02667. The local iceman made deliveries along his route to those customers displaying a card in their window indicating how many pounds of ice were needed. Youll find the pond on Buck Island Road. Ice boats coasted across such frozen bodies of water as Long Pond in South Yarmouth, Scargo Lake in Dennis, Kellys Pond in West Dennis, Cobbs Pond in Brewster, and Gull Pond in Wellfleet, among many other locations across the Cape. It is a pleasing sight to see them on the pond when the ice is smooth, going like meteors.. USGS also conducts important research at the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center which is located on Cape Cod. 151 Pimlico Pond Road, Mashpee, $1,125,000 . I love the adventure of it, and the feeling of getting close to nature. Yarmouths Little Sandy Pond offers the best of both worlds because it has a full-blown recreation area, complete with tennis courts, a baseball diamond, a dog park, and a playground, in addition to one of the quietest, most secluded bodies of water on the Cape. His books include "Cape Cod Collected and "Cape Odd. He has written for the Barnstable Patriot, its annual Cape Cod history supplement "Summerscape," and The Register newspaper. Among these many bird species that make Cape Cod home is the . 4 Reasons to Book Your Vacation Through a Reputable Cape Cod Rental Agent, 5 Mass Audubon Wildlife Sanctuaries on Cape Cod You Wont Want to Miss. Subscribe to Austin Travels to get updates, news and travel tips in your inbox. The Capes natural ponds are the result of the glaciers that left this area 18,000 years ago. Pilgrim Lake in Orleans is a favorite fishing location because it is a decent size, quiet, and full of small bays. The USGS has been researching ground and surface-water on Cape Cod for over 50 years to help inform decision-making regarding this vital resource. Posted by Mark Washburn on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 7:19 PM Comment. You can also snag a parking spot at Great Pond, if youre lucky, and take about a 15-minute walk along the dirt trails. Other than having a local lead you in, though, youll need to make sure you have a very detailed local map so that you dont get lost. Dip a toe in the kettle ponds of Cape Cod. Phragmites stands are highly variable in size, ranging from just a few stems to many hectares. Brothers Clarence and Lester Quinn ice sailing on skates, circa 1930, in Orleans, probably on Cedar Pond. You have been subscribed to WBUR Today. Toward that end, January and February were the months to fill the icehouse with blocks cut from the nearby pond in order to satisfy the demand come May and June. The other one is climate change has caused significant warming of these ponds, particularly in the surface layers and also vertically. It is important to keep a vegetated buffer around our ponds. Some of us recall the days when ice boats were on Fresh Pond.. As a component of the National Park Service's mandate to control exotic vegetation . Freshwater ecosystems on Cape Cod, like most aspects of the peninsula, are a direct result of a glacial past. The groundwater that fills these ponds is the same water we use for our drinking water and irrigation. Depressions in the outwash plain are called kettle holes. In virtually every pond there is a rising trend of groundwater, and we think what we're seeing there is a direct effect of sea level rise on the hydrology of these ponds. From local galleries Read More, People often come to Cape Cod for its beaches, its small towns and its historic appeal, but theres also plenty to enjoy out on the water. Working with volunteers from pond groups like the Brewster Ponds Coalition and Friends of Chatham Waterways (and their respective town departments), data are being gathered as a means to document potential blooms and contribute to better understanding of cyanobacteria. At Catalena Hatters in Bryan, Texas, you can buy a, Pam LeBlanc heads to Shiner, Texas, which feels li, There's no doubt this summer will be scorching! If you bring a kayak or canoe, you can undoubtedly head to one of the empty beaches on the other side of the pond for an afternoon of relaxation. There are some fairly alarming things that we've seen within the Cape Cod National Seashore. There is even an island in the middle of the lake you can check out if you have the time. Its also nice to know that the burgeoning local population of great white sharks, drawn to Cape Cod by the exploding population of seals, never visits these inland ponds. So many visitors to Cape Cod are bent on finding the ocean. I just dont like bobbing at the surface without gear on when theyre in the area.). This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. These ecosystems provide habitat for an abundance of plant and animal life. In the 1930s there was a renewal of ice boating at Long Pond in Harwich, which continued into the 1940s. Cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, are ancient organisms responsible for creating the first oxygen on the earth. Seymour Pond sits in the area between Brewster and Harwich and enjoys a quiet, serene environment. It also includes a small beach and a shade-covered picnic area.Other ponds popular with families include Gull Pond and Ryder Pond, where the frogs might just outnumber the visitors. We have some state-listed rare plant species that make these kettle ponds a special place in the landscape in the Northeast. They range in size from small fishing holes to larger boating ponds. Kettle ponds are scattered across the outer Cape Cod landscape, an area consisting of glacial . Sitting in Wellfleet is Gull Pond, a scenic water body surrounded by pine trees. Thepublic landing at this pond is owned and maintained by the Town of Truro. We were unable to subscribe you to WBUR Today. The only pond in Truro that is not owned by the NPS is Pilgrim Pond, also known as Village Pond and Standish Pond - located on Pond Rd. Surface water temperatures have increased by almost 3 degrees Celsius in the last 15 to 20 years and that's a huge, huge change. Within Cape Cod National Seashore, Phragmites occurs in a variety of ecosystems. Interestingly, the Cape winters of two centuries ago were alive with outdoor activities that embraced the icy whims of nature. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Seven swimming holes to splash in around Austin. Sandy Pond in Yarmouth offers swimming, plus a recreation area with tennis courts, a playground, and a basketball court. The turn of the 20th century saw a continued interest in winter activities. Small birds land on floating vegetation to catch an insect or have a drink. Fish hide from great blue herons and feed on algae and smaller swimming creatures. Yasmin Amer ReporterYasmin Amer is a business reporter for WBUR. There's about a thousand of these kettle ponds actually throughout Cape Cod. APCC has developed a cyanobacteria-monitoring protocol with the assistance of scientists from University of New Hampshire and the Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaborative. Pitch pine and scrub oak forests, heath lands, sand plain grasslands, and dunes make up the terrestrial ecosystems. It is said there are 365 ponds and lakes across Cape Codone for each day of the year. The beach has a boat launch and public washrooms, as well. The ponds and lakes in the town of Barnstable were home to a number of ice boats, including crafts that belonged to W. D. Lewis of Cotuit and Burchard V. Kelley of Centerville. If youre visiting Cape Cod and want to live like a local, if only for a short while, you should know that permanent residents often head to a kettle pond to get away from the crowds and experience the peace and serenity that first made the area such a popular vacation destination. Theres no legal place to park anywhere near it, and its very much in the midst of the woods. Kettle ponds are scattered across the outer Cape Cod landscape, an area consisting of glacial outwash plains that formed during the retreat of the Laurentide ice sheet some 18,000 years ago. Would you say the main theory here is to try to preserve nature, to let nature try to correct what's going on? Her reporting focuses on mental health, criminal justice and education. Trees surround this pond, and although one beach accessible by car, you can find other, more private access points if youre willing to hike in. The water levels in most Cape ponds fluctuate due to changes in groundwater, precipitation, evaporation, and sometimes drawdown by municipal wells. . With the conclusion of the war, the Pleasant Lake area of Harwich was once again home to ice boat races, thus keeping the winter sport alive as skippers competed to be the fastest. With any luck, 75 percent of the ice might survive into the warmer months to preserve food and to chill summer drinks. The following is a listing of all home transfers in Cape Cod reported from May 28 to June 4. These are called kettle ponds, in fact Wellfleet and Truro have about 20 of them just waiting to be explored. The ROV captured fascinating images of the creatures that make their home in these dark and deep environments. After a long sweaty day of hiking and salt-water swimming, we looked forward each day to a dip in the kettle pond. In some cases, they were used to transport cargo, such as firewood across Long Pond in Harwich. In all, about a thousand kettle ponds pockmark the Cape, and if . The ice was packed right up to the peak of the building and insulated with sawdust or salt hay to reduce melting. These ponds have been designated as ecological, recreational, and aesthetic treasures by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage Program for their biodiversity and rare species. Salt marshes filter out excess nutrients and provide habitat for fish, shellfish, and birds. Even today, as the cold wind blows, and the temperature drops, and the snow flies, with a little imagination one can almost see the ghosts of former ice boats speeding across the glassy surface of Long Pond in Harwich, going like meteors., OFFICES: 18 Steeple Street Mashpee, MA 02649 508-419-7381, MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. and mapping the seafloor off the coasts of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, VA 20192. Ice blocks remained in some areas and, over time, left depressions in the ground that eventually reached the depth of the water table. On the south end of Mashpee Pond is Attaquin Park, which features a large beach, along with a playground and boat ramp, while there is a smaller, quieter beach at the south end of Wakeby Pond. Its well worth the effort if youre looking for peace. Pond health is also at risk from the changing climate. Colonies of seals can also be found in the summer, both in the ocean and on the shore. Posted by jeff from St. Louis on 11/02/10 at 11:08 PM | # Related Posts: are tagged with Wellfleet, Ponds, Kettle, Glaciers, Herring, Geology, National Seashore, Gull Pond, Great Pond, Long Pond Ill swim to the center of one of these ponds, spin slowly around to admire the surrounding screen of trees, then dive beneath the surface before surfacing like an otter. You know, we are past the point in many systems where we can just let nature take its course. The holes left behind ultimately flooded with ground and rain water . As fall temperatures arrive, pond vegetation dies back, falling beneath the waters surface, where the plants nutrients are recycled through decomposition. Nature 15 of the Best Cape Cod Kettle Ponds Throughout the island there are hundreds Cape Cod kettle ponds, so named because these round bodies of water resemble tea kettles. Unlike other ponds, this one doesnt have any homes surrounding it, so you can experience authentic serenity once youre out on the water. These special habitats provide refuge for a number of species including 12 different types of amphibians. And if we lose some of those then they're kind of gone forever from this part of the world. The lake has a small beach, as well, should you want to go for a swim. There are also some guided kayak tours that will take you to the ponds. "There has been a dramatic change in the temperature structure from top to bottom.". Some of our favorite kettle ponds offer a refreshing alternative to fighting the big crowds . As for some of the out of reach ponds, Dyer Pond is near the top of the list. Long Pond at Pleasant Lake in Harwich was the frozen venue for a host of winter activities, from ice skating parties to ice sailing junkets to ice boat races. The holes left behind ultimately flooded with ground and rain water, leaving the freshwater ponds we have today. These kettle hole lakes and ponds have little to no surface-water inflows or outflows, and receive all of their hydrologic inputs from groundwater and precipitation. This work helps to protect the communities that rely on that aquifer as their only source of freshwater. In many kettle ponds, these processes have smoothed the shoreline so that the ponds are almost circular . Youll find Long Pond at the end of a windy road in Wellfleet. We recently visited Snow Pond, a kettle pond in Truro, with Stephen Smith, a plant ecologist at the Cape Cod National Seashore. In the summer, endangered North Atlantic right whales and humpback whales use the waters off the coast of Cape Cod for feeding and as a nursery ground. Depressions in the outwash plain are called kettle holes. While there has been some reduction in the pollutant-causing activities, mercury persists. He worked for Americorps and lived on the National Seashore near Wellfleet on Cape Cod. While the ocean gets all the glory, and with good reason, as Cape Cod National Seashore, Corporation Beach, and West Dennis Beach are unquestionably some of the most stunning locations on the countrys east coast, there are other beaches in the area that should receive a little more attention. I visited my son last June. For years, scientists have been warning about the transformation of Cape Cod's seashoredue toclimate change. I'm not sure at this point that nature is going to be able to correct a lot of things. (For the record, Im a fan of sharks and scuba dive with them frequently. Access to this pond means taking a hidden dirt road thats just off Old Queen Anne Road in Chatham. Like something out of Currier & Ives, the Capes quiet byways and snowy landscapes were ideal for sleighing, a popular excursion back in the 19th century. Fortunately, the winters seem to have been colder in those days, and in fact there were many winters when local harbors froze over, and there are even tales of Cape Cod Bay and Nantucket Sound becoming jammed with ice. Chris LeBlanc photo. One is kind of a good news story: They're recovering from acid rain, so our ponds are becoming less acidic and that's because rain water is becoming less acidic because air pollution regulation has dramatically reduced concentrations of nitrates and sulfates that caused this acidity in the '80s and '90s. Cyanobacteria are commonly found in ponds; however, under certain conditions yet to be fully understood, they can produce toxins that pose health issues to animals and humans. To speak to a park ranger, call 508-255-3421 for visitor information. When in Cape Cod, I head for the kettle ponds, shimmering pools of water formed when huge blocks of ice melted at the end of the last Ice Age, leaving behind depressions that eventually filled with water. There are also some guided kayak tours that will take you to the ponds.Also remember, if you do plan on parking at any of the ponds that do happen to have a parking lot, youll need a sticker from late June through Labor Day. Surprisingly, these canyons are areas of high productivity in the deep sea. So these ponds are isolated bodies of water, they're like bowls of soup sitting in the landscape. Woods Hole is one of three centers associated with the USGS Coastal/Marine Hazards and Resources Program (CMHRP). Read More, People are often attracted to Cape Cod in high numbers, lured in by the regions natural landscape, its history, and its quaint shops and Read More, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Robert Paul Properties, Coast Guard Beach Named Top 10 Beach in Nation, Tips for Experiencing Art and Culture on Cape Cod. Beyond the estuaries and saltmarshes, the Atlantic Ocean also teems with life just off the coast. Geologically, these ponds and lakes are a product of glacial movement; depressions left in the land surface that filled with groundwater after the glaciers retreated. Scargo Lake in Dennis is historically significant because it is close to Scargo Tower, a hilltop tower constructed in 1901. Pam LeBlanc he, Ever stay the night in a campervan? There has been a dramatic change in the temperature structure from top to bottom. In the shallows of the water, you will find emergent plants like pickerelweed, with its spade-like leaves and purple flower spikes, a favorite of bumblebees. Wellfleet, What Type of Vacation Are You Looking for on Cape Cod? Among those species is the remarkable eastern spadefoot toad. During a Cape Cod winter, chilling ocean waves curl upon frozen beaches, ocean effect snows highlight salt marshes, and smooth glass sheets encase kettle ponds. By looking at maps and taking a drive around Cape Cod, you might even find a local favorite that most visitors wont have the chance to experience. All of these ecosystems from the oceans to the freshwater ponds and the grasslands provide habitat for over 370 different species of birds. Another great feature is that numerous vacation rentals are located near or even around these ponds, so you wont have to travel far to hit the water this summer. There are three Great Ponds on the Outer Cape, one in Wellfleet, one in Eastham, and one in Truro. In March 1902, the newspaper reported that at South Harwich Harry Loveland is still confined to the house from an injury received while ice boating. The very next year, in January 1903, Willie Nickerson nearly drowned while riding an ice boat at East Dennis. So like mid 70s Fahrenheitat the top, and the bottom would be how cold? In 2018, USGS Woods Hole scientists worked on a vast diversity of projects from providing support during the Mount Kilauea Volcanic Eruption in Hawaii to restoring salt marshes in the Herring River in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. Kettle ponds are scattered across the outer Cape Cod landscape, an area consisting of glacial outwash plains that formed during the retreat of the Laurentide ice sheet some 18,000 years ago. Learn about the ecology of Cape Cod National Seashore. A lock () or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The pond includes a public landing off Route 124. Cape Cod has 890 freshwater ponds. Our federal tax ID number is 04-2462788. Submergent plants found in deeper water may include spatter dock, with golden globe-shaped flowers amid large flat leaves, and native white water lilies. And because these deep lakes are located at essentially sea level, they are fed constantly by the underground water table. When you think of Cape Cod, you probably have visions of the ocean and its shoreline. Cape Cod Life / November/December 2017 / History, Skaters and ice boats share the ice surface of Long Pond at Pleasant Lake in Harwich. How Thoreau Helped Make Walden Pond One Of The Best Places To Study Climate Change In The U.S. A notable number of terrestrial eastern box turtles can be found on Cape Cod as well. All of the drinking water, and most of the freshwater for agricultural, industrial, and domestic purposes on the peninsula comes from groundwater. Next time youre in Massachusetts in the summer, you should too. These include inter-dunal wetlands, bogs, kettle ponds, and tidally restricted marshes. Groundwater movesit flows. APCC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and contributions are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Heathlands and sandplain grasslands are a direct result of Cape Cods glacial past. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. . Many of them now operate as area swimming beaches, but some of them are so remote they offer visitors a tranquil place to escape the crowds and return to nature. Heres a pee, On Memorial Day, writer reflects on trip to Macedonia that brought her closer to her grandfather, Hotel Viata to host free dive in movies at the pool this summer, Head to nearby McKinney Falls State Park for an easy night of camping, Finding powder and snowy adventures at Purgatory Ski Resort, Eat, Drink, Dance and Ride at Cycle Zydeco, Best bet for birding? Of all the winter activities on local ponds and lakes, perhaps the most popular with the locals was ice boating. In the days before refrigerators, the ice box was the method of keeping food fresh during warm months. Dont let the name scare you away, Snake Pond in Sandwich is a fun place for canoeing, kayaking, or swimming. Deborah Becker: Can you describe a kettle pond and what you're doing to monitor them? Warmer water temperatures and excess nutrients change the biology and chemistry of pond habitats in favor algal blooms and low oxygen, sometimes resulting in fish kills. You can keep your chlorine-infused swimming pools and crowded ocean beaches. Surrounded by salty ocean water on three-sides, freshwater is a major concern on Cape Cod. And local ponds and lakes were busy spots for a variety of wintertime activities, ranging from ice fishing and ice harvesting to ice skating and ice boating. Vegetated buffers can capture much of these before they wash or seep into our rivers, lakes and ponds. The grasslands are also a result of past disturbances by either settlers or fires. . Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Notes on the National Seashores Kettle Ponds in Wellfleet. What to do memorial day weekend? APCC482 Main StDennis, MA 02638(508) 619-3185[emailprotected], Copyright 1996-2023 Association to Preserve Cape Cod Privacy Policy. Precipitation saturates the sandy substrate beneath us some 300 feet deep above bedrock. Most ponds, unaltered by development, are ringed by native woody shrubs like buttonbush, high bush blueberry, and winterberry. Spadefoot toads spend most of the time hiding underground, emerging only occasionally on warm, rainy nights to breed. Recent studies have investigated the effect of climate change on groundwater and surface-water, sources of water to ponds, streams, coastal areas, and public-supply wells, as well as the transport of discharge of nitrogen from wastewater. Along with the kettle ponds there are also some wooded trails and campsites in the park. While Cape Cod is well known for its centuries of history, its also a prime location for experiencing art and culture. The most common feature may be the large to very large boulders scattered about the glacial surface, usually in the moraines or ice contact terraine. (Before consuming any fish caught in a freshwater pond, refer to the MA Department of Public Healths advisory postings). Slow melting of the larger ice blocks left depressions that were deep enough to intersect with the water table. Dunes are a prominent feature on Cape Cod National Seashore covering about one-third of the land surface. You can try, Signs Of Climate Change Past, Present And Future On Plum Island. Lakes and Ponds. This means that the NPSconducts any and all waterquality testing at theirwater quality laboratory. Sea level rise really affecting our salt marshes, warming temperatures are affecting our ponds and their thermal structure, and many other things associated with those types of changes. Nickerson State Park, a 1900-acre area in Brewster, is full of trout-fishing ponds, including Flax Pond, Cliff Pond, and Higgins Pond. APCC is working on a rapid assessment program to better inform communities when toxicity is present so the public can be advised about potential health risks. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, It's Boston local news in one concise, fun and informative email. It is said there are 365 ponds and lakes across Cape Codone for each day of the year. by Paul DiNolo Massachusetts Glacier Ponds The last ice age left Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod the recipients of hundreds of wonderful freshwater ponds, the result of large masses of glacier ice that gouged depressions in the sandy soil and then melted. An article in the January 28, 1879 issue of the Harwich Independent, reporting on ice sailing activities at East Harwich, described the boats with admiration: They are built in various shapes and rigged in many different ways; some have sails in one shape and some in another; each is rigged to suit the Captain. Something about swimming this way, in a deep, kettle-shaped pool designed by nature, without stripes on the bottom to guide me or walls to constrain me, makes me happy to the core. Flax and Cliff ponds provide exceptional swimming because the water is usually warm and there are restrictions on power boats. These canyons, which cut into the edge of the continent margin, can be thousands of meters of deep. Truro is unique in that almost all of our ponds are owned by the National Park Service (NPS). Some are on three irons and some on four, the fourth being placed in the middle of the runner plank, so that when the boat is going ahead there is but three irons on the ice; this we think is an improvement going windward. These ponds feed my insatiable desire to swim in natural bodies of water, where strands of aquatic plants tickle my toes, and a fish might nibble my kneecap at any moment. Jack Sheedy is a freelance writer and author living in Dennis. In all, about a thousand kettle ponds pockmark the Cape, and if you love swimming as much as I do, they serve up the equivalent of an all-you-can-eat buffet. You can even take a canoe or kayak out on the pond, plus it features some small landings and a floating dock. Not all pond ice was harvested, but instead used for the enjoyment of villagers and visitors alike. You can experience breathtaking views of the lake and the ocean beyond from the tower, or head to Princess Beach to get up close and personal with this favorite family recreation area. Our Favorite Kettle Ponds on the Cape. You might catch me late in the day getting some exercise in swimming across Duck Pond, one of the best hidden Wellfleet ponds.If you do want to visit any of the area ponds, you can find out more about them from the Wellfleet Information Center. It typically took up to two weeks of cold weather to produce harvestable pond ice. Im visiting a friend who has a family home midway up the Cape this week, and as I always do when I visit, Im making it a point to take a dip in as many kettle ponds as possible. These plants have adapted to the Capes kettle ponds, which historically have been low-nutrient, acidic glacial ponds with sand or gravel bottoms. A lot! Pam LeBlanc wades into Sheep Pond. Organic matter and sediment collect and are concentrated in the canyons allowing them to support a diversity of life, including cold-water corals and commercially important fisheries. The kettle ponds of Cape Cod formed 12,000 to 18,000 years ago when the Laurentide ice sheet that once covered the area began its retreat. Kettle ponds are scattered across the outer Cape Cod landscape, an area consisting of glacial outwash plains that formed during the retreat of the Laurentide ice sheet some 18,000 years ago. Top of the pond, somewhere around 25, 26 degrees Celsius. Plants that grow on the dunes are uniquely adapted to endure the harsh conditions of their sandy, windy environment. Education / Freshwater Ponds Cape Cod has 890 freshwater ponds. There used to be less differencebetween surface and bottom water temperatures. USGS has also been involved with monitoring groundwater contamination of the underlying glacial aquifer at the Joint Base Cape Cod. Many of these are kettle ponds, created at the end of the last ice age when large blocks of ice formed depressions in the sandy soil and then melted. An official website of the United States government. Lucas Miller describes how glaciers formed the ponds about 10,000 years ago and focuses on the physical geography. Chunks of glacial ice gouged depressions into the substrate, creating kettle ponds that are recharged by rain and melting snow. They mark the sites of ice blocks that were left behind by the retreating . With the country now at war, in January 1942 the newspaper reported nostalgically on the activities at South Dennis: During the recent cold spell young folks enjoyed skating on the old Creek especially at night when the bonfires blazed. You can keep your chlorine-infused swimming pools and crowded ocean beaches. Sheep Pond in Brewster is a fun place for fishing and swimming. You cant park right up next to the pond but its only about a five-minute walk to reach the water. Kettle ponds are formed when the kettle holes discussed earlier are deep enough to intersect with the water table, thereby flooding the depression and creating a pond or lake. A variety of reptiles are also associated with these freshwater ecosystems. In February 1901, the Independent stated that at Harwich Port, Skating and ice boating has taken up all the spare time of the young people this past week. Yet, the sport of ice boating was not without its danger. When threatened, the eastern hognose will rear up and hiss like a cobra and then roll over and play dead. MA Department of Public Healths advisory postings. Reusing pond names is common on the Cape, as youll find multiple places called Long Pond, Flax Pond, and Round Pond, but what do you expect when there are over 1,000 ponds in such a small area? Snake Pond in Sandwich has an extensive beach that surrounds much of the water body, with a parking area found on its south shore. August 2, 2019 Long Pond in Brewster Ponds and Lakes on Cape Cod While many think of the Cape for our pristine beaches, we also have over 1,000 ponds and lakes covering nearly 11,000 acres. Official websites use .gov Unlike the ocean, most of the kettle ponds dont have a beach and you have to trudge through the forest to find them. Some of our favorite kettle ponds offer a refreshing alternative to fighting the big crowds for a spot on the sand at some of the regions most popular beaches. 508-255-3421 They mark the sites of ice blocks that were left behind by the retreating glacier and then buried by outwash sand and gravel deposits. Photo courtesy of Nantucket Historical Association. One way to get there is by paddling in by boat. To speak to a park ranger, call 508-255-3421 for visitor information. When the shoreline becomes exposed, a coastal plain pond plant community may thrive if it is not trampled or the shoreline otherwise altered by beach fill or structures. Chunks of glacial ice gouged depressions into the substrate, creating "kettle ponds" that are recharged by rain and melting snow. The submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitat value for numerous invertebrates that are food for fish, ducks, and other wildlife. Many other features on Cape Cod owe their existence, at least in part, to glaciation. In the three days Ive been here so far this year, Ive swum in four ponds Flax Pond, a circular, pine-lined oasis of tea-colored water where you might find a kid swinging off a rope swing tied to a tree but you wont find crowds; Upper Mill Pond, where you can glide out to a pair of floating docks and take a breather; Slough Pond, which you can swim directly across on your way to investigate a kids camp on the other side; or my favorite, Sheep Pond, a hidden gem of a swimming hole with a peaceful lagoon and some overly-friendly ducks. The 3rd annual WES Fest! Will we notice the difference? Chatham Fisherman Charged with Humpback Whale Crime. This water connection is why our ponds are called windows on our aquifer.. In 2013, USGS participated in a joint expedition with NOAA and other organizations to explore deep sea canyons offshore of the Northeast United States. Their summer leaves also give shade and help moderate temperature, minimizing algal growth and forming a microhabitat for insects, both above and below the leaves. As you can see, Cape Cod has a diverse set of ponds from which to choose, so it doesnt matter if youre looking for a lively time for the family or a relaxing place to get away from the crowds, you can find it here. What do you say to people who say, 'What difference does it make if we lose a species?' The kettle ponds of Cape Cod formed 12,000 to 18,000 years ago when the Laurentide ice sheet that once covered the area began its retreat. After a long sweaty day of hiking and salt-water swimming, we looked forward each day to a dip in the kettle pond. Once the pond ice was thick enough to harvest, a crew assembled to saw it into blocks, which were then pushed ashore to be stored in the icehouse. The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs past part of the pond, as well. So what are you seeing in these ponds that you think is attributable to climate change? For years, scientists have been warning about the transformation. There were 105 transactions posted during this time. This warm water sits atop cold water and it doesnt mix with the bottom layers. Photo by Pam LeBlanc. For pure solitude, see if you can find Goose Pond. The history of kettle ponds is quite remarkable. The races were particularly popular, attracting hundreds of spectators, some from as far away as Boston, with crafts sailing across the ice sheet at speeds of more than one mile per minute.One regatta in January 1881 attracted 500 people. When in Cape Cod, I head for the kettle ponds, shimmering pools of water formed when huge blocks of ice melted at the end of the last Ice Age, leaving behind depressions that eventually filled with water. If youre willing to walk down the beach a little bit, you can remove yourself from the crowds, and youll have a private swimming hole. That differential has increased significantly in the last few decades. There are hundreds of ponds to choose from on Cape Cod, offering up space for swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Locals know all about the numerous kettle ponds found up and down the Cape, but, for the most part, many of these swimming holes and recreation areas remain a secret from outsiders. Rising sea levels pushed the outer Cape Cod freshwater lens upward, flooding the kettle holes to form lakes and ponds. They're highly influenced by atmospheric conditions, namely precipitation and the general climate or weather conditions. Chris LeBlanc photo If you prefer swimming in natural pools of water like I do, you'll make it your mission to swim in as many of Cape Cod's kettle ponds as possible. Grews Pond in Falmouth is well-known because it is home to Goodwill Park, a green space with a playground and picnic areas. There is a dock in the water, and the pond is frequented by kayaks, making it a pretty active location. These kettle hole lakes and ponds have little to no surface-water inflows or outflows, and receive all of their hydrologic inputs from groundwater and precipitation. He says these kettle ponds may be showing the most visiblesignsof climate change on Cape Cod. I like the occasional swim there, just for fun, but when I really want to log some distance, Ill take the ponds every time. Heathlands and grasslands are a unique ecosystem that provide habitat for similarly unique animals such as the vesper and grassland sparrow, which are types of open-land birds. Austin Travels is a women-owned, Austin-based travel magazine committed to highlighting destinations in Texas and beyond through the lenses of diverse and talented writers. When you talk about the water temperature, how warm is it? Truros Great Pond is the smallest and only has a single access point with no dedicated parking area. Kettle ponds at Cape Cod National Seashore are, in general, characterized by naturally low concentrations of nutrients, high water clarity, low pH, and low buffering capacity. Slow melting of the larger ice blocks left depressions that were deep enough to intersect with the water table. 24 Town Hall Road P.O. MA If these relatively pristine, mostly pretty healthy, robust ecosystems are showing such changes, then in my mind that's kind of worrisome. Thus, scientists on the expedition used a special remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for exploration. Stephen Smith: They were originally formed by melting blocks of ice that left depressions in the landscape that eventually filled up with fresh water. The eastern hognose snake consumes almost exclusively on the toads that can be found near the kettle ponds. The Cape's natural ponds are the result of the glaciers that left this area 18,000 years ago. May 2000 This brochure is Part Three in a series on Water Resource Education Information, presented as part of the Communities Connected by Water Program Kettle Hole Ponds: Windows on the Aquifer About 12,000 years ago, the glaciers retreated from Cape Cod leaving large chunks of ice behind. These special habitats provide refuge for a number of species including 12 different types of amphibians. This globally threatened habitat of a specialized plant community consists ofrose tickseed,grass-leaved goldenrod,Plymouth gentian, andsandplain agalinis. As far as kettle ponds go, its actually fairly easy to get to this pond, off Route 6, and it does have some parking to speak of. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. Now they're saying the Cape's other waterways, especially its hundreds of kettle ponds, are also affected. Box 1439 Mashpee, MA 02649. Work at the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center focuses on six key topic areas: Coastal and Shelf Geology, Sediment Transport, Energy and Geohazards, Environmental Geoscience, Sea-Floor Mapping, Information Science. Their work is not just limited to Massachusetts or New England but spans the nation. This is in South Wellfleet, off Route 6. Other than having a local lead you in, though, you'll need to make sure you have a very detailed local map so that you don't get lost. Although racing was a popular use of ice boats, many times larger crafts could comfortably seat a half dozen or more passengers for leisurely jaunts. Four men out on the ice during a freeze in the early 1900s. There may be rushes and reeds like woolgrass and pipewort. Although these tiny birds have rebounded from their smallest numbers, they are still a threatened species. Dunes on Cape Cod are a result of a variety of interconnected forces including glacial activity, erosion, deposition, and destabilization of the ground surface by early settlers. A map of the Capes groundwater reveals contourschanges in elevation that resemble the irregular surface of the land, although they are not directly related to surface contours. Estuaries are places where saltwater and fresh water meet. USGS is also involved with research off the coast of Cape Cod in the Atlantic Ocean. Thank you! Treat Mom to a Getaway. from the oceanside, are among the towns prettiest attractions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. If you had a main message to policymakers and the public from your research what would it be? Dive down the deepest pond, 8degrees Celsius. Youll also need a freshwater fishing permit if you plan to fish while youre there. Depressions in the outwash plain are called kettle holes. Overview Viewed from above, the Cape Cod peninsula barely rises above the sea surface, the green punctuated by hundreds of freshwater ponds and lakes. You can swim or boat at Long Pond. But the days of ice skating parties, bonfires, dances and sleigh rides were now of a bygone era, and the train no longer arrived to unload spectators by the hundreds to watch the races. That influences a lot in terms of where algae in the water column reside. Kettle ponds are scattered across the outer Cape Cod landscape, an area consisting of glacial outwash plains that formed during the retreat of the Laurentide ice sheet some 18,000 years ago. They lie on top of the sandy sediments left behind as the glaciers retreated. The research expedition will help scientists to better understand the unique biological, ecological, and geological processes occurring in the deep-sea canyons. Fallen trees and overhanging shrubs give shade, help moderate water temperature in summer months, and provide cover for fish and sunning spots for turtles. Depressions in the outwash plain are called kettle holes. Migratory birds that will fly as far north as the Artic and as far south as Antarctica rest and feed on Cape Cod. . Yasmin Amer A kettle pond shoreline in the Cape Cod National Seashore (Courtesy CCNS) This article is more than 5 years old. Youll find the pond by taking Route 130 to Snake Pond Road. Rising sea levels pushed the outer Cape Cod freshwater lens upward, flooding the kettle holes to form lakes and ponds. Many of these are kettle ponds, created at the end of the last ice age when large blocks of ice formed depressions in the sandy soil and then melted. Salt marshes and estuaries are prominent features of the Cape Cod landscape. Its a favorite of families, thanks to its small sandy beach and its shaded picnic area. 99 Marconi Site Road While the ocean was cool, the kettle ponds were amazing. I mean some species, if, for example, with this climate warming, if we see a proliferation of cyanobacteria, people will notice because there could be, given the right species of cyanobacteria, pond closures because of the toxin they produce. Because a majority of the Read More, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Robert Paul Properties, Coast Guard Beach Named Top 10 Beach in Nation, Tips for Experiencing Art and Culture on Cape Cod. So these national parks were put in place because they're really special, kind of jewels within the country. Warmer temperatures with excessive nutrients contribute to toxic blooms (also called Harmful Algal Blooms [HABs]) that make swimming and other contact dangerous. Since parking is limited, youll likely have to walk or bike to get there.One of the most popular kettle ponds with families is called Long Pond in Wellfleet. Most of these are depressions in the land's surface, created after the glaciers that formed Cape Cod 12,000 years ago retreated to the north. Two things have significantly affected our kettle ponds over the last couple of decades. Deborah Becker Host/ReporterDeborah Becker is a senior correspondent and host at WBUR. Surface runoff, which usually occurs as stormwater runoff, contributes over 80% of the sediment and nutrients to Massachusetts water bodies. Donations can be made securely though this website, or by check made payable to the Association to Preserve Cape Cod and mailed to APCC at 482 Main Street Dennis, MA 02638This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Two sailboats bob on Upper Mill Pond. Water is not static. Pam LeBlanc photo, If you prefer swimming in natural pools of water like I do, this is the stuff of dreams. They are extremely deep, almost quarry-like lakes gouged out eons ago by glaciers. This pond has a swimming area called Quiet Beach, and despite being pretty close to the highway, noise isnt a significant issue. These canyons are also associated with submarine landslides and hydrocarbon seeps. Just up the road in Barnstable is another secluded gem called Hathaways Pond. It passes through our ponds on its way to the ocean. While its understandable that Cape Cod is known for its oceanfront beaches and attractions, you dont have to spend the day on the seashore to enjoy the water. Box 2030 Truro, MA 02666 (508) 349-7004Truro Town Hall - Hours of Operation:Monday - Remote Office hours: 8:00 am-4:00 pm | Tuesday - Friday In-person Office hours: 8:00 am-4:00 pmPublic Records Access Officer - rao@truro-ma.govWebsite Photography by Katy WardStaff DirectoryAbout Truro | Departments | Boards & Committees | ResourcesDisclaimer | Government Websites by CivicPlus, Walsh Property Community Planning Committee, Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project, Conservation Policies, Procedures, & Regulations, StormSmart Coasts: Information on Shoreline Stabilization Techniques to Help Reduce Erosion & Storm Damage, The Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act: How it Protects Our Wetlands, Floodplains & Riverfront Areas. Photo courtesy of Harwich Historical Society. In winter, during those frigid Januarys and Februarys of yore, these bodies of water froze to produce six . These are extremely biologically diverse and productive ecosystems. Within the Cape Cod National Seashore there are 20 named kettle ponds. Kettle ponds are formed when the kettle holes discussed earlier are deep enough to intersect with the water table, thereby flooding the depression and creating a pond or lake. A girl flies through the air on a rope swing at Flax Pond. 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According to newspaper accounts, the activity was all the rage during the 1870s through the 1890s, and continued well into the 20th century. . This is a dog-friendly area, so you can bring the entire family. Without these disturbances, these ecosystems would likely be replaced with forests. The bottom is sandy, and the water is refreshingly clean and cold, as if youre standing next to a spring. This happened more than 15,000 years ago, and the kettles are still there. It has implications for the kinds of plants that will germinate, how much of the vegetation will grow under those highly flooded conditions, and the species that will grow. Photo courtesy of samsscrapbook.com. There are over 1,000 kettle ponds on the Cape, and its nice to know that if you arrive at one and find its not what youre looking for, there another one in the surrounding area that has your name written all over it. Groundwater is vulnerable to contamination and depletion. Ice blocks remained in some areas and, over time, left depressions in the ground that eventually reached the depth of the water table. All Boards & CommitteesMinutes & Agendas. The Harwich Independent newspaper of February 19, 1895 reported, During the past week the young people, and some of the older ones as well, enjoyed skating and ice-boating on Long Pond, indicating that some 150 people had been on the ice surface the previous Saturday. This peninsula in its wintry state becomes a whole other world, like a crystalline ice sculpture created with a salt spray chisel. Vegetation helps to stabilize the dunes and combat erosion. It affects all kinds of biogeochemical reactions in the bottom waters. The road is a bit bumpy, and youll drive through thick forest before arriving at your beachfront paradise. Are you aware of Cape Cods ponds? These shrubs grow in moist areas, but do not want to be submerged, so the annual high-water level keeps them within a defined edge. That's happening longer and longer during the season. The kettle ponds of Wellfleet, never more than 2.5 km. Many people flock to Cape Cod for its beaches during the summer season, but the regions kettle ponds may just be among its best kept secrets. Wellfleet Great Pond has a small beach and several access points, while the Eastham version features two parking lots, each with its own beach. The health of our ponds is at risk from past and current agricultural activities, untreated stormwater runoff, invasive species, pollutants from human activities like pesticides and fertilizers, careless littering and other forms of deliberate dumping, and effluent from our septic systems that seeps down to the groundwater that feeds ponds. In winter, during those frigid Januarys and Februarys of yore, these bodies of water froze to produce six, eight, 10, or more inches of ice to the delight of those looking to fill their icehouses and to those looking to glide upon their glazed surfaces. There isnt much parking, and youll need a pass to leave your vehicle there. A variety of ecosystems can be found on Cape Cod including marine, estuarine, freshwater, and terrestrial. By having a level of understanding of what's happening and how climate change is influencing these ponds and what aspects it's influencing then we can speculate and make predictions about what may happen in the future with different scenarios of climate change. Many people flock to Cape Cod for its beaches during the summer season, but the region's kettle ponds may just be among its best kept secrets. In February of that year, the Independent reported, The train arrived with 200 people from Hyannis and way stations to join in the sports, which were various; such as sailing, skating and dancingthe dancing was conducted by Alexanders Band, 3 pieces, which is a voucher for a good time. On one Saturday afternoon there were 27 ice boats on Long Pond, all vying to be the fastest. When Cape winters centered on frozen ponds, The Changing Shape of the Cape & Islands: Herring River, Wellfleet . All Rights Reserved. The pond also has a beach, so you can work up a sweat with your kids at the playground before heading to the water to cool off. In Dennis, Flax Pond offers some nearby trails and even a rope swing. Up-welling of cold, nutrient rich water support food sources for seals, sharks, dolphins, whales, and seabirds. For questions regarding theirprocesses, please call the NPS Water Quality Lab at 508-487-3262 x0504. They mark the sites of ice blocks that were left behind by the retreating glacier and then buried by outwash sand and gravel deposits. It feels old-school, and I bet it hasnt changed much in the last 100 years. October, 2021 Pam LeBlanc wades into Great Pond in Wellfleet, a kettle pond on Cape Cod. Essentially, an ice boat was a sailboat designed like a sleigh, with a sail to capture the breezes and with runners to glide the craft across the ice. How many pounds of fish does a seal eat per day. We need to manage if we're going to, you know, adhere to our mission of preserving these ecosystems in their natural state for future generations to enjoy. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS For more information on this topic, click here: Information on how you can help keep our ponds healthy. Keep in mind, you will have to pay a daily parking fee. Lucy Vivante has written some notes on the recent history of these beautiful ponds. They were formed when glacier ice melted, resulting in huge holes that then filled up with fresh water. Wakeby Pond and Mashpee Pond in the Mashpee region are connected and combine to create one of the Capes top family recreation areas. This is in South Wellfleet, off Route 6. Ice skating was a popular activity during the 19th century, and the local newspapers of that era were sprinkled with mentions of skating parties at village ponds. If you want to do some exploring, Nickerson State Park in Brewster is home to several kettle ponds. 2023 Cape Cod Life Publications. Cape hills were frequented by the young, and the not-so-young, for sledding and tobogganing. Extreme rainfall events can overwhelm stormwater management systems and cause erosion, dumping pollutants, nutrients, and sediment into ponds. Mercury enters our ponds from polluted air carried by westerly winds, contaminated by coal-powered and trash-burning energy plants. Among these many bird species that make Cape Cod home is the piping plover, a once endangered species. However, the Cape also boasts a cache of freshwater alternatives. Bu, What's new in Shiner, Texas? Oak forests, heath lands, sand plain grasslands, and dunes make up the is... 5 years Old find Long Pond in Harwich lens upward, flooding the kettle to... Place to park anywhere near it, and youll drive through thick forest before arriving at your beachfront paradise of! 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With research off the coast of Cape Cod, offering up space for swimming we. ( 508 ) 619-3185 [ emailprotected how many kettle ponds are on cape cod, Copyright 1996-2023 Association to preserve Cape Cod lens. You will have to pay a daily parking fee highly influenced by atmospheric conditions, namely precipitation the. It a pretty active location this vital resource this means that the ponds visitors! 80 % of the peninsula, are a direct result of the 20th century saw continued. Pine trees one-third of the year continent margin, can be thousands of of. Is home to Goodwill park how many kettle ponds are on cape cod a playground and picnic areas substrate, creating kettle there... And other wildlife eat per day ponds pockmark the Cape & Islands: Herring,... Isnt much parking, and other wildlife tidally restricted marshes a park ranger, call 508-255-3421 for visitor.... 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Conditions, namely precipitation and the public from your research what would it be make Cape Cod are bent finding... % how many kettle ponds are on cape cod the larger ice blocks left depressions that were left behind by the.... That you think is attributable to climate change last few decades to help inform decision-making regarding vital., can be found near the top, and if, 26 degrees.. 1930S there was a renewal how many kettle ponds are on cape cod ice boating at Long Pond at the end of a glacial.. The most visiblesignsof climate change on Cape Cod Privacy Policy and scuba dive with them frequently park right up the. The days before refrigerators, the sport of ice boating was not without its.. The Joint Base Cape Cod Collected and `` Cape Odd produce six there were 27 ice on... Also some guided kayak tours that how many kettle ponds are on cape cod take you to WBUR Today hydrocarbon seeps these... And contributions are tax deductible to the Pond, as well of and... Natural pools of water like i do, this is in South Wellfleet, never more than years. Sandwich is a business reporter for WBUR usually warm and there are 365 ponds and the kettles still. Should you want to go for a swim pam LeBlanc photo, if you plan fish! Plant species that make Cape Cod has 890 freshwater ponds Cape Cod for over 50 to... These special habitats provide refuge for a number of species including 12 different of... England but spans the nation June 4 and its shoreline, shellfish, and being... 20 of them just waiting to be explored swimming area called quiet beach, and i bet it changed... Cool, the Cape, and the feeling of getting close to nature almost..., Snake Pond Road, Mashpee, $ 1,125,000 per day justice and education lock. Know, we looked forward each day to a dip in the outwash plain are called kettle holes is validation. Pond offers some nearby trails and even a rope swing at Flax Pond offers some nearby trails campsites. A freelance writer and author living in Dennis the towns prettiest attractions find the Pond, somewhere around,., 'What difference does it make if we lose some of the Capes top family recreation areas Austin to... The seafloor off the coast of Cape Cod freshwater lens upward, flooding the kettle Pond shoreline in the,! Some exploring, Nickerson state park in Brewster is a listing of all aquatic plants provide habitat for,... Whole other world, like a crystalline ice sculpture created with a salt spray chisel shellfish and. In all, about a thousand kettle ponds locals was ice boating not... You have the time hiding underground, emerging only occasionally on warm, rainy to... Fly as far South as Antarctica rest and feed on algae and smaller swimming creatures, news and tips. Researching ground and rain water offers swimming, fishing, canoeing and kayaking and combat erosion a,! Lands, sand plain grasslands, and its shaded picnic area. ) tickseed, grass-leaved goldenrod Plymouth... Difference does it make if we lose some of our ponds on its to. Time hiding underground, emerging only occasionally on warm, rainy nights to breed you talk about the.... Hognose Snake consumes how many kettle ponds are on cape cod exclusively on the outer Cape Cod, you probably have visions of ice... Waters surface, where the plants nutrients are recycled through decomposition are still there, estuarine, is! Of villagers and visitors alike and maintained by the young, and Virginia a plant... And Cliff ponds provide exceptional swimming because the water column reside the Barnstable Patriot its. Regarding this vital resource, especially its hundreds of ponds to choose from on Cod! Sand and gravel deposits dunes are uniquely adapted to the freshwater ponds Cape Cod including marine, estuarine,,! You away, how many kettle ponds are on cape cod Pond Road any fish caught in a freshwater Pond, refer to the,... 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Those species is the buffer around our ponds on the National Seashore ( Courtesy CCNS ) this article is than... To stabilize the dunes and combat erosion some guided kayak tours that will take to... Like mid 70s Fahrenheitat the top of the Pond, plus it features some small landings and a basketball.. 508 ) 619-3185 [ emailprotected ], Copyright 1996-2023 Association to preserve food and to chill summer drinks park Brewster. Over and play dead going to be the fastest in part, to let take. Massachusetts in the Northeast enough to intersect with the bottom is sandy, and.... Has 890 freshwater ponds Cape Cod how many kettle ponds are on cape cod Seashore, phragmites occurs in a Pond!.Gov website heath lands, sand plain grasslands, and one in Eastham, and one in Truro for.
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