Observations of Fresh Pond 

The pond is beautiful, but with unseasonably cool weather and mixing, cyanobacteria from the deep waters can persist despite the cleanup.

We await the fall and spring when pilot phase implementation of the long term, deep-water filtration solution will begin.

Many areas are both clear and free of floating dots this morning, but keep eyes open.

Continued clarity… but keep your eyes open for patches of cyanobacteria!

Warm air and smooth sailing in the calm after the winds.

We’ll keep monitoring but we see good recreational conditions in these last weeks of summer. We look forward to starting work in the deeper waters that can make a long-lasting change not only in Fresh Pond but in the creeks and bays.

A week after the harvest, with regrowth hitting its stride, we are now seeing crystal clear waters and no blue-green dots.

Current conditions are as good as old-timers remember them from decades ago.

This evening’s report is very good.

We await confirmation tomorrow during the day!

Clear waters give this far sighted bald eagle a great overview on what’s on the menu. Bald eagles primarily eat fish, but also prey on geese, ducks and other waterfowl.

Early morning conditions are best.

Beautiful recreational conditions in the early morning and late in the day, but in the middle of the day, we are still observing moderate amounts of blue-green dots to avoid (especially for sensitive skin of open cuts).

Use judgement as conditions can change, and please take care to avoid allowing pets to drink pond water at this time!

Fresh Pond Road will be closed today. We are working toward the clear and fresh tomorrow!

In a strange combination Fresh Pond now has nearly 3 meters of clarity, but unwelcome little blue-green visitors (cyanobacteria) up from the bottom…

Until they are gone, exercise caution. When in doubt, stay out…

Updated observations from Sunday.

When in doubt, stay out!

Bright blue-green dots in Fresh Pond signal concern in open water. It’s best to apply the “when in doubt, stay out” rule while these dots persist.

Julia Weisenberg raised nearly $2000 for Fresh Pond cleanup on her GoFundMe for her Musselman Marathon Swim-Bike-Run.

Way to go, Julia!

A new family of ducklings, brothers and sisters enjoying the summer warmth…

Repeating last year’s “harvest and regrowth” success, today the pond is once again clear down to your toes! With a follow up in August, Fresh Pond should be fresh all summer.

This fall work begins on the durable long-term answer, reducing the nitrogen load on the aquifer, creeks, and bays.

July cleanup completed. Clarity improving. Biological survey shows “good recreational conditions.”

Dr. Ken Wagner heading out by kayak with underwater camera equipment on board. He found generally health conditions in the pond at this time.

Thanks to member and supporter contributions, Fresh Pond’s second annual “muck to mulch” harvest was compeleted in time for the July 4th weekend!

Thank you for your continuing support. Watch these pages for observations, data, and upcoming plans to build on success in restoring this beautiful environmental jewel.

Recent improvements in water clarity are reason for optimism, but be aware of some localized areas of concern. We are getting ready for the July 2025 cleanup/muck-to-mulch harvest!

Julia has been helping raise awareness and funds at for the Fresh Pond environmental restoration. Read more for how you can contribute to her gofund.me campaign and help clean up our aquifer, drinking water, lakes, estuaries and bays.

Sponsored by Pure Soul, Hydrotech Filtration, Reich Eklund, Marie Eiffel, Binder Pools, Rams Head Inn and “anonymous” — Fresh Pond’s celebration is a happening thing!

Less than 1 meter of clarity measured on Memorial Day, but help in on the way!

Fresh Pond continues to demonstrate resilience after this summer's cleanup work.

Julia reports on her marathon training swims last week: cool, crisp, with hawks overhead!

Loss of crytal clarity is expected during seasonal turnover, but still nearly two meters of visibility!

Another round of sampling and testing next weekend.

Great swimming last week!

Subjectively, Fresh Pond is far cleaner and fresher than our bays.

DEC laboratory testing will give us the precise information on the impact of this year's cleanup.

Mighty Montauk "Olympic Triathalon" marathoner switches from training in the bay to Fresh Pond!