• HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • Our Mission
    • Land Acknowledgement
    • Who We Are
    • The John Hay Writing Studio
    • Annual Meeting
    • Join Our Team
    • Scholarship
    • BCT Trustee Login
  • SUPPORT
    • Cape Cod Sea Camps
    • Volunteer
    • Citizen Scientist Project – Eastern Box Turtles
    • Conserve Our Community
    • Planned Giving
    • Business Partner Program
  • EXPLORE
    • Brewster Trail Guide
    • Pollinator Pathway Cape Cod
    • Exploring with Kids
    • Photo Gallery
  • EVENTS
    • Walks and Talks
    • Brewster Conservation Day
      • BCD Exhibitor Information
      • BCD Photo Gallery
  • NEWS
    • BCT News
    • Citizens’ Petition to Protect Drinking Water
    • Updates from the Trail
    • From the Archives
    • Newsletters
    • Videos
      • Can You Dig It – Video Series
  • DONATE

Brewster Conservation Trust

Protecting Brewster's Woodlands, Ponds, Marshes and Meadows

Brewster Conaervation trust logo
The John Hay Writing Studio

The John Hay Writing Studio

JHWS Logo (2)
Apply to the JHWS program

In a rustic one-room cabin nestled in the trees atop Brewster's Dry Hill stands the writing studio belonging to the great naturalist, author, and conservationist John Hay. When Hay died in 2011 at the age of 95 he left behind a legacy that bound together his two loves, literature and conservation. Brewster Conservation Trust has preserved Hay’s studio and is honoring his legacy by offering the space to Cape Cod writers who require a place in which to work on literary projects of their own.

The 2026 season will run May 4-Nov. 1. One-week retreats (daytime hours only) will be available free of charge to full and part-time residents of Cape Cod. Applications will be accepted beginning Feb. 23 using the button found here. (Note: the button won't be active until Feb. 23.) There is a $10 application fee.

For more information, email jeanie@brewsterconservationtrust.org.

John Hay Writer's Reading Instagram Post (3)

Watch the recording of the 2025 John Hay Studio Writers as they present their work.

John Hay Writers' Reading
JHWS studio desk
Comfy corner
JHWS.front approach

Citizens’ Petition to Protect Drinking Water

Citizens’ Petition to Protect Brewster’s Drinking Water. BCT is sponsoring Articles 28 and 29 to protect the Long Pond Property and the future of Brewster’s drinking water.

Brewster Conservation Day 2026

Sat., July 11, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm The Sea Camps Bay Property 2026 Theme: Conservation Begins at Home A summertime favorite for both residents and visitors. Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm at the SEA CAMPS BAY PROPERTY. Join us to celebrate this year’s theme, Conservation begins at home. BCD […]

Fall 2025 Newsletter

The Backus Overlook on 6A just east of the Eddy School entrance is becoming a reality. We’ve worked out how to remove the two vacant buildings blocking the vista you see here. We’ve received approval on our engineering and landscaping plans. And we’re more than halfway to raising the $200,000 needed to complete the project. […]

Cape Cod Conservation Events

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST



  • Brewster Conservation Trust
  • 36 Red Top Rd., Brewster MA 02631
  • 508-694-6720
  • BCT@brewsterconservationtrust.org

Search here

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Like us on Facebook


Copyright © 2026 · Brewster Conservation Trust
Site by RWD