Off-Season Nutrient Sampling

Every year, the Great Pond Foundation collects regular water quality and nutrient (primarily nitrogen & phosphorus) data on Edgartown Great Pond throughout June-October. This timeframe captures the hottest and busiest times of the year for life in and around the Pond. But what does water quality look like during the off-season (November-May)? How might off-season trends in nutrients, salinity, and the timing/longevity of cuts influence the health of the Pond and the occurrence of algal blooms during the following summer?

At the beginning of 2024, GPF received a grant from the Edey Foundation to explore this question and collect nutrient and water quality data throughout the off-season. Essential to this effort was Edgartown Shellfish Constable Rob Morrison, who generously provided our staff with safe transportation throughout the Pond during the frigid winter months. He also had a hand in collecting the data! Once the results of our sampling are available in early 2025, we look forward to diving into a full year of water quality data from EGP.        

Advancements in our understanding of the complicated factors that influence Pond health are made possible through collaborative efforts such as this. This is why it is so important for our Vineyard community to work together! Big shout-out and thank you to the Edey Foundation, The Town of Edgartown, and Rob Morrison for all that they do.