Dug Pond Clean-up (Chapter 7): Background

This is actually the latest in about a dozen Clean-ups we (LCWC - Big Heart Little Feet) have coordinated on the Dug Pond area since 2009.  The last six have been collaborations with the Natick HS Earth Club.  The students and their Faculty Advisor, Doug Milch, appear to be interested in becoming Environmental Stewards of the Pond and Island.  I can confirm that their current President, Raghu Bhardwaj, and Vice President, Linda Nguyen, have participated in over a dozen initiatives in the last three years including Coolidge Hill, Pegan Cove, other trails, Earth Day, and Natick Trails Day.  A good angle might be to interview them about some of these projects.   Dug Pond is part of the "viewscape" of our new Natick High.  It may not be part of the official property; but it's an important and exquisite resource.  As you know, The Natick Recreation Dept. manages the Town Beach, however there is a good deal more habitat and shoreline that comprises this unique water body.  Basically it's an under appreciated environmental jewel in Natick's Crown.  It is used appropriately by kayakers, canoers, swimmers and fisherpeople.  And sadly for decades it has been heavily abused by hard core party people and others who trash the island and shoreline. We've begun to take it back and establish a new ethic of use.  In recent weeks we've found that by and large the party people are using the BHLF Barrels and Bins provided; but clearly we still have a lot of work to do.  Some teachers have expressed an interest in utilizing the unique habitat and understory of the island.  Much could be done to heal the heavily eroded banks, particularly the runways beneath the rope swings.  Compared to some of our other treasured woodlands and trails (Pegan Cove and the Natick Town Forest), there is a wonderful absence of bittersweet, knotweed, multiflora rose, etc.   On the northwest point of the island I spotted an enormous red tail hawk nest (active because I could hear it "keening" during my visit), as well as beautiful wild blueberry bushes and a diverse woodland.  A very large beaver inhabited a den near the old ice house (aka "Wall") (until it was sadly hit last year trying to cross Pond St.).  At least two large Blue Herons, and a couple of mallard families work the cove and small pond along Campus Drive. It's an interesting and gorgeous area.  That's why we're trying to get people "fired up" about taking better care of it.  --Pat