Twilight Pond Walk

Lacy Powers, Conservation Technician, BCCD
After a long winter, it is finally time to come out of our homes and start enjoying nature to its fullest again.  People enjoy the outdoors in many ways, to include hiking, bird watching, planting, and gathering around natural and man-made waterbodies.  With the large amount of pond and wetland areas we have in our county, most of these activities can be done right in our backyards.  These areas give us the ability to connect with nature without having to travel to enjoy all it has to offer.

---

Among the most beautiful to immerse yourself in, pond and wetland ecosystems can be one of the most interesting and complex ecosystems in nature. They involve more than just the water they are holding. Ponds and wetlands are host for a variety of specific plant and animal species. If you ever look around the shore of a pond, you will often see a variety of aquatic plants that have adapted to live in these saturated conditions. Would you be able to identify what type of plant it is by looking at it? The Canada Goose is a well-known bird species that lives around waterbodies, but did you know Red-wing Blackbirds also prefer wet habitats too? Learning about the environment around you can help you enjoy your time outside while becoming more present and connected with nature. One of the best times to enjoy ponds and wetland habitats is at twilight when the descending sun is casting its orange hue across the water, and the ecosystems habitants are starting to settle in or awaken for the night. 

Are you interested in a relaxing evening learning more about pond and wetland habitats, birds, insects, and more?  If so, we invite you to join us for a Twilight Pond Walk. BCCD is hosting this event on June 14th, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Carantouan Greenway Wildwood Reserve. Just outside of Milltown, PA, this beautiful reserve is located on Shepard Road, Waverly, NY. The Carantouan Greenway offers, “A combination of wetlands, open fields, a pond, a vernal pool, and some upland woods interspersed with trails. This 50-acre nature reserve is a great spot for hiking, birding, fishing, and just enjoying nature.”

This free, catered, event will interest homeowners looking for pond information, individuals interested in learning about nature, or those who want to enjoy a relaxing evening outside by the pond.  During an easy walk around the pond, we will discuss topics with aquatic professionals such as:  holistic pond management, aquatic plant ID, birds, bugs, and more! After the walk, we offer you to spend the twilight enjoying peaceful sights and sounds of the surrounding pond and wetland.

You can register for this fun evening by going to the events page on our website: https://www.bccdpa.com/store/p54/Twilight_Pond_Walk.html, into your search bar.
If you would like to learn more about the Carantouan Greenway and their efforts in protecting our natural and cultural resources, please visit their website at www.carantouangreenway.org.

The Bradford County Conservation District is committed to helping people manage resources wisely.  You can visit the Bradford County Conservation District at 200 Lake Rd in Wysox across from the Wysox Fire Hall. Contact us at (570) 485-3144 or visit our web page at www.bccdpa.com.