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We hope you have marked your calendars for the upcoming BPC Pond Summit, scheduled for Saturday, June 8 from 9:30 - 11:30 AM at the Brewster Baptist Church (1848 Main Street, Brewster). As mentioned in our earlier communications, the focus of the event is on removing nutrients from our water sources. Here are more details about the speakers and their individual presentations. (If you have not already registered, please click here!)  Bryan Horsley MASSTC Project Assistant “Ecological Sanitation and Eco-Toilets: Source Control Measures for Water Quality Protection” As we know, groundwater and surface waters across Cape Cod are polluted with nutrients stemming primarily from wastewater. Ecological sanitation practices, including usage of urine diverting and composting toilet systems, offer a solution that can be adopted quickly, at an affordable cost along with low energy usage, water conservation, and nutrient recycling opportunities. Bryan’s talk will offer an overview of these strategies and summarize recent efforts to test and implement ecological sanitation systems on Cape Cod. Bryan joined the MASSTC team in 2020 as the site operator and currently serves as Project Assistant. A lifelong Cape Codder and avid outdoorsman, he is passionate about protecting the local environment. Although relatively new to the wastewater field, he has significant environmental science related work experience including coastal ecology research, ecological restoration, stormwater management, eco-toilet design and construction, and monitoring lakes and ponds for harmful algal blooms.  Hilary Sandler, PhD Extension Professor, UMASS Cranberry Station “Natural History and Current Stewardship Practices for Cape Cod Cranberry Bogs” Cape Cod is famous for its long history of cranberry farming, dating back to the early 1800s. More recently, conventional farming practices have raised concerns for the environment including water resources. Dr. Sandler will discuss the natural history of cranberry bogs and describe typical wetland vegetation communities with an emphasis on the Vaccinium species. She will describe current, research-based management practices used by commercial cranberry growers with an emphasis on impacts on adjacent water bodies. Since water is used in a myriad of ways in cranberry culture, time will be spent to describe typical flooding and water use practices. Dr. Sandler’s specialty is Integrated Pest Management, Weed Science. At the UMASS Cranberry Station she has managed various research and extension projects including: factors that influence the dynamics of crop and weed ecology within the cranberry production system; the development and implementation of non-chemical pest management, especially weeds; and investigations on the vine establishment, weed colonization, and fertilizer management.  Marty Burke BPC Board Member, Membership & Citizen Science Teams Coordinator, Pond Protection Pledge Program Coordinator “How to Bring the Pond Protection Pledge to Your Neighborhood” The Pond Protection Pledge Program (PPP) is a citizen conservation movement that the BPC started in 2022. It is a way for everyone to get personally involved in protecting the groundwater and freshwater ponds in Brewster. You can join and take the pledge individually, or with your neighborhood or pond association group. Marty will explain how you can get involved. Marty has been involved with the BPC and its many initiatives since 2018. He is an active Board member and currently serves on two important committees: Membership and Citizen Science. He was instrumental in the PPP’s start up and continues to be involved in its advocacy. Important note: If you are unable to attend the Summit, you will be able to access the recorded presentations and slides on our website shortly after the live event.
Saturday, July 20: 10 AM Ruth Pond in Nickerson State Park Brewster Join the Brewster Ponds Coalition and leader Nancy Ortiz for a three-mile narrated hike to Ruth Pond in Nickerson State Park at 10 AM on Saturday, July 20 (rain date is Sunday, July 21). We will be parking at the Brewster Recreation Park off Freeman’s Way so no parking passes will be needed. In other words, instead of visiting Ruth Pond from the traditional Nickerson main entrance off 6A, we will be entering from a completely different location. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water and a snack. The area is mostly flat but there will be some rocky trails and roots. There is a maximum of 25 participants for this free event. Details will be sent to registered participants before the walk. Please register here! Pictured below is the group that joined the May hike in the Punkhorn Parklands.   Show your support for BCD 2024! This annual conservation fair is scheduled for Saturday, July 13 from 9:30 AM - 1 PM at Drummer Boy Park, with the theme "Trees: Superheroes of the Natural World." New this year is merchandise for sale! Click here to see the items. To make a purchase, click here for the online order form. Make your order soon, as the deadline is May 31.
Plan to attend BCD 2024 which will feature unique environmental exhibits focusing on aquaculture, recycling, native plant gardening, and so much more. New this year will be exhibits and presentations related to the history of Cape Cod's forests, their environmental benefits, and how we can protect them for the future. As in years past, the BPC exhibit will feature "The Big Flush." BCD is sponsored by the Brewster Conservation Trust (BCT), the Town of Brewster Department of Natural Resources, the Brewster Historical Society, and the BPC. More information can be found on the BCT website. The Pollinator Pathway Cape Cod is a regional initiative that strives to “increase pollinator-friendly habitats and food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinating insects and wildlife across Cape Cod.” Given our mission to protect the environment – including water resources and habitats – our Board has voted to endorse this non-profit organization and its important work to educate, engage, and demonstrate to the community how native landscapes can protect the Cape Cod environment. You can learn all about the activities, resources, and how to develop your own “pathway” by visiting the Pollinator Pathway Cape Cod website. And be sure to download its fact sheet about native flowers, shrubs, and trees that are beneficial for bringing these important pollinators into your own backyard.  Image from flowermag.com
The weekend of May 4-5 was busy for the BPC! Our events began on Saturday, May 4 as we hosted a Spring Herring Run Eco Paddle with our business partner, SUPfari Adventures. Six participants joined the paddle and enjoyed a beautiful morning on the waters of Upper Mill and Lower Mill ponds. Ryan Burch, owner of SUPfari Adventures and Senior Shellfish and Natural Resource Officer with the Brewster Department of Natural Resources, and his guides explained the system of ponds making up the Stony Brook Herring Run, the history of fishing for herring in Brewster and Cape Cod Bay, and the steps the town and state are taking to protect the herring population. Below is a photo of the group before they took to the water.  On Sunday, May 5, the town held the annual Brewster in Bloom Parade. The parade was full of floats, displays, and marchers, capping off the weekend’s activities that celebrated Brewster’s history, beautiful landscape, artistic community, and local businesses. For the second year, the BPC had a float which highlighted our mission and featured Board members and “Shelly the Turtle” waving to the crowd (pictured below).  Saturday, June 8 9:30 - 11:30 AM The Brewster Baptist Church 1848 Main Street The BPC is pleased to announce the speakers presenting at this year's Pond Summit. Bryan Horsley, from the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC), will describe how innovative toilets can remove nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater. Hilary Sandler, Director of the UMass Cranberry Station in East Wareham, will talk about the impact of cranberry bogs on pond health. We will wrap up the Pond Summit with BPC Board member Marty Burke explaining how to bring the Pond Protection Pledge Program to your neighborhood. The Pond Summit will begin with registration, coffee, and pastries at 9:30 AM, followed by the presentations starting at 10 AM. More details will be coming soon so check back for updates here and in our monthly newsletters. This event is being sponsored by Agway of Cape Cod, a BPC business partner. Click here to register, as this will assist us in planning.  Drone photograph provided by Tim Chase.
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