Mark London’s to-do list after his last day heading the Martha’s Vineyard Commission includes painting, photography, spending time with his family — and finally applying for American citizenship. In an interview, the outgoing executive director reflects.

An unexpected absence of eelgrass in Nashaquitsa Pond this summer may be the result of crab predation and goose foraging over the harsh winter. The Chilmark shellfish constable said he's never seen such a sudden decline in the aquatic plant that plays a vital role in the life cycle of shellfish.

The Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust hosts its first Meet the Fleet event at Menemsha Harbor next Thursday. Most of the Island's commercial fleet will be on hand, plus historic ships and crab racing. The event is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on August 6.

The Nature Conservancy, working with the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust, has purchased the Island’s last historic groundfish permit. The permit was held by Greg Mayhew, owner of the Unicorn.

Richard Skidmore and Joan LeLacheur, keepers of the Gay Head Light, have lived by the particular rhythms of the Gay Head Light for 25 years, tending to its mishaps and arranging countless visits with people from around the world.

The Vineyard Conservation Society is gathering final approvals for a conservation restriction in Chilmark more than 20 years in the making.