Manchaug Pond’s Reflection

Posted May 16, 2021 Recently the members and friends of the Manchaug Pond Foundation felt the passing of more than one long-standing member – dear neighbors and friends to us in our life here on Manchaug Pond. At an outdoor service for one of these held so dear, a niece Beth and her husband Ray read a beautiful poem they had written as a heartfelt tribute to one of our dedicated friends and of the pond he loved and lived.  In remembrance, we would like to share with all of you: Manchaug Pond’s Reflection She is always in your vision, her surface like a mirror.A barometer of all nearby, her power never clearer. You greet her every morning, she tucks you in at night.She is always there in the background, never far from your sight. A sunlit breeze, the rustling leaves, the glistening morning dew.Like a soft caressing touch, she feeds the calm in you. In the evening moonlight’s glow, in shadows she will hide,but though her surface ever changing, you’re always by her side. In the hazy summer heat, her playful side goes on display.The visitors will come and go, but here is where you stay. On stormy days …

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National Safe Boating Week ~ May 17 to 23th

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National Safe Boating Week reminds all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills and prepare for the boating season. This observance week is the annual kick-off of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible. “The best boating experience is safe boating,” said Yvonne Pentz, communications director of the National Safe Boating Council, a nonprofit dedicated to helping create a safe boating experience for all boaters and the lead organization of the Safe Boating Campaign. “Have fun on the water, make memories with your family and friends – all while boating responsibly.” U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in four out of every five recreational boating fatalities in 2019, and that 86 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. There are many options for boaters when it comes to choosing a life jacket. When selecting a life jacket, a boater should check that it is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for the water activity, and fits properly. “Remember, the best life jacket is the one you will wear,” said Pentz. “Whether you’re going fishing or …

Stormwater rain barrel

Tonight! A Residential Guide to Stormwater Webinar

A Residential Guide to Stormwater  Wednesday, May 12th 6:00pm- 7:30pm EST Register Online Webinar Description: What people do in and around their homes can impact stormwater runoff and the water quality in your nearby rivers, lakes and ponds. In this training hosted by the Providence Stormwater Innovation Center, residents will learn stormwater-friendly landscaping, horticulture tips, techniques, and how to treat your yard like a small ecosystem. The chemicals and pesticides you use in and around your home can be detrimental to your own plants and habitat as well as to downstream water quality. The training will also provide information on how to design, size, construct and maintain residential rain gardens and rain barrels. Rain garden site assessment, soil analysis, plant selection and safety measures are all critical elements to consider when constructing a rain garden on your home. This training is provided by the Providence Stormwater Innovation Center in partnership with the SNEP Network. Read More Trainers:Lee Ann Freitas, Botanical Center Director, Providence Parks Department Amelia Rose, Director, Groundwork Rhode Island Steve Ricci, Director of Field Operations, Groundwork Rhode Island Jake Gorke, Ranger, Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council Sara Canuel, Education Director, Woonasquatucketer River Watershed Council Providence Stormwater Innovation Center Video Recordings: The video …

Spring Cleanup ~ Saturday, April 24th

Posted April 17, 2021 Let’s do it! The Manchaug Pond Foundation is organizing the annual spring cleanup of Manchaug Pond and its watershed for Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 9 AM to Noon with a rain date the following day.  Volunteers are needed to canvas the lake shoreline, public boat ramp, and watershed to remove litter and other potential threats to water quality: in boats to cover the lake’s coves and shoreline, walking the watershed roadsides, at the public access boat ramp, in pickup trucks to shuttle volunteers and pick up bags of trash. Go it alone or meet anytime from 9 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Public Access Boat Ramp at 22 Torrey Road in Sutton to team up with others, get gloves and trash bags, and grab some refreshment and conversation. Community service completion sheets will be available for students, scout and church groups and any others needing documentation of time donated to a great cause! All are invited to join Manchaug Pond strong! If you plan to go it alone or with your own team, please Contact us! with the neighborhood or roadside(s) you will be addressing so that we can maximize the area covered and …

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Annual Meeting Changed to Rain Date

This has been one of the driest summers on record, and right on cue, the day we are scheduled to have our Annual Meeting of the Members, rain is forecast all day long from the remnants of hurricane Laura.  Due to this forecast […]

Updates: Lake-level of Manchaug Pond & Annual Meeting

Posted August 20, 2020  Lake Water Level The Manchaug Pond Foundation {MPF} has recently been receiving multiple questions and complaints concerning the water level of Manchaug Pond this summer.  The Town of Sutton operates the Manchaug Pond dam, and strives to set the water level of the pond to a ‘rule curve’ or optimum level through the year which has been developed in partnership with the MPF.  During the summer months, the rule curve directs that the pond water level be kept full.  However the Sutton Conservation Committee approval of this rule curve requires a minimum level of water outflow at all times to maintain the environment downstream.    In addition to evaporation, during drought conditions there is not enough water inflow to replace the mandated outflow.  Whereas the Town of Sutton also owns and operates the Stevens Pond dam, conditions there must also be assessed. We have confirmed with the Town that the dam is currently set with a 1/2″ outflow as it has been all summer addressing, as best possible, the needs of Manchaug Pond and Stevens.  Since this has been the second driest Summer on record in the Worcester area, there is unfortunately nothing more we can …

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Kayaking? Life Jackets Required

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Did you know life jackets are required for cold weather kayaking in five states including Massachusetts? From September 15th through May 15th life jackets are required, yes mandatory, for all person’s kayaking and canoeing on Manchaug Pond and all other Massachusetts waterways. It is not enough to have the life jacket in the boat,  all persons on board a canoe or kayak must wear a life jacket/PFD at all times. People enjoy boating and fishing in the fall and spring, but a nice sunny spring or fall day can quickly become hazardous if you end up in cold water. According to the Massachusetts Environmental Police, most boating fatalities in the Commonwealth result when boaters fail to wear life jackets while in small craft in cold water or weather. Paddlers in canoes and kayaks are required to wear life jackets from September 15 – May 15. The Wear It! Campaign unites the efforts of a wide variety of boating safety advocates and is produced under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Wear It! Campaign reminds boaters to: Make sure everyone – even experienced swimmers – wears a properly fitting …