Mixed conditions since Erin passed though

Thank you for joining us and sharing observations at the Fresh Pond table at yesterday’s festive and well attended “Green Expo”. It was great sharing booth space and thoughts with Menantic Creek Keepers, members of the Water Advisory and Water Quality Improvement Committees, and all the other hard-workingl island and regional environmental groups.

Water clarity in Fresh Pond remains excellent, but be aware that since the cold weather, rains, and winds mid-week, there has been some mixing. Yesterday, Brenda and Janine reported some green dots near the public access on the east side of the pond.

Late yesterday afternoon, between 5 and 6, Peter observed the north was clear and Laurie D had a “beautiful swim” from the west side of the pond.

As we do, these photosynthesizing bacteria rise to meet the sunlight. Early mornings and late afternoons have generally been clearest. Today at noon, Peter swam out from the northern shore to beyond the center. Signs of lingering cyanobacteria, no longer bright green but dark and forming small clumps, were easy to spot near shore, but minimal in deeper water.

Ingesting large amounts of cyanobacteria can cause serious problems. Pets should be kept away from the water’s edge. Avoid swimming with open cuts. If you choose to swim, it may be wise to keep ears above water if you find yourself in an area where cyanobacteria dots are dense.

With calm weather and sunshine, the warm and cold layers are reestablishing. Keep your eyes open and enjoy the pond! Let us know what you see at freshpondsi@gmail.com.