Goats and sheep help Martha’s Vineyard land organizations with weeds
Using animals for land management is as old as the hills. Two projects will gauge how effective it is for select Vineyard properties.
Delayed Tisbury Great Pond report shows low nitrogen levels
A recent report shows low but significant nitrogen levels in Tisbury Great Pond, one of the Vineyard's largest estuary systems.
Chappy beach closures to protect shore birds include wiggle room
More flexibility on the part of state and federal officials could keep one beach trail to Cape Poge open longer, The Trustees say.
All-Island selectmen’s meeting hears presentation on rising seas
The presentation illustrates the projected sea level rise predicted for Martha's Vineyard, following on forecasts for greenhouse gas emissions.
Free fishing gear disposal program will soon reach the Vineyard
Fishermen on Martha's Vineyard will be encouraged to drop off old fishing gear as part of a federal program to help cleanup the oceans.
Lawmakers approve dam, seawall loan program
The House and Senate last week gave final approval, and Wednesday Governor Patrick signed, legislation creating a loan and grant program to facilitate the repair or removal of unneeded dams and help finance repairs to structures aimed at controlling coastal flooding.
Sheriff’s Meadow Foundation launches educational component
Sheriff's Meadow Foundation will broaden its public outreach with a new education initiative, launching this Saturday.
Martha’s Vineyard salt ponds face environmental dilemma
State scientists set levels to restore local ponds, but meeting those levels will be not be easy or inexpensive.
John Murray squeezes energy dollars from Martha’s Vineyard Hospital
It is one of only a handful of hospitals in the United States to receive a high level of certification for earth-friendly design and construction.
Counting bees: two-year Vineyard pollinator study is completed
A two-year study of pollinators on Martha's Vineyard has discovered 170 species of bees.
Secretary Salazar moves to open up wind sites south of Vineyard
Interior expects to be in position to offer this area as one of the nation's first offshore competitive lease sales before the end of the year.
Coast Sweep asks for volunteers to help with shoreline cleanup
COASTSWEEP, sponsored by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management and coordinated by the Urban Harbors Institute at the University of Massachusetts-Boston, is the state's annual coastal cleanup program where volunteers not only remove trash but also collect important information about the types of trash they encounter.
Septic system expert has some solid advice for homeowners
'Septic guru' Doug Cooper explains how septic systems work and how best to care for them, to avoid costly repairs or more costly replacement.
Environmentally-friendly lawns have long-term benefits
Going green in your own yard can mean more than just cultivating a picture-perfect lawn. It can mean helping protect the environment.
Martha’s Vineyard prepares for Earth Day on April 21
The 20th Annual Vineyard Conservation Society (VCS) Earth Day Beach Clean-up is scheduled for 10 am to noon, Saturday, April 21.
Massachusetts Senate passes renewable energy bill
The Senate voted unanimously April 5 to pass legislation aimed at bolstering the state's renewable energy supply and getting a better handle on electricity prices.
Vineyard Golf Club will provide an environmental model for Rio
The Olympic project will showcase sustainable golf course management concepts developed at The Vineyard Golf Club in Edgartown.
Mass Senate energy bill tackles high costs
Legislation aimed at tackling the drivers of high energy costs in Massachusetts unveiled Monday by state senators closely mirror a bill released last week opening up long-term renewable energy contracts to competitive bidding and more than doubling the amount of renewables required to be purchased by utilities.
Feds asked to name Martha’s Vineyard waters a no discharge zone
If the state has its way, it will become illegal to discharge sewage into the waters south of Cape Cod and around Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.
Massachusetts releases improved web based mapping tool
The site provides detailed data for ocean planning, coastal development, public safety, tourism, planning and marine environmental protection.