The Pond by Craig Zimmerman

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 wetland.

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 Madrone 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 with 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 Madrone Tree in the photo below is about the only remaining trace of the pond.

The Pond

When I was a boy, one of my favorite places was a large pond not far from my home. The pond was surrounded by huge Rhododendrons, Alder, Douglas Fir, and Western Red Cedar. The main body of the pond was roughly oval and covered about an acre. A narrow channel at one end led to a shallow area that was about a third the size of the larger section.

I would often spend hours fishing or just watching the activities of the wildlife that lived in and around the pond. Blue Jays, Robins, Crows and other birds shared the trees on the shore. Above the pond Dragonflies darted back and forth hunting for Mosquitoes and other flying insects. There were also several species of water insects that inhabited the pond. One of the most interesting was the larva of the Caddis Fly. The larva of the Caddis Fly constructs a floating home from whatever materials are available, until it grows into an adult Caddis fly. Diving Beetles carry a tiny bubble of air that enables them to stay underwater until the air runs out. Water Boatmen have oar-shaped limbs and "row" their bodies through the water.

Green Tree Frogs clung to the branches of Alder Trees on the shore. Bullfrogs sunned themselves at the water edge. At the first sign of danger, the Bullfrogs would leap into the nearby water. The natural camouflage of Leopard frogs blended perfectly with the water plants in the shallow area. The Western Newt was the ponds only Salamander. I remember catching a Newt once. The bewildered eyes of the Salamander looked at me, and I let him go.

Fishing was one of my favorite activities in those days. The first fish that I caught was a Trout from the pond. There were also Catfish, and Sunfish, but I am not sure if any of the fish were native to the pond. I no longer go fishing, because I hate the killing.

In 1977, the pond was drained and covered with dirt. Eventually several houses were constructed at the site. I still very much miss the pond. I still find it hard to believe that someone could destroy something so beautiful and full of life.