The Arboretum
The Arboretum > Habitat Exhibits
The Pond
Tyler’s Pond is a popular spot to visit any time of the year. The unique wooden deck, built in 1990, allows easy access right to the edge of the water and serves as a perfect viewing spot to look at the variety of wildlife that call the Pond home. Nearby benches provide places to rest and enjoy the serenity of the space.
The Pond is relatively small and was originally dug to serve as a source of irrigation water in the late 1940s. It is fed by Rocky Run Stream, which runs through the original historic Arboretum and continues on its journey along Tyler’s Blue Trail on its way to Ridley Creek.
Many animals and insects live in or near the Pond. In the spring, wood, pickerel, green, and bull frogs and American toads gather in the pond to mate and lay eggs. Later in the spring and into the summer, tiny tadpoles can be seen around the pond edge. As weather begins to warm in early spring, Tyler’s turtles re-emerge from hibernation. On warm days, painted turtles, red-eared sliders, and snapping turtles enjoy sunning themselves on logs. Several species of fish call the Pond home, including largemouth bass and a variety of sunfish such as bluegill, redear, and pumpkinseed. Summer and fall are a great time to enjoy the many species of dragonfly and damselflies that dart and swoop through the air hunting insects or rest on the plants and deck railings before their next flight. Birds are often seen near the pond edge catching a quick drink. In winter, the pond is quiet as animals and insects hibernate through the cold weather.
