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 non-profit 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... to open a Wildlife Center where all kinds of New England animals and plants are represented. We will build an interactive and educational nature study center.

Our Values... we accomplish 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 footprint on the world.

we only have one earth, save it

Activity Calendar

Pond Blog

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GuideStar Member

This seal above will take you directly to our profile on Candid

Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency 2023
You ALL helped us achieve this!

The Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team is proud to announce we have reached the 2023 Platinum Seal of Transparency with Candid - formerly known as GuideStar! This is the first year with a Platinum rating and six prior years with a 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. It puts us in the top 0.1% of charities nationally in terms of transparency.

Candid is the world's largest database of nonprofit organizations. It provides donors with the information necessary to make smart decisions. With this 2023 Platinum "Seal of Transparency", you can feel confident your donation is going toward important education and conservation initiatives.

Help protect and improve our little neck-of-the woods through a 501(c)(3) tax deductible donation to the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team. Please donate!

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**Note:  If you look at our array of information on Candid, be advised that IRS verified tax documentation reflects 2020 data. Our returns are up-to-date through 2022 with the IRS and are posted to Candid, but they only display what the IRS verifies. We have been informed in writing by Candid that the IRS is two tax years behind in their postings. Our returns are posted on our website and can be verified through our accountant.

We LOVE Our Grantors!!!

Below are some of our recent funders who have graciously and generously contributed to our mission.


We would like to sincerely thank TECF for challenging us with an incredible Matching Funds Campaign. Because of your generosity we met our goal of raising $25,000 in 2022. TECF matched your donations and what a gift that was. Because of You and TECF, we are planning great things and are working hard to increase our presence in the community. TECF and CAVPT share a common goal of environmental protection and stewardship, and we are grateful for the gifts from TECF of our Toyota Sienna van and Matching Funds Campaign of $25,000. We thank you, The Echo Charitable Foundation, from the HEART...for providing us with this generous funding...what a tremendous opportunity for our Team.





Last year New England BioLabs provided us with a grant that specifically supports our animals, to help us take care of them. We are fortunate that they care about the welfare of the creatures and the environment that they live in. The assistance they provided increased our outreach by allowing us to focus on our programs, vernal pond certifications, and other conservation efforts. Their continued support over the years for our local organization, has helped us make our little neck-of-the-woods a better place. What a gift! 

Combined Change

The Comb Family

In late December 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. 

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 New England Herpetological Society is a 501c3 group of reptile and amphibian enthusiasts with goals of education, conservation and the advancement of Herpetology. They have provided invaluable programatic support to the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team and we've been members for more than 40 years... and Rick is on the Board of Directors.
Our 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.



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.

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 provided us Grant monies to replace old equipment, restock necessary items and regenerate our activities. Thank you!

Cape Ann Savings Bank Charitable Giving Department is building a strong community, one that strives to give back to the people who live there and grow for generations to come"We're not just banking professionals;  we are neighbors to people throughout the communities we serve. It is through sponsorships and charitable giving that we can do our part to strengthen our communities, businesses, and the families who live here."

Cape Ann Savings Bank is proud to be a financial supporter of our community, giving to Cape Ann area organizations and charities, including the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team. We are very thankful!







The 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. Since 1945, the Barnes Group Foundation is committed to the support of education, the arts, civic and youth activities and health-related charities in our communities.

A very dedicated employee of the Barnes Group contributes yearly to the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team through the Volunteer Action Award Program. We appreciate Barnes Group, and their employee (our Volunteer), for all they have done for us.

Exciting News From Director Rick Roth

Our Vision for the future is to open a Wildlife Center on Cape Ann. This will not be restricted to vernal ponds - all kinds of New England habitat will be represented.
The Center will also include the following:

  • Live indoor and outdoor animal exhibits, professionally constructed  with consideration for the viewing experience, comfort, and the welfare of the animals. For example, in an otter enclosure one will view the animals underwater, on the water, in an upland habitat setting, and in a den
  • On-site veterinarians
  • Native wildlife rehabilitation
  • Captive breeding and head-starting of rare species
  • Native plants in greenhouses and in the outdoors
  • Starting point for field trips to various habitats
  • Destination for school, church, and camp field trips
  • Educational programs on-site, with hosted speakers and trained wildlife instructors
  • Gathering place to mobilize the local community and visitors to become stewards of our wild populations
  • Home-base for our presentations and live animal exhibits at community events, schools, state parks, libraries and private venues
  • Green facility with solar panels, composting toilets, and powered by renewable resources



we only have one earth, save it

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