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.
The cut ✂️of #EdgartownGreatPond remains open and tidal 🌊 as of 3:30 pm 🕝 Thursday, March 26th. The tidal range of the Pond is ~1 foot, which is very good and last happened in July 2024.. The volume of water exchanged during a cut is a combination of the number of tidal cycles the tidal range during those cycles 🔄. Ideal cuts maximize flushing and increase salinity 🧂pond-wide about 8-12 ppt (parts per thousand) and stay tidal for at least 9-11 days. 🙏Thanks to Rob Morrison and the Town of Edgartown for getting the Pond drained and flushing before the warm season. Spring 🌱cuts tend to set the tone for the health of the Pond throughout the summer and fall 🦪🌱🌱🦦. Photo credit @sully7777777777 👌
🔊VOLUME UP
EGP cut update!! 🌊✂️
Huge shoutout to @sully7777777777 for the amazing drone shots 🚁🔥 and Sam Henderson for the awesome cut photos 📸
Big thanks as always to the Town of Edgartown for making these cuts happen 🙌
Stay tuned for more updates 👀 and don’t forget to check out our EGP cut status
page for most recent and info (link in bio) 🔗🌊
As of 5pm 🕔, Thursday, March 19th, 2026 the cut of Edgartown Great Pond continues to drain into the #AtlanticOcean 🌊 and is flowing well. Thanks 🙏 @sully7777777777 for the footage! #greatpondfoundation #edgartown #marthasvineyard
The EGP cut is officially underway as of this morning! 🌊🥳
Pre-cut, the Pond sat at 4.84 ft LMSL, causing some areas to flood. The third shot captures a flooded area in Turkeyland Cove taken yesterday before the cut.
📸 Bigs thanks to @sully7777777777 for capturing these incredible shots and for sharing them with us!
Here’s to a long successful cut 🤩we will make sure to keep you updated!
‼️Don’t forget to visit our EGP cut status page on our website for latest EGP data 🔗 in bio.
Join the Community Climate Discussion 🌎‼️
🗓️Saturday, March 14th | 1:30 - 3:00 pm
📍Oak Bluffs Public Library or virtually on Zoom (link in bio 👆)
➡️Join Emily Reddington our Executive Director for a presentation and discussion on how our ponds serve as “canaries in the coal mine” and learn how our actions on land affect the fate of the ponds.
➡️Using ponds and watersheds as a framework we will discuss the island-wide efforts to amend bylaws that reduce erosion, runoff, and clearcutting while supporting intact, native habitats.
ℹ️For more information email energy@oakbluffsma.gov
Love the water? 🌊 Love being out on a boat? 🛶 Want to learn more about water quality monitoring?
Sounds like this is the internship for you 🫵
Join us on the coastal ponds of Martha’s Vineyard this summer ☀️.
We are hiring 2️⃣ summer science interns this summer. Applications are still open.
🗓️ Apply by Friday, February 27th
Visit our hiring page for application details 🔗 IN BIO
#internship #hiring #greatpondfoundation #marthasvineyard #science
Do you ❤️ Edgartown Great Pond? Whatever your connection to the Pond, we all share 🤝one essential responsibility; to preserve & protect this rare Island treasure. Right now more than ever the Pond needs your help.
⚠️ Edgartown Great Pond is at its tipping point. Adding more nitrogen will push it over the edge.
In 2022 Edgartown Great Pond exceeded its nitrogen limit. As a result we lost hundreds of acres of eelgrass and cyanobacteria🦠 increased.
As of 2025 the Pond is showing signs of resilience and eelgrass is beginning to return. Adding more nitrogen will reverse this progress, potentially making restoration impossible.
If we don’t act now, the swimming 🏊♀️ , sailing ⛵️ , shellfishing 🦪 we all take for granted will no longer be an option. You cannot swim in a toxic pond.
It’s a privilege to live here and be part of this community, where your voice matters. 📣Please raise your voice..
📅 Join the MVC hybrid meeting Thursday, February 12 | 6:30 PM There will be continued discussion on the Katama Meadows proposal. You can submit a comment or register to speak.
🔗 For meeting details and background, visit the Choose Both: Island Environment & Housing news post LINK IN BIO 👆
It isn’t a choice of housing 🏠or environment💧. Martha’s Vineyard deserves both! Samantha Look, Executive Director of Vineyard Conservation Society and Emily Reddington, Executive Director of Great Pond Foundation will be presenting and holding a community discussion covering about the proposed high-density development threatening Edgartown Great Pond.
📣 @vineyardconservation, Great Pond Foundation, & @vineyardpreservation welcome 🫵 you to join the conversation.
THURSDAY, FEB 5th at 5:30 PM at the CARNEGIE‼️
Thank you 🙏 @vineyardpreservation for hosting this event!
#marthasvineyard #community #environment #housing #protect
