To cultivate the resilience of our coastal pond ecosystems through science, collaboration, and education.
About Us
Established in 1998, Great Pond Foundation leads in estuary science and restoration, using data generated by our programs for informed pond management. Our team builds strong partnerships with neighbors; fostering learning and expertise; and sharing tools and techniques. The coastal ponds of Martha’s Vineyard are globally rare, ecologically fragile, treasures whose preservation and restoration are fundamental to the Island’s long-term sustainability. The Island depends on clean and healthy coastal waters to feed families and support the local economy. These living waters define both the spirit and the character of our community.
If you haven’t yet, check out this article 🗞️ by the @marthasvineyardtimes about the on-going controversial housing proposal in Edgartown. The article describes the development plan🏡 along with many concerns it raises for the Island community. With new data regarding nitrogen inputs in Edgartown Great Pond💧, this plan could have negative impacts on the pond’s health. In the article Emily Reddington, our Executive Director says “We know that 70 percent of nitrogen impairment is coming from two coves in Edgartown Great Pond are sub-watersheds, that’s Meshacket Cove and Slough Cove”. With the pond currently rebounding in its health, this plan could set it back. Read more about this plan in the “Controversial Edgartown housing project headed to MVC review ” article by MV Times reporter, Eunki Seonwoo. Link in bio 👆
#marthasvineyard #mvtimes #housingdevelopment #edgartowngreatpond #protectourponds #protectourwater #nitrogen
We hope you all had a happy and healthy end of 2024😁! Here is a drone pic of Edgartown Great Pond on the last day of the year🎉. Thank you @sully7777777777 for sharing this beautiful shot with us👏! #edgartowngreatpond #newyear #thankful #marthasvineyard #pond #dronephotography
2024 was a big year for the Great Pond Foundation! Our science 🧪 team has worked hard visiting 19 ponds💧and collecting 1,119 samples! Our science is possible because of YOUR support, THANK YOU 👏to those who have contributed. For those who have not, please consider making an end of the year🎉 contribution today. You can donate via check or through our website, checks are our favorite (no fees). Link in bio 👆
#greatpondfoundation #thankful #grateful #marthasvineyard #capeandislands #holiday #newyear #2024 #science #donate
🔴The proposed development for Meeting House Way in Edgartown is back under review with a new plan.
After the Meeting House Way project was denied, the developers have proposed a new plan, Katama Meadows. The @vineyardgazette 🗞️ published an article covering the development plan and the concerns about its impact on Edgartown Great Pond💧. The reconfigured plan proposes to develop 54 acres of land for 36 low-income rentals, 12 duplex units and 26 single-family lots.
➡️This plan raises concerns about the additional nitrogen inputs and its impact on Edgartown Great Pond. In the article Emily Reddington, our Executive Director says “We know that 70% of the nitrogen impairment is coming from two coves… Mashacket Cove and Slough Cove and we also know where the tipping point is for this pond”.
Read 📚more about this plan in “Meeting House Way Project Heads to MVC” article by Vineyard Gazette reporter, Ethan Genter. Link in bio 👆
GET TO KNOW THE GPF TEAM:
My name is Carly Inghram. I joined Great Pond Foundation in May 2024 as the Field Crew Leader. In this position I assist in managing the Ecological Monitoring Program through collecting data 🦠, supervising seasonal staff 👩🔬, and making sure our field day operations run smoothly.
💙 What do you love about the ponds? Every trip onto the pond💧is different and exciting. I love how they are always changing and each trip brings a new experience.
#greatpondfoundation #team #science #boat #marthasvineyard #ponds #gpf #capeandislands
Yesterday our team was joined by Bill Austin, Jennifer Ray, and her daughter Charlotte, to install an elevation logger📉in Tisbury Great Pond. Jennifer is a representative of Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation (MVBCF). Thank you to MVBCF for making these loggers a reality 👏.
The elevation logger passively collects pond elevation data every 30 minutes⏱️. This data is essential in understanding when to “cut” ✂️the pond as well as its “drain” cycle and “recharge time”, ultimately allowing us to better understand the health of the pond💧. #tisburygreatpond #tisbury #elevation #loggers #data #science #pondcut #pondhealth #winter #offseason #thankful
GET TO KNOW THE GPF TEAM:
My name is Owen Porterfield, and I was born and raised here on Martha’s Vineyard. I first got my start with GPF as a summer ☀️ science intern in 2022 before returning the following summer as the Field Crew Leader. Since November of 2023 I’ve worked as the foundations Field Science Coordinator, a position in which I aid in field operations scheduling 🗓️ and performance, data management and analysis, and equipment 🔬maintenance.
💙What do you love about the ponds? I enjoy the unmatched serenity and scenic beauty I find on the Pond during our early morning in sampling trips.
⭐️Stay tuned to meet more of GPF’s team!
#greatpondfoundation #team #science #marthasvineyard #ponds #gpf #capeandislands
GET TO KNOW THE GPF TEAM:
My name is David Bouck. I am the Director of Science and Collaborations for the GPF and have worked for the foundation since early 2021. I manage our field operations, data collection 🦠, and analysis 📊, as well as collaborations with fellow scientists👩🔬 and community organizations/individuals.
💙What do you love about the ponds? Every trip onto the Ponds feels like an adventure. They will never stop teaching us and I will never tire of learning from them.
⭐️Stay tuned to meet more of GPF’s team!
#greatpondfoundation #team #science #marthasvineyard #ponds #gpf #capeandislands
