Clean Water Initiative
VCS is continuing a multi-year public awareness campaign to advocate for clean water and a coordinated wastewater management plan to reverse the decline in health of the Vineyard’s Great Ponds.
Vineyard Lawns Campaign
Part of keeping our waters clean involves persuading Island residents and businesses to avoid chemical lawn fertilizers and encourage use of native grasses and plantings.
Open Space Preservation
VCS provides direction and facilitation to property owners on conserving land. We advocate in the regulatory review process on behalf of saving open space, farmland, habitat, and natural resources like clean water.
Agricultural Land
Local farms define rural character, maintain a link with the past, and promise a more sustainable future. VCS has worked for decades to conserve our prime farm soils and rejuvenate local farming using Agricultural Preservation Restrictions (APRs) and other tools. Building partnerships with towns and colleagues has been a formula for success at places like the new Ag Hall, Nip 'n' Tuck, Morning Glory, Native Earth and Katama Farms.
VCS Winter Walks
The VCS Winter Walks Program offers monthly guided walks during the winter months on private lands, many conserved under VCS auspices. All walks are free and open to the public.
Island-Wide Recycling Initiative
Part of VCS’s broad definition of conservation involves promoting Island-wide coordination of solid waste disposal and enhanced recycling capabilities in all Island towns.
Climate Change Adaptation
Some of the greatest impacts of global climate change will be felt at the coasts. VCS is promoting community awareness about the local environmental impacts we can expect and plan for.
