Campus Pond (Amherst, Massachusetts)
The Campus Pond at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a pond located in the center of campus that was created in the early 1890s. It is bordered to the south by the Fine Arts Center.
Campus Pond | |
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A view to the east of campus, with the pond in the foreground | |
Campus Pond Campus Pond | |
Location | University of Massachusetts Amherst |
Coordinates | 42°23′21.87″N 72°31′35″W |
Type | Pond |
History
In the early years, the pond was dammed during the winter of 1890 and 1891 by two students. Damming a river that ran through campus, the pond was justified as a source of natural ice in the days before refrigeration. Over the years, the pond was used for various student activities, as well as numerous events,[1] including the Spring Concert.[2]
Over the years, the number of Canada geese has increased around the pond, a direct result of increased acreage of lawns around the region. Furthermore, their waste has combined to create a nuisance for pedestrians in and around the pond, as well as foul the pond with algae growth.[3]
References
- "Campus Pond History". UMass Hockey. Retrieved 24 October 2013.
- "UMass Amherst Pride and Traditions". UMass Alumni Association. Retrieved 24 October 2013.
- Freeman, Stan (30 January 2012). "Fowl waters: Canada geese turn UMass pond area into avian toilet bowl". The Springfield Republican. Retrieved 24 October 2013.