Nature & Science
With high levels of nitrogen in Sengekontacket Pond threatening everything from marine life to property values, state and local environmental officials have outlined an aggressive plan to clean up the pond that ranges from diverting wastewater from several watersheds to designating the entire pond as a district of critical planning concern.
The commercial season for bluefish ended on Wednesday. The closure came when fisheries experts determined that the 2012 annual commercial Massachusetts quota of 692,986 pounds was taken.
There is a three-way tie for the bird of the week; sightings of not one but two Connecticut warblers, an American bittern and a buff-breasted sandpiper are all worthy, although they are somewhat expected at this time of the year.
The way to this caterpillar’s heart is through its stomach. No doubt you are familiar with the eating machine that is the subject of this week’s article. These black caterpillars with orange stripes have been everywhere lately, in your trees, on your deck, crawling across the driveway and squishing under your feet.
The Polly Hill Arboretum is hosting a talk on grasses, sedges and rushes led by PHA research associate Melissa Cullina. Grasslike plants or graminoids tend to be ubiquitous but often overlooked. Not on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 21 and 22, when Ms. Cullina leads participants on a tour through the arboretum grounds giving center stage to the sedges and rushes. After the two-day tour, Ms. Cullina won’t be the only grass specialist on the Island.
It’s Derby time and all across the Island, anglers will be spinning fish tales. Some will have only stories, while others with more skill (or perhaps greater luck) will be down at the weigh station. All eyes at Derby time are on the scales, the ones used for official weighing, of course, but also the ones that adorn the fish themselves.
Almanac
A comprehensive guide to weather and tides on the Island.
Vineyard Gardener
I guess this past week weather-wise is called a January thaw. We did not really experience it the last several years as December was unseasonably warm.
Farm & Field
Beige and brown and tan and black, with horns spiraled or semicircular or in undulating waves, a legion of goats marched up the hill toward us, bleating in anticipation of fresh grass and leaves.