Our Focus
SSCEF continues to focus its attention on 1) Conservation initiatives, 2) Youth Education and Training, and 3) Community Giving to organizations with similar objectives and missions. With the recent addition of two board of directors members with strong relationships to local scouting troops, SCEFF will work with the local troops to mutually fulfill their respective objectives. It will continue its outreach program to inform and educate the general public and students with regards to the Upper Childs River Restoration Project (UCRRP). SSCEF's "The Science Behind the UCRRP Project" will address the expectations and results of the restoration as it relates to the sciences involved.
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Conservation
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The Upper Childs River Restoration Project has been SSCEF's primary conservation focus in recent years. In the past, the Childs River area had suffered damage to its ecosystem, in part due to the chemical and water temperature impacts from upstream cranberry farming.
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Conservation of the Upper Childs River is important, but so is conservation of our wildlife. The New England Cottontail rabbit is the only native cottontail to the Cape and is found in only 5 locations throughout New England. Far more common on the Cape is the Eastern cottontail that was introduced to enhance game populations in the late 19th / early 20th century.
In June of this year, Eagle Scout candidate Griffin Jones and his team set out to construct rabbit habitat (rabbitat) for the preservation of the New England Cottontail. Here you see Griffin conduct a safety briefing and organizing the team along with the finished product
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Youth Education & Training
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Youth education and training is an important aspect of what SSCEF does. Through our "Story Behind the UCRRP Project" we offer the ability for students and scouts to better understand nature and its ecosystems. With a variety of service projects, scouts will be able to see how they can make a difference in helping nature. In addition, SSCEF acknowledges youth achievement in conservation, the sciences and outdoor sports at its annual dinner.
Like last year, SSCEF is pleased to lecture Ms. Mobley's 7th Grade Science Classes at the Falmouth Academy about the Childs River restoration project. The lecture on September 12th, will be followed up on September 13th with a guided site tour. Integral with the site tour, Academy students conduct science experiments, practice their drawing skills, listen to / discuss respective poetry and experience a meditation session.
In 2021, SSCEF was fortunate to have Eagle Scout candidate Ned Heywood design, plan and construct (along with his team) viewing platforms at the restoration site.
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Community Giving
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SSCEF supports organizations which contribute to the vitality of our community and align with our direction and objectives. Each year, the SSCEF Board selects which organizations it will support
During this fiscal year, SSCEF designated the following organizations to receive gifts - The 300 Committee, Salt Pond Bird Sanctuaries, Friends of Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge, Boys and Girls Club of Cape Cod, the National Wild Turkey Federation - Cranberry Country Longbeards, Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Boy Scouts Troop 42, Ship 40 Sea Scouts, and the Living Observatory.
Personal, Public, & Sporting Safety
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SSCEF and the Falmouth Rod & Gun Club are concerned for the well-being of its members and the general public. The Club routinely offers Firearms, and Hunter Safety training. Other areas of instruction and guidance may involve First Aid / CPR, Danger of Ticks, Safe Boating, Canoeing, and Archery.
Membership of both organizations respect life, support the 2nd Amendment, and abide by the Laws & Regulations of responsible gun ownership and use.
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Falmouth Rod & Gun Club Site: