Pond Rejuvenation Project 2022

We are excited to inform you that the rejuvenation of the pond is underway. The contractor, Lake Services, is in the process of returning the pond to its original shape and depth.

Why are we doing this?

While certain features of the pond may appear attractive and healthy, in reality, the silt-filled pond and eroding stream are environmentally unhealthy. The pond may be nice to look at from a distance, and there are still a few turtles and sun ish, but the ecological system of this man-made pond is out of whack. The stagnant pond warms the water and holds the silt, causing a roll-on effect to the water downstream from the dam, making it too warmed and turbulent to support a healthy stream environment. Over time, this silt build-up has made the edge of the pond shallow, allowing invasive vegetation species to take hold, suffocating the bank and making it very difficult for any larger fish to survive within this environment. In its current condition, most of the pond was not much deeper than two feet, with the rest being silt runoff.

The objective is to return the pond to what it was originally built for:

• A stormwater control pond
• A good habitat 
• A natural science classroom

The contractor is going to return the area by the outlet to its original depth of 13 feet, then angle the bottom up until it meets the incoming stream above the bridge. The bank angles will be increased all around the pond to discourage invasive vegetation, and the banks will be replanted using grass and native plants. The stream is not being diverted during this project and the pond will remain full of water, allowing the wildlife in the pool to remain (though there was a hasty exit of turtles once the excavators started up).  Upon completion, thought will be put into restocking the pond with native wildlife (supplementing those that are already in the pond). This project should be complete by late August, at which time a new fence will be built around the pond for safety.  Should there be any questions regarding this project, please contact me directly at pats@burgundyfarm.org.

Pat Sheehan
Facility Manager