Fresh Pond Reservation

Fresh Pond Reservation conisists of 162 acres of open space surrounding and protecting the 155 acre Fresh Pond Reservoir. Fresh Pond Reservoir is part of the drinking water supply system for the City of Cambridge which includes Hobbs Brook Reservoir in Lincoln, Lexington and Waltham, and Stony Brook Reservoir in Weston and Waltham.  Water from the drinking water supply system is purified at the Walter J. Sullivan Water Treatment Facility adjacent to Fresh Pond Reservoir, and pumped to Payson Park Reservoir in Belmont. From there it flows back to the City by gravity, providing drinking water to residents and businesses of Cambridge.  more on the history of Fresh Pond Reservation and Fresh Pond Reservoir>>

Volunteer at Fresh Pond Reservation!

We are always looking for volunteers to help out with any of a number of projects at the Reservation.  Volunteering offers an opportunity to learn about the unique ecosystems on the Reservation, and to meet other Fresh Pond Reservation users!  Click here to learn more!

Learn more about the projects at Fresh Pond Reservation!

Current Projects:

Northeast Sector Project

The City of Cambridge is currently implementing the design and natural resource management plan for the areas of Lusitania Meadow, Neville Place, and the surrounding slopes.  The Northeast Sector Project restoration program is based on recommendations from the Fresh Pond Reservation Master Plan as well as the preceding Fresh Pond Reservation Natural Resource Inventory and Natural Resource Stewardship Plan.  It has been funded jointly by the Community Preservation Act and the City of Cambridge. more>>

Fresh Pond Reservation Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Project

The invasive wetland plant known commonly as purple loosestrife was first observed at Fresh Pond Reservation over 5 years ago.   Since then, it has spread to inhabit shoreline space along every waterbody on the Reservation, as well as in several of the wetland bioswales.  Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation and the Cambridge Water Department are working cooperatively to implement a biocontrol project at Fresh Pond Reservation that will limit purple loosestrife populations and allow native species to reclaim areas currently inundated with the invasive plant. more>>

Fresh Pond Reservation Access and Circulation Plan

During the fall and winter of 2006/2007, the Cambridge Water Department has been working to form the Fresh Pond Reservation Circulation and Access Plan.  During the summer of 2006, we mapped current conditions at Fresh Pond Reservation, such as pathways and access points.  Now we are looking for your comments!  Users of Fresh Pond Reservation have been asked to describe the access points and paths they use most often, indicate where changes to access are needed, and discuss those improvements to Fresh Pond Reservation they have enjoyed so far through a series of surveys, workshops, and map activities. more>>

Future Projects:

Fresh Pond Reservation Drainage and Habitat Improvements

The Fresh Pond Reservation Drainage and Habitat Improvements project will focus on the southern watershed of Little Fresh Pond.  Enhancements to the golf course, Perimeter Road, and woodlands will compliment the proceeding Little Fresh Pond Shoreline Restoration and Drainage Improvement Project completed during summer 2007. more>>

Past Projects:

Little Fresh Pond Shoreline Restoration and Drainage Improvement Project Overview

Located along the western shoreline of Fresh Pond and adjacent to the municipal golf course, the Little Fresh Pond project was identified within the Fresh Pond Master Plan as a very high priority project and has been a joint endeavor between the City of Cambridge Water, Public Works, and Recreation Departments. Hired as consultants, The Bioengineering Group, Inc., and MWH Americas, Inc. collaborated to provide design and engineering services for the project. Funding has been provided in part through the Open Space Community Preservation Act (CPA).  more>>