Membership News

From Martha Sheldon

We’ve had a hugely encouraging response to the dues appeal sent in early July with many folks taking advantage of receiving a fish logo-themed market bag for memberships of $100 and over. If you are among those who intended to pay dues this year but haven’t, it is easy to join or renew your membership online at Join or Renew Here. Membership dues at all levels provide critical support for water testing, running a growing all-volunteer organization, and future land acquisition and water quality management needs. Questions? Please contact Membership Committee Chair, Martha Sheldon, at martha.sheldon205@gmail.com Thank you for your support of the Association!

New Board of Directors Elected

At the HPWA Annual Meeting on August 21^st the following were unanimously elected to serve for 2 years on the Board of Directors: Paul Denoncourt, Melissa Ferretti, Tess Goldmann (Education Committee Chair), Jerry Levine (Invasive Species Committee Chair), Tom O’Brien (Safety Committee Chair), Trish O’Brien (Secretary), and Geri Williams (Newsletter and Outreach Committee Chair), Brian Harrington and Donna Nolan.

Wildlands Trust 50th Anniversary

On September 23^rd from noon – 5pm, Wildlands Trust, a sister organization, is celebrating their 50^th Anniversary as an organization dedicated to preserving and conserving our special environment. For over these 5 decades  they have worked to protect and steward important habitats and landscapes.  They wrote and continue to manage the Conservation Restrictions on the David E. Alper and the Comassakomkanut Preserves here in our watershed.

You can learn more about their celebration at https://wildlandstrust.org/events/50th-anniversary-celebration  and https://wildlandstrust.org/50th

Margaret Burke

It is with great sadness and respect that we note the passing of Margaret Burke. Peggy was a long time and dedicated member of HPWA, she served on the Board of Directors and as Secretary for several years. Until Covid 19 stopped her she was an ambassador for HPWA welcoming new residents of our watershed and informing them of HPWA’s work and activities. Her always smiling face and generous disposition will be sorely missed.

Sara Grady

We wish to thank Sara Grady, a long time HPWA member and scientist with NSRWA, for the many hours she has volunteered and lent her expertise to HPWA. Sara has directed the team that measures the Stream flow at Carters River where it flows into Great Herring Pond and at the beginning of Herring Brook as the water exits GHP each month since April.  These measurements are necessary to be able to calculate the amount of phosphorus in Great Herring pond each month, and requires equipment and knowledge our Water Quality Committee do not have.  Sara has also led the search for invasive plants in Great and Little Herring ponds late each summer for many years. This ensures that if a invasive plant makes its way into our ponds we detect the problem early.

Sara, Jerry Levine and Don Williams searched Great Herring Pond on August 27^th and did not find any invasive plants.

Another Appalachian Trail Through Hiker – Congratulations Paul O’Brien

You may remember that last year congratulations were in order to Paul Denoncourt, one of HPWA Board Directors, when he completed the Appalachian Trail.  You can see his presentation of his trek experiences on HPWA website, theherringpondswatershed.org.  

This year we have a second watershed resident, Paul O’Brien, who completed the Appalachian Trail.  Paul started the trail on March 17^th, at Springer Mountain in Georgia and completed his journey on August 27^th at Mount Katahdin in Maine. 

Congratulations!

Mass Audubon Events

Tidmarsh Turns Five

Saturday September 30^th 

10 AM to 2 PM

Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary, 60 Beaver Dam Road, Plymouth

Join us at our rescheduled Tidmarsh Turns 5! community event with family-friendly activities including live raptor presentation. No charge to attend and registration not necessary. 

Walking Readers Group 

September 23^rd 

8:30 am to 10 am

Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Plymouth

Each month, Ellen Snoeyenbos explores selected readings from nature prose or poetry while enjoying the beauty of Tidmarsh. No charge, but registration is required and space is limited.

Guided Walk at Great Neck Sanctuary

Tuesday, September 28th

Great Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, Wareham

9:30 am to 11:30 am

Join us for a guided walk and learn about the sanctuary’s native plants and wildlife as well as ongoing habitat restoration. No charge, but registration is required and space is limited.

Wednesday Walks at Tidmarsh Sanctuary

Have you experienced Tidmarsh yet? Join us for weekly guided walks at Mass Audubon Tidmarsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Plymouth beginning at 10 am. Hear about the sanctuary’s successful wetlands restoration, native plant and animal species and what is in store for the future. No charge and no registration. Walks continue until mid-October.

Old Postcards and Photos Program

If you missed the presentation at the Annual Meeting that Geri put together of old postcards and photos from the area around the ponds collected from several members, you can view it on our website HERE.