Every year for the past seven years the Town of Barnstable Marine and Environmental Affiars Division of Natural Resources has sponsored School Vacation Clamming Classes for Kids. BARS volunteers have helped the town introduce shellfishing to many children. Invariably a number of parents are exposed to the joys of shellfishing for the first time also. This year the classes were April 21st and April 24th at Cordwood Landing in Cotuit.

BARS Shelfish Mentoring Program began in 2004 by assisting Barnstable Natural Resources in the instruction of How to Shellfish. Group classes were scheduled and open to the general public. Lessons were given on how to shellfish for quahogs, steamer clams, razor clams, mussels and oysters.

In 2008, BARS began offering individual shellfishing classes to the general public while continuing to assist Natural Resources with the group clases. Both formats continue to be hugely popular. The classes are very informative, are lots of fun, and participants who have their shellfishing license get to keep what they have harvested.

In 2009, BARS offered both individual and group classes due to the overwhelming work load at Natural Resources in their shellfish propagation program. This seemed a natural progression for BARS. During the summer of 2009, group shellfishing classes were held on a monthly basis. Individual instruction continued on a need basis. Again, the response was welcomed and great fun was had by all.

Classes are usually held one hour before low tide with a general overview followed by hands-on instruction in the water and on the shore. Classes run from one to three hours depending upon the tide.

For more information see the 2010 schedule or contact Jon Gorecki by email at jongorecki@gmail.com or by phone (cell) at 508-775-6234

Download the Shellfishing Class Outline here.

At their June 2nd monthly meeting BARS awarded two $1,500 scholarships from the Stanley Negus Scholarship Fund to two Barnstable H.S. seniors. One of the main criteria is that they must major in the Biological Sciences.

Pictured from left to right: Stephanie Santos is now attending Cape Cod Community College pursuing a degree in Biology; Armand LaPierre, Scholarship Committee co-chairman; and Joshua Jones is attending Bryant College pursuing a degree in Environmental Sciences.