, there is no shortage of new faces out here. From kayaks to sail boats to motorboats, we see every kind of vessel coming and enjoying the weather as the unofficial start of summer arrives.

People are not the only island visitors this time of year. Piping plovers and least terns are also here to utilize the island’s resources for nesting and food. These shorebirds may be small in size, but they are an important part of the barrier island ecosystem. Parts of the island where the birds are nesting have been roped off with symbolic fencing. This helps to protect the nests and chicks, as the birds are easily frightened by humans and dogs.

With warmer weather coming, we ask people to please respect the symbolic fencing and stay in the designated areas. There is plenty of room for all to enjoy the island, whether you are anchored off the beach or sitting in a chair in the sand. We look forward to interacting with everyone out on the island and having another great summer on the Cape!!