The Brewster Ponds Coalition is happy to announce a new Pond Remediation Matching Grant Program to assist Brewster pond and neighborhood groups in protecting and promoting the health of their ponds. Any pond with a surface area that is at least one third within the town’s borders is eligible.

Click here to see a short video describing the new matching grants program.

The BPC will provide matching funds of up to $10,000 annually at a 1:2 ratio. For example, if an applicant raises $6,000 for an approved project, BPC would contribute $3,000. In-kind donations for services (labor, materials, etc.) cannot be included. Most projects are expected to be one-time events, such as the construction of a storm water management basin or rain garden. However, for multi-year projects, such as macrophyte (or aquatic vegetation) harvesting, The BPC can commit funding for up to three years.

During each annual cycle, the applicants’ full contribution must be made before BPC matching funds are added. Applicants should present a detailed description of their project, including a budget and an explanation of project participants and funding sources. If an application meets with initial approval, a meeting may be held with members of the BPC board to discuss the project and answer any questions. Visit brewsterponds.org to see a video explaining the grant program.

​For more information about this opportunity and for questions about the application procedure email Bruce Swiren at [email protected] or [email protected], visit brewsterponds.org or telephone 508-258-9801.

The day was gray but spirits were high as BPC Board member and an experienced walker/paddler, Gwen Pelletier, led a group of 20+ BPC members though the wooded trail to Bakers Pond.  Only one participant had taken the walk before, so it was a fun learning experience for most.  Special thanks to new BPC volunteer Bill Pomeroy for his excellent photographs of the walk.  For those in the know, you will recall seeing Bill's images in the Cape Codder as well as his excellent work with the Brewster Whitecaps.  

Finally… after three attempts the Herring Run Paddle went off without a hitch on Saturday, May 8th.  It was a cool, cloudy day, and three guides led the paddlers in two separate groups from the launch at Upper Mill Pond through the connecting stream to Lower Mill Pond and to the dam near the Stony Brook Mill.  Naturalist, author and guide Peter Trull enlightened participants with his broad knowledge of birds and wildlife and Ryan Burch provided background on the town’s efforts to improve water quality and habitat in the Mill Ponds Complex.  The elusive herring were periodically spotted in the shallows. We are grateful to participants, SupFari Adventures co-owner Ryan Burch and guides Peter Trull, Luke Foley as well as event co-sponsor The Brewster Conservation Trust for making the First Annual Event possible. ​

​Due to windy conditions, The Herring Run Paddle, has once more been rescheduled to this Saturday, May 8th. These two very special paddle events originally sold out in 24 hours - twice.  Now there are four (4) spots available:  three at 9AM and one at 12:30 PM.  The wind is predicted to be calmer this Saturday - ideal for paddling. It is recommended that you reserve (below) rapidly for the few remaining open spots in each session. 

Join us on a two-and-a-half-hour guided journey through Upper and Lower Mill Ponds to the spawning grounds of the alewife and blueback herring as we retrace the steps of John Hay, noted naturalist and author of The Run. Learn about the primordial, annual return of the alewife/herring to their original breeding grounds, the history of the Punkhorn and kettle ponds, and the health of the Mill Ponds, and discover the life that exists in this amazing ecosystem.

​This guided walk, approximately 1-½ to 2 hours, wanders along wooded dirt trails, seldom used bumpy roads, and through a residential area. We will have distant and close up views of Bakers Pond and will join trails in Nickerson State Park to Higgins Pond. The walk is for adults and could be challenging for casual walkers not used to stones and roots or inclines.