The Indian Ponds Association
Protecting Mystic Lake, Middle Pond, and Hamblin Pond since 1958
The three interconnected 100+-acre ponds in Marstons Mills, Massachusetts -- Mystic Lake, Middle Pond, and Hamblin Pond -- are, together, the Indian Ponds. They're kettlehole ponds, formed by pieces of ice left behind when the glaciers receded, and form an ecosystem that supports wildlife in, on, and off the water. They're also an integral part of the local community, and residents and visitors use the ponds for swimming, fishing, and boating year-round.
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The IPA has assiduously worked to monitor, preserve, and protect the fragile ecology of the three Indian Ponds, and their surrounding land since 1958 for the benefit of its residents, visitors, habitat and wildlife.
​Latest News & Events
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Photos from 2024 Ponds Appreciation Day & Annual Meeting
​​​The color version of the Fall 2024 newsletter is now viewable online.
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Measuring Pond Health
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Message from your President
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The Case for a Barnstable Ponds Coalition
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Why a second Alum treatment was needed for Mystic Lake
​The IPA offers two
$1,500 scholarships.
DEADLINE: April 10,2025
QUALIFICATIONS
• For students pursuing an education or career in freshwater ecology or other environmental related studies
• Those demonstrating passion and dedication to the Indian Ponds and/or local fresH water bodies
• A high school senior or college student, who is a full-time resident of the town of Barnstable or attends a high school in the Town of Barnstable
​A Special Tribute to the
Bird Man
Dave Reid
Emory Anderson created a wonderful compilation of bird articles written by the late Dave Reid during 2004-2024 for Dave's widow that is now available online.
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We all so enjoyed learning about the habits of our winged friends each newsletter.
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Here is a link to Emory's compilation
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​​2024 DUES NOTICE
​ Our 2024 membership drive is now underway.
The Indian Ponds Association is an all-volunteer tax-deductible 501(3)(c) organization. Our volunteers maintain this website and our Facebook page, create and publish our quarterly newsletter, monitor the temperature, clarity and oxygen concentration in all three ponds on a bi-weekly basis from May through October, and advocate for the three ponds at the Town Council, Conservation Commission and the Marstons Mills Village Association meetings as needed.
Despite our volunteers, we cannot provide these services without your financial support. Please contribute as generously as you can to help fund all of the efforts provided by our volunteers to keep these three ponds as healthy as possible.
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Dues payment envelopes will be included in our Winter 2024 Newsletter; you can simply mail a check made out to I. P. A. Inc and send it to PO Box 383 Marstons Mills, MA 02648; and finally, on our website via PayPal.
OUR MISSION
The Indian Ponds Association's mission is to preserve and protect the natural environment and ecological systems of the Indian Ponds and surrounding parcels of lands and watershed, and to participate in studies and work with other agencies, individuals, and groups to educate the public, serve the community, and promote and preserve the Indian Ponds and surrounding areas.
WHAT WE DO
Members of our Association have been monitoring our ponds' health and advocating for responsible stewardship since the IPA's inception in 1958.
Read some of the highlights of over a half century of our history HERE
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