Working together to restore and protect ALL Barnstable ponds and lakes

As a unified group, we will address the growing cyanobacteria crisis through ADVOCACY, EDUCATION AND SCIENCE. Our goals are to:

Have a greater voice in Town efforts to address the problem
Learn from each other by sharing ideas, experiences and information
Provide funding and manpower to expand pond testing
Raise funds to implement solutions

Please join us to ensure that our local ponds and lakes are healthy for future generations. Together, we can make a difference in our community.

Advocacy & Collaboration

The Barnstable Ponds Coalition advocates for responsible regulations and policies to protect ponds, working with the Town, environmental organizations, and citizens or neighborhood groups.

Science

Pond health can be aided through water quality monitoring programs and cyanobacteria research. Our goal is to explore and evaluate emerging tech-nologies and bioremediation projects to repair pond health.

Education

We believe that caring for our ponds and lakes starts with community and education. By reaching learners of all ages—from classrooms to community groups—we foster knowledge, connection, and action to help keep our waters healthy for generations to come.

Take the Barnstable Ponds Coalition’s Pond Protection Pledge

The Barnstable Ponds Coalition’s Pond Protection Pledge invites everyone in Barnstable to take simple, meaningful steps to help keep our ponds clean and healthy for future generations.

Join us by taking the Pledge! When you do, the Barnstable Ponds Coalition will provide a yard sign with the pledge logo as a proud symbol of your support and your household’s commitment to protecting Barnstable’s ponds.

Take the Pledge

Pond Sampling Program

Our sampling season is coming to a close, but we'll be back next year sampling even more Barnstable ponds. Until then, you can sign up for APCC cyanobacteria alerts here.

If you are interested in having us sample your pond, please let us know.

If you want to join our sampling team in 2027, click on the link below.

News Blog

Protecting Barnstable’s Ponds & Lakes: What You Need to Know About the Fertilizer Use Ordinance

Did you know that when you fertilize your lawn, you’re not just feeding your grass—you could also be feeding our ponds and lakes? And unfortunately, it’s not a diet our water appreciates. When fertilizers are over-applied or used incorrectly, the extra nutrients don’t stay put. They wash away with stormwater, seep into groundwater, and end up in the ponds, lakes, and coastal waters that make Barnstable such a special place. This nutrient overload threatens drinking water, rec

Kalmus Beach Cleanup

Join the Town of Barnstable Marine and Environmental Affairs department, Keep Barnstable Beautiful, Barnstable Clean Water Coalition, BARS, Barnstable Ponds Coalition, Barnstable Land Trust, CARE for the Cape and Islands and the Cape Cod Maritime Museum by helping to clean-up Kalmus Beach in Centerville. Just bring yourself - gloves and trash bags are provided. Pre-registration suggested but not required at www.blt.org/events. Weather permitting - no rain date. Questions? Cal

Cape Cod Clean Water Week

Cape Cod Clean Water Week on September 13-19 is a community-centered celebration dedicated to protecting one of the region’s most vital resources—its water. Hosted by the Barnstable County Clean Water Center, this annual event brings together residents, visitors, scientists, policymakers, non-profits, pond groups, land trusts, students and more to raise awareness about water quality issues, while inspiring meaningful action. Clean Water Week highlights the connection between