At work in the heart of Pleasant Bay on Cape Cod
We’re preserving and restoring a special island for our community and for the health of the land and waters around us.
At the geographical center of Pleasant Bay, one of Cape Cod’s most scenic and ecologically important embayments, is Sipson Island — 24 acres of sandy beach, coastal banks, saltmarsh, eelgrass beds, upland meadows, and woodland. For centuries a refuge and shellfishing place for the Monomoyick people, the island was bought by English colonists in 1711. It remained in private hands, partly developed and off limits to the public . . . until now.
RECENT NEWS
Saving a Saltwater Island
In 2018, Sipson Island went on the luxury real estate market. But the prospect of trophy estates or a “glamping” resort in the heart of Pleasant Bay spurred neighbors into action. A different vision emerged: of a refuge for wildlife … of kayakers landing on the beaches to picnic, swim, or hike the upland trails … of kids coming to learn about marine ecosystems and the island’s history … of researchers studying bank swallows or eelgrass beds. Gathering support from all over Cape Cod and beyond, stakeholders mounted an unprecedented private fundraising campaign. And in June 2020, the Sipson Island Trust and our private partner closed on the purchase of Sipson Island for conservation.
People on a Mission
Sipson Island Trust is a private conservation nonprofit that owns and stewards most of the now-protected island. Our mission is “to inspire and empower people to live in harmony with nature. We work to protect and rewild Sipson Island, foster research and outdoor education, serve our community, and honor Indigenous wisdom.” Ours is a collaborative vision: we partner with land trusts and other nonprofits around Pleasant Bay and with conservationists Cape-wide. Since our founding in 2019, SIT has published a Land Management & Stewardship Plan for the island, crafted Conservation Restrictions, and conducted Natural Resource Inventories to guide restoration efforts. In July 2020, SIT fulfilled our commitment to open Sipson Island to the public. Learn more about SIT and get involved as a volunteer.
Rewilding Sipson
With all 24 acres under Conservation Restrictions, SIT has met its first goal: to protect Sipson Island forever. But we’re also healing the harms of past development. Our ambitious “Removal and Renewal” campaign will restore the island as closely as possible to its natural state: removing abandoned dwellings and septic systems (repurposing materials where possible) and renewing the island’s natural habitats. On one of the restored sites, a low-impact, open-air pavilion will host future education and research programs. In a larger sense, we are renewing this land as a sacred place to be shared and respected by all — a place to bring people together. “Undeveloping” an island in a sensitive marine ecosystem takes vision, planning, specialized expertise, and broad community support.
Please help us rewild Sipson Island!
A Shared Place
We envision Sipson Island as a place where humans and natural ecosystems thrive together. The island has long been a home and waystation for resident and migrating wildlife; as we welcome the public, we need to balance visitation with protecting its natural character and ecological integrity. Visitors are welcome to explore the island’s beaches and upland paths. Our map guides boaters to appropriate landing spots; signage shows areas designated off limits to walkers for safety and restoration work. Passive recreation of all kinds is encouraged: walking, swimming, birdwatching, scenic viewing, photography and painting. Conservation Restrictions prohibit pets, fires, and camping anywhere on the island.
Coyote on patrol, captured by one of our trail cameras on the island.
Watch “undevelopment” in progress!
Island champions speak in this video by LowerCape TV.
“What happens on Sipson Island, at the heart of Pleasant Bay’s tidal flow, could have a profound impact on the Bay’s water quality and on eelgrass habitat vital to shellfish and fin fish.”
Bob Prescott
Director Emeritus, Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
“My neighbors and I see ourselves as conservators of Pleasant Bay and its islands. Sipson Island is essential to the marine environment and to the beautiful vistas we cherish. We want to help make this natural treasure accessible to all who love and use the bay.”
Katherine Green, donor
“Super impressive and highly impactful conservation outcome … a shining example of big things being possible for those who have the courage to conceive them..”
Bob Wilber
Director of Land Conservation, Mass Audubon
Keep up with SIT.
A few times each year, we send a Newsbrief about our work on Sipson Island work: about the progress of Removal and Renewal, scientific research, and programs open to the public. Sign up here to get our news via email!
Follow our journey.
