James Pond Preserve, a 13-acre parcel next to Lambert’s Cove beach in West Tisbury, opened last weekend after a long delay due to a state review process.
The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank began the month by opening two new preserves to the public.
James Pond Preserve, a 13-acre parcel next to Lambert’s Cove Beach in West Tisbury, opened last weekend after a long delay because of a state review process, and a 350-foot trail at Caleb’s Pond Preserve on Chappaquiddick opened on Feb. 2.
The Chappaquiddick property opened without its planned waterfront access, after pushback from neighbors caused the land bank to put off plans to construct a boardwalk and boat launch.
James Pond Preserve was purchased in a series of transactions in 2020 and 2021 for a total of $12.2 million, and includes 650 feet of beach and 700 feet of pond frontage.
“It’s a very beautiful pondside hike through a grassland with long distance water views,” said land bank executive director James Lengyel. “It’s just an exceptional property and the land bank was so lucky to be able to purchase it.”
Trails traverse open woodland, grassland, swamp and coastal dune environments, land bank ecologist Julie Russell said, and the trail system takes advantage of hilly high points to give walkers a view of the range of habitats.
“You walk up, and you have this great view in the shade of these big huge trees, looking at James Pond, and you can even see over to the dunes,” Ms. Russell said.
The organization also constructed a public kayak launch, giving visitors access to James Pond.
“It’s a lovely little pond, with not a lot of activity on it,” Ms. Russell said.
There are 12 parking spots at the trailhead off Lambert’s Cove Road. During the busy season, between June 1 and Sept. 15 those spots will be awarded via an online reservation system. There will also be a limit of 110 individuals at a time during the peak season, monitored by an on-site staff member, she said.
Mr. Lengyel said that the entire property is worth experiencing.
“It’s an exceptionally beautiful beach, but the preserve is so much more than the beach,” he said.
Comments
Happy to see this open, but
Rich EdgartownHappy to see this open, but the Land Bank must deliver on their promise of full waterfront access at Caleb Pond on Chappy. "Pushback from neighbors" is not an acceptable excuse for failing to open the property as promised. Remember, this property was purchased with publicly-sourced funding. Land Bank must provide a date for the waterfront access, not vague comments. Public beach access is critical for the Island.
Agree with Rich about
Lynn vera Oak bluffsAgree with Rich about Landbank access to water o chappy
Yes, agree - public access is
Megan Holbrook Oak BluffsYes, agree - public access is important.
Publicly sourced funding =
Jo HPublicly sourced funding = public access to waterfront. Land bank needs to stick to the terms of the deal.
I would like to see increased
Ariel VHI would like to see increased parking and capacity at the James Pond beach. We need more public beach access on MV and this beach already boarders the WT public beach so there doesn’t seem to be a reason to limit access.
Wow. I stopped in at the
Prudy Burt West TisburyWow. I stopped in at the James Pond property earlier this week. This is just beautiful- quiet and amazing. The land bank crew did a really wonderful job here. Thank you.
Why limit the capacity at the
JustineWhy limit the capacity at the beach? It seems like this is happening all over the island: Squibnocket Pond Reservation, Chappy beaches (proposed OSV limits), and now James Pond. Soon we will all need to build pools just so we can go swimming on an island.
Justine
Rich EdgartownJustine
This is the latest example of egregious entitlement by abutters. You correctly point to other recent troubling instances around our Island. Apparently some landowners have fallen victim to the delusion that proximity provides privilege. It is imperative that we all remain vigilant to prevent this type of silent property theft.
Just went there. A glowing
Philip Cordella Oak BluffsJust went there. A glowing testament to preserved beauty. The Island is gonna love it!
How will the Land Bank keep
Steven Johnson Timonium, MDHow will the Land Bank keep those people that go to the Land Bank property from wandering down to the West Tisbury beach? The West Tisbury beach is already overcrowded in the summer months.
James Pond does not strike me as being the cleanest pond around. When walking to the West Tisbury beach on certain days there is a foul smell coming from the pond. I don't think allowing access to the water should be without signs that say enter at your own risk.
This is exactly why they
Lilian EdgartownThis is exactly why they shouldn’t limit capacity at James Pond. Let people spread out evenly between Lambert’s Cove beach and the new land bank beach. We have plenty of public beach on this island if we let people use it.
James's Pond has always been
Kaktherine Scott TisburyJames's Pond has always been somewhat smelly at low tide, especially if the Creek is not flushing adequately.
The reservation system at
Anonymous West TisburyThe reservation system at Long Point has been a game-changer for the enjoyment of the property and for the neighbors, with fewer cars rushing to get in line. I am thrilled to hear that the James Pond reserve has done the same. If the Lambert's Cove parking lot could be managed with a reservation system, perhaps the peaceful nature of the neighborhood could be preserved and the road could once again be safe for a stroll.
I took our two-year-old
Tim Boland West TisburyI took our two-year-old granddaughter there three weeks ago. It was stunning! I really loved the view of James Pond upon approach from the East - a completely different feel. It will be great to see the Beach Plum bloom along the pond's rim and have another portal to the beach. Thank you MVLB! Well done landscape crew!
Come on. Everybody knows that
Inde West tisburyCome on. Everybody knows that the main use of the James pond parking lot will be to get onto lamberts cove beach. It will be used by both Wt residents and everyone else. But I, for one, am grateful for, and am looking forward to, the hiking trails. Will we be able to hike them with a leashed dog?
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