Little Fresh Pond Shoreline Restoration and Drainage Improvement Project

Goal:  Improve wildlife habitat and increase plant diversity through removal of invasive species and planting of non-invasive native species

Native emergent wetland plants, including various sedges, pickerel weed, and blue iris, were planted by volunteers on Earth day 2006 to enhance the native aquatic plant ecosystem of Little Fresh Pond.  Upland trees were planted all around the pond, and a new meadow area was created along the western shoreline.  By increasing the number of ecosystems, we will be able to increase the overall biodiversity of Fresh Pond Reservation.

Targeted invasive species, such as Norway maple, common buckthorn, and garlic mustard have been removed from the wooded areas around Little Fresh Pond, and native understory species such as amelanchier, sweet fern, and witch hazel were planted in their place. The soils have been amended and aerated to increase survivability of new plantings. Where public safety is not threatened, selected dead tree snags have been left to provide nesting habitat.