The Nauset Heights Environmental Committee is honored to serve as a voice for environmental education for Nauset Heights Association members. Nauset Heights resident Charlie Carlson, who has been a steady advocate for restoration of Mill Pond, will update NHA members on the background, status, and schedule of the Mill Pond Water Quality Study overwhelmingly approved at Town Meeting on May 12. Years ago, prior to neighboring development, Mill Pond was a thriving ecosystem filled with fish and shellfish. More recently, Mill Pond has experienced water-quality concerns. Monitoring recently (2019–2023) indicated low levels of dissolved oxygen, which impedes aquatic life of all kinds and high nitrogen levels, leading to algae growth, further impeding aquatic habitat. Much of the pollution stems from nutrient runoff—including septic systems, lawn fertilizers, and sedimentation. Charlie will update us on the status of the Mill Pond study and what to expect going forward. Please come with questions for Charlie!

The NHA Environmental Committee is pleased to host the semi-annual neighborhood clean up. Start out from 4 Standish Road (Dunham) from 8:30 - 9:00 for a meet and greet where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and some pastries. We'll snap a group photo at 9:00 and then you can grab a trash bag before heading off to your clean-up spot. Groups can informally form to choose a location, be it Priscilla Landing, the base of the NHA stairs, along the roadways, etc. You may return your collected trash to the starting point and we will dispose of it for you. Don't forget your gloves. Long tongs - such as grill tongs - are also a great asset! We'll hold the event rain or shine. If heavy rains, individuals can do a clean up on their own on another day.