Martha’s Vineyard Community Notes

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Conservation District seeks input

The Dukes Conservation District (DCD) is asking Island residents for input to assist the agency in prioritizing the efforts of the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

The DCD was established in the 1940s to provide access to the technical and financial assistance available from the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) to farmers, aquaculturists, and conservation land managers in the seven towns in Dukes County.

Bill Wilcox, chairman, said there has been well over 100 responses to a survey that asks respondents to identify areas of concern. The survey indicates that the top three priorities are: open space/conservation; water resource quality; and fishing and shellfishing.

Mr. Wilcox said the DCD would like to hear from residents about specific actions DCD should take to address those particular concerns. Residents who have not provided input are asked to take an online survey atsurveymonkey.com/s/KH2CWF9.

Audubon camp wins funds

The American Camp Association (ACA) New England recently awarded “campership” funds to the Fern and Feather Natural History Day Camp at the Mass Audubon Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary. The camp is one of 65 ACA-accredited camps in six New England states that received funds to cover the costs for children to attend who met eligibility guidelines for the federal free and reduced lunch program.

The camp provides an opportunity for children to experience the outdoors on Felix Neck’s 350-acre wildlife sanctuary adjacent to Sengekontacket Pond in Edgartown. For more information, call 508-627-4850.

Children’s art show

Featherstone Center for the Arts will display the works of graduates of the Garden Gate Child Development Center (classes of 2000 to 2012) on Thursday and Friday in the Pebble Gallery.

All artists and their families and friends are invited to join the gala gallery opening from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday. The exhibit will continue from 6 to 8 pm on Friday.

Call Dawn or Leigh Ann at Garden Gate Child Development Center at 508-696-9997 for information or to drop off work.

High school speeds up summer fun

Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School has added a new, faster way for parents to register their children for summer clinics and programs. The Call and Tell (CAT) system allows parents to simply call the school and tell the child’s name and clinic title in order to register. The completed paperwork may be dropped off on the first day of the activity.

A number of new programs have been added to the program lineup and many favorites have returned. High school art teacher Brendan Coogan will lead an art studio class with many different projects, including pottery making and sculpture. Fun in the Sun will explore the science of the sun and sunlight. Returning sports clinics include soccer, football, lacrosse, basketball, track and field, and cheerleading.

For information about summer programs, or to sign up visit mvrhs.org/clinics/ or call 508-693-1033, ext. 235.