The body of water you see before you is called Black Point Pond. This pond is home to river otters, migrating water fowl and blue crabs, but invasive species are threatening to take over its shores. The tall grass you see is called common reed, Phragmites australis. Although there is a genotype native to the Vineyard, this variety is an aggressive strain from Europe. It grows quickly and densely, crowding out native species and creating monotypic stands. SMF is working to eradicate this invasive species and return the pond shore to the healthy diverse habitat that is so vital to many native birds, insects and plants.