Our Association was established in 2007 as a volunteer neighborhood association.
Our focus is the health of all the water in our watershed – groundwater we pump
and use in our homes, as well as the water in ponds and streams we enjoy for
recreation, or that is used by animals and wildlife in our neighborhood.
- We sample and analyze pond water, which establishes a long-term record of the quality of this vital resource.
- We educate residents about the crucial role they play in using water responsibly and preventing its pollution.
- We sample storm water runoff.
- We study water flow in and out of our ponds.
- We promote boating safety.
- We sponsor a number of membership meetings per year in which we report on our work and discuss topics of general interest, e.g. area history, local bird life, herring migration, storm water runoff mitigation.
- We publish a newsletter a few times a year.
We elect officers and an executive committee that sets
policies. In addition, we have working subcommittees. All our activities are
based on the work of volunteers; they are supported by dues, private contributions,
grants, and collaborations with other organizations, the town, county and
state.
We welcome new members to join us; bring ideas and concerns; and
share in our efforts. Membership is open to anyone interested. Registration
for membership and to receive email updates is available on this site.
Our first public meeting of the season was held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 20th, at the New Testament Church at 1120 Long Pond Road in Cedarville..
Debbie Cook, the Manager of the Greenscapes Program at North and South Rivers Watershed Association, gave a presentation on lawn care. She showed how our current lawn regimens threaten water quality and quantity. She offered strategies from landscape professionals for beautiful yards, safe for people, pets and ponds.
+++++++
Results of our latest regular pond water sampling of Great and Little Herring Ponds on 4/30/13 are now available. Nutrients appear to be gratifyingly low, so were e-coli except at Carter's Bridge. Water was incredibly clear, with Secchi disk measurements around 8 m. Dissolved oxygen and vertical temperature profile did not yet indicate summertime stratification. Altogether quite positive results!
HPWA Spring Bird Walk: Saturday May 18, 7:00 AM at Bournedale Herring Run Park. Brian Harrington, Leader. 42 species were seen/heard in 2 hours. Some highlights: Ovenbird, Black & White Warbler, Rough-winged Swallows. See the full checklist on ebird at: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S14154467
+++
HPWA's 18-month July 2013 - December 2014 Calendars are now available featuring our photo contest winning entries and many very interesting date notations. This is a fund raiser for water quality sampling, priced at $15. Get yours at our next general meeting.
Robbie Haigh, our Volunteer Coordinator, recently interviewed Eb and Marleen von Goeler about HPWA on Sandwich Access TV. Scroll to view the 30-minute archived "Seniority" program.
Your Herring Ponds Watershed Stewardship Guide is now available for viewing on the Education and Outreach page. Print copies will be distributed free to members and residents by mail and/or volunteers walking waterhsed neighborhoods. Let us know if you can help!
Our Spring 2013 Newsletter is out!
Spotted Salamander eggs noted in vernal pools 4/4/13. Ospreys are back on nests. Remember to put our Herring Run Field Trip on your calendar for April 27.
After lots of hard committee work through the winter, both the HPWA Calendar featuring winning photos from the membership photo contest, and our 24-page Watershed Stewardship Guide supported by a grant from the Makpeace Neighborhood Fund are ready to print. They will be available soon.
Herring Run Field Trip -- Held April 27th at 10 AM. We met at the Canal Visitor Center on Rt 6 between the Bourne and the Sagamore Bridges. A Corps of Engineers biologist lead the tour and discussion. Numbers look better this year!
Our Fall 2012 Newsletter is out!
HPWA Photo Contest - Entries closed October 15, 2012. Click for rules. Many great entries were submitted! The Executive Committee has recommended a 16-month calendar starting in mid-2013. Additional photo entries may be incorporated in our Spring 2013 Watershed Stewardship Guide, supported by the Makepeace Neighborhood Fund and an HPWA member's matching donation.
During the second half of the meeting Committee reports were presented along with opportunities extended for attendees to get involved with water quality sampling, customizing a watershed Blue Book, and contributing to the Newsletter and photo contest.
At our August 20th meeting Kim Tower, Environmental Technician for the Town of Plymouth, was the featured speaker and received a Certificate of Appreciation from HPWA for all her work with us.
The Powerpoint of her presentation detailing some of the work we have done together is archived here.
