Fisherville Pond Gets Herbicide Treatment For Invasive Water Chestnut

GRAFTON — Crews treated Fisherville Pond with herbicide Wednesday to combat invasive water chestnut, while the town moved forward on a long-discussed effort to study traffic patterns around Grafton Common.

TOWN HALL

The town's News Flash confirmed that Fisherville Pond was scheduled for herbicide treatment on Wednesday, July 29, as part of an ongoing effort to control invasive water chestnut in the pond. Residents near the pond were advised of the treatment date in advance.

Separately, the town is recruiting members for a newly formed Grafton Common Traffic Study Committee, which will be responsible for developing a strategic plan for traffic changes and improvements at the Common. Residents interested in serving can apply through the town website.

The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project has also confirmed it will spray in Grafton on four dates in August — the 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th — though officials caution the schedule is tentative and subject to change based on weather.

SCHOOLS

Grafton Public Schools continues preparing for the fall semester, with 6th-grade Chromebook pickup sessions scheduled for early August and iPad deployment sessions planned for new students and incoming ninth-graders at Grafton High School. The district's first day of school for grades K-12 is set for August 26, preceded by two professional development days on August 24 and 25.

Kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year remains open, and the district is continuing its 2026 Summer Enrichment Programming, which combines hands-on learning, arts instruction and STEAM exploration for students.

COMMUNITY & ARTS

The Grafton Public Library's summer reading program, themed "Plant a Seed — Read!," continues for patrons of all ages, alongside the Massachusetts Center for the Book's July reading challenge. The library also holds drop-in cribbage every Friday for residents looking for a casual weekly game.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"Grafton Middle School Gets New Assistant Principal" — Grafton Patch reports the school on Providence Road is welcoming back a familiar educator into a new leadership role for the coming school year (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/grafton/grafton-middle-school-gets-new-assistant-principal).

"7+ Inches Of Rain To Bring 'Life-Threatening Flood Event' To MA: See Latest Forecast" — Grafton Patch reports a Flash Flood Watch is in effect across parts of Massachusetts amid forecasts of heavy tropical downpours this week, according to Patch staff writer Scott Souza (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts).

"More Than 40 Restaurants Joining Worcester Restaurant Week Next Month" — Grafton Patch reports the annual summer dining event will offer three-course meals for under $30 at participating restaurants across the Worcester area (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/grafton).

COMING UP

The School Committee is scheduled to meet Thursday, July 30, with an amended Budget Subcommittee session also planned that day, per the town calendar. The Grafton Rec Concert Series continues on the Common Thursday, July 30, alongside recreational programs including Senior Bootcamp, Senior Exercise and Cardio Barre at the Senior Center gym that same day.

Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.