Summer Update

It has been a hot, dry summer.  The pond vegetation has grown more aggressively than usual and the new growth is welcomed since vegetation is important for balance.  There were fewer dragonflies in number and species this year. Not sure what is causing the reduced numbers.  Many red-legged frog eggs appeared early followed by many tadpoles, however, fewer mature frogs than in the past were seen.  Chorus frogs were almost non-existent.   The general pond health seems very good based on vegetation, fish life and water quality measurements.  In this respect the goal of creating a naturally balanced pond seems to have been achieved five years since creation of pond (see "Pond History" and "About mountain Top Pond" above).

Photo Update

Cardinal Meadow Hawk Dragonfly

Common Whitetail Dragonfly

Pickerelweed
Pontederia cordata L. 

Narrowleaf Bur-Reed
Sparganium angustifolium Michx.



Spatterdock
Nuphar polysepala