Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team was established and began locating and certifying vernal ponds in 1990 as a joint venture with the New England Herpetological Society. In 2006 we became a Federal 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team

Mission, Vision, Values 

Our Mission...
The Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team is a nonprofit organization dedicated to vernal pond conservation and education since 1990. Our focus is vernal ponds. The issue is the preservation of wildlife habitat, which is ultimately about the health of the planet. 

Our Vision...
The Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team brings people together for education and preservation of nature in a fun and exciting way. We instill passion and stewardship for the natural world in people of all ages thereby helping to save our corner of the world. 

Our Values...
The Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team accomplishes our work in a way that reflects the welfare and comfort of the creatures in our care, and those in the wild. We strive to leave the smallest possible ecological footprint on the world. We work hard to be financially and physically accessible to all participants. Our interactions with humans are based on respect and integrity. We are responsible stewards of our environment and of the finances entrusted to us by the public. 

About 1% for the planet

Our vision
All together for the planet.

Our purpose
To inspire commitment and action so that our planet and future generations thrive.

Our mission
1% for the Planet’s mission is to accelerate smart environmental giving through certified support of our environmental partners network.

Who we are
1% for the Planet is an accountability partner for businesses that are ready to reject business as usual and give back to environmental partners making a difference around the globe.

1% for the Planet connects business members with approved environmental partners—like you—to ensure our planet and future generations thrive. I'm happy to share that Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team has been approved to join the 1% for the Planet Environmental Partners network!

We're overjoyed at being selected!!! Thanks to Cell Signaling Technology, we've been nominated and accepted into this philanthropic network of support. We'll keep you updated on what that means for us on the CAVPT 1% for the Planet page. Click onepercentfortheplanet.org to learn even more about how we're 'all in for the planet'!!!


We LOVE Our Grantors and Funders!!!

...who have graciously and generously contributed to our mission.

 The Echo Charitable Foundation
The Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team and the Echo Charitable Foundation (TECF) share a common goal of environmental protection and stewardship. 

We would like to sincerely thank TECF for contributing an Operations Grant in 2025 during our Appeal. This grant sustained us during a financially challenging time. In addition, we received an incredible Matching Funds Campaign in 2022. They matched your donations and because of that generosity, we met our fundraising goal. Because of TECF and YOU, we have done great things and have worked hard to increase our presence in the community.  We are grateful for the gifts of our Toyota Sienna van, Matching Funds Campaign, and Operations Grant. 

Thank you, The Echo Charitable Foundation, from the HEART… for providing us with this generous funding… what a tremendous opportunity for our Team.

"Over the years, we've talked a lot about the importance of sustainability and corporate social responsibility at Cell Signaling Technology (CST). In everything we do, we consider how it will affect the planet and look for ways to mitigate our global footprint and protect the environment through sustainable practices, volunteer opportunities, and charitable giving."

"We recently became the first Life Sciences company to join 1% for the Planet and commit to donating 1% of our total revenue to a network of environmental partner organizations. Through our corporate giving, we seek to support others who are working to reduce humanity's impact on the planet."


CST is quite an amazing company and recently we connected with them on a number of fronts. First is volunteerism wherein employees donate important and extensive time with our nonprofit. Not only do we receive that commitment, but CST donates to us for that volunteer time as well. Second, they recommended us as a partner to 1% for the Planet and we were accepted. This gives us the opportunity to receive funds from companies like CST who are part of that network. Third, we received grant monies directly from CST for our Children's Program. We couldn't be happier, or more grateful, for these connections and support.



Mission:
To promote the discovery and dissemination of amphibian and reptile information.
To encourage the specific study of amphibians and reptiles.
To encourage the conservation of amphibians and reptiles, as well as wildlife in general.
To stimulate fellowship among herpetologists and herp enthusiasts throughout New England.

The Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team boasts a longstanding membership with the New England Herpetological Society (NEHS). On their website under "What do we do?" they even state... "Help the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team". Isn't that something?!

New England Herpetological Society offers grants to New England research and educational programs benefiting the community in New England. Moreover, they came to our rescue in the early years of Covid and offered much needed support when all of our activities were cancelled, thereby helping to sustain our organization during that challenging time. Each year we receive their support and we're super appreciative! 


"The Corporate Donations Committee is a volunteer group of NEB employees committed to fulfilling the NEB legacy of giving to those in need and being active participants in improving our community."


New England Biolabs, Inc. local Community Grant Program provides us with funds that specifically target our animals, to help us care for them. We are fortunate that they are concerned about the welfare of these creatures and the environment that they live in. The assistance they provide increases our outreach by allowing us to focus on our programs, including vernal pond certifications and other conservation efforts. Their unwavering and continued support over the years has made our little neck-of-the-woods a better place. 

Our gratitude goes out to the Cape Ann Community Foundation for awarding us a grant toward upgrading our outdated computers. What a great gift... particularly since we were operating in the prehistoric era. We truly appreciate the Cape Ann Chamber's dedicated team for making our small nonprofit programming accessible to so many throughout the years, and for helping us through the rough patches. You're the BEST!!!

Mission… The primary purpose of the corporation shall be to enhance the economic environment and overall quality of life of the Cape Ann region and the four Cape Ann communities of Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport.

The Cape Ann Community Foundation was created by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce to manage and award grants from the proceeds of the Cape Ann License Plate. CACF awards grants for projects supporting, enriching, and celebrating a robust series of non-profit educational, social service, recreational, and economic initiatives throughout our Cape Ann communities.
Go to lovecapeann.com

New England BioLabs Foundation is "a private foundation whose mission is to foster community-based conservation of landscapes and seascapes and the biocultural diversity found in these places. We recognize that the natural and cultural values of these areas are inextricably linked and that Indigenous Peoples and local communities play a fundamental role in their stewardship." 
We are excited to share that NEBF funded a grant supporting our Children's Program. This includes printing 'My First Field Guide to Vernal Pools Coloring Book' by Dr. Kristine Hoffmann, and our 'Vernal Ponds' movie. They are definitely "Inspired by the diversity of life on earth and the power of local communities". Kids and parents just love the Field Guide!

Many of our volunteers and contributors are either employed by Applied Materials or are family members and have been invaluable supporters of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team.

Applied Materials Foundation provided us grant monies to replace old equipment, restock necessary items, create a brochure, and regenerate our activities. Thanks to your support we have a clean fresh look! 

"Applied Materials and its Foundation are committed to making a positive social contribution in communities where our employees work and to the world around us. We prioritize the needs of neighborhoods near our facilities where our investments can enhance educational outcomes for underserved students, contribute to a vibrant, innovative arts sector, provide basic services to those less fortunate, and promote environmental stewardship."

"The mission of the Brace Cove Foundation is to enrich lives through engaged grant making on the North Shore of Boston. Brace Cove Foundation was established by Walter Herlihy and Nancy LeGendre in 2015."



The Brace Cove Foundation so kindly contributed to the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team through its Community Grant program, which funds defined projects to enrich the Cape Ann Community. This includes the support of 50 other nonprofit organizations on the North Shore of Boston as well. This local grantor is well known and has deeply enriched the fabric of our community.

In December, two years in a row, we were nominated and awarded a very generous donation from the Combined Change Donor Advised Fund. We asked them to please help share our JOY by telling us more about how and why they chose CAVPT.

Combined Change

In their words… "In honor of Marilyn Comb, members of the Comb Family have selected your organization for its outstanding commitment to making our planet a better place to live. The family was happy to support the work you are doing this year as an organization local to us, working in a subject of personal interest to many family members."

We are so appreciative of the Combined Change donation and support of the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team’s Mission to make the world a little better place for everyone through education and conservation.

The Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team has dedicated longtime volunteers that participate in the Barnes Group's Volunteer Action Grant program -- wherein the company provides grants to our nonprofit because their employees volunteer with us on a regular basis. 

We are grateful to the Barnes Group Foundation for creating an environment where employees are supported as volunteers in action. It takes real effort for employees to comply with the requirements of this grant program and we are so fortunate to have them on our Team. And thank you to the Barnes Group Foundation for your generosity.                                                     
  Barnes Group Foundation

"At Barnes, we believe that being a good corporate citizen begins with being a great community leader, which is why we encourage philanthropy, compassion and change through our Barnes Group Foundation."

Thank you for your grant and the support Cape Ann Savings Bank provides to all the nonprofit organizations in our community. It is this support that allows us to do the incredible things we do to help make this place so special. Our work continues and your contribution helps us pursue our mission.

We are pleased that more than one thousand of our volunteers and participants also come from Cape Ann, many of which bank locally at Cape Ann Savings Bank. Supporting local business goes hand in hand with supporting nonprofit organizations such as ours. 


"Cape Ann Savings Bank is proud to be a financial supporter of over 150+ local organizations each year! We are "Your" Community Bank." 

Upcoming events


Venmo       @CapeAnnVernalPondTeam


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Hop on over and learn about our new...
Vernal Ponds
Children's Program
And, print your very own
"My First Field Guide
to Vernal Pools Coloring Book" by
Dr. Kristine Hoffmann. 



A Newsletter from the
Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team Spring 2024





Candid
Platinum Seal of Transparency

The Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team is proud to announce we have reached the 2024 Platinum Seal of Transparency with Candid - formerly known as GuideStar!

This is the second year we've achieved the Platinum rating, and six prior years with Gold rating. The Candid Platinum seal is the highest possible rating and indicates that we exceed nonprofit industry standards. This exceptional designation sets us apart and demonstrates our trustworthiness to the public.

Candid is the world's largest database of nonprofit organizations. It provides donors with the information necessary to make smart decisions. With this 2024 Platinum "Seal of Transparency", you can feel confident your donation is going toward important education and conservation initiatives.

The seal links directly to our profile on Candid so our supporters can easily see and verify our accomplishments. They complete IRS compliance checkups to make sure nonprofits are up-to-date and are following requirements. Interested grantors and donors can request a Charity Check Report and a Pro Report that provides a summary about us all in one neat bundle.

It helps knowing you can protect and improve our little neck-of-the woods through a 501(c)(3) tax deductible donation to the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team.  


Vernal Ponds 

Vernal ponds... are temporary wetlands that fill with rainfall and snow melt. They become the seasonal breeding and feeding grounds for many intriguing amphibians and insects, as well as the reptiles, birds, and mammals that depend on them for food.

Since its inception, the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team has certified over 350 vernal ponds in the Cape Ann area through the National Heritage and Endangered Species Program, which is part of Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Once certified, vernal ponds are offered the same protection as other wetlands.

Team members work on mapping, data collection, and online certification. Additionally, we provide workshops and assistance to numerous organizations and private land owners working to certify vernal pools. We educate and support surrounding communities in Massachusetts in order to replicate vernal pond conservation throughout the state and beyond. 

Our long-term goal is to continue certification efforts, thereby protecting at-risk vernal ponds on Cape Ann. Through these educational and protective efforts, more members of the community have become active in conservation issues and local organizations have a greater understanding of the importance of these ecosystems.

Check out our Vernal Ponds page to learn more.


Our Dream... Cape Ann Wildlife Center 


A very preliminary sketch of what our Wildlife Center might look like.


CAPE  ANN  WILDLIFE  CENTER 

Our Dream 
Our dream is to build a Wildlife Center on Cape Ann that brings people together for education and preservation of nature thereby helping to save our corner of the world. There will be a diverse display of New England mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and plants all in a state-of-the-art “green” facility.
The Wildlife Center will provide a unique type of educational experience where visitors will have an opportunity to touch some animals and view others up close or in a natural habitat. We will be open to the public, school groups, and other like minded organizations. This facility will not only serve the local community but will also reach out to share our mission and vision with the broader public.

The Cape Ann Wildlife Center is projected to cost in the neighborhood of 15 million dollars to site, build, and launch this 25-30,000 square foot facility. This estimate is based on a similar model of an animal care facility built on the South Shore. The Center will display all animals in habitats designed in line with the American Association of Zoo Keepers. A full time staff will include animal keepers, veterinarians, educators, guides proficient in the local ecology, interns and volunteers.

Making Our Dream a Reality
Our credentials and history provide a solid foundation for achieving Our Vision. Included in our extensive design model and bound planning document is a synopsis of what the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team has accomplished over 32 years functioning as an organization — 17 years as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. From vernal pool certifications, education and outreach, extensive partnerships with organizations and individuals, and a significant base of support; these are the culmination of efforts by members, volunteers, and Director Richard Roth.

Our Dream Come True
Help make Our Dream Come True by contacting us at cavpt@yahoo.com or call us at 978-559-9684 and we can provide you with more information for your consideration.
 

Wildlife Center Donor Benefits 

  • Be a part of this wonderful contribution to our community, like nothing seen in many years.
  • Know that you have helped create a phenomenal local educational facility.
  • Connect partners within our community so we can work collaboratively  towards wildlife and habitat conservation challenges.
  • Build a top notch facility that is green and beautiful in our local area.
  • Provide unique volunteer and internship opportunities to youth and adults.
  • Support an organization that protects and values wildlife and habitats.
  • Influence the health of the world by taking care of our own community.
  • Provide an interactive wildlife facility that is accessible to our children, community, and visitors from around the world. 
  • Bring educators, speakers, and experts to our community to share knowledge. 
  • Help by educating our children and community so they will desire to become stewards within their purview.
  • Provide training to individuals and groups from around the world so they can spread that knowledge to their own communities.
  • Be an outstanding role model since you value the world in which we live.
  • Inspire others to give because of your significant donation — it’s catchy.
  • Be joyous in your giving and dream BIG!!!

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