Nature & Science
Overfishing may be the buzz word on the waterfront to explain the decline of many stocks of fish around Vineyard waters, but it isn’t heard often enough when it comes to explaining the loss of bait fish.
On Wednesday night at the Chilmark Public Library, a lone man stood before an audience of anglers and commercial fishermen to report the worst environmental tale needing to be told is the loss of one of the most valued forage fish in the ocean, which used to swim in abundance in these waters but is almost gone — menhaden.
It is the last Tuesday in July. The asparagus is long gone. Sugar snap peas have departed. Strawberry season has come and gone. But still there is much to look forward to. There are blueberries for sale and red, orange and even purple tomatoes ripening on Vineyard vines. There are cows to be milked, rains to be thankful for, sweet corn to eat by the dozen. August is just around the corner.
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Walking Permaculture
Permaculture designer Dick Pierce will lead a walk from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, from the Chappaquiddick Community Center. Enjoy the morning air and views and absorb information on sustainable living and design as he talks about the land’s natural features, noting the flow of air and water, the habitats and the wild inhabitants, the trees, shrubs and plants, the resources available or missing, and how people and nature can work together.
Talking Ospreys
Rob Bierregaard began researching osprey on Martha’s Vineyard in 1969. Since then, he has been investigating the habits and migrations of these birds on Martha’s Vineyard and beyond. He will share his work, knowledge and passion for ospreys at a free lecture at the Oak Bluffs Library tonight, July 29, at 6:30 p.m.
For details on this lecture, call Felix Neck sanctuary at 508-627-4850. For more on Mr. Bierregaard’s work, see online bioweb.uncc.edu/bierregaard/.
Hermit crabs do not need to worry about the rising price of real estate on the Vineyard.
It is not that they are in the lottery for an affordable homesite, nor will they inherit a house from a wealthy relative (although they might steal one.) Home ownership is just not a priority for this creature. It has no desire to settle down permanently; its affinity for moving makes it destined to be a renter, but never an owner.
Puppets in the Garden
Puppets in the Garden is a special day for families to walk the paths of Polly Hill Arboretum and find puppet surprises among the trees. The program is set for Sunday, July 27, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the arboretum in West Tisbury.
Almanac
A comprehensive guide to weather and tides on the Island.
Vineyard Gardener
I guess this past week weather-wise is called a January thaw. We did not really experience it the last several years as December was unseasonably warm.
Farm & Field
Beige and brown and tan and black, with horns spiraled or semicircular or in undulating waves, a legion of goats marched up the hill toward us, bleating in anticipation of fresh grass and leaves.