Vernal Pond Work Party
at The Mansion

Saturday 
November 7
10:00 - Noon
Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate
 

In 1995 the Middletown Garden Club undertook an important civic project: restoring Colonel Wadsworth's pond. The pond (vernal pool) and its surrounding woodland are nestled on the Eastern slope of the Long Hill Estate off Wadsworth Street in Middletown. The pool, sited on a map prepared by the Olmsted firm in 1901, was a source of drinking water for the animals on the estate. The garden club incorporated the knowledge of the Olmsted Brothers' Landscape firm in the club's design for a natural park setting.

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Dead shrubs and trees and entangling vines were cleared. Stones and dead logs were repositioned around the perimeter of the vernal pool to encourage the return of wildlife. The woodland setting provides a good demonstration garden for the citizens of Middletown to learn about native herbaceous perennials, shrubs and trees that are appropriate for a naturalistic setting. The club continues to rid the area of invasive plants and continues to maintain the plants and trees and needs your help!