When I was a boy, the pond was a peaceful oasis where I could dream and marvel at the many creatures that lived in and around the pond.
The pond was located in the remains of a forest not far from the city of Tacoma, Washington. A thick layer of Douglas Fir, Cedar, and Madrona Trees concealed the pond from the outside world. A narrow trail led through the trees to the shore.
The main body of the pond was roughly oval and covered about half an acre. At the north end of the pond a tiny "island" stood a few feet from the shore. Not far from the island, a shallow channel led to a smaller section of the pond that was about a third the size of the larger section.
On warm days, Bullfrogs would sun themselves on the shore. At the first hint of danger, the whole group would leap into the water. The natural camouflage of The Leopard Frog blended perfectly withe the plants that grew in the shallow waters of the pond. Green Tree Frogs, used the suction pads on their feet to cling to the branches of Alder Trees that lined the shore. The Western Newt was the only Salamander species that lived in the pond.
The Salamanders were one of my favorite creatures of the pond. There were the remnants of prehistoric epochs in the supple way they moved through the water.
A cluster of large rocks near the island was the favorite meeting place for a group of Catfish. A few Trout also shared the pond.
A variety of unusual insects inhabited the pond. The larva of the Caddis Fly dotted the surface of the pond in their floating homes made of bits of wood and grass. The Water Boatman used its' oar-shaped limbs to "row" itself across the water. Diving beetles carried a bubble of air in order to descend to the depths of the pond. Above the water, colorful Dragonflies darted back and forth hunting Mosquitoes and other pests.
The pond was also home to several bird species including: Robins, Blue Jays, Gold Finches, and occasionally a few Ducks.
In 1977, the pond was drained and covered with dirt. The forest around the pond was leveled. Eventually, several houses were constructed at the site.
The single Madrona Tree in the photo below is about the only remaining trace of the pond.
The pond was located in the remains of a forest not far from the city of Tacoma, Washington. A thick layer of Douglas Fir, Cedar, and Madrona Trees concealed the pond from the outside world. A narrow trail led through the trees to the shore.
The main body of the pond was roughly oval and covered about half an acre. At the north end of the pond a tiny "island" stood a few feet from the shore. Not far from the island, a shallow channel led to a smaller section of the pond that was about a third the size of the larger section.
On warm days, Bullfrogs would sun themselves on the shore. At the first hint of danger, the whole group would leap into the water. The natural camouflage of The Leopard Frog blended perfectly withe the plants that grew in the shallow waters of the pond. Green Tree Frogs, used the suction pads on their feet to cling to the branches of Alder Trees that lined the shore. The Western Newt was the only Salamander species that lived in the pond.
The Salamanders were one of my favorite creatures of the pond. There were the remnants of prehistoric epochs in the supple way they moved through the water.
A cluster of large rocks near the island was the favorite meeting place for a group of Catfish. A few Trout also shared the pond.
A variety of unusual insects inhabited the pond. The larva of the Caddis Fly dotted the surface of the pond in their floating homes made of bits of wood and grass. The Water Boatman used its' oar-shaped limbs to "row" itself across the water. Diving beetles carried a bubble of air in order to descend to the depths of the pond. Above the water, colorful Dragonflies darted back and forth hunting Mosquitoes and other pests.
The pond was also home to several bird species including: Robins, Blue Jays, Gold Finches, and occasionally a few Ducks.
In 1977, the pond was drained and covered with dirt. The forest around the pond was leveled. Eventually, several houses were constructed at the site.
The single Madrona Tree in the photo below is about the only remaining trace of the pond.
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