the Way of the Turtle

TRAILS & BRIDGE SHOW FURTHER SIGNS OF NEGLECT...
1.5 Mile Walk at Ann Lee Pond
Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Ann Lee Pond used to be a fairly regular stop for me, until the crazy bridge was closed last fall. I decided to walk there today to see if any effort has been made to repair and re-open the bridge. Unfortunately, what I found wasn't at all reassuring. Other than the mowed area along the north shore of the pond (where people fish) it's clear nothing is being done to keep up the nature preserve.

When I first visited there six years ago, there was a loop trail through the woods in the western part of the preserve. Unfortunately, no effort was made to keep it up and within a year or so it was so overgrown that it became impossible to follow. Now, other than the main path to the bridge, there are no walkable trails in that section.

The trails on the eastern side have always been better kept and less prone to getting overgrown, probably because they're almost entirely in the woods. But with the bridge closed and the first stretch of trail underwater (my guess is beavers have moved in nearby) the two trails through the woods are definitely falling into disrepair.

Even though the bridge is still closed, I climbed out onto it and used it to cross the southern end of the pond. It certainly doesn't seem any less stable than it was a year ago, but I'm sure it's only a matter of time before vandalism and lack of upkeep leave it unusable. And that will be a real shame... it's a great place to go and observe the wildlife in the pond.

JMH