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.
🌊 PONDS ARE ALIVE! 🌿🐟🦀
As the water warms, more things grow. Most are harmless, but some can make people and pets sick...
Stay Safe:
🩹 Open wound? Skip the dip.
🟢 See green clumps, patches, scum or streaks? Give them space.
🐕 Keep children and dogs away from suspicious water.
👀 Check MV CYANO conditions—but always look at the water before going in.
🚿 After questionable contact, rinse with clean fresh water.
Read more in our latest newsletter on how to keep yourself, others, and pets safe LINK IN BIO
A big thank you to the @lagoonpond for letting us join them for a seine net event🌊🐟 We had such a fun time learning, exploring, and identifying critters! 🦀🐡
And a special thank you to @marthas_vineyard_bank for generously providing the nets and helping make this event possible! 🙌💙
We’re so grateful for the community, the fun, and the memories! 🐠🌊😊
🌊 EGP CUT, EELGRASS MONITORING & GPF BOARD CHANGES
What’s happening in Edgartown Great Pond? 👀
Our latest newsletter highlights:
-insight into a new research study during the next EGP cut,
-our new eelgrass monitoring collaboration, and....
- GPF Board changes!
🌿 Read the latest newsletter to learn more! Link in bio.
🌿🌊 What happens when a tiny underwater plant starts disappearing?
Eelgrass may look small, but it plays a HUGE role in the health of Edgartown Great Pond and the surrounding ecosystem. 💚
Take a look at this great WBZ Boston story by Jacob Wycoff @4cast4you on our team working to monitor Edgartown Great Pond eelgrass — and why it matters to all of us who love these waters. 🐚🦀🌱
👀 Watch the video and see what’s happening beneath the surface.LINK IN BIO
Sunset 🌅 over Edgartown Great Pond. This gorgeous sky high view is courtesy of @sully7777777777 📸. We hope you are savoring all the beauty of August and finding some quiet moments on the 🌊 water . It looks like we are in for another perfect summer night.
A hopeful sign beneath the surface 🌊🌱
While cyanobacteria blooms are present across many of the Island’s ponds this summer, Edgartown Great Pond is telling a different story.
Why? This @vineyardgazette article, written by Daniella Freedman, explores why Edgartown Great Pond is standing out, what scientists are learning, and what it means for the future of our coastal ponds.
You’ll want to read this one 👀
Check out our “Ponds in the news” page to find this article and others! 🔗 IN BIO
Join us and @lagoonpond for a hands-on seine net adventure and discover the amazing creatures living right in our backyard! We’ll pull the net, explore what we catch, and get up close with fish, crabs, and more‼️
📅 Saturday, August 8th
⏰ 12 - 2 pm
📍 Doug’s Cove, Lagoon Pond, Oak Bluffs
Perfect for curious kids, families, and anyone who loves the water. Come ready to explore, learn, and meet other pond lovers 🌊
💙This event is supported by MV Bank and MV Community Foundation
When the team is short on hands, who’s better to call than your dad?!💙 Kendall brought in the ultimate backup…her dad, Grant! 👏🚤 He jumped right in and was a huge help with water quality sampling on Edgartown Great Pond. 🌊💧🧪
Thanks for being a scientist with us for the day, Grant! 👨🔬
