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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.
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