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.
YOU’RE INVITED‼️🌊
Join Chilmark Pond Foundation’s Community Briefing …happening virtually on Zoom!
📅 Thursday, April 16th (TOMORROW) ⏰ 5:00 – 6:00 PM
They will be sharing exciting 👏👏data covering:
➡️The question you’ve all been waiting for… did the buoy work?! ➡️Dredging updates 🚜 ➡️ A preview of the CHP 2025 Pond Report 📊
Don’t miss out!
👉 Zoom link in bio
Everyone is enjoying this warm spring day☀️! Our team started their morning on Edgartown Great Pond with some logger 📊maintenance. They were happy to be greeted by a lion’s mane 🪼 , mostly likely brought in by the recent cut!!
#edgartowngreatpond #spring #westher #nature #jelly
✂️🌊 EGP Cut Update!
The recent Edgartown Great Pond cut is officially CLOSED as of yesterday (4/7) around 5PM 🚫
🌊 Days the Pond was open to the ocean: 19 DAYS! (March 19th → April 7th)
🔄 Days with tidal exchange: 18 DAYS!
🔥 That makes this the best cut on EGP since the 20-day opening in April 2023! This is fantastic news for the EGP ecosystem. Spring cuts help set the tone for the Pond’s health in the summer and fall ☀️🍃
📸 Big thanks to @sully7777777777 for this photo and all the amazing shots throughout the cut! 👏🙌
🔊Please raise your voice for the Great Pond. Join the MVC public Hearing on Thursday, April 9th at 6:30 PM about the Katama Meadows Development Proposal. This may be the last time to have your voice heard. Make sure to submit comments to saltzberg@mvcomission.org before the meeting on Thursday. 🙏 Thank you, Anne Mazar for this beautiful shot of Edgartown Great Pond ➡️ Learn more about the project and hearing information: - LINK IN BIO #rainbow #water #boat
CUT CHECK: The Pond remains open and 🌊tida! Salinity 🧂⬆️ increased in Lyle’s Bay from 10 ppt to 26 ppt. Good news for eelgrass 🌱 and pond creatures 🦪🐟. More data 📈 on our website in via our most recent newsletter. Thanks 🙏 @sully7777777777 for the cut video and photos! #edgartowngreatpond #greatpondfoundation #grateful #AtlanticOcean #tidal
NEWS POST & NEWSLETTER are out covering the EGP CUT MARCH 2026: Read in depth all about the recent EGP cut! Explore photos, videos, DATA, and More‼️As of today the cut is still open marking 15 days! Link in BIO
CUT ✂️CHECK: EGP is still open and tidal as of 5pm 🕔 high tide on Saturday, March 28th. Thanks 🙏 to @sully7777777777 for the images and update. This is very good news 🗞️ for the ecosystem. Our team will be back in the field next week and will provide elevation and salinity updates. If you aren’t signed up already, now is a good time to subscribe to our newsletter. #edgartown #marthasvineyard #drone #beach #ocean
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 👌
