the ever-present plastic bottle litter
Tag: Niles Pond Berm
Niles Pond Brace Cove Berm Restoration Update
Progress continues on the restoration of the barrier that protects Niles Pond from becoming Brace Cove’s salt marsh.
The native pussy willow trees remain intact while much of the invasive phragmites appear to have been removed. Come spring, perhaps Seaside Goldenrod and other tough, salt tolerant natives will be planted to help hold the rocks in place.
Beautiful R.B. Strong Excavator Bucket ~ Do you think the lettering and decorative design were created by soldering metal to the bucket? The decoration must be incredibly well applied to survive daily earth-moving.
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Outstanding Cape Ann Environmental News: Niles Pond and Brace Cove Causeway Restoration Underway!
The berm, or causeway, separating Brace Cove and Niles Pond is undergoing extensive maintenance.
As has been reported here on GMG many times, the berm was severely damaged by a succession of storms, very notably after Superstorm Sandy. The causeway is also increasingly at risk because the Brace Cove breakwater has deteriorated, which means that the berm is harder hit during extreme weather.
Over time, the rocks that were used to build the causeway have gradually been swept into the pond. The excavator is permitted to scoop up the rocks from the Niles Pond side to rebuild the height of the causeway. No rocks from the Brace Cove side were used to restore the causeway.
The restoration of the berm is ecological progress at its best. By fortifying the causeway, the uniquely beautiful environment, where freshwater Niles Pond meets salty Brace Cove, will continue to remain a sanctuary for Cape Ann wildlife.
The narrowest strip of land separating a body of fresh water from the sea.
Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave
Brace Cove Seals Sleeping at Daybreak
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October Nor’easter Storm Snapshots
Out on Eastern Point this morning great flocks of seagulls were riding the waves while the Niles Pond swans and ducks were tucked into their shoreline retreats. The cormorants were many and could be seen clustering on rocky perches all around the inner harbor.
Gloucester’s DPW crews were out and about clearing the streets from downed limbs.
I only stayed for a moment at the Brace Cove berm because the waves were so tremendous that it really didn’t feel safe. I am glad to report though that at 10:30 this morning the narrowest slip of land that prevents Niles Pond from becoming Brace Cove’s salt marsh appears to have weathered this October nor’easter.
Downed Tree Mangles Portable Potty
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Brace Cove Seals Sleeping at Daybreak
While filming B-roll for several projects I caught the sunrise at Brace Cove this October morning. The seals were awakening, as were the swan couple, the cormorants and gulls stretching wide their wings, and the songbirds breaking fast on the abundance of wild berries and seed heads found along the berm at Niles Pond. Click image to see full size.
Brace Cove Seals
Juvenile Male Cardinal
Niles Pond
Camouflaged!
Good Morning Gloucester 