With the water still cold, John Hoy thinks a lot more alewives are coming.

The Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank announced on Tuesday that it had significantly expanded its landholdings adjacent to Lambert’s Cove Beach for $8.4 million.

A property fronting James Pond and Vineyard Sound is the latest purchase by the Martha’s Vineyard Land Bank in what is shaping up to be an active year for the public conservation organization.

James Pond was the place to be on Tuesday, as fishermen, town officials and others pulled on waders to help clear a channel for herring.

With support from officials, a group of residents will get out their shovels and widen a channel between James Pond and Vineyard Sound.

Longstanding efforts to widen a historic herring run and improve circulation in James Pond are gaining momentum. The 50-acre pond is tucked along the north shore of West Tisbury.