Epic event in October for the USFWS Refuge system...Walk for the Wild 2024. We raised over $3000 in donations and increased participate walkers at the event on 10/13/2024 by over 100%. All with the hard work of our boar member Lucinda Keith who is unstoppable and dedicated to the Refuge!
Thank you to all walkers, Naukabout brewery for your support and donations, and all those who donated online or during the event for raffle and silent auction items.
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The Friends of Mashpee has been involved in creating pollinator gardens in the Refuge since 2011. They have created 5 pollinator-friendly gardens in 2013. These gardens have many flowering plants that bloom from early spring to late fall, providing nectar & pollen that is very important to these beneficial insects. Every year they add more plant species to these gardens. I've worked to help plant many native plants with this group and to see the gardens blooming with so many colors and attracting so many insects, birds and butterflies that gets better with each passing year..such a delight to witness and know that I helped provide more habitat and food for our Cape Cod wildlife. In 2017 they expanded their pollinator mission to create 5 acres of pollinator fields with two other refuge partners and included an education component that eventually involved having 980 kids create their own school pollinator gardens. This group is both resourceful in getting grants for pollinator gardens and highly collaborative in their work to include many volunteers, numerous refuge partners. They continuously bring more awareness to the public about the issues of pollination; all part of their mission and advocacy work for the Mashpee Refuge conservation area.
An excellent collaborative volunteer organization that supports a myriad of wildlife programs, educational, and outreach events. This non-profit works with federal, state and local government agencies in partnership too with indigenous tribe, research groups and outdoor sporting entities. Projects such as land stewardship awareness, osprey cam, pollinator gardens, land restoration projects, educational and national refuge events are just a few of many successful projects. It is an amazing group of members and a dedicated board that facilitate and support these important partners and projects.
I have volunteered with the Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Organization in the past and appreciate their commitment to keeping so much conservation land as open space in Mashpee. I have also attended some of their talks at the Mashpee Senior Center, which are always educational and engaging. The osprey cam is amazing!
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What a great organization! Especially love the osprey camera and the community of viewers who comment and support one another on the site.
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The Friends of Mashpee NWR not only serve an important role in preserving and enhacing habitats for wildlife within the Mashpee Refuge, they build community among the human inhabitants in and around it. By supporting Refuge partners, school, camp and scout troops, the Friends help to reinforce the idea that people play a role in the lasting success of the Refuge in the future.
The Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge and their Osprey Cam has changed my life. A "non-nature" guy before finding the site three years ago, I now consider myself a full on birder. I consider it a great gift to view the lives of Rachel, Carson, and their babies. Thank you!!!
For the past three seasons I have been watching the osprey love story of Rachel and Carson on the advice of a friend. It has been so enlightening and educational to see the mating, egg laying and all that comes after. The wildlife refuge has installed a camera focused on the nest which has been great and now we have the ability to rewind to see a section we missed. Phenomenal !! Seeing other osprey watcher's comments has also been informative. I watch while am having breakfast, lunch and dinner. The birds keep me company. Love it. Trying to post this and don't appreciate having to sign up for other non profits.
Friends of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge Inc. located on Cape Cod, MA is a wonderful organization which provides education, recreational opportunities, and awareness to the fascinating wildlife and habitats in the area. In particular, the osprey nest live-cam which is available to view 24-7 and provides an incredible live view into the life of the osprey upon return to Cape Cod in the Spring. Not only is this educational, viewers develop a "relationship" with these marvelous birds as evidenced in the ongoing posts. Glenn Davis is a wealth of information and interacts with the posts in a most engaging fashion. Words cannot express how much I have enjoyed the 2024 live-cam and I can proudly say that I have become a sustaining donor of Friends of the MNWR because I have appreciated this experience so much and am proud to support such a precious gem of environmental information.
Get to watch the cam on the osprey nest every day, year round. Off season, it's interesting (and educational) to see the changes in the nest and what other birds and critters might show up. The first sighting of the osprey returning in the spring is so exciting. Then the wait for the first egg, the first hatch, and the first one to take flight. When the osprey are there, I check in several times a day. Off season, I still take a look at least twice a day. They added sound and that adds so much to the experience.
I have been watching this nest since the first year. I also watch several bald eagle nests and a red-tailed hawk nest. This live stream is one of the best. Every year has seen improvements in equipment steadily adding new features like sound and a rewind feature. Comments are thoughtful and no one posts just to post as at some other sites sometimes posting links to relevant reference articles or updates on other nests in The Cape. Those are brief,however, and usually offered as a comparison to what is happening in this nest. The moderator, Glenn, answers questions that arise giving detailed replies. A very nice feature is Highlights where selected videos from all three years are posted. It is nice to be able to go back and compare from year to year. Between watching the birds and reading the comments I have learned a great deal about ospreys. I have donated to Friends of Mashpee and am happy to support this great project.
I've been folllowing exceptional webcam for several years starting when I moved to the Cape, it's the first site that I go to on my computer when I get up in the morning and it feels like I'm part of their osprey family! It's both sad and happy when all the chicks fledge and eventually head south, but always look forward to new chicks in the spring. Love the ability to view highlights and the comments of the other viewers:)
Thank you Glenn for all that you do to make this webcam a success!
Leslie Rogers-Morgan
Sometimes we are lucky enough to stumble upon our animal friends in their natural habitat and enjoy watching their lifestyles, but these occurrences are usually short lived as the animals sense our presence and are scared off.
This nonprofit allows one to actually see our animal friends continuously and almost live with them as next door neighbors. I find myself watching the Waquoit Osprey more and more and the TV less and less. What a marvelous learning experience this non-profit provides.
My family visited with my wife's cousin in Mashpee during the July 4th holiday and we were introduced to this wonderful organization. My son has been enamored with the osprey for the past few years watching as the swoop in to fetch a meal in the water. At the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge there is a nest that is the home for Rachael and Carson and their offspring Delta and Echo. We know this as a camera has been mounted so that folks can observe this family. We see the fish brought in by Rachel and watch as she feeds them. When my son and his sister went to the refuge with our cousin they saw Carson perched nearby with a watchful eye to protect the family. We have continued to watch the live feed from home as we are looking forward to seeing the little ones take flight and begin bringing back a fish on their own.
Cheers to the Friends of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge
The web cam, complete with sound and night vision, chronicling Rachel and Carson- the resident osprey couple, as they mate, birth and care for their chicks is fabulous and addictive.
I have been watching the osprey live feed now since they first arrived this spring. This is my first time ever watching anything like this. I am fascinated by this family. Thanks for this opportunity to view nature up close and natural.
It is a source of calm and joy to watch Rachel, Carson, Delta and Echo in picture in picture mode all day long while working. I'm learning so much about osprey! I live and work just outside of Boston. It is a treat to glance across my screen for a nature break when buried in spreadsheets all day. Thank you Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge for also granting me a bit of refuge!
Laura G
This is by far the best nest I have ever watched. The camera is wonderful and they keep the commentary updated, interesting and accurate. I have recommended it to so many friends and they all agree.
I’ve been watching this nest for 2 years it’s my favorite. And the added sound this year has made it my replacement for TV. So wonderful to get up close to nature without causing an impact. Look forward to it every spring.
AWESOME organization!! The osprey nest observation camera alone is an enormous gift to not only the local Falmouth community, but Cape-wide, state-wide, region-wide and beyond. Thank you, Friends of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge! You're doing important and vital work, and you are deeply appreciated!
I am a former Superintendent of Schools on Cape Cod who retired early to care for my elderly parents in Central Massachusetts. My parents and I have strong educational and environmental ties and interests. I maintain quite a number of friends still living on Cape Cod, scattered to Florida, Maine and New Hampshire. While my parents are no longer living, I know they would enjoy following the osprey family's journey as much as I do along with my friends. Every night we watch Rachel and Carson care for little Delta and Echo together via zoom and / or our phones; we also watch during the day of course but our nightly viewing has now become a scheduled event. From the return to the nest, reconstruction of the platform, mating, egg laying, hatching to the tragic storm, we've been enthralled with nature at its best. Watching fish come in via Carson is a special treat! Connecting through nature has strengthened our bond to the world and our friendships. Now that little Delta and Echo are off their knees, flapping their wings and self feeding we look forward to complete fledging. The camera set up, the notes shared from other watchers, Glenn's explanations / rapid responses and the website are spectacular.
It is wonderful to watch the Osprey family grow throughout the season. I find myself waiting for their arrival and feeling the sad loss with their departure.
I live in Mashpee and pass the center frequently always watching the sky for Osprey.
The best Osprey Cam I've seen so far. The addition of a microphone and light at night add to the enjoyment. I check in several time a day to see how Rachael, Carson and the babies are doing. Better than TV.
Wonderful comprehensive website.
Great educational opportunities on all aspects of wildlife and nature preservation.
Glenn Davis is the gem in the crown. Both knowledgeable and kind.
Thanks to them all!
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Thank you to the Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge! I have been following the adventures of Rachel, Carson and their offspring for the last two seasons. I love watching the eggs hatching, the chicks growing and leaving the nest. The osprey cam lets me watch 24/7 with sound whether I am in Florida or Massachusetts. I support this great non-profit and donate to them annually.
Mashpee is a wonderful place, full of wildlife adventure, & I highly recommend it. Enjoy the osprey nest camera action when you cannot visit in person.
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Loved the osprey camera. How wonderful to follow the family throughout the season & watch the individual chicks grow & fledge. (Yay ! Charlie !) And squirrel "pop-ups" at the nest. Can't wait for next season with audio. My home is eastern Long Island and I admire the many ospreys, but watching the Mashpee nest cam is special. When I visited Cape Cod, I spent a day at the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge - exceptional place, exceptional staff. What a treasure ! Pat, Eastport, NY
The work that they do with the osprey nest/cam is so wonderful. To watch nature, both great and not so great, is such a pleasure. The help that Glenn shares with everyone is excellent. I have family across the Country watching this nest. Keep up the awesome job and thank you.
My wife and I cannot express enough gratitude for the Sandwich Empowerment Center during this special time in our lives. As we eagerly await the arrival of our first child, the center has become an invaluable resource, providing much-needed support alongside our weekly shopping routine while my wife is on maternity leave.
Initially, I was hesitant to seek assistance, as I believed there were others who might benefit more from the center's services. However, our concerns were quickly alleviated when we stepped through their doors. The warm welcome we received, and the genuine understanding of our circumstances made us realize that this organization exists precisely for individuals like us who may need a little extra help to navigate through challenging times. The volunteers took the time to explain the center's purpose and assured us that if we are in need, it is their mission to provide support until we find ourselves in better times.
We wholeheartedly recommend the Sandwich Empowerment Center to anyone who may be facing similar circumstances or seeking a helping hand. The warmth, understanding, and genuine support they provide are a testament to their commitment to making a positive difference in people's lives.
Thank you, Sandwich Empowerment Center, for being there for us during this crucial phase of our lives. We are truly blessed to have found such a compassionate and empowering organization.
A&J
I’ve been watching the osprey cam since spring and remember with great delight when the osprey naming contest winners were Rachel and Carson! I spent the past few months watching the webcam and reading the informative and sensitive posts. I spent Saturday Sept 17 at the preserve for a fun-filled day although our boat trip was cancelled due to high winds. As a former blue water sailor and licensed boat captain I fully understood the need to be prudent. The highlight of the afternoon was Dr Alan Poole’s osprey talk! A true joy and learning experience.
Watching Rachel and Carson raise Alfa, Bravo and Charlie to juvenile was truly an inspiring experience. A view into their world and to join others in conversation, we all really came together to pray for Charlie. The littlest chick with so many challenges has become such a beautiful confident Osprey.
My husband and I visited MNWR to watch Charlie all alone in the nest and taking short flights. He was able to capture pictures of Charlie in flight. Nature’s gift…a pure natural place, Osprey paradise! May God protect our Osprey family while on their journey and return them to us next spring.
Glenn Davis was outstanding all season, posting highlights, answering questions and joining the daily conversation. Loved it!!!
We are thrilled to have had such a wonderful experience with Friends of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge, Inc. We watched the osprey cam since we found out about it. We saw the chicks hatch, fledge and survive. We checked the cam first thing in the morning and last thing @ night and numerous times through the day. We rooted for "Charlie" and are so grateful that he not only survived but flourished despite such odds. We admire the efforts of Rachel & Carson. We can't thank Glenn enough for his updates. The osprey cam has been the highlight of our summer. We can't wait till next March. We are senior citizens from Mashpee and learned so much about Osprey.
Sam & Katherine Walter
Watching the osprey nest has been a must watch every morning. So wonderful!! It’s been great to have Glen from MMWR comment and teach us.
Such a fun and educational experience, watching the Waquoit Ospreys.
From the nesting to fledgling! Hoping Rachel,Carson - & their 3 offspring have a safe flight south
I believe the below pictures are ‘Charlie’ the youngest . Taken just a few days ago.
Enjoy !
It's been so much fun watching Rachel & Carson, giving us 3 chicks to watch hatch, being fed, and in such a short time grow from these tiny babies to osprey's that are now self sufficient.
It was touch and go for awhile, but in the end the last reluctant osprey figured it out!
The work these people do at the Wildlife Refuge is nothing short of amazing. Keeping everyone updated with photo's and comments on the activities going on in the nest, is only a small part of what they do.
If you can donate, please do. So many times small non-profits get overlooked. It would be sad to see programs that are now offered to the public get cut due to lack of funding.
Our family has been visiting the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge for many, many years. It continues to be one of our favorites.
It has been such a pleasure watching the Osprey chicks grow and fly. Sad that it's over for the year but looking forward to seeing it next year. Thank you so much for this joyful experience!
The Mashpee NWR has some gorgeous lands - I have enjoyed walks along the Quashnet River and the property near Great Neck, and these quiet, green, and biodiverse special places are a balm for the soul. Thank you to the Friends - the little engine that could - for supporting a unique conglomerate of properties, and for adding to the properties such as the pollinator meadow projects. I haven't yet volunteered for a project but hope to some day to support their great work. The Refuge and the Friends group are great examples of inter- and intra-agency and community collaboration to protect open space for all. AM Runfola
This is a small, yet dedicated group that works closely with 7 land management partners to increase appreciation and stewardship of this unique coastal Refuge. They have placed particular emphasis on pollinators and installed native pollinator gardens and educational materials at Refuge trail heads as well as at local schools.
Over the last few years I have seen this organization do wonderful things both inside the Refuge and in other local areas. Their actions for conservation and preservation speak loudly
Friends of MNWR are a dedicated group of individuals who continuously provide great service to this very special refuge! My time on the board has been a humbling and rewarding experience, and I couldn't ask for a better group of people to work with. We look forward to continuing contributing to the advocacy and improvements of the Refuge!
Our family has been enjoying and exploring for years. When our kids were young, we would look for wildlife and plants, sometimes using photos and what they learned for school projects. Now, though they are grown, we still love walking the trails and taking in the beauty being preserved by this wonderful organization. Such diverse plant and wildlife. The swans on the Mashpee River this year were amazing, I’ve never seen so many in one place (had to have been at least 30!). So wonderful to take it all in and enjoy what really matters.
The refuge is a true gem on Cape Cod. A wonderful mosaic of various ecosystems...from coastal pine barrens & Atlantic White Cedar Swamps to sandplain grasslands, meadows & early successional forests, the refuge is an incredibly diverse & rich environment. The Friends Group are a vital piece of this refuge and it’s exposure to the public. They’ve helped to create & fund beautiful new trail maps, provide educational programs & support many habitat restoration projects. A truly great volunteer group!!
The world is a better place because of this organization. I feel grateful for the work they have done to preserve the wild habitats for many of the various species of wildlife that live in the refuge. Hats off to you all!
As a resident of Mashpee I am grateful to have such amazing conservation land in our area. I walk every day and often use the well marked and maintained trails in the Refuge. The Friends of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge help to preserve and restore this important habitat for native species to thrive.
