The Baffins Pond Association was founded by a local man who was determined to save his neighborhood pond, neglected and vandalized for years. As he worked to archive the impossible and better his town’s surroundings and atmosphere, this gentleman became well-known in the community.
One day, George Beham, who resided on the pond’s edge, decided that the run-down state of Portsmouth’s largest natural pond was enough. George first collected a group of adolescent boys who took on the massive task of cleaning up this magnificent inner-city location. As time went on, many people of all ages became interested in this wonderful initiative. Here are activities and ways the Baffins Pond Association project spend its funds:
- Improving the island for the wildlife
The group’s efforts improved the pond’s future, as well as the assurance from Portsmouth City Council that the pond would no longer be left to deteriorate. During this time, the group used the former sewage pump house near Baffins Pond as a base of operations, and George had caught the conservation bug by the end of the project. Because the organization continues to meet its objectives and now collaborates with the council, the council consented to utilize the pump house.
During this time, the group used the former sewage pump house near Baffins Pond as a base of operations. George had caught the conservation bug by the end of the project. The council agreed to allow the group to use the pump house because it continues to fulfill its goals and now collaborates with the council.
- Maintaining a community garden hosting communities and self refreshment
Baffins pond project spends its resources providing environmental activities for all ages and parts of the local community, maintaining a community garden, providing refreshments, and hosting several community events and activities throughout the year. We also serve as a conduit for communication between residents, the Portsmouth City Council, the Community Police, and other interested parties.
- Volunteers manage all of our activities and facilities.
The Baffins Pond Association offers a tea room and bathroom facilities in addition to our award-winning nature garden, and with the recent repair of the pump house, we can now offer interior facilities for refreshments or simply learn about the association. The Baffins Pond Association is handicapped-accessible, with wheelchair access and an accessible toilet.
Conclusion
The Baffins Pond Association relies on grants and its members’ efforts to raise funds to stay afloat. The group’s main fundraising event is a free annual Community Fun Day. Local businesses, homeowners, and community groups are very enthusiastic about this event.