Monitoring Water Quality
Protecting Healthy Habitat
Protecting Healthy Habitat
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Misty Stillness. Photo by Vineyard Colors

A Restoration
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Ripples in the Pond. Photo by Emily Reddington

Monitoring
Water Quality
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Protecting
Healthy Habitat
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Preserving
Pond Ecology

Photo by Anne Mazar

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Mission Statement

To cultivate the resilience of our coastal pond ecosystems through science, collaboration, and education.

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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.

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EGP Update

EGP Update Photo courtesy of Cornelius Sullivan Photo courtesy of ...

Year round science team

Meet the year round science team! Scientific Program Manager

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Mark Your Calendars!

Mark Your Calendars! GPF is busy this spring and we ...

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MV CYANO Series Part 2:

In the summer😎there is no better place to be than on the pond. It is important to remember to be on the lookout 👀 for green 🟢 blobs and scums, as they could potentially be toxic Cyanobacteria🦠. If you see a potential bloom, please report 📲 it to the corresponding town Board of Health Agent. GPF scientists👨‍🔬will then go to the site and sample the bloom! 

To check out the status of your favorite pond, please visit the MV CYANO page, link in bio👆🏽

➡️Stay tuned for part 3 on how we process the bloom samples! 

#mvcyano #greatpondfoundation #summer #blooms #marthasvineyard #mv #edgartown#tisbury #vineyardhaven #oakbluffs #chilmark #aquinnah #greatpond #cyanobacteria #watersamples #science #water #capeandislands #waterquality #islandlife
MV CYANO Series Part 2: In the summer😎there is no better place to be than on the pond. It is important to remember to be on the lookout 👀 for green 🟢 blobs and scums, as they could potentially be toxic Cyanobacteria🦠. If you see a potential bloom, please report 📲 it to the corresponding town Board of Health Agent. GPF scientists👨‍🔬will then go to the site and sample the bloom! To check out the status of your favorite pond, please visit the MV CYANO page, link in bio👆🏽 ➡️Stay tuned for part 3 on how we process the bloom samples! #mvcyano #greatpondfoundation #summer #blooms #marthasvineyard #mv #edgartown#tisbury #vineyardhaven #oakbluffs #chilmark #aquinnah #greatpond #cyanobacteria #watersamples #science #water #capeandislands #waterquality #islandlife
5 days ago
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1/8
MV CYANO Series: Introduction 

With summer☀️just around the corner our MV CYANO program will be back in full swing! 

MV CYANO allows the Island community to learn 📚 about cyanobacteria 🦠 and understand how to be safe around these organisms while still using our precious bodies of water 💧.

👉This is part 1️⃣ of a series dedicated to the MV CYANO program. This series is meant to be a refresher about the program and a look into the steps of collecting 🛶, processing 🔬, and reporting data📈. The MV CYANO program is a resource for you to use during the summer to stay up to date on pond advisories and know what to avoid 🚫when out on the water. 

➡️Stay tuned for part 2! 

Visit our MV CYANO page on our website. Link in bio 👆

#mvcyano #waterquality #cyanobacteria #pond #advisory #health #saftey #summer #fieldseason #science #data #datacollection #marthasvineyard #capeandislands #spring #April #pondhealth #greatpondfoundation
MV CYANO Series: Introduction 

With summer☀️just around the corner our MV CYANO program will be back in full swing! 

MV CYANO allows the Island community to learn 📚 about cyanobacteria 🦠 and understand how to be safe around these organisms while still using our precious bodies of water 💧.

👉This is part 1️⃣ of a series dedicated to the MV CYANO program. This series is meant to be a refresher about the program and a look into the steps of collecting 🛶, processing 🔬, and reporting data📈. The MV CYANO program is a resource for you to use during the summer to stay up to date on pond advisories and know what to avoid 🚫when out on the water. 

➡️Stay tuned for part 2! 

Visit our MV CYANO page on our website. Link in bio 👆

#mvcyano #waterquality #cyanobacteria #pond #advisory #health #saftey #summer #fieldseason #science #data #datacollection #marthasvineyard #capeandislands #spring #April #pondhealth #greatpondfoundation
MV CYANO Series: Introduction 

With summer☀️just around the corner our MV CYANO program will be back in full swing! 

MV CYANO allows the Island community to learn 📚 about cyanobacteria 🦠 and understand how to be safe around these organisms while still using our precious bodies of water 💧.

👉This is part 1️⃣ of a series dedicated to the MV CYANO program. This series is meant to be a refresher about the program and a look into the steps of collecting 🛶, processing 🔬, and reporting data📈. The MV CYANO program is a resource for you to use during the summer to stay up to date on pond advisories and know what to avoid 🚫when out on the water. 

➡️Stay tuned for part 2! 

Visit our MV CYANO page on our website. Link in bio 👆

#mvcyano #waterquality #cyanobacteria #pond #advisory #health #saftey #summer #fieldseason #science #data #datacollection #marthasvineyard #capeandislands #spring #April #pondhealth #greatpondfoundation
MV CYANO Series: Introduction With summer☀️just around the corner our MV CYANO program will be back in full swing! MV CYANO allows the Island community to learn 📚 about cyanobacteria 🦠 and understand how to be safe around these organisms while still using our precious bodies of water 💧. 👉This is part 1️⃣ of a series dedicated to the MV CYANO program. This series is meant to be a refresher about the program and a look into the steps of collecting 🛶, processing 🔬, and reporting data📈. The MV CYANO program is a resource for you to use during the summer to stay up to date on pond advisories and know what to avoid 🚫when out on the water. ➡️Stay tuned for part 2! Visit our MV CYANO page on our website. Link in bio 👆 #mvcyano #waterquality #cyanobacteria #pond #advisory #health #saftey #summer #fieldseason #science #data #datacollection #marthasvineyard #capeandislands #spring #April #pondhealth #greatpondfoundation
1 week ago
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2/8
Today we are preparing for the 🌎EARTH DAY CONSERVATION FESTIVAL! We have some fun 🤩 activities planned out and we cannot wait to share them with you! 

🚨Join us and 20 other island nonprofits/groups, in honoring Earth Day this month! 

We encourage each of you to participate in a clean-up 🧹this month on the island or in your hometown! Every price of trash 🗑️ collected truly makes a difference. Rain ☔️ or shine☀️, on SATURDAY, APRIL 19th @vineyardconservation will be hosting their 33rd Annual Earth Day Beach Clean-Up from 10am to noon. 

👉After the morning Beach Clean-Ups, head over to the @mvmuseum for the Third Annual Earth Day Conservation Festival with FREE admission for all. The festival includes: opening remarks, a complimentary lunch 🥗 for those who participated in a clean-up, conservation/environmental activities, fun experiments 🧪 and touch ✋tanks, the VCS Trash Awards, and more‼️

⭐️We hope you join us in making a difference this month and swing by the MV Museum on SATURDAY, APRIL 19th from 12-3 PM to learn even more about how the islands conservation groups and nonprofits are leading the effort to protect this beautiful place we call home 🏠! 

#earthday #earthmonth #earthdayeachday #beachcleanup #joinus #conservation #education #stewardship #nonprofit #islandlife #museum #environmentaleducation #learningthroughnature #familyday #activities #greatpondfoundation #prepping #ponds #water #keepitgreen
Today we are preparing for the 🌎EARTH DAY CONSERVATION FESTIVAL! We have some fun 🤩 activities planned out and we cannot wait to share them with you! 

🚨Join us and 20 other island nonprofits/groups, in honoring Earth Day this month! 

We encourage each of you to participate in a clean-up 🧹this month on the island or in your hometown! Every price of trash 🗑️ collected truly makes a difference. Rain ☔️ or shine☀️, on SATURDAY, APRIL 19th @vineyardconservation will be hosting their 33rd Annual Earth Day Beach Clean-Up from 10am to noon. 

👉After the morning Beach Clean-Ups, head over to the @mvmuseum for the Third Annual Earth Day Conservation Festival with FREE admission for all. The festival includes: opening remarks, a complimentary lunch 🥗 for those who participated in a clean-up, conservation/environmental activities, fun experiments 🧪 and touch ✋tanks, the VCS Trash Awards, and more‼️

⭐️We hope you join us in making a difference this month and swing by the MV Museum on SATURDAY, APRIL 19th from 12-3 PM to learn even more about how the islands conservation groups and nonprofits are leading the effort to protect this beautiful place we call home 🏠! 

#earthday #earthmonth #earthdayeachday #beachcleanup #joinus #conservation #education #stewardship #nonprofit #islandlife #museum #environmentaleducation #learningthroughnature #familyday #activities #greatpondfoundation #prepping #ponds #water #keepitgreen
Today we are preparing for the 🌎EARTH DAY CONSERVATION FESTIVAL! We have some fun 🤩 activities planned out and we cannot wait to share them with you! 

🚨Join us and 20 other island nonprofits/groups, in honoring Earth Day this month! 

We encourage each of you to participate in a clean-up 🧹this month on the island or in your hometown! Every price of trash 🗑️ collected truly makes a difference. Rain ☔️ or shine☀️, on SATURDAY, APRIL 19th @vineyardconservation will be hosting their 33rd Annual Earth Day Beach Clean-Up from 10am to noon. 

👉After the morning Beach Clean-Ups, head over to the @mvmuseum for the Third Annual Earth Day Conservation Festival with FREE admission for all. The festival includes: opening remarks, a complimentary lunch 🥗 for those who participated in a clean-up, conservation/environmental activities, fun experiments 🧪 and touch ✋tanks, the VCS Trash Awards, and more‼️

⭐️We hope you join us in making a difference this month and swing by the MV Museum on SATURDAY, APRIL 19th from 12-3 PM to learn even more about how the islands conservation groups and nonprofits are leading the effort to protect this beautiful place we call home 🏠! 

#earthday #earthmonth #earthdayeachday #beachcleanup #joinus #conservation #education #stewardship #nonprofit #islandlife #museum #environmentaleducation #learningthroughnature #familyday #activities #greatpondfoundation #prepping #ponds #water #keepitgreen
Today we are preparing for the 🌎EARTH DAY CONSERVATION FESTIVAL! We have some fun 🤩 activities planned out and we cannot wait to share them with you! 

🚨Join us and 20 other island nonprofits/groups, in honoring Earth Day this month! 

We encourage each of you to participate in a clean-up 🧹this month on the island or in your hometown! Every price of trash 🗑️ collected truly makes a difference. Rain ☔️ or shine☀️, on SATURDAY, APRIL 19th @vineyardconservation will be hosting their 33rd Annual Earth Day Beach Clean-Up from 10am to noon. 

👉After the morning Beach Clean-Ups, head over to the @mvmuseum for the Third Annual Earth Day Conservation Festival with FREE admission for all. The festival includes: opening remarks, a complimentary lunch 🥗 for those who participated in a clean-up, conservation/environmental activities, fun experiments 🧪 and touch ✋tanks, the VCS Trash Awards, and more‼️

⭐️We hope you join us in making a difference this month and swing by the MV Museum on SATURDAY, APRIL 19th from 12-3 PM to learn even more about how the islands conservation groups and nonprofits are leading the effort to protect this beautiful place we call home 🏠! 

#earthday #earthmonth #earthdayeachday #beachcleanup #joinus #conservation #education #stewardship #nonprofit #islandlife #museum #environmentaleducation #learningthroughnature #familyday #activities #greatpondfoundation #prepping #ponds #water #keepitgreen
Today we are preparing for the 🌎EARTH DAY CONSERVATION FESTIVAL! We have some fun 🤩 activities planned out and we cannot wait to share them with you! 🚨Join us and 20 other island nonprofits/groups, in honoring Earth Day this month! We encourage each of you to participate in a clean-up 🧹this month on the island or in your hometown! Every price of trash 🗑️ collected truly makes a difference. Rain ☔️ or shine☀️, on SATURDAY, APRIL 19th @vineyardconservation will be hosting their 33rd Annual Earth Day Beach Clean-Up from 10am to noon. 👉After the morning Beach Clean-Ups, head over to the @mvmuseum for the Third Annual Earth Day Conservation Festival with FREE admission for all. The festival includes: opening remarks, a complimentary lunch 🥗 for those who participated in a clean-up, conservation/environmental activities, fun experiments 🧪 and touch ✋tanks, the VCS Trash Awards, and more‼️ ⭐️We hope you join us in making a difference this month and swing by the MV Museum on SATURDAY, APRIL 19th from 12-3 PM to learn even more about how the islands conservation groups and nonprofits are leading the effort to protect this beautiful place we call home 🏠! #earthday #earthmonth #earthdayeachday #beachcleanup #joinus #conservation #education #stewardship #nonprofit #islandlife #museum #environmentaleducation #learningthroughnature #familyday #activities #greatpondfoundation #prepping #ponds #water #keepitgreen
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/8
📈 EGP Update, 🔬Meet the Science Team, & 📅 Mark Your Calendars. Learn about EGP's current status post cut. Find out how to get involved this spring! Read our newsletter. Link in bio ☝️

#greatpondfoundation #edgartowngreatpond #scientists #spring #events #Marthasvineyard #conservation
📈 EGP Update, 🔬Meet the Science Team, & 📅 Mark Your Calendars. Learn about EGP's current status post cut. Find out how to get involved this spring! Read our newsletter. Link in bio ☝️ #greatpondfoundation #edgartowngreatpond #scientists #spring #events #Marthasvineyard #conservation
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/8
When open to the ocean 🌊the pond follows the tidal cycles 🔄. Tidal exchanges increase ☝️salinity and water clarity. Following the EGP cut✂️, salinity🧂 has increased ⬆️throughout the pond. As of yesterday Wintucket Cove and Lyles Bay had an approximate salinity of 19 ppt which increased 📈by about 9-10 ppt post cut. 👏
#greatpondfoundation #edgartowngreatpond #edgartown #marthasvineyard #mv #mvy #islandlife #drone #dronephotography #beach #ocean #water #waves #sand #barrierbeach #atlantic #atlanticocean #cut #closed #pondelevation
When open to the ocean 🌊the pond follows the tidal cycles 🔄. Tidal exchanges increase ☝️salinity and water clarity. Following the EGP cut✂️, salinity🧂 has increased ⬆️throughout the pond. As of yesterday Wintucket Cove and Lyles Bay had an approximate salinity of 19 ppt which increased 📈by about 9-10 ppt post cut. 👏
#greatpondfoundation #edgartowngreatpond #edgartown #marthasvineyard #mv #mvy #islandlife #drone #dronephotography #beach #ocean #water #waves #sand #barrierbeach #atlantic #atlanticocean #cut #closed #pondelevation
When open to the ocean 🌊the pond follows the tidal cycles 🔄. Tidal exchanges increase ☝️salinity and water clarity. Following the EGP cut✂️, salinity🧂 has increased ⬆️throughout the pond. As of yesterday Wintucket Cove and Lyles Bay had an approximate salinity of 19 ppt which increased 📈by about 9-10 ppt post cut. 👏 #greatpondfoundation #edgartowngreatpond #edgartown #marthasvineyard #mv #mvy #islandlife #drone #dronephotography #beach #ocean #water #waves #sand #barrierbeach #atlantic #atlanticocean #cut #closed #pondelevation
4 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/8
EGP Cut status‼️

This morning our science🧑‍🔬team checked the EGP elevation 📉logger. The pond was at 1.88 ft above local mean sea level. The cut ✂️CLOSED 🚫 around 7 PM on Tuesday, March 3rd. The pond was open to the ocean for 8 days almost reaching the ideal 9-11 day cut opening target 🎯. Although not optimal this cut still had a ⭐️positive impact on the pond!
➡️Stay tuned, more EGP post cut data!

#greatpondfoundation #edgartowngreatpond #edgartown #marthasvineyard #mv #mvy #islandlife #drone #dronephotography #beach #ocean #water #waves #sand #barrierbeach #atlantic #atlanticocean #cut #closed #pondelevation
EGP Cut status‼️ This morning our science🧑‍🔬team checked the EGP elevation 📉logger. The pond was at 1.88 ft above local mean sea level. The cut ✂️CLOSED 🚫 around 7 PM on Tuesday, March 3rd. The pond was open to the ocean for 8 days almost reaching the ideal 9-11 day cut opening target 🎯. Although not optimal this cut still had a ⭐️positive impact on the pond! ➡️Stay tuned, more EGP post cut data! #greatpondfoundation #edgartowngreatpond #edgartown #marthasvineyard #mv #mvy #islandlife #drone #dronephotography #beach #ocean #water #waves #sand #barrierbeach #atlantic #atlanticocean #cut #closed #pondelevation
1 month ago
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6/8
✂️EGP CUT CHECK: 3/13/25

This morning our science team offloaded our EGP loggers and checked out the cut ✂️. EGP is still open to the ocean and the pond is currently tidal 🌊however, we have yet to see a rise in salinity 💧🧂in both Lyles Bay (10.81 ppt) and Wintucket Cove (9.02 ppt). The ELEVATION 📉of the pond as of 10 AM this morning was at 1.45 ft local mean sea level (LMSL). Although the cut is currently still open, there is increase shoaling. Let’s hope it stays open longer for more flushing 🚽and tidal exchange!

#greatpondfoundation #edgartowngreatpond #marthasvineyard #capeandislands #water #tidal #edgartown #waterquality #loggers #elevation #March #drain #salinity #mv #mvy #news #pondcut #newengland #massachusetts #outdoors #shore #waves #cleanwater
✂️EGP CUT CHECK: 3/13/25

This morning our science team offloaded our EGP loggers and checked out the cut ✂️. EGP is still open to the ocean and the pond is currently tidal 🌊however, we have yet to see a rise in salinity 💧🧂in both Lyles Bay (10.81 ppt) and Wintucket Cove (9.02 ppt). The ELEVATION 📉of the pond as of 10 AM this morning was at 1.45 ft local mean sea level (LMSL). Although the cut is currently still open, there is increase shoaling. Let’s hope it stays open longer for more flushing 🚽and tidal exchange!

#greatpondfoundation #edgartowngreatpond #marthasvineyard #capeandislands #water #tidal #edgartown #waterquality #loggers #elevation #March #drain #salinity #mv #mvy #news #pondcut #newengland #massachusetts #outdoors #shore #waves #cleanwater
✂️EGP CUT CHECK: 3/13/25 This morning our science team offloaded our EGP loggers and checked out the cut ✂️. EGP is still open to the ocean and the pond is currently tidal 🌊however, we have yet to see a rise in salinity 💧🧂in both Lyles Bay (10.81 ppt) and Wintucket Cove (9.02 ppt). The ELEVATION 📉of the pond as of 10 AM this morning was at 1.45 ft local mean sea level (LMSL). Although the cut is currently still open, there is increase shoaling. Let’s hope it stays open longer for more flushing 🚽and tidal exchange! #greatpondfoundation #edgartowngreatpond #marthasvineyard #capeandislands #water #tidal #edgartown #waterquality #loggers #elevation #March #drain #salinity #mv #mvy #news #pondcut #newengland #massachusetts #outdoors #shore #waves #cleanwater
1 month ago
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7/8
CUT CHECK: at of 10 am Tuesday, March 11th, the pond is still open and flowing. Thanks 🙏 @sully7777777777 for the beautiful images. 

Edgartown Great Pond is a brackish (salt + fresh) ecosystem that relies on manual breaches of the barrier beach 3-4x per year to allow the exchange of pond and sea 🌊. Cuts reduce the elevation of the Pond to sea level and the pond follows the tidal cycles 🔄 for the duration of the “cut” or breach. Tidal exchanges increase ⬆️ salinity 🧂and water clarity water 💧, reduce ⬇️ nutrients (nitrogen 🚽& phosphorus), and improve 🙌🏻 ecosystem health. 

#greatpondfoundation #edgartowngreatpond #edgartown #marthasvineyard #mv #mvy #islandlife #drone #dronephotography #beach #ocean #water #waves #sand #barrierbeach #atlantic #atlanticocean
CUT CHECK: at of 10 am Tuesday, March 11th, the pond is still open and flowing. Thanks 🙏 @sully7777777777 for the beautiful images. 

Edgartown Great Pond is a brackish (salt + fresh) ecosystem that relies on manual breaches of the barrier beach 3-4x per year to allow the exchange of pond and sea 🌊. Cuts reduce the elevation of the Pond to sea level and the pond follows the tidal cycles 🔄 for the duration of the “cut” or breach. Tidal exchanges increase ⬆️ salinity 🧂and water clarity water 💧, reduce ⬇️ nutrients (nitrogen 🚽& phosphorus), and improve 🙌🏻 ecosystem health. 

#greatpondfoundation #edgartowngreatpond #edgartown #marthasvineyard #mv #mvy #islandlife #drone #dronephotography #beach #ocean #water #waves #sand #barrierbeach #atlantic #atlanticocean
CUT CHECK: at of 10 am Tuesday, March 11th, the pond is still open and flowing. Thanks 🙏 @sully7777777777 for the beautiful images. Edgartown Great Pond is a brackish (salt + fresh) ecosystem that relies on manual breaches of the barrier beach 3-4x per year to allow the exchange of pond and sea 🌊. Cuts reduce the elevation of the Pond to sea level and the pond follows the tidal cycles 🔄 for the duration of the “cut” or breach. Tidal exchanges increase ⬆️ salinity 🧂and water clarity water 💧, reduce ⬇️ nutrients (nitrogen 🚽& phosphorus), and improve 🙌🏻 ecosystem health. #greatpondfoundation #edgartowngreatpond #edgartown #marthasvineyard #mv #mvy #islandlife #drone #dronephotography #beach #ocean #water #waves #sand #barrierbeach #atlantic #atlanticocean
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
8/8
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Eelgrass in Edgartown Great Pond

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