The idea of creating a nonprofit, privately held land conservation group in Chatham was conceived by Robert McNeece, then Selectman in Chatham who enlisted the aid of John Manson and retired General Lucius Clay to find a way to answer the concerns of citizens who wanted to conserve land but were hesitant about donating land to a political entity. The Chatham Conservation Foundation, Inc. received its Charter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1962, making it the first private land trust on Cape Cod. The purpose of the Foundation was to acquire open space to be held in its natural state. At the beginning there were seventeen life members and initial pledges of ten acres of land. The first gift was Fox Hill Island (Parcel #1) by Dorothy W, Smith. With membership currently around 1000, the Foundation now owns some 160 parcels totaling more than 524 acres.

In 1967, the Foundation began conserving land using a new device, the Conservation Easement or Restriction. This a device whereby an owner retains title to the land but deeds control over its use to a private land steward such as CCF. Significant parcels of beach and wetlands are now held as Conservation Easements by the Foundation. Some of the largest parcels are along the Oyster River, Sears Point and beach fronts along Shore Road. The Foundation holds deeded Conservation Restrictions on 24 parcels totaling 54.97 acres.

In August of 1976, the Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank gifted the Josiah Mayo House at 540 Main Street to CCF after purchasing the property for a new bank facility. The antique house was moved onto a new foundation at the east side of the property. The house and its collection of antique furnishings are maintained by the Foundation and open to the public for docent tours free of charge. (Link to Mayo House)

In 2000 the Foundation again found a new way to create and preserve open space. Two important properties became available that had structures situated on the lots. The Foundation is reluctant to become involved with developed property but in these two instances it made good sense. The Bridge Street property was in close proximity to a larger CCF holding and the neighbors fully supported the purchase. The house was then relocated and the land replanted with native species. A sugar maple was planted in memory of member Bill Griffiths. The second piece was located near the highly visible intersection of Rt. 28 and Rt. 137 in West Chatham with 280+ frontage on Rt. 28. The derelict building was removed by the owners leaving the lot in its natural state. In May 2001, a copper beech was planted on the property in memory of Robert McNeece, a founder of CCF, and his wife Marion.

Also in 2000, after being an associate member for years, CCF became full members of the Cape Cod Compact of Conservation Trusts. The Compact advises its members on nonprofit administration, tax, and legal questions and also conducts research and promotes land projects that foster a regional approach to open space protection. It is supported by dues from member land trusts, donations, and grants from private foundations.

The Foundation receives some parcels that are intended to be enjoyed by the public. To that end, the Foundation has acquired and maintains 3 walking trails: Honeysuckle Lane, Frost Fish Creek and Barclays Pond. Another area where the public is welcome is Strong Island with its sheltered beach on the north and walking trails on the upland. However, there is a marked Reserved Area on the island where the public is not allowed. (Trails)

As land values have soared on Cape Cod and especially in Chatham, the Foundation has found that it can, in some cases, best serve the need for preservation of open space by partnering with another group. Since the creation of the Town Land Bank in Chatham in 1998 , the Foundation has worked closely with that organization to locate properties, discuss options with potential donors or sellers and to cooperate on purchases. Three such properties are a result of this cooperation. Parcels #166. #169. #175. Most recently in 2003 Chatham Conservation Foundation made a significant donation to the Harwich Conservation Trust for its purchase of the 43+ acre Shea property along Muddy Creek which is the border between Harwich and Chatham. (Land Bank)

The work of the Foundation goes on even as the larger parcels of land that were available for conservation disappear. The Foundation either owns or holds restrictions on 183 pieces of property, some of them are very small and hard to find; nonetheless, when added to the list, they are all important successes of the Foundation. Once acquired, continuing stewardship on the part of the Foundation is essential. Efforts are now being made by Trustees, members and concerned community members to catalog, photograph and watch over these parcels. (Volunteer Opportunities)