November 2
Here are the essentials. The clearing of the passage earlier this week by the AmeriCorps crew, on October 30, accomplished a good deal but not enough, though it was well appreciated by all. Once the leaves and debris were removed it was clear that years of accumulated sand had made the channel too shallow in several areas for an adequate water level for the departing fry, this along with lower water levels in the pond (however not as low as some years). A sand berm was created at the mouth of Slough about a foot above pond level and sandbags were installed to manage water levels from the pond and in the channel. Now we are awaiting enough rainfall this month to allow the fish to depart. Once adequate depth and flow are established the sandbags can be removed. Water levels in the passageway are similar to the water levels of both ponds and reflect groundwater elevation, in other words they are at the same level. (The alewives made an appearance on the 31st attempting to enter the passageway.)
Here are the essentials. The clearing of the passage earlier this week by the AmeriCorps crew, on October 30, accomplished a good deal but not enough, though it was well appreciated by all. Once the leaves and debris were removed it was clear that years of accumulated sand had made the channel too shallow in several areas for an adequate water level for the departing fry, this along with lower water levels in the pond (however not as low as some years). A sand berm was created at the mouth of Slough about a foot above pond level and sandbags were installed to manage water levels from the pond and in the channel. Now we are awaiting enough rainfall this month to allow the fish to depart. Once adequate depth and flow are established the sandbags can be removed. Water levels in the passageway are similar to the water levels of both ponds and reflect groundwater elevation, in other words they are at the same level. (The alewives made an appearance on the 31st attempting to enter the passageway.)
Below is a gallery of water depths along the passageway and the gauge reading at the landing. These are the present conditions after the maintenance on Monday. It will undoubtably require a second visit from the crew to clear out more leaves and to dig the areas where sand has accumulated.
November 4
A few more measurements for today, a discovery, and an exciting sighting...
More leaves and pond needles fill the channel and the water level is lower with numerous sand bars. There is no rain in the forecast.
A few more measurements for today, a discovery, and an exciting sighting...
More leaves and pond needles fill the channel and the water level is lower with numerous sand bars. There is no rain in the forecast.
A lovely wishing stone (or boulder) has been revealed at the mouth of the passageway at Slough Pond. Once buried in the sand to the left of the entrance it was evidently moved to hold the sandbags. It now rests in place ready for wishes, a touch stone and guardian of the passageway.
And finally a surprise visitor today at the passage. I have seen otters in Slough Pond on three other occasions over the years, one this past spring in fact on May 5th. Perhaps it is the same otter. I have never been quite as close to one as I was today. I did feel that I was invading his privacy but I was enthralled. Our encounter was brief. He did not notice my presence, at first, intent on his hunt. It was both thrilling to watch him and a little frightening. (They are known to be friendly creatures but like anything wild fierce when necessary.) The hidden bay where he was fishing is on the south side of the passage entrance. It's most prominent feature is the exposed roots of an enormous overturned tree. It is heavily vegetated with aquatic plants and was a favored spot for the adult alewives to spawn in the spring when the passage was obstructed. Later in the summer it was the possible site of a cyanobacteria bloom (for more see: Fact Findings/ Pond Studies: "Mill Ponds Complex Update/ Walkers Pond, '22"). The video is not very good but here it is- an otter fishing by the entrance to the Slough Pond passage at Walker's Pond.
November 5
Meanwhile out in the pond the alewives circle.
Meanwhile out in the pond the alewives circle.
November 14
We were captivated yesterday afternoon by reflections on the pond's surface when the sun emerged briefly before setting. Circling beneath, almost invisible in their ghostly shadows, were the alewives, resolving in and out of the light. The sandbags in place at the mouth of Slough Pond are holding their departure back until enough water collects in the passageway, but there is little rain in the forecast and the leaves keep falling.
We were captivated yesterday afternoon by reflections on the pond's surface when the sun emerged briefly before setting. Circling beneath, almost invisible in their ghostly shadows, were the alewives, resolving in and out of the light. The sandbags in place at the mouth of Slough Pond are holding their departure back until enough water collects in the passageway, but there is little rain in the forecast and the leaves keep falling.
The gauge at the Landing reads 0.3", quite low. It read 0.42" on the 2nd and 0.38" on the 4th. The last time the gauge was at 0.3" was briefly on September 9th and again October 3rd. Significant rainfall then raised the level. From the data we have gathered over these several months the fry, being that much smaller than the adult alewives, have an adequate water level for passage when the gauge reads 0.4" and above. (The water level in the pond and passage being equal in the water table.) Sage passage can only take place if the passageway is clear of leaf litter, branches, and existing accumulated sediment. As we have long maintained the passageway needs to be dug down 3-5".
Good news for Brewster's ponds: the Ponds Management Plan and Pilot Pond Study, a collaborative initiative with the Town spearheaded by the Brewster Ponds Coalition passed at the Special Town Meeting last night (Warrant Article 2). For more see: Integrated Water Resource Management Planning. We will be following its progress.
Good news for Brewster's ponds: the Ponds Management Plan and Pilot Pond Study, a collaborative initiative with the Town spearheaded by the Brewster Ponds Coalition passed at the Special Town Meeting last night (Warrant Article 2). For more see: Integrated Water Resource Management Planning. We will be following its progress.
November 16
And the leaves keep falling... but the rain doesn't.
And the leaves keep falling... but the rain doesn't.
November 23
After yesterday's rainstorm there was a good water level throughout the entire passageway, possibly an inch or two, but the depth was obscured by more fallen leaves, sticks, and pine needles clogging the stream. Another good storm along with some clearing out should be enough for the alewives to out migrate. No fish were circling at Slough but still there is much to be thankful for today.
After yesterday's rainstorm there was a good water level throughout the entire passageway, possibly an inch or two, but the depth was obscured by more fallen leaves, sticks, and pine needles clogging the stream. Another good storm along with some clearing out should be enough for the alewives to out migrate. No fish were circling at Slough but still there is much to be thankful for today.
November 27
As this month nears its close, consider, in the visuals below, that the passageway from their natal pond to their real home in the sea is closed to the remaining juvenile alewives as of yet. Not all of them were able to get out. They are circling in the pond and waiting for their chance. It has been a long journey through these several months since their birth. The nursery that Slough Pond is to them has served them well but it has served its purpose and it is past time to leave. We hope that the way will be made clear to make that possible, with a little light labor and a welcome assist from Mother Nature, in the form of rain.
As this month nears its close, consider, in the visuals below, that the passageway from their natal pond to their real home in the sea is closed to the remaining juvenile alewives as of yet. Not all of them were able to get out. They are circling in the pond and waiting for their chance. It has been a long journey through these several months since their birth. The nursery that Slough Pond is to them has served them well but it has served its purpose and it is past time to leave. We hope that the way will be made clear to make that possible, with a little light labor and a welcome assist from Mother Nature, in the form of rain.
