Pond Trail

The Pond Trail has two points of interest to observe nature. As you look from the parking lot at the kiosk, twenty-three acres covering two fields were planted with shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata) in 2014 to restore these areas to forest. Shortleaf pine may have been the most common tree in this area when Native Americans and later Europeans settled here centuries ago. As you make your way around the trail, there are two farm ponds that have foot bridges spanning them, and are each surrounded by trees. Years ago these ponds may have once provided water for livestock or for crops grown on nearby fields. When visiting in the springtime, look for masses of eggs in the ponds left by salamanders that reside in the surrounding forest. Bring water and long pants if you are concerned with ticks and other critters.