PLYMOUTH — Gov. Maura Healey’s energy bill, now before the state legislature, contains a provision that would clear the way for development of new nuclear energy facilities in Massachusetts. According […]
Environment
BIRDWATCHING
Lament for the Heath Hen
Imagining a grouse that once lived in our oak forests
Imagine these woods as they were before Europeans arrived. Trees were not easily felled. Instead, fire was used to clear land, allowing roots to survive and new growth to easily […]
NATURAL SELECTION
Root Moocher
A tiny flash of yellow draws the eye to the bloom of a low-lying plant — one that is otherwise growing rather inconspicuously on the floor of the Beech Forest. […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, July 22 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
WASTEWATER
Wellfleet Seeks to Pause Septic Rules as Four Officials Depart
Health agent Martinez cites stress in dealing with select board; health board chair quits
This article was updated on July 17, 2025. WELLFLEET — The select board asked the board of health on July 8 to “temporarily suspend its current septic regulations,” reverting to […]
THIS WILD CAPE
Here to Be Admired
Dragonflies and damselflies emerge like winged jewels from their aquatic lives
Dragonflies and damselflies have been flying over wetlands, meadows, and woodlands for over 300 million years, making them one of the most ancient orders of insects found on Earth today. […]
NATURAL SELECTION
Roll of the Dye
Baptisia tinctoria is a plant so nice they named it twice. Both the genus name and specific epithet refer to the native perennial’s use as an agent in dyes — […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, July 15 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
BLUE ECONOMY
Scallop Landings at Outer Cape Ports Are in Steep Decline
Last year’s catch was only one-third of the 2021 haul
PROVINCETOWN — State data finalized in April show that 2024 saw the smallest sea scallop haul from the Outer and Lower Cape’s ports since at least 2019. The in-shell weight […]
BIRDWATCHING
A Secret Planter of Oaks
Giving blue jays the credit they deserve for reforesting the Outer Cape’s woodlands
It doesn’t seem possible that these hills around us were planted. We know they were clear cut; Europeans and their ships had not seen trees this size in centuries. It […]
NATURAL SELECTION
Love Is Like a Butterfly Weed
If Dolly Parton were a flower, she might just be a butterfly weed. Just like Dolly, Asclepias tuberosa is small in stature but bursting with life (native bees and bugs […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, July 8 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
PUBLIC HEALTH
The Lone Star Tick Settles In, Bringing New Risks
As the species becomes widespread on the Cape, prevention is key
PROVINCETOWN — There’s a newcomer on the Cape’s tick scene. It bites hard, reproduces fast, and, in some cases, leaves victims allergic to red meat. It’s the lone star tick. […]
ON THE BEACH
The Language of Fishing
Why fishermen’s back and forth is jovial even when they’re getting skunked
I wait all winter for the precious June afternoons when the wind and sun are at my back, and the tide is low and incoming. These are perfect conditions for […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, July 1 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
