James Pond Preserve, a 13-acre parcel next to Lambert’s Cove beach in West Tisbury, opened last weekend after a long delay due to a state review process.

Trails along the James Pond waterfront and a new section of Lambert’s Cove Beach may be open to Island residents before the end of the year.

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.