LFP Restoration Goals
Goal: Stabilize the entire shoreline of Little Fresh Pond and a portion of Fresh Pond
The entire shoreline of Little Fresh Pond has been stabilized using coir fascines (coconut fiber logs) and re-graded to reduce bank steepness. The new slopes have been temporarily stabilized with erosion control fabric, and permanently strengthened through seeding and planting with native groundcovers, shrubs, and canopy trees. The fascines were planted by volunteers on Earth Day 2006 using herbaceous wetland plugs. Pictures from the event are posted in the Little Fresh Pond Restoration Photo Gallery.
Goal: Improve the water quality of Little Fresh Pond
Emergent Wetlands
The newly constructed vegetated forebay and wetland will improve the water quality of Little Fresh Pond by allowing sediments to settle before water enters the Pond. On Earth Day 2006, volunteers assisted by planting native herbaceous plugs in the new wetlands. Temporary fencing has been installed to deter geese during plant establishment.
Riparian Buffer Restoration
Two elevated tee boxes on the 9th hole were removed in fall of 2005, and four smaller elevated tee boxes were constructed over 100 feet from Little Fresh Pond. The area was re-graded and seeded with native meadow vegetation during the summer of 2006. The replanted area provides a continuous vegetated buffer along the entire length of Little Fresh Pond’s western shoreline.
Newly planted canopy trees, such as American sycamore (Platnus occidentalis) and Atlantic white cedar (Chamaecyparis occidentalis), will provide additional shade along the shore of Little Fresh Pond, enhancing fish habitat and deterring purple loosestrife. The monumental willow was integrated into the riparian buffer plantings. New timber boardwalks allow pedestrian crossing through the wetland areas and provide access to the 8th green and 9th fairway.
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.
Goal: Upgrade the existing Perimeter Road and place overhead utilities underground
The Perimeter Road along Little Fresh Pond was re-graded and moved slightly so that a 3-foot-wide stabilized aggregate jogging path could be included along the Reservoir. The new chain link fence used to protect the Reservoir is slightly lower than the previous fence, and the bottom rail has been raised to accommodate for the passage of turtles and other wildlife. Overhead electrical and telephone wires have been replaced with an underground utility conduit that has been created beneath the Perimeter Road, allowing the City to remove the poles along the pathway.
Goal: Enhance water views of Little Fresh Pond
At the southeastern end of Little Fresh Pond, the previously degraded access area has been restored to create a more stable, universally accessible path to the edge of the water.
An artisan-crafted bench allows visitors to sit quietly amongst the newly planted vegetation and watch over Little Fresh Pond. A cedar log-lined pathway creates access to the water and a small beach area that was designed to resist compaction. This will alleviate both erosion and water quality issues in Little Fresh Pond.
Mitch Ryerson is the artist responsible for the design and construction of the new bench. He has this to say about his design:
The bench at Little Fresh Pond is intended to provide comfortable seating in a way that responds to the landscape and the particular use of the site. My idea was that curving the bench as it faces the pond will create a space that feels sheltered from the paths yet remains open and inviting. The choice of wood and fieldstone for the materials will help the bench blend in to the natural environment and will keep maintenance to a minimum. This spot is particularly beautiful and unique. My goal with this design is to help people enjoy what is already there.
Goal: Reduce seasonal flooding of the golf course adjacent to Little Fresh Pond
Minor modifications to the existing golf course drainage system has reduced flooding near the low-lying areas surrounding Little Fresh Pond during large storm events. This work made improvements to the current irrigation system as well.