12th Annual Guided Walk at Indian Neck Dedicated to Memory of Don Palladino

Shellfish Constable Nancy Civetta addresses the crowd

Bill Iucessa & walkers at Fox Island Marsh

Alice Iucessa hands out material on the Wise house

Participants study information on mid-century modern design by Breuyer

Barbara Brennessel explains terrapin program

Getting ready to release the diamond back hatchlings

Barbara Brennessel's grandson Sterling assists with the release

Enjoying the walk and the view of Great Island

12^th Annual Guided Walk around Indian Neck Dedicated to Memory of Don Palladino

About 90 people gathered at the Indian Neck breakwater for the start of our 12th Annual Guided Walk at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 15^th. Vice president Bill Iacuessa dedicated the 3.5-mile walk to the memory of the late Don Palladino, who introduced the walk as our signature event in 2006.

To kick off the walk, Dwight Estey, president of the Wellfleet Historical Society, discussed historic background and changes to the Wellfleet harbor front.

The group proceeded along Indian Neck beach to WCT land where erosion has revealed a Native American shell midden. South Wellfleet historian Pam Tice discussed the year-round community of Nausets in the vicinity.

The walk continued along the open beach to just beyond the Town landing at Burton Baker Beach. There John Portnoy explained jetties, groins, and revetments—all attempted means of mitigating beach erosion, some now out of favor, others still used today.

Walkers enjoyed splendid views of Great Island across Wellfleet Bay. After crossing Sewell’s Gutter, the group awaited Shellfish Constable Nancy Civetta for her scheduled 10:30 talk. Since the walk had arrived ahead of time, Assistant Constable Johnny (Clam) Mankevetch pitched in until Ms. Civetta arrived. She discussed oyster propagation, as well as recent efforts to increase quahog production in Wellfleet.

The route continued along the beach to Field Point, where walkers turned into the Fox Island Marsh area. At WCT’s Field Point turtle garden, Dr. Barbara Brennessel released terrapin hatchlings into the marsh with the help of her grandson, Sterling. Alice Iacuessa spoke about Wise family’s midcentury modern home designed by Marcel Breuer. Jeremy Wise, whose family donated the land which now includes the turtle garden, invited participants to walk around the home and explore the property.

Some participants took advantage of a ride back to the breakwater parking lot, but a hardy group continued back on their own. It was a long but memorable morning’s walk. After the walk, many gathered at a memorial event put on by Don Palladino’s family. Thus, the walk ended as it began, with a tribute to Don.

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