 Hot off the press... the BPC's brand-new Pond Protection Pledge signs! You may have seen similar signs posted around the Cape by other pond associations. The similarity in design shows how we are all working towards the same goal: protecting our water resources. Won't you consider taking the BPC Pond Protection Pledge and posting a sign in your yard? The three-point pledge asks for just three simple actions:  If you are interested in moving forward with these steps, we will deliver a sign to you so that you can proudly display your support. Send an email to [email protected], and we will contact you to arrange delivery.
If you missed the BPC 2026 Pond Summit held on June 13, or just want to listen again to what was presented, the video recordings are now available. There are three recordings that you can access here and on our YouTube page.
In conjunction with the Brewster Health Department and Natural Resources Department, the Brewster Ponds Coalition is actively monitoring the following ponds for cyanobacteria. Updates to the following table will be made if the risk category of a pond changes.  Acceptable: Pond is deemed safe for recreational activities such as swimming, wading, fishing and boating.
Use Advisory: Avoid contact with the water, do not swallow water, keep pets out and avoid activities such as swimming, fishing, or wading. What are Cyanobacteria? Cyanobacteria have been often referred to as blue-green algae; however, they are a group of microorganisms that share similar characteristics of algae, such as the ability to perform photosynthesis like green plants using the chlorophyll in their cells. Cyanobacteria may occur as single cells, thread-like filaments, or as colonies of various sizes and shapes composed of groups of many filaments or cells. They are naturally occurring in all waterbodies with some species growing in waterbody sediments, while other cyanobacteria can move within the water column. Some cyanobacteria have the ability to produce toxins, called cyanotoxins. Brewster Ponds Monitoring In an effort to keep our residents and visitors informed of the current public health advisories for Brewster ponds, the BPC Citizen Science Program is testing 19 Brewster ponds for cyanobacteria bi-weekly from May through October. We will report results by pond to the Brewster Health Department, and make these results available here on our website. You can also find the same information posted on the Town of Brewster website by clicking here. When are public health advisories issued? A public health advisory for Harmful Algae Blooms at recreational freshwater locations is issued when at least one of the following criteria is met:
A public health advisory for Harmful Algae Blooms is rescinded when there is no visible scum or mat present and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has completed two successive samples, collected a week apart, demonstrating cell counts and toxin levels below the quantitative guidelines values. Public health advisories can only be issued by the Brewster Health Department for Brewster's ponds. What should I do if I see a potential CyanoHAB? The first step an individual should take if they observe a potential CyanoHAB is to AVOID CONTACT with the affected water. While most algae are harmless, cyanobacteria can be skin irritants and some are capable of producing and releasing cyanotoxins, which can make people and animals sick. Contact the Brewster Health Department (508-896-3701), and alert them to what you have observed, along with the name and location of the waterbody. Additional Cyanobacteria Information: Saturday, August 15: 8:30 to 11 AM Cape Cod Bible Alliance Church 3600 Main Street, Brewster Following check-in and breakfast, there will be a short business meeting reviewing the past year's events and our award presentations. The focus of the meeting will be a review of the Town of Brewster's recently completed update of its Integrated Water Resource Management Plan and Pond Management Plan. The BPC has advocated for and participated in the development of these plans, which have been in development for the last year. Collectively, they set out how Brewster will manage its water resources going forward, and establish priorities for detailed pond studies. Details regarding our guest speakers will be announced soon, so stay tuned! The BPC Annual Meeting is free to BPC members, so be sure to reserve your spot. For non-members, we are suggesting a $10 donation at the event. Check-in and breakfast begin at 8:30 AM and the meeting starts at 9 AM.  Photograph above from the BPC 2025 Annual Meeting.
 Brewster Conservation Day (BCD) turns 15 this year and Cape Cod’s best-loved conservation fair is promising to be better than ever. This free, fun, family event will take place on Saturday, July 11, from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, rain or shine. The theme for 2026 is “Conservation Begins at Home,” which will include tips and tools for the many ways we can all improve our conservation practices. BCD 2026 will be at the Sea Camps Bay Property at 3057 Main Street, Brewster. Over 40 exhibitors will be on hand to celebrate our community’s natural resources and coastal habitat. Visitors will be able to engage in various interactive displays while learning about the importance of protecting our valuable resources and practical ways to waste less and conserve more. Highlights of this year’s celebration will include:
Don’t miss the Cape Corps’ “The Big Flush,” manned by BPC volunteers and always a fair favorite. This fun activity entertains and educates both children and adults alike. The BPC exhibit will include information about our ongoing programs including Citizen Science, Pond Education, and Pond Neighborhood Outreach. BCD 2026 is jointly sponsored by the Brewster Conservation Trust, the BPC, and the Town of Brewster. For more information, contact [email protected]. Images above from Brewster Conservation Day 2025.
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