UMASS Amherst Sophomore completes Conservation Department Internship

Owen Blacker's work focuses on water quality of Pillings Pond
Owen Blacker

Lynnfield’s Owen Blacker, a sophomore pursuing environmental science studies at UMASS Amherst, has completed a summer internship under the guidance of Planning & Conservation Director Emilie Cademartori. 


For his project, Blacker chose to assess water quality for Pillings Pond, specifically, to investigate the impacts of storm events as water drains to the Pond from surrounding lands. This water analysis will provide important supplemental quality data for Water & Wetland, the Conservation Commission’s current Pillings Pond water treatment consultant.


Pillings Pond is a 95-acre pond located within the Saugus River Watershed, which receives drainage from approximately 1200 acres of predominantly residential area to its north.  From the pond’s outlet along its southern shoreline, water flows to the south to Reedy Meadow, the largest freshwater cattail marsh in Massachusetts. 


Over the years, a number of comprehensive studies have been conducted to assess and improve poor water quality that has become degraded by excessive chemical and nutrient loading.  Poor water quality impairs the Pond’s habitat, recreational and aesthetic values.


Blacker chose three strategic outfall locations to conduct his water sampling. With the help of Water & Wetland, he designed the tests, collected the water samples after storm events, and oversaw the lab testing and reporting through Alpha Analytical. His conclusions will be reviewed by Water and Wetland in its 2021 Pillings Pond treatment report to the Conservation Commission. Blacker’s conclusions may help shape the treatment plan that Water & Wetland will design for next year’s seasonal Pond treatment.


“Working with the Lynnfield conservation department was an excellent experience for me", said Blacker. "I'm glad I was able to further my education of environmental science while working to improve the water quality of a pond in my own home town.”