We're Nearly There!
Help Save the Herring Run
1.17 acres in Marstons Mills
Only $9,480 remains to be raised to preserve the critical 1.17-acre parcel at the headwaters of the Marstons Mills River Herring Run. This irreplaceable land, located off Flume Avenue, will complete the protection of the 1200’ fishway that leads herring to their spawning grounds in Middle Pond and Mystic Lake.
Benefiting wildlife and humans alike, preserving this small but critical parcel helps maintain water quality of the pond, the river and Cape Cod’s sole aquifer - our only source of drinking water. It will also guarantee permanent access for maintenance of the run and extend the adjacent trail system.
Herring, which have been recommended for listing under the Endangered Species Act, are historically, culturally and ecologically significant. Maintaining a healthy, robust herring population is essential for the balance of the ecosystem. Because they live in fresh and salt waters, herring play an important role in the ecology of the marine, estuarine and freshwater systems they inhabit. Coastal birds (such as osprey, herons and endangered roseate terns) feed heavily on herring; they are a favorite food for striped bass and the cod for which our very peninsula is named.
Environmental benefits of protecting the 1.17-acre Herring Run Property at the headwaters of the Marstons Mills Herring Run:
- It is the last remaining undeveloped parcel along the herring run.
- It will allow permanent access for maintenance of the run.
- It has 190’ of frontage on wetlands that front on the herring run.
- It has 100’ of frontage on Middle Pond where there are many rare species.
- It abuts town-owned open space along the herring run.
- It falls within the Zone of Contribution to the C-O-MM Wellfields just up-gradient from the Hayden Wellfields.
- It protects the water quality of Middle Pond, the herring run, the Marstons Mills River and the greater 3-Bays watershed.
- It links to and continues an existing walking trail.
Also see Resources - Late Summer 2011 for more information about the Herring Run.
And click here to view an amusing video from December 2012. It talks about a work project that has already happened, but it is fun to watch anyhow.
Help protect this vital parcel of land... and "Help the Herring Run" for generations to come.
