The marine ecosystem around Cape Cod is built on the backs of Atlantic herring. These baitfish school in massive numbers, providing food for marine mammals, seabirds, and large fish like […]
Visual Stories
NATIONAL SEASHORE
A Year Later, Dune Shack Leasing Contest Concludes
Longtime occupants of Watson and Jones shacks selected for 10-year leases
PROVINCETOWN — The public leasing contest for eight dune shacks on the windswept back shore of Provincetown and Truro that began on May 1, 2023 has nearly come to an […]
HABITATS
A ‘Cape Cod Lawn’ Can Be a Haven for Turtles
Invite nesting by keeping a scrubby yard with sandy patches, not a swath of green
When people design a back yard suitable for wildlife, they tend to create places that are appealing to birds and butterflies. That makes sense, because these animals are appealing visitors […]
MELBOURNE DISPATCH
An Essential Condiment Comes Home From Down Under
Fragrant chili oil makes noodles and greens memorable
It’s no secret: I’m promiscuous. About condiments, that is. I’ve almost never met a condiment I didn’t like. In my experience, having some good ones on hand means almost anything […]
MADE BY HAND
A Makers Renaissance in Provincetown
At The Commons, works crafted in metal and stone, silk and wool, paper and glue
Richard Cuencas holds a silver ring in his hand. “This was once a fork,” he says. “And this is made with black coral from the beach.” He points to a […]
MILLION-YEAR PICNIC
Reflections on Totality
Awed by the spectacle, strangers fleetingly become friends
Last month I watched the solar eclipse from a park in Westport, N.Y. by Lake Champlain. The lake and mountains beyond were a beautiful sight — a proper setting for […]
THE SCUTTLEBUTT
The Whales Have Moved North, and the Stripers Are Here
Special speed rules to protect whales are lifted for the season
The bass are here, and the right whales are not. The whales left a week ago, and the latest aerial survey found no right whales in the area, so NOAA […]
WARRIORS WATCH
Girls Golf, Baseball Lock Up Postseason Berths
A weekly round-up of Nauset Regional High School sports
EASTHAM — Nauset High’s baseball team (13-4) won three straight games over Dennis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, and Wareham in the last week. Sophomore Jake Doherty had another solid outing, throwing a […]
CHEERS
Say It With Sassafras
The native Sassafras albidum is a tree full of wonders — scents of cinnamon and citrus from root to bark to tip; whimsical leaves shaped like mittens and tridents and footballs; resplendent […]
RARA AVIS
This Week’s Bird Sightings
Confirmed bird sightings on the Outer Cape in the week preceding the Independent’s deadline on Tuesday, May 14 included the following, based on a report prepared by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet […]
ASTRAL PROJECTIONS
The Sun Is Shining on Us
Let a little light in
The placements of the planets this week offer us the opportunity to spread joy even in these troubling times. The Sun is throwing around a lot of energy right now, […]
DIY
Jars Are His Jam
One handy model that’s just the ticket for summer cocktails, garden seeds, or screws
I’m judgmental about food packaging. Some of it I find infuriating: All that waste! You know what I mean: lettuce in plastic boxes, green beans trapped in sealed bags. But […]
MOTHER’S DAY
Red Fruits and Roses for Dessert
Cold strawberry and raspberry soup that’s a big step up from Jell-O
In the garden today looking for the first signs of fruit and smelling nothing but garlic chives, I figure the Outer Cape’s first strawberries are still about three weeks out. […]
ROAD TRIP
A Portuguese Port of Call in Fall River
Making a detour for tinned fish, bacalhau, and Azorean wines
Since moving to the Outer Cape a few years ago I’ve enjoyed encountering the influence of Portuguese culture here. There’s the annual Blessing of the Fleet and the generations of […]
TO THE MAT
Reach for Your Toes
You’re not too stiff to do yoga. You just need a little time in Padangusthasana.
If I had a nickel for every time someone has said, “I can’t do yoga because I’m not flexible,” I’d have enough for a trip to Kripalu. You do not […]
