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Brewster Conservation Trust

Protecting Brewster's Woodlands, Ponds, Marshes and Meadows

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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

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. […]

Spring Newsletter

IMAGINE. A deck overlooking a wooded valley. Filtered sunlight sparkling on a small pond. In summer, a soft breeze over the water rustling the leaves. In winter, a frosty stillness quieting the air. Throughout the year a ramp leading from the deck to a footpath approaching a small pond surrounded by shrubby greenery. All this […]

Brewster Conservation Day 2025

Sat., July 12, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm The Sea Camps Bay Property 2025 Theme: Trees: Superheroes of the Natural World! A summertime favorite for both residents and visitors… but with a NEW venue and NEW features! PLUS…we now have rain-or-shine options, so we’ll have FUN with/without the SUN. BCD 2025 will be held on […]

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