Our mission is to preserve and protect open space for wildlife habitat, fresh air, and water quality in sanctuaries on Cape Cod and throughout Massachusetts.
We own or manage more than 60 sanctuaries covering over 730 acres. Orenda also partners with other land trusts in the protection of many parcels under conservation restriction.
The word "Orenda", in the language of the Iroquois indigenous people, means "extraordinary, powerful, life energy within all beings and their environment" and is illustrated in the Orenda Song of Praise. Orenda was founded in 1986 by Barbara Birdsey, a nationally-acclaimed philanthropist, and wildlife protection advocate.
We share our mission through innovative public education, special events, and policy forums on issues related to wildlife.
We are gratefully supported by private donors, foundations/grantors, innovative private-public partnerships, special events, and our endowment