What We've Been Noticing

Improvements in Water Quality

In 2023, Farm Pond witnessed a notable improvement in water clarity, a positive change attributed to the collective efforts of our community and the Farm Pond Advisory Committee (FPAC). With a median Secchi transparency depth of 6.4 meters (21 feet), water clarity this year surpassed our 25-year average, marking a significant recovery from the 2022 season. 

Data loggers tracking temperature and dissolved oxygen across the water column from April 2023-October 2023 indicated trends comparable to what we have been seeing for years. Lab testing for Total P from samples at the top, middle, and bottom depth levels also showed similar trends to the past few years (i.e. Total P is very high at depth). Lab testing was also done for Total N, NOx, NH3, and chlorophyll. Continuous monitoring and lab analyses have kept us informed about the pond's health, ensuring we remain proactive in our conservation efforts.

Addressing Erosion and Stormwater Runoff

Erosion and stormwater management remain crucial concerns for the preservation of Farm Pond. Thanks to the collaboration between the Sherborn DPW, the Select Board’s office, and funding through ARPA grant money, we've launched projects aimed at mitigating these issues. Efforts include drafting plans for a new walkway to reduce beach erosion and improving stormwater management at key locations around the pond. While these measures are interim, they represent significant steps towards sustainable management and preservation of our beloved natural resource.

Fishkill Event Investigation

The community faced a concerning fishkill event from mid-August to early October, a phenomenon not previously observed to this extent. FPAC engaged with MA Fish and Wildlife and enlisted the expertise of Dr. Eric Lombardini, a resident and veterinary pathologist specializing in fish diseases, to investigate. The findings suggested a combination of factors, including parasitism and environmental stress, led to this event. While no immediate human health risks were identified, the occurrence underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and research to understand and mitigate such events in the future.

Motorized Watercraft

A motorized craft was observed on the pond several times this past season. The bylaw against such crafts is in place to keep petroleum out of the pond, avoid added noise, avoid wakes that could cause erosion of the shore, and preclude the introduction of weeds or invasive species that may be attached to boats or motors coming from nearby ponds/rivers that are full of invasive weeds. FPAC is aware of these observations with plans to help discourage this activity through continued education for all residents.

The Weed Warriors

FPAC's Weed Warriors program continued this year with a small group of volunteers keeping an eye on different areas of the pond (FPAC would love to expand this group!). FPAC is happy to report that no invasive aquatic plants were reported as being present in the pond this year! Farm Pond fortunately continues to be free of invasive aquatics as far as known, unlike just about every other lake/pond in our area.