With your help, the Herring Ponds Watershed Association has been very successful in forging the partnerships and raising the funds necessary to respond to water quality problems.  Our Board of Directors is a hard-working, efficient body, capable of solving difficult problems together and providing you with accurate, up-to-date watershed information.

My background in corporate manufacturing quality control has taught me that endeavors driven by a mantra of continuous improvement will continue to grow and prosper.  It is not enough to be content with the status quo.

Accordingly, we are working on building a solid watershed community by providing:  1) educational programs and newsletters, 2) the wildly popular “herring obstacle course” at the annual Herring Fest (April 20 at the Town Brook Herring Run 10 AM), 3) boat ride/tours on Great Herring Pond, 4) summer outdoor movie nights, 5) nature walks led by local experts, 6) the annual summer picnic, and 7) camp scholarships for those unable to afford the experience.

We have recently sent out a survey, asking your input on what types of activities interest you and the times and days of the week that are best for your participation.  If you have not already done so, please fill it out.  Our hope is that you will meet members of our shared community, form new friendships, and learn more about our remarkable watershed home.  The Board of Directors are always eager to meet neighbors to answer their questions, hear their suggestions, and address their concerns.

More group activities are being planned.  The annual picnic (usually the first Saturday in August), and a May bird walk (led by Board members Martha Sheldon and Brian Harrington) provide informal opportunities to “meet and greet” new friends.  In addition, Blake Dinius (Plymouth County Entomologist) is scheduled to present a talk on mosquitoes (Thursday, April 18, 7 PM, Wildlands Trust) and a butterfly walk (Saturday, June 15, 10 AM, Myles Standish Park).  Put these on your calendar and watch for further announcements in our newsletter, website, and emails.

Tess Goldmann, Chair of the Education Committee, is planning a major effort to partner with Plymouth Schools to teach our young people about environmental issues.  We hope that the education of children will contribute to the knowledge base of their parents.

Finally, please take advantage of a free boat tour of Great Herring Pond this summer and to attend one of the Movie Nights (also free).  We are eager for you to meet your neighbors at such events and for you to gain a new perspective of Great Herring Pond by being on a boat.  See you all around the pond! 

Your comments are always welcome.  Give me a call at 508 833-4355.