Changes
Fishing for brook trout on a restored section of the lower Quashnet River, a former cranberry bog.
For the past two years I’ve worked as a full-time artist growing the Waquoit Bay Fish Company into a successful business. I am proud of the company’s accomplishments, the art that’s been created, and the many customers who’ve enjoyed it.
Several years ago my family moved to the Childs River valley, part of the larger Waquoit Bay watershed. Here, we’ve watched first-hand the transformation of abandoned cranberry bogs into restored brook trout habitat. We enjoy the recreational benefits, and appreciate the restoration and preservation of these natural lands here on Cape Cod. In many ways, experiencing this transformation inspired me to create the Waquoit Bay Fish Company.
Looking east across the Garner Bogs in the upper Childs River during the construction phase of the restoration work. The pond in the picture was created by excavating out the center of an abandoned cranberry bog. The re-channeled Childs River flows to the west (in front of - foreground) of the pond.
Looking east across the reclaimed Garner Bogs in the upper Childs River several years post-contrustruction. The re-channeled Childs River flows to the west (in front of) of the pond.
It also left me wanting to get more involved in freshwater restoration work. I found myself donating my artwork to support fish and fisheries-related causes. While I’m happy to do this, as a trained scientist with nearly twenty years of experience, I have a skill set that could more directly benefit these causes. Not to mention, I was envious of the field scientists I’d see on my hikes through the Childs River trails.
This past spring I was presented with an opportunity to join the Association to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC) - one of the organizations working to restore the Childs River. After much soul searching I decided it was too good to pass up. Last week, I started as a restoration ecologist at APCC where I’ll work on fish passage, river and bog restoration projects in the Waquoit Bay region and beyond. This includes working to restore, and protect river herring and brook trout populations here on Cape Cod. My new position melds perfectly with the mission of the Waquoit Bay Fish Company - connecting people to nature and place.
This change will require that I scale back some aspects of the Waquoit Bay Fish Company - most notably my in-person events. I anticipate a greater emphasis towards the on-line retail experience. The website will remain, orders will be fulfilled, and I will continue to produce new art. For local customers, I have a small gallery at my house that can be opened by appointment. Here you can shop in-person for merchandise and art, including original drawings. As always, please reach out to me with any questions you might have.
I am humbled and honored that so many of you have taken an interest in my artwork. Thank you! I’m very much looking forward to this next chapter and what is to come for the Waquoit Bay Fish Company.
