FAQs
Yes. But be aware that signage may, on rare occasions, be posted as notice that a pond is closed due to water quality issues.
Yes, but gasoline motors are not allowed.
Yes, the ponds with public landings have parking, but a Wellfleet Sticker is required from the last Saturday in June through Labor Day from 9AM to 5PM.
FWP is a volunteer organization. Our mission is to “preserve the health, beauty and enjoyment of Wellfleet’s ponds for future generations.” We monitor the health of the ponds, advocate for the ponds, and educate the public about the ponds.
Rinse off paddle boards and other equipment after swimming in other water bodies to prevent the introduction of invasive species or potential pathogens, and don’t pee in the ponds!
Unlike ponds in many other places, there are no surface water inflows that feed into Wellfleet ponds, their sources being limited to precipitation and infiltration from underlying groundwater. As a result, the flushing or retention rate for water within the ponds is on the long side (as much as 15 years). A key takeway message from this (in terms of how we treat our ponds) is that “whatever goes into the pond stays in the pond”.
Follow the advice of the Pond Lover’s Guide, sign-up for our email list, and join the Friends of Wellfleet Ponds.