Caring for Our Water: How You Can Help Protect Noanet Pond and the Charles River Watershed
Water is one of our region’s most precious and vulnerable resources. At Hale, we’re fortunate to steward Noanet Pond, a beautiful and ecologically important body of water that’s almost entirely within our boundaries. It may seem small, but it plays a big role in the health of our surrounding environment, especially as part of the Charles River Watershed.
A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains to a common outlet — in this case, the Charles River. That means every stream, brook, and pond within the watershed contributes to the health of the river itself. Noanet Pond is one of those contributors, and how we care for it matters.
Unlike rivers or ocean beaches, which often suffer from runoff from roads, agriculture, and development, our pond’s threats are more localized and manageable. The biggest concerns are humans, dogs, and geese.
Hale’s operations team works year-round to monitor and protect water quality. “We regularly test Noanet Pond in accordance with state guidelines to ensure it’s safe for swimming, paddling, and wildlife,” says Tyler Simpson, Hale’s Director of Operations. “But keeping the water clean requires community effort — it’s not something we can do alone.”
That’s why Hale takes proactive steps, like reducing the impact of waterfowl and maintaining buffer zones around the pond to minimize erosion. Still, one of the most impactful ways to protect Noanet Pond, and the greater watershed, is simple: Pick up after your dog.
No matter where you are — even if you’re far from the water — rain can carry pet waste into streams, ponds, and rivers. If you’re visiting Hale, please don’t allow your dog to run around on beaches or swim in ponds; it’s actually against the rules! Keeping our water healthy ensures that you, your neighbors, and future generations can continue to enjoy it
Hale’s mission is to connect people to nature, and water plays a vital role in that connection. With your help, we can keep our pond, and the watershed it supports, clean, healthy, and thriving.
Want to learn more about watersheds and how Hale protects its natural resources? Join one of our community tours during the summer, or visit us for a hike!
